Chapter 5 TENTY TWO YEARS AGO

TWENTY TWO YEARS AGO*

King Edmund gazed lovingly at his newborn son, cradling him in his arms. The baby's tiny hands and feet captivated him.

Prince Alexander was just few hours old after the queen had him,the king couldn't hide his happiness.

Just then, the royal seer, Natalia, entered the room.

"Your Majesty," Natalia said, her voice gentle.

"I have come to bless your child."

King Edmund looked up, his eyes questioning.

"Natalia, you said I would have an heir. I already have two sons."

Natalia smiled.

"Those were not the ones, Your Majesty. This child, Prince , is the true ruler. He will bring greatness to our kingdom."

King Edmund's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're certain?"

Natalia nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty. This child is special. He will unite our kingdom and bring peace."

The king was quiet for a while before speaking up.

"It will bring a lot of fights......"

"If he doesn't rule...your majesty,the riot that will befall our nation is not something that can be escaped" Natalia said and the king sighed out.

After Natalia left, six years old Princess Isabella, entered the room. Her curly brown hair bounced with each step.

"Father, I want to see the baby!" she exclaimed.

King Edmund smiled, his eyes warm.

"Come, Isabella. Meet your brother, Prince Alex"

Isabella's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the baby.

"He's so small!"

King Edmund's expression turned serious.

"Isabella, I want you to promise me something."

"Yes, father"

"Protect your brother, no matter what. He's your brother, even if you have different mothers. You're his big sister, and he needs you."

Edmund's face set in determination.

"I promise, father, I'll always protect him." She said cutely,her hand on her chest.

King Edmund's eyes shone with gratitude.

"Thank you, Isabella. I know I can count on you." He smiled and pulled her into a hug.

*

END OF FLASH BACK, KING'S CHAMBER*

King Edmund's chamber was dimly lit, the king's face pale and weary. Isabella,knelt beside his bed,her eyes on his face.

"Isabella, do you remember the promise you made to me?" King Edmund asked, his voice weak.

Isabella nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes,father"

King Ryker's eyes locked onto hers.

"Alex will be the next king. He's the rightful heir. You must protect him, no matter what."

Isabella's face trembled,she suspected something was up,the King's voice was not like usual,he sounds weak.

"I will, father I promise."

King Edmund's voice cracked.

"I'm proud of you, Isabella. But I fear my time is running out. My health is failing me."

Isabella burst into tears, her body shaking.

"No, father, Please don't say that!"

King Edmund's hand stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry, my child. But I know I can trust you to take care of Alex. Promise me you'll always stay with him, no matter what."

Isabella sobbed, her face buried in her hands.

"I promise, father I'll always be there for Alex!"

King Edmund smiled.

"I'm so lucky to have a daughter like you Bella,you need to get married and have kids also,not just the family business"

"I don't want husband" Isabella mumbled and the king laughed.

"You have to be fine father,I hate seeing you sick" She said.

*

HAZEL'S HOUSE*

Hazel bounced into the living room, a big smile on her face. Her best friend, Sandra, was already there, sipping a cup of coffee.

"Hey, San! What's up?" Hazel asked, plopping down beside her.

"Not much,zel," Sandra replied, using Hazel's nickname.

"Just wondering when the results of the prince's fiancée selection will be out."

Hazel's grin grew wider.

"Tomorrow! Can you believe it?"

Sandra's eyes widened.

"No way! That's so soon. Good luck, Hazel! You're going to need it."

Hazal laughed.

"Thanks, San. I'll need all the luck I can get."

The two friends chatted excitedly about the selection process. Hazel had been chosen as one of the top five candidates to be Prince Alexander's fiancée beforehand and now the final result is tomorrow.

"If you become the prince's fiancée, does that mean you'll get to go to university?" Sandra asked, her curiosity piqued.

Hazel nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes,The king promised that if I'm chosen, I can attend university. Can you believe it? Me, studying alongside rich kids!!" She screamed.

Sandra giggled.

"You'll be the coolest ever, Hazel. But what if you don't get chosen?"

Hazel's face fell, but only for a moment.

"Then I'll just have to find another way to get into university. I'm not giving up on my dreams, San."

The friends chatted for hours, discussing everything from their favorite books to their childhood memories. Sandra was Hazel's only friend, and she cherished their friendship dearly.

As the sun began to set, Sandra stood up to leave.

"I should get going,zel. But promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Hazel asked, walking Sandra to the door.

"If you become the prince's fiancée, don't forget about me"

Sandra said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Hazel laughed.

"Never, San! You'll be my partner in crime, even in the palace."

Sandra grinned.

"Deal!"

They both laughed and Hazel followed her out.