Arthur and the Invisibles 4: Defender of the Seven Kingdoms

Chapter 17: Goodbye for Ten Moons

"That was one incredible performance, Arthur." His father stated, pulling him into a tight hug, and motioning for the other members of his family to join in, as they all came together in one big family embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, Arthur!" His mother said lovingly, trying to hold back tears.

"We all are." Archibald assured him, as they all stepped apart from each other. Arthur glanced back at his two friends, who had been standing calmly, watching their friend rejoin his family. Arthur sighed in humour. He never thought he'd have to introduce his family to Selenia and Beta.

"Selenia, Beta, this is my family: you already know grandpa, and this is my grandmother Daisy, my mother Rose, and my father Armand." He explained, gesturing to each member in turn, before turning back to his family. "Everyone, this is Prince Betameche and Princess Selenia." He announced proudly. Archibald smiled, while the rest of Arthur's family approached the Minimoys, exchanging handshakes.

"This is the princess you're always talking about, Arthur? She's beautiful!" His mother stated joyfully, causing Selenia to blush, and much to the embarrassment of Arthur.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both!" His grandmother stated kindly with a smile. And finally, it was Armand's turn. 

"So you're the princess Arthur's told me so much about." He said with a touch of awkwardness. He had figured out the true extent of his mistakes the previous year when he had learned about what Arthur had been forced to do, just to reach this girl. "I...just wanted to say that I'm sorry about what happened last year. I only wanted what was best for Arthur, but now I know..." He looked from Beta to Selenia. "...that he already had it. He should be pleased to have such fine friends by his side." Armand finished. Selenia looked a tad shocked, not expecting this from the only member of Arthur's family she had managed to find a reason to hate. But she also finally found a reason to vent those feelings from her mind, and put on a smile.

"Apology accepted." She stated kindly, shaking Armand's hand. 

Arthur was beyond overjoyed. He could tell by their brief conversation about his father at the tenth moon feast that Selenia really disliked him, but to see them shake hands...it was more than Arthur could ever have hoped for. 

"What about the other Minimoys?" Arthur asked his grandfather.

"Oh don't worry, Arthur. They're still upstairs." Archibald assured him. Arthur gazed back towards the telescope clearing, where he was certain the huge hole still remained.

"Well we best get them back home." He stated, motioning for everyone to follow him back towards the house.

Archibald switched the microphone on as Arthur, Selenia and Betameche knelt down to speak to the Minimoys, who were no longer encased in the glass dome, thanks to Betameche's rescue of Arthur's family. Arthur was incredibly happy to hear the voice of the king echo from the speakers.

"Arthur, we cannot express our gratitude enough for you coming to our aid once again. You have saved our people and the Seven kingdoms once again. You are truly a hero worthy of the sword of power." He stated. Arthur smiled down at the small figure.

"Well, I had a lot of help." He answered modestly, motioning to Selenia and Beta. 

"And my children, I am so very proud of you. Betameche, you have grown to be a strong, and noble prince. And Selenia...you will make a perfect queen. Your mother would be proud." The king stated, the last part conveying a slight feeling of sadness, which Arthur could also sense in Selenia as she showed a shy smile. Arthur decided to break the awkward silence.