Forever Begins

Chapter 14: The Prince's Return

Gabriel was nervous but excited for the day. He was looking forward for the opportunity of knowing his true family. He wondered if he had any brother or maybe a sister. Ana instantly joined and clutched his hand firmly. Gabriel was glad having Ana at his side even in times she could have left him.

"Why are you so nervous?" Ana asked.

Gabriel replied, "I'm not nervous its just...things have been too complicated lately."

"Well I'm here, there is nothing to worry about you said it yourself" Ana replied.

They went to the castle entering the iron gate with guards wearing smiles on their faces as if they see him as their king. Gabriel was glad of the respect and honor he was given by these people. He no longer felt a stranger among family by the way these people have treated him. As he and Ana entered the throne room they were met with a joyful welcome. Jacob and Gareth joined the welcome like they were already part of the kingdoms citizens. Clarisse was still with Jacob after all that had happened still she loved him unlike any other.

The king rose from his seat with a golden scepter in his right hand. Gabriel kneeled before the king out of respect and honor. Suddenly the king spoke with a loud voice so all people could hear what he had to say for himself.

"I hereby declare to you the return of my son Gabriel, who would've thought my brother Galahad would let my son go!", the king said. Then he continued, "May God be forever praised for softening Galahad's proud heart to let my son go."

Once again the room was filled with praise and applaud from the crowd shouting Gabriel's name and of his return. Gabriel was glad of the thought that maybe just maybe this King really is his father. The kingdom was celebrating his return, Jacob and Garethleft his side to join in the festivities both accompanied by their matches. Gabriel tried to escape and steal Ana away from the crowds so he would have a wonderful time with her. They sneaked through the backdoor and went to the King's garden there they had their quality time with each other.

"What if you are the heir to this kingdom?" , Ana asked.

Gabriel replied, "So be it, if the I people I lead loves me why should I reject the thought of being king."

"Are you sure Gabriel, but what about us? , Ana asked wondering.

"You shall be my queen or who you may wish to be, but never leave me for this life of mine is at yours alone. He continued, Even when I am king my heart will be forever yours to take and to hold."

Ana replied, "My love your words brings delight to my ears I would gladly accept to be your queen." She sighed then continued, "Let not greed overcome you for the riches of a king are too many for a single man to carry it must be shared."

"Wealth alone doesn't make someone king Ana." He paused then added, "Leaders are servants they are to serve whom they rule not take advantage of their right."

Ana smiling replied, "You would make a fine king Gabe but you still have a long way to go."

Gabriel looked at her then he embraced not knowing why. Maybe he just needed someone to be with afterall his friends are celebrating with the kingdom. Ana knew that Gabriel has a burden to carry for being a Prince. Because leading a people is not a cakewalk it requires patience, understanding and mostly love and support from the people.

Meanwhile back in the celebration within the palace Jacob and Gareth were dancing with Clarisse and Jane. They were having the time of their lives for once they had a break from their journey. But Jacob suddenly sat down looking troubled with a thought. Gareth asked his bestfriend what could be going through his mind.

"What is wrong Jacob?" , Gareth asked.

Jacob answered, "I just had a bad thought of what may happen."

Gareth chuckled then said, "Why are you having such thoughts my friend? Come on now, you should enjoy yourself!"

Jacob then said, "It's funny though because I feel I am like you being so quiet instantly."

So the boys continued to celebrate wih the people. Gabriel and Ana returned to the castle, Gabriel was summoned by the king. He accompanied Ana to her room then embraced her goodnight, after this he finally went to his father's chamber. As he opened the door he could hear his father humming and staring out into nothingness. Gabriel kneeled before him then rose up to kiss his hand. His father was trying to rush things a bit so he immediately began what he had to say to Gabriel.

"Gabriel, I am dying" , said the king.

"Father some jokes are not pleasing to the ear", Gabriel replied.

"I assure you this is no joke, I need you to embark on a quest to find a cure for my sickness which can help prolong my life but right now time is running short and my time here in his world will soon end. My son, your my only hope so God help us and may his angels surround you always", said the king.

Gabriel said, "Father if it is God's will I will succeed in finding this so called cure may this journey take me to a vast world I have not yet known"

With these final words Gabriel prepared to set out on a journey. But first he needed to see his friends, so he went to the castle's chambers where they could be found. Gabriel entered the room with his head held high knowing his friends will want to accompany him on his journey.

"My friends I bring you bad tidings once again I need your help"

Jacob responded with a laugh saying, "Gabe have forgotten our motto? Always together brothers forever!"

Gareth said, "Well I couldn't agree less with Jacob so I guess were going hahahaha!

Gabriel was delighted with his friends decision to accompany him on his quest to find a cure for his ill father. But he still needed to do one more thing the most important of all. He had to say goodbye to Ana one more time. Ana was walking along the king's garden soothing the flowers sweet fragrance. Gabriel surprised her and tucked his arms around her feeling her one more time before embaring on what could be a perilous quest.

"Ana I am leaving do not look for me I will return!"

"Since when have you learned to leave without me?", said Ana.

Gabriel looked down with his face torned with grief, he could not accept the thought of leaving Ana. Yet here he is in front of her afraid. But Gabriel knew that he had to tell Ana for her sake. So he gathered his courage and told Ana what needed to be to be told.

"Ana I cannot bring you with me for your life may be put to risk or worse you may lose it" ,said Gabriel.

"But what about you aren't also at risk embarking on such a dangerous quest?" asked Ana.

"Then its a risk I have to take not yours I cannot bear think of you getting hurt! Ana please just stay you'll be a lot safer here", said Gabriel.

Gabriel left immediately after kissing her goodbye in the cheek. The three boys went to the city gate to depart, as they arrived in entrance of the city. A large crowd was gathered before them greeting them farewell. It gave them hope of staying alive wherever their quest takes them to. Gabriel believed in his heart that God will not leave him nor forsake him and his friends. So they left the kingdom of Gabriel's father to find the cure for his beloved father. Back to the kingdom Ana was crying fearing for her Prince charming's life. Jane and Clarisse were also crying for Gareth and Jacob.The king summoned them to his throne room. So they went to the king's throne, the king was delighted to see these young women all mourning for their pairs. So he thought of an idea how he can keep his legacy intact if he does leave this world and go on to the next. After all the Prince his son's return was shortlived. Once more his son will be in grave danger.