Four and a half years had passed since the war ended. The country of Atlantia started to flourish because of the grand dukes that governs it. Both of them have found the women that will rule by their side, grand duchesses that helped them in their rule. The grand duchess of Jennovia as well found her husband and is now governing peacefully with her husband consort. Alvannia’s king had stepped down from his position and when the empire was established, Richard was given the title of grand duke. As of now he was still single and is the most sought for bachelor by the noble women of Alvannia.
A small family get together was held for the first birthday of the third child of Emperor Regaleon and Empress Alicia in the palace of Grandcrest. The twins Aerith and Alphonse were running around the garden while Regaleon and Alicia was in the gazebo waiting for the guests. The little prince Leonhart was sound asleep in his crib.
Not long the guests came one at a time. First to arrive was Alicia’s parents, the former king Edward and his wife Leticia.
“Welcome, mother-in-law, father-in-law.” Regaleon greeted.
“Thank you for inviting us.” Leticia said with a big smile. “Let me see my little grandson. Oh, look how cute he is. He looks like a lot like you Regaleon. You have a strong blood. Aerith is the only one to inherit our platinum blonde hair, I see.” She smiled.
“Hmph, Aerith is still the most beautiful one.” Edward said with a grumpy look.
“Ohh don’t play favourites now dear.” Leticia giggled. “I know that you dote on Aerith more because she got our Alicia’s looks, but Alphonse and Leonhart still came from our little girl.”
Edward looked inside the crib of the sleeping Leonhart and his heart has been won by the little guy in seconds.
“Ahem… like you said, they still came from our Alicia.” Edward said.
“Hello, mother and father.” Alicia greeted and kissed their cheeks. “It is too bad that Richard and Grandpa Robert could not make it.”
“Now that Richard is grand duke of Alvannia, he has been quite busy. He said that he would visit when he got the chance for a break and see his nephews and niece.” Leticia replied.
“Robert on the other hand said he was getting old to travel long distances. Even though he wished to be present, but his body does not want to cooperate.” Edward replied. “But he gave you both his greetings and well wishes.”
“I think it would be good to visit the general one of these days in Alvannia.” Regaleon said. “What do you think my love?”
“That would be great.” Alicia replied.
Guests started to arrive one after the other. The grand duchess of Jennovia and her husband consort came next.
“Sati, welcome.” Alicia greeted. “Oh, look how big your tummy is now. How far along are you?”
“Oh, I am at my last month now. This little critter will come anytime soon.” Satiana replied.
“You did not lose time to knock her up, huh.” Regaleon whispered to Jack. “And you just celebrated your one-year wedding anniversary last month.”
“I needed to solidify my position by her side.” Jack replied. “You know how the aristocratic faction in Jennovia still insists on Sati getting another consort of more noble linage. They are insisting that polyandry is permitted, but of course Sati opposed. Now that there is a child on the way, they have their mouths shut. I know they will not stop, so I plan to make at least two more children.” He grinned.
“Just give her some time to rest in between okay.” Regaleon had a dissatisfied look on Jack.
“Of course. I am not that cold hearted you know.” Jack replied. “I know how hard it is for a woman to be carrying a child in her belly.
Next to arrive was the grand duke and duchess of South Atlantia, Dimitri and Angel together with their three-year-old twins Aliyah and Deimos.
“Welcome back Dimitri.” Regaleon gave Dimitri a brotherly hug. “I see that your twins have grown quite fast.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” Dimitri smiled. “The two are quite a handful actually. Even Aliyah who is a girl wants to play harsh games with Deimos her brother.”
“Haha, I can see that she is fiery like your wife Angel.” Regaleon chuckled. They see Angel giving her greetings to Alicia.
“I am so happy to have her as my wife.” Dimitri said with his eyes lingering to his wife. “I am happy with the family she has given me, something I had never once had.”
“I can see that you really are happy.” Regaleon patted his shoulder. “I am so happy for you. Aliyah, Deimos, my twins are in the garden. Why don’t you go and play with them?”
Deimos and Aliyah smiled and ran towards the garden to find their play mates.
The last to arrive was the grand duke and duchess of North Atlantia, Gladiolus and Anatalia.
“Sorry for being late.” Anatalia said. “I was having terrible motion sickness coming here, and Gladi was so overprotective that he made the carriage stop a few more times than usual.”
“That is understandable, now that you are in the middle of your pregnancy.” Alicia replied. “Why did you not ride Virgil or if you had sent word, we could have sent Tempest to get you.”
“Unfortunately, I tend to feel more sick when flying.” Anatalia said with a ?r??n?d.
“Then just sit down for a while.” Alicia replied. “Gladiolus, why don’t you take your wife. I will tell Theon to show you the way to your rooms.”
“Thank you so much Alicia.” Gladiolus replied. “I am worried about Ana looking as white as a sheet of paper.”
“I am sure that I would be okay after some rest.” Anatalia said. “I am sorry if I cannot join the luncheon.”
“I understand. Do not worry and just rest. There is still much time later to catch up.” Alicia said. “Theon, please take the grand duke and his wife to their quarters. And bring them something to eat. Something lite for Anatalia and a cup of tea to make her nausea to go away.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Theon who was standing by the side bowed. “This way my lord and lady.” He then ushered the couple to their room.
Grand duke Gladiolus and his wife excused themselves from the family event.
Everyone was having a great time chatting and laughing merrily. This was the picture of a happy family having a great time with the peace they have achieved.
The children are happily playing on the garden happily with Philip guarding the little ones. William on the other hand as the captain of the imperial knights are standing guard near the imperial couple.
“Hahaha, who is the ‘it’?” Aerith was giggling happily.
“Brother Philip is, haha.” Alphonse replied.
“You’re it, you’re it.” The twins Aliyah and Deimos were having fun playing.
The children were hiding hide and seek in the palace garden with Philp as the ‘it’.
“Okay, okay.” Philip smiled. “But do not hide so far okay? I will now start counting. One, two, three…”
The children were giggling all together and was searching for hiding a place.
“Ready or not, here I come.” Philip then started to search for the hiding children.
The wind was blowing hard and time had passed by quickly.
“Your highness, where are you?” The voice of Philip was heard while running and panting hard. “Where are you?”
*GIGGLING*
The soft giggles of the twins were heard nearby.
“I know you are here. I can hear you both.” Philip’s voice replied.
The twins were giggling by the tree, Alphonse climb on top while Aerith was behind it hiding.
When Philip was near the tree a magic trap was activate and Philp was captured.
“Ahhh… I surrender. You got me.” The sixteen year old Philp was seen frozen from foot to waist.
“Hahahaha…” The twins giggled melodiously.
“You got me Princess Aerith. The magic traps that your Uncle Jack has been teaching you paid off. I just hope you will not use me as a target in the future.” Philp said. “Now can you please melt the ice around me. it is getting a little cold.”
“You cannot even dispel the ice Aerith made?” Alphonse said with a smirk. “How can you be our personal bodyguard if you are that weak?” he said jokingly.
The twins looked handsome and beautiful as the time passed by. They have learned many things from their friends and family, but they still have many more to learn from other as well. This is the start of their journey.
