CHAPTER 2 - Kingdom's Celebration

Outside the castle, people are partying, getting drunk, and sharing food, children are running around playing with each other, and loud music
played by musicians and overall having fun, some are anticipating seeing the king from the balcony, and some are waiting near the castle’s huge wooden doors hoping for the arrival of the king they celebrate. 

 The door cracked open, and three royal guards marched out to prepare for the arrival of the king, the guards spoke to the waiting crowd to step back a bit for the door will be fully opened for the king. One elderly lady holding a lei full of Sampaguita kindly asks; “Sir, if his majesty comes out from that door, am I able to put these on him?” the guard replies, “Yes madam, his majesty would love to receive a beautiful present from you.”  

 A squire stepped out of the door, and proclaimed that the king is right behind the door, everyone is screaming in anticipation and excitement for they will see the king again. The door finally opened revealing the king in his most simple yet modest clothing, only his coat and pants and a pair of brown loafer shoes, not even wearing a crown, no jewelry except his coronation ring that is required to be worn at all times. He wears a huge and sweet smile as he steps out the door, beside him, also in simple clothing is the prince who also wears a big smile as he's very excited to see the people. 

 The guards expected a stampede to take place, yet there is none, everyone is calm and takes turns meeting with the king, paparazzi, photographers, the media, and press even vloggers are snapping photos and filming the king and prince meeting with the people, the old lady from earlier came near to put on the lei on the king and prince who the two are very gracious about. Some took a selfie with the king and prince, and some mothers let their babies be carried by them, children giving them gifts, and elders told the king that they always pray for him and the prince.  

 The meet and greet took hours and the king and prince make sure that they give their attention to each one of those who pursue to personally meet them, when everyone is met, the two returned back sweaty and exhausted yet very happy to see the people. Guards and assistants are carrying loads of flowers, gifts, and cards. It was placed at the center of the throne hall for the king and prince to sort through.  

 The flowers were personally brought by the king at the altar of Gods and proceeded to pray quietly while on his knees. Meanwhile, the prince is back at the throne hall having fun reading the cards and letters handed to them by the public. Once the king returned, he proceeded to open the gifts, some are handmade items such as bags, shirts, perfumes, and necklaces, and some are homemade cookies,
candies, and bread but what caught the king’s attention the most is a box that contains four caramel apples. Caramel apples are the king’s favorite snack, he took one and immediately bite into it, he noticed that there is a letter inside, it reads; ‘For your highness, our family knows you love caramel apples, in fact, you always buy one from our daughters every time you walk around the city. May this present bring you joy!” the king remembered to always buy such treats every time he goes out to walk around, a sweet smile forming on his face as he bites more into the tasty treat.  

As the king and prince organize the gifts and letters, one of the attending staff approaches him and whispers; “Your highness, should we prepare your bath?” the king nodded and requested an unscented bath so he can try on the perfume that was gifted to him. At the same time, the king asked his squire about the banquet for the castle's staff. The squire confirmed that it is being prepared and the setup is about to start once the king finished sorting the gifts.  

By evening, all the staff who worked in the castle were wearing their formal attire having drinks and eating on the table scattered around the throne hall, the king isn’t there yet as he was on his way. Once the king and prince arrived at the hall everyone greeted and bowed to them yet the king stopped them from bowing. 

As he sat on the throne, A young woman with long pink wavy locks in a simple yet elegant cyan and lavender dress approached, it is Princess Anie, the monarch of the Alama Kingdom and a close friend of the king and prince pays her respect, the king stands and gave her a tight hug thanking her for her visit, full of joy to meet the kind king again, she presented him a box of gifts that the king would surely love. The prince however pouted on the side as he was not given any attention by his crush, the princess noticed him and gave him a bag of gifts and a kiss on the cheeks as well. The prince collapsed and almost melted on his seat after he received a sweet kiss from the princess. The king chuckled at what transpired.  

While the king is drinking and chatting with the party-goers, he was approached by King Lithos the newly appointed king of the northern aura kingdom, King Ehiptia is happy to see an old friend, and the new staffs are curious why the new king of a former colony of the Frozen Sand is here to visit the king for his coronation anniversary.  

One younger staff spoke; “Why is King Lithos here? Greeting his majesty?” “What’s the issue with that?” one questioned. “It’s just they are used to being part of the Frozen Sand and all…” she answered.  

The curious staff didn’t realize that their conversation is in earshot of both King Ehiptia and King Lithos, the two just smiled and decided to share their side with the curious bunch. 

“That is true, his kingdom was once a colony of the Frozen Sand, however before I sat as the king, I studied if it is appropriate to keep them as a colony or give them independence.” King Ehiptia started. “I found out that they have autonomy, they have their own culture and government and I believe they can stand on their own without being dictated by another monarch.” He added. 

“With all due respect your highness, isn’t it considered a loss?” A curious one stood. “No, not at all, in fact I am happy that they will go and fight for their independence, all my respect is given to those who stood their ground until they are granted what they fight for.” King Ehiptia calmly explained as King Lithos nodded in agreement.  

The conversation ended there as everyone is convinced of how great and considerate King Ehiptia is, who is willing to give independence to colonies without any exchange.  

As the evening goes deeper, most of the guests are drunk and King Ehiptia drank more than he anticipated and his vision is starting to blur, even how much he wants to help with the cleanup, he excused himself to clean himself up and takes a rest. Prince Memphis however is so drunk to the point that Princess Anie has to drag him to his room.  

The younger staffs are still curious about the peculiar relationship between King Ehiptia and King Lithos.