Icebound

Chapter 4

After the crowning, the guests went back to the palace for the party. There was music, dancing, and plenty of food for all of the guests who came for Reginald's coronation.

It was later in the evening, and Reginald felt relaxed now. He didn't have to take his gloves off again, so it would be easy to conceal his secret as he would meet the guests. He knew everyone would want to talk to him, but as long as he could easily keep his secret hidden, he didn't worry. He felt relaxed.

In fact, the new king was actually enjoying the party. He had grown so used to being alone and seeing almost no one, it felt strange to see a party take place in his own palace. But at the same time, Reginald loved it. Meeting new people, watching them dance and talk, and even talk with them himself.

He loved it, but sadly, Reginald knew that he couldn't grow used to this. He couldn't risk having people over in the future, or else he would put people at risk of hurting them with his powers.

Especially his little brother Aiden.

"King Reginald, of Minetopia!" one of the servants announced to the guests.

Reginald calmly and slowly walked up to the crowd. He had a smile on his face as he watched the guests bow to him. It felt nice to meet people, but he felt that maybe they were overdoing it with a bow. He wanted to treat his people fairly, so he hoped that he wouldn't be appreciated too much.

"Prince Aiden, of Minetopia!" the servant announced.

Aiden rushed out from the crowd, but he didn't stand next to Reginald. The servant walked over to Aiden and gently pulled him over to Reginald.

"Uh... I'm not sure I'm supposed to- Okay, never mind," said Aiden.

He wasn't sure if Reginald wanted him standing next to him, but Reginald seemed calm. Aiden didn't object, because the guests clapped for him and Reginald.

As the music stared and the guests went back to dancing, the two brothers stood where they were in silence.

"Hi," Reginald said, almost quietly.

Aiden turned to face Reginald.

"Uh... Hi me?" he asked.

Reginald smiled nervously at Aiden. "Yes you," he said.

Aiden smiled back.

"Hey Reggie..." he said.

Reginald felt happy to hear Aiden call him by his nickname. He loved it when his little brother call him that.

There was another short moment of silence between the two brothers. It felt strange to be talking to each other again, but they were also happy at the same time.

"You look great," Reginald told Aiden.

"Thanks. You look greater. I mean, not that you're greater than me, but... great as well," said Aiden. He smiled nervously and stuttered a bit.

Reginald still smiled. "Thank you," he told his brother.

The brothers looked at the party, watching it for a moment.

"So... this is what a party looks like," said Reginald.

"Yeah... it's uh... a little more exciting than I thought it would be," said Aiden.

"I agree," said Reginald. "Wait, what is that smell?"

The two brothers took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent. When they exhaled, at the same time, they said, "Chocolate!"