Chapter XXVIII

Ayaan and Emress entered the palace while the other guard went to iThankfully the sun wasn't too hot as they had ridden for hours. Finally Ayaan could see the guards as they approached the gates.

"Hey..." the guard said squinting.

"Isn't that Prince Ayaan?" He said turning to the other guard.

"Where?" He asked and the other guard pointed in their direction.

They rode nearer, "it is Prince Ayaan and his mage Emress! Ayaan is back!" He shouted in excitement.

"Open the gates," the guard ordered.

"The Prince is home!" He added.

Ayaan and Emress entered the palace while the other guard went to inform the King of his arrival.

"Prince Ayaan! Welcome home." Those outside greeted.

The guard informed Demetri who was on his way out of King Arden's chambers of Ayaan's arrival and he turned instantly to go give him the news.

"Your highness," he bowed.

"The Prince is home." He added.

"Ayaan is back? Thank God. Hurry now inform the Queens," King Arden said from his throne excitedly.

Ayaan and Emress kept exchanging greetings until they got to the King's chambers.

"It's the Prince and his mage," the guard by the door said opening it.

King Arden smiled as he stood up from his sit to hug Arden who was about to bow.

"Father..." Ayaan said.

"Welcome home my son. I have missed you so much," King Arden said hugging him.

"Your highness," Emress greeted the King.

"Emress, thank you for taking care of him." King Arden said.

"It was my pleasure your highness." She returned.

Queen Ara and Maya entered the King  chambers just then.

"Your highnesses," Emress greeted the Queens with a bow.

"Emress," Queen Maya said.

"Mother! Grandma!" Ayaan called and ran to hug them.

"Your powers..." Queen Maya asked with uncertainty.

"I can control them now mother," Ayaan said with a big smile and she hugged him.

"Your son is very brave my King," Emress said keenly.

"It all thanks to you, Emress. Thank you for guiding him," Queen Ara said.

"It's what we're meant to do," Emress returned with a smile.

"Thank you Emress," King Arden said.

"Thank you so much," Queen Maya added.

"Let's prepare a feast to celebrate my son, Prince Ayaan's return!" King Arden said to his guards.

"You both must be tired, lunch is being served. Come," Queen Ara said.

"I'll ask the maids to prepare a room for Emress," Queen Maya said.

"Thank you Queen Maya," Emress said.

They all followed behind King Arden to the dinning room, where Gisselle and Carla were setting the table.

"Welcome Prince Ayaan," they both greeted.

"Thank you, I've missed all of you." Ayaan said.

The guards pulled a chair each for them to sit in. As they ate Ayaan told them all about his training, how he had to fight the princess and the trance.

"The man's dagger cut Liam it wasn't the ice..." He said lastly.

"Oh no, you've been angry at yourself all these years..." His mother said sadly.

"It's okay mother, everything happens for a reason..."Ayaan smiled.

"And you, my love was able to control your powers," Queen Ara added with a smile.

"I got to see the golden glow too and was given permission to pluck one of it's leaves. It was the most beautiful thing. " he smiled dreamingly.

"Not to forget you were scared Reem was a ghost when she first visited," Emress teased.

"Emress!" He returned whining.

"Hahaha really?" Queen Maya asked laughingly.

"Well I never saw anyone around," he said throwing his hands in the air and they all laughed.

"I'm so proud of you," King Arden said beaming at his son.

"We all are," Queen Ara added.

The night came pretty fast as preparations for the feast were being made all day. Emress retired to her room immediately after dinner, she was pretty tired. Ayaan kissed his mother and grandma goodnight and headed to his room.

"I haven't seen Raph all day, he prolly doesn't know I'm home," turning the door knob he thought and opened the door.

His entered the room and smiled as he walked to his bed. The royal blue curtains were still ribboned so he moved to undo them. Suddenly someone jumped out of nowhere hugging him from behind.

"What the orchids! Hey!" Ayaan yelled trying to free himself from the person's grip.

"Ayaaaan! I've missed you," Raphael shouted excitedly.

"Raphael!" He turned on recognizing the voice.

"I missed you buddy!" The both jumped and hugged each other.

"How are you?" Raphael asked.

"Never been better," Ayaan said.

"Well that's great I want to hear everything," Raphael said pulling a chair.

"I'll get snacks, give me a minute." He added.

"Hahaha of course," Ayaan said and taking off his shoes.

Raphael was back with the snacks and the story telling began.

"Then I made a new friend, I guess..." Ayaan said.

"Really who's the dude?" Raphael asked.

"It's a dudess silly," Ayaan laughed.

"Really wow! I bet she's an eleven!" He said excitedly.

"You're crazy..." Ayaan laughed.

"She's a Princess," he added.

"Look Ayaan what do you see?" Raphael asked rasing his hands like he was picturing something.

"Where? What?" Ayaan asked.

"I see a fairytale on the way!" He said in a funny tone.

"Shut up Raph," Ayaan said throwing a pillow at him.

"So what's her name?" Raphael asked.

"Reem... Princess Reem-Noor. She has powers just like me, only the opposite," Ayaan said.

"Wow! Beautiful name. Opposite?" Raphael asked scratching his head to think.

"Yes," Ayaan returned.

"Wait you mean fire?" His eyes widened in excitement.

"Exactly," Ayaan said.

"Fire and Ice. Wow! Just wow!" Raphael clapped his hands.

"Cut it out," Ayaan blushed.

"Okay! Okay! I'm listening," Raphael said composing himself. "We should get some sleep."

"I totally agree." Raphael returned with a yawn.