CHAPTER 22

Quinn and Darcy enter together.

Alina: Finally you both came ..

Darcy: Sorry...we just got late

Lyra: Everyone entering together today

They take their seats

Commander Azer: It's an honor to be here, sir. Happy birthday, prince. Is everything, alright now?

Quinn: Thank you, commander. Thanks to Empephus for the help

Captain Pycus: We better take Empephus in our team

Empephus: Currently, everyone is good at their places.

Everyone laughs

Quelin: Where's Bouz?

Captain Pycus: Late as usual

Kaiphos: Well there is no war out there or else he definitely would have been questioned.

The royal cuisine arrives at the table. Charcoal barbecue grill was kept right infront of everyone with meat and vegetables inserted on the skewers.

Empephus: It looks really good

Darcy: Can't you all stop?

Quinn(making a cute face): Why not?

Darcy(smiling): Thanks

Captain Pycus(smiling): It looks like both have finally liked each other

Darcy: Of course...there is nothing which can not let to

Quinn(blushing): Well yup...we are....

Commander Azer: Yeah yea look at his red face...

Everyone at the dining table laughs except Empephus, who just looks at his plate and eats very happily

Commander Azer: Empephus? What a surprise to see you!

Empephus: I'm happy that you finally noticed me. I came before you did

Commander Azer(laughing): All I have seen you in your lab coat so I thought it was someone else

Empephus(frowning): I'll be with you all for the next 3-4 days or maybe a bit more

Captain Azer: That's great. By the way, how is your work going?

Empephus: My friend informed that the coding and the equipment has been completed. Only the installment is left

'Enters Bouz'

Quelin: Welcome Major

Major Bouz(flinching): Sorry sorry I'm late

Captain Pycus: There's nothing new in that

Major Bouz(sitting down): Haaagh...but the food isn't served yet

After the food was served in their plates, they began eating

Darcy: For few minutes, let's stop talking

Everybody silently ate their lunch silently. Whoever wanted more, ordered the men and after completing it, it was the time for desserts.

Kaiphos: That was really good

Quinn: My stomach is full now

Quelin: I'm happy that everyone liked the food

Empephus: It has been a good decision of spending time with you all

Major Bouz: Hey Empephus, are you alright?

Empephus: Why do you ask?

Major Bouz: Just asking... you have been doing a lot of late night jobs

Empephus: So?

Major Bouz: Just curious. How do you stay in such good figure?

Empephus(shockingly): Yes I'm as fit as a flea and to be precise

Major Bouz: It happens,..even the close ones look like strangers when you meet them after a long time

Empephus(sweating): Yes I know

Alina: Are you alright?

Empephus(rubbing his forehead): Yes, just a bit tired because of late nights like Major said...

Darcy: You really need to take rest...

Empephus: The gun was a new one..though I had tested it, others could have been hurt others

Darcy(keeping her hand of her neck): Awww just just...don't think too much

Her mom looks at her narrowly

Darcy: I think he should take rest

Major Bouz(drinking): I'm leaving now

Lyra(to Empephus): Why don't you stay with us?

Commander Azer: Take leave for few days.

Major Bouz(scratching his head): Even I need some rest

Captain Pycus: I need to talk with Empephus

Kaiphos: Even I need him

Darcy: Why not you all leave him alone?

Major Bouz: Ohk let's take in this way, birthday boy goes with his family to enjoy, I'm going to my place and others do whatever you want to

Darcy: Ufhh...let that guy have peace

Empephus: I'm fine with that. You go, I will be there

Quelin: Ok gentlemen, meet you at evening

While the others leave, Major Bouz goes to the princess

Major Bouz: Can I borrow you for a minute?

Darcy: Ahh sure...

As Major Bouz takes her towards the garden, the rest of the Generals follow Empephus to his lab and the family to their respective rooms for rest.

Darcy(folding her arms): So why here?

Major Bouz: To discuss something with you..

Darcy: What is that?

Major Bouz: Today afternoon, what happened?

Darcy: Be more specific

Major Bouz: Resting room

Darcy: We were just talking about his birthday and his friends

Major Bouz: And last night?

Darcy: I don't know what you are talking about

Major Bouz: Wine?

Darcy: I don't remember anything..

Major Bouz: Don't act smart...she said me everything about you and listen, my people are all around...

Darcy(sweating): So what are you going to do? Tell this to everyone

Major Bouz: No no...I don't interfere in all these stuff. Love is life...I agree

Darcy: What do you want in order to hide it from others?

Major Bouz(smiling): Smart girl. I will tell you the whole plan. It is as easy as falling off a log