They were welcomed as heroes.

Simon watched in amazement as the road leading to their kingdom’s main gates overflowed with people waving and throwing fresh flowers at his horses’ path.

“Prince Simon!”

“Welcome home!”

“Our Twin Kingdom’s hero has returned!”

Simon waved from atop the charger he rode on.

Earlier, his brothers told him to lead the procession with them on horseback so that the townsfolk may see him in all his glory, and he agreed to do so.

“I guess you’re right,” he had replied. “I feel so much better now, after all, my leg is almost completely healed, and it would be rude to our citizens if I just stayed inside the carriage.”

“Good,” said Largos. “You better put your riding clothes on after you finish your breakfast. We will have a charger ready for you, we’ll leave in 15 minutes.”

And it was fabulous!

Simon held his head up high, his chest out and his shoulders back, smiling at the people who were shouting his name.

He raised an arm and waved at them, and the cheering became louder.

‘I still can’t believe that these people are all here for me!’ thought he. ‘Me, whom they have hardly ever heard of before, aside from being the 9th prince from the Eastern Twin!’

“Do you hear that, brother?” Largos asked from his left side. “They are all amazed by your glory! You must be so proud of yourself!”

“I-I sure am!” said Simon, though his leg was beginning to ache. “This is the happiest day of my life!”

“It could get even better!” said Juno on his right. “Why not show the townspeople how good you are at horseback riding? Charge on before us and hurry to the castle to tell Father the good news!”

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CHOICES:

[Ride ahead] – and go to Part 17

[Ride with your brothers] – and go to Part 18

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