Hymn To Caspian

Prologue

Disclaimer: This novel has been fully revised, and previous comments may no longer align with the updated storyline. Reader discretion is advised.

Epiphany of the marooned scion

Year 1994

The flowers on the trees had bloomed, and some were falling to the ground like snow around the hospital where Amalyah was confined. She stood in front of the mirror, analyzing her baby bump, and a smile crept onto her lips when she felt the baby move. After washing her face in the bathroom, she realized it was her due date, and she would soon give birth to her first child.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, there was a knock on the door. Amalyah approached and opened it after confirming who it was.

"Adelaide! How are you?" Amalyah greeted her best friend, Adelaide Legaspi, who had come to visit her. She immediately hugged her tightly, dropping a large paper bag on the floor to do so.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding; something came up. I just arrived from Mallorca," Adelaide explained and then showed Amalyah the baby clothes and toys she had brought as gifts. She also presented a necklace with a pendant, an old gold ring with a striking ruby set like a gem on a shield.

"This is my gift for you. I want your first son to wear that necklace. I couldn't find a suitable pendant, so I used a ring and a rope as its chain, hoping he'd like it when he grows up."

Amalyah's eyes widened as she gazed at the mesmerizing necklace. "Saan mo 'to nakuha?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the jewelry.

"The ring was from my grandpa; he wanted me to give it to my child," Adelaide replied. But her tone changed as she continued, "However, I couldn't have one, so I thought of giving it to you instead."

Amalyah pulled her friend closer and hugged her, expressing her gratitude. "Salamat sa lahat, Adelaide," she whispered.

"Of course, you've been my best friend since childhood; you're like a sister to me," she replied, understanding the unspoken sentiment. "Come on, it's been ten years since my brother courted you; I'm sure he's moved on."

Contrary to Adelaide's words, Jacob Astor Legaspi had never moved on. In fact, he was imprisoned for a month after being caught stalking Amalyah. She had obtained a restraining order against him to keep him away, but she still felt like someone was following her wherever she went.

The two women chatted about Adelaide's experiences in Mallorca, and soon, Soren entered the room with their maid. He kissed Amalyah on her forehead, and Adelaide smiled at the sight, seeing Amalyah's husband for the first time.

"So," Adelaide began after Soren had sat beside his wife, allowing Amalyah to rest on his chest. "What will you name your child?" she asked.

The couple exchanged glances. "Kian Zarvin."

"Wow, sounds like Sir Qazvin's!"

"Kian was what Mama Alara and Joaquin had suggested to us, they said Lilly told them about the name, Zarvin sounds unique too."

She stayed in Amalyah's room for hours, catching up and sharing stories. As the night approached, Adelaide told her she's about to leave for her home in the province, quite a distance from where Amalyah was staying. However, as she was about to depart, Amalyah grabbed her arm, writhing in pain. She rushed to the intercom to alert the nearby nurses.

Nurses quickly arrived, laid Amalyah on her bed, and rushed her to the delivery room as it became apparent she was going into labor. Adelaide remained behind and saw Soren enter the room. He looked puzzled when his gaze darted to her but quickly widened his eyes, rushing to the delivery room upon realizing his wife was about to give birth. He was accompanied by his father, Qazvin, his brother Hunter and Hunter's wife Lien, Amalyah's younger brother Joaquin, and the cousins of the Tanchecos, the Trinidads.