The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

12.

Esther, Elliana, and Jackson looked at Duke Walden.

"I'm Esther Rochester-Lynch, this is my older sister, Elliana and her significant other, Jackson Barrett. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances," Esther stood up and crusty

Elliana and Jackson followed after her, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Duke Walden,"

"Rochester-Lynch? You've changed your name, Nathaniel," Walden said, surprised

"Yes, when I married, me and my wife put our two names together. Is that a problem?" Nathaniel asked, staring at Walden

"I'm sorry for your wife, Nathaniel. She's in a better place and is looking over you," Kila said, clasping her hands together

"I really don't understand what is going on here. Kira, we've never had a good relationship, but you acting all friendly and nice which is making this whole thing sketchy," Nathaniel stated

"Nathaniel, I'm sorry for being that way, but I want to make up for it," Kila said

"You don't need to, Kila. I'm not yours or fathers priority anymore. I'm just Nathaniel Rochester-Lynch, a cafe owner. Nothing else. Now if you excuse us, we should be going," Nathaniel stood, "Girls and Jackson, let's get going,"

"Nathaniel, happy birthday. I've sent letters to your cafe. Have you received any?" Kila asked, hope in her voice

"Yes, I've received them. You don't have to write to me anymore, Kila. It's not your priority. Your priorities is to be a reliable Duchess, who is looked up to by others and a mother/teacher to your son. I'm out of the picture, but it was nice seeing you, father, and my half brother. Now if you'll excuse us," Nathaniel bowed and pushed the kids in front of him

"Dad," Esther said, worried

"No need to worry about me. I'm fine. Now, let's get home. I know you baked me a cake and I still need to open Jackson's present," Nathaniel clapped
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"....Happy birthday to you!" Everyone clapped after the song ended

"Its time to take a bite," Elliana said, walking over to Nathaniel's side

"Elliana, what are you doing?" Nathaniel asked, suspicious

"Nothing. Now, take a bite," Elliana motioned to the cake

Nathaniel was cautious, but slowly lowered his head and quickly bite the cake, but his face was smushed into the cake. All he heard was laughter. Nathaniel pulled his face out and a towel was in front of him, he took it and wipe the frosting off his face.

"I didn't expect to get tricked by my own two daughters," Nathaniel commented, walking to the sink

"Its payback, dad," Esther said, wiping a tear

"Even you had fun, so it's no big deal," Elliana stated, giggling

"Is this your tradition for birthdays?" Jackson asked, curious

"Yup and when its your birthday, be ready," Esther caution him

"Oh god, I think I'm going to be killed by Esther," Jackson mumbled, slowly moving away from her

"Don't worry, Jackson. She's harmless. Now, I should open your present so you can get back home," Nathaniel said, walking to the counters

"Don't you want me to stay, Sir Nathaniel?"

"Jackson, you have a family who is waiting for you and is probably worrying even I don't feel comfortable with you being here at night. Sorry if I'm coming on too strong and harsh, but I still don't feel comfortable," Nathaniel explained

"No worries, Sir Nathaniel. I understand what you mean, so I'll leave once you open the present,"

"You can leave after you eat a slice of the cake. Now, let's open this," Nathaniel opened the gift, but stopped when he saw what was in there

There laid a full suit, on the top were letters and a tiara. The same tiara, Katherine wore to Kana's coronation.

"H-how did you get this?" Nathaniel asked, carefully picking up the tiara

"Uncle Fabian had it kept in a safe place and wanted you to have it," Elliana stated, leaning into Jackson

"Oh, god," Nathaniel whimpered and held the tiara close to him

"Dad, are you alright?" Esther asked, worried

"I-I didn't think Fabian would keep this all these years," Nathaniel smiled, "Your mother looked beautiful and I still remember when she got mad at me for getting her this tiara,"

"Was this before she...,"

"She wore this to her cousins coronation," Nathaniel answered

"Coronation?" Jackson asked

"Do you want to know a secret, Jackson?" Nathaniel said, setting the tiara down

"Oh uh, I don't want to intrude on a family secret," Jackson said, shaking his hands

"I'll still tell you either way since you already know too much. My wife and the girls mother is Katherine Marie Lynch, the previous Queen of Xiao," Nathaniel said, a proud smile on his face

"W-wait, Queen Katherine II, the Bastard Queen?" Jackson exclaimed, shocked

"She isn't a Bastard Queen, Jackson. She's a well known Queen, who did many great things for Xiao," Elliana stated, moving away from him

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. She's know for that, but I thought she died,"

"She was on the brink of death since she was poisoned, but was saved by close friends of hers," Nathaniel explained

"I'm sorry to hear that. I always knew there was something sketchy of Queen Kana,"

"Why do you think that? It's fine if you didn't like Katherine as an Queen," Nathaniel said, sincerely

"No, I know Queen Katherine was a great ruler despite all the hatred against her, she even helped and contributed with finding a cure and helping to calm the plague. My grandparents are indebted to her," Jackson splurged compliments

"No need to compliment Katherine to redeem yourself, it's fine. Now, I want to know how much this suit cost?" Nathaniel asked, taking the suit jacket out

"It didn't cost much," Elliana said, a grin on her face

"Elliana,"

"Don't worry, father. This suit didn't cost too much since I made it," Elliana said, proudly

"Wait, what," Nathaniel looked down at the suit then at Elliana, "You made this?"

"That's what I said. Are you that surprised?" Elliana asked, happy

"Of course I am, Elliana. This suit looks it been designed by a well know designer. You've done so well, Elliana," Nathaniel walked over to her and hugged her, kissing her forehead

"Thank you, dad," Elliana hugged him back

"God, I got two amazing daughters who can achieve more than me or anyone else," Nathaniel  motion his hand to Esther

Esther walked over to them and hugged them, "Well, you've been a great father to us who taught and gave us everything that we shouldn't take for granted,"

"Can I join in this hug or is it only for family?" Jackson asked, feeling left out

"Come here," Nathaniel motion to him

Jackson joined in the hug. Nathaniel smiled as this was the greatest birthday for him even if he meant his parents. He spent it with daughters and future son in law.