Chapter 408 - The Twin’s Tenth Birthday (2)(unedited) (1/2)
After getting neatly dressed for the day, Alphonse and Aerith dashed outside their room and ran thru the corridors of the palace with excitement etched in their eyes. The employees that were busy with their work for this joyous occasion saw the happy twin prince and princess bouncing excitedly.
”Greetings to the imperial prince and princess.”
”Good morning, your highnesses.”
”I wish you a happy tenth birthday, your highnesses.”
The employees that Alphonse and Aerith passed by greeted them one after the other.
”Thank you.” Alphonse replied with a merry face.
”Thank you so much.” Aerith replied with the same happy face as her brother.
The twins were holding each other's hands while running through the hallways. The employees cannot help but smile seeing the cute prince and princess. They ran towards the entrance foyer where their family would be at.
”Aliyah, Deimos…” Alphonse yelled out after they saw their twin cousins at the entrance foyer.
Alphonse and Aerith looked out of the dual stair railings from above and waved to the twins below.
”Alphonse, Aerith.” Aliyah waved back.
”We have just arrived!” Deimos replied.
”Wait, we are coming down now.” Alphonse said. ”Let's go, Rith.”
Alphonse gently pulled his twin sister down from the stairs with a happy expression. Aerith was also excited to see their twin uncle and aunt.
Dimitri and Angel, Aliyah and Deimos' parents were instructing the employees on their luggage. Theon the imperial butler was there to facilitate the guest's arrival.
”Grand Uncle Dimitri, Grand Aunt Angel. Welcome back.” Alphonse greeted in a respectful manner.
”Welcome back grand uncle and aunt.” Aerith greeted them with etiquette and manners.
”Thank you, your highnesses.” Dimitri replied with a smile. ”And happy tenth birthday to the both of you.”
”Happy birthday, your highnesses.” Angel greeted. ”We have brought you a present for your birthday. I hope the two of you would like it.”
”Yeah, yeah.” Aliyah replied excitedly. ”Mama heard that the two of you started to learn how to ride a horse not long ago. Mama had bred some fine horses back in our place. They are such a beauty and similar to you two.”
”Similar to us?” Aerith was confused.
”They have your hair colors.” Deimos replied. ”A black stallion and a white mare.”
Both Alphonse and Aerith's eyes lit up. They got very excited thinking that they would have their own horses.
”Welcome back, Dimitri, Angel.” Regaleon's voice was heard at the entrance foyer.
All of the employees bowed seeing the emperor at the top of the dual staircase arm in arm with his wife, Empress Alicia.
”I greet the sun and moon of the Astley Empire.” Dimitri greeted and bowed together with his wife Angel.
”Arise.” Regaleon replied.
The imperial couple walked down the staircase hand in hand so majestically. They walked towards their guest who have just arrived.
”Welcome back Uncle Dimitri and Angel.” Alicia greeted.
”It is nice to be back, your majesty.” Dimitri replied.
”I hope your journey was not that tiring.” Alicia said.