“N-no, I would rather ride with the two of you...” Simon said shyly. “I don’t think my leg could take a full gallop... in fact, it’s already beginning to ache...”

“What? Just how weak are you?!” his brother Largos snapped at him.

Simon felt his face burn.

“S-sorry... I guess I should have stayed in the carriage instead.”

“Think nothing of it,” his brother Juno said, “it is enough to show the people how glorious you are.” He looked at Simon and gave him a sly grin. “Don’t you see how they adore you? You are the Twin Kingdom’s savior! You’re no longer a nameless prince, but a hero! You should start acting like one!”

“Y-yes, brother Juno... o-of course!” Simon replied, recovering his new found courage once more.

At last, they reached the grand staircase leading to his fathers audience chamber. It was lined on both sides with the king’s best knights. Simon was helped off his horse by his two brothers.

The knights raised their swords in salute as the three of them entered, their gaze up as the three brothers passed in their midst.

“The 9th prince of the Eastern Twin, Prince Simon Alvin Krems, seeks audience from the Eastern Twin’s King Morel Jacob Krems,” announced a page as soon as the three entered their father’s hall.

The room was full of people – nobles close to the royal family, vassals, government officials, all of whom stared at Simon.

Some had smiles upon their lips, while others, eyes full of judgment, yet Simon held on to his new found courage as he neared the throne.

He stopped in front of the dais where his father, the king, sat on a golden throne and bent his knee in supplication, wincing a bit as he knelt on his injured leg.

“My majesty and my King, I have returned from the quest you had bestowed upon me...” he said in a clear voice, as was their kingdom’s tradition. “I have brought you, victory!”

Only then did the people in the chamber begin to cheer.

“I welcome you back, Prince Simon, my son! Come closer, that I may bless you!” said his father in a loud voice, and Simon complied with a big grin on his face.

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Go to Part 19

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