ILLECEBROUS

Chapter 2: But he was about to hurt my friend!

CHAPTER 2

PALACE OF THE RAVENWOODS

The Ravenwoods holds the greatest power in the whole kingdom, symbolized by the violet rose, they stood at the pinnacle ruling over among the powerhouses. King Raphael has been ruler for 20 years along with Queen Valerie, who was previously the second princess of the neighboring country, Ferdin. King Raphael is extremely striking despite his age, the infamous raven black hair has now a couple of gray but his silver eyes were forever alluring. He became the emperor at a tender age of 18, due to his great power and for being the master of the half woman, half snake monster, Echidna, known as the Mother of all the monsters.

Tonight, several people from all over the world are visiting the palace to celebrate the king's daughter's 9th birthday. Princess Annaleise, who is next in line to the throne despite being female, is currently engaged to Prince Adrian of Wales, while her brother Prince Nicholas who is 2 years younger, is set off to marry one of the daughters from the powerhouses of Bonheur. Both have raven black hair but none with silver eyes, only a pair of blue ones. These two who was already bound by the chains of responsibility before they were even born showed no signs of nobility an imperial member must have. Both haughty and vile in nature.

At the doorway of the palace, Queen Valerie was pacing back and forth, attentively double checking the decorations and fare. "Are everything ready? The guests will be arriving any moment now, everything must be perfect". As she was feeling anxious, she heard a soft voice behind her and couldn't help but turn around.

There she saw her darling daughter wearing an off shoulder, full laced purple dress, a proud smile can be seen across her delicately pretty face. "Queen Mother, how do I look?"

Queen Valerie sighed at the sight of her daughter before hugging her gently. "You look stunning love, definitely worthy of being called the number 1 beauty of our kingdom". Her children were beautiful without a doubt, but Queen Valerie's only regret is that her children weren't able to inherit their father's silver eyes.

As the time passed by, carriages started entering the palace gates, each shouldering the honor and pride of their own respective households.

The first one to arrive was the Lansdrake's, they were personally welcomed by the King at the front door, Veronica quickly jumped down the carriage and ran towards her uncle. Seeing the adorable lass running towards him, Raphael couldn't help but carry her in his arms while spinning her around. "Oh you great bundle of joy" he said before kissing Veronica's forehead, his eyes showing nothing but deep affection.

If one isn't aware of the real situation, anyone can mistake them for a father and child due to their inexplicable resemblance. "Uncle Raphael! I missed you so much!" Veronica said as King Raphael hugged her tight and carried her in his arms gently.

"I'm really sorry about that Raphael, you know Veronica is always overzealous to visit you" Richmond explained and smile helplessly seeing his daughter disregard formalities towards the emperor, but as expected, Raphael just shrugged it off and continued chuckling as Veronica sticked her tongue out to her Father. Everyone knew Raphael wouldn't mind even if Veronica made the whole palace explode, his indulgence to this little one was infinite.

As the two man were saying their greeting, a woman wearing a peach colored dress walked towards them along with a toddler holding the woman's skirt, when she reached them she immediately curtsied to King Raphael. "This subordinate greets your highness".

Elizabeth then stood up straight and Richmond held her hands tightly. "No need to be so formal Elizabeth, we are but a family", Raphael then pinched Alice's nose 'till it turned red "And you little one is still as timid as ever, why not give uncle a hug?".