Chapter 2: The Past (Part-Two)

***Officially Ch. 2***

Emerald's POV

I couldn't help but feel joy in my heart. The silver locket my family gave me is beautiful. It represents them and their love. A turn to my left side and see Dia's locket. Hers is almost like mine except she has an emerald encrusted in it and the center picture of hers is a picture of me. I knew that the emerald on her locket represented my eye color and name. Then I looked at my locket again and I saw that the diamond encrusted in it was almost the exact same shade of blue as Dia's eyes. Seeing this just made me smile more and I haven't felt this joyous in a long time.

"Diamond, Emerald we wanted to gift you an early birthday present. As you can see the gemstones encrusted on each of your lockets aren't a coincidence. Diamond yours has an emerald. Emerald yours has a blue diamond. The meaning behind them is very important and special. Even though we are family, you both have a special bond that is much stronger than most. I hope that the gemstone helps you remember each other and your bond. I hope that no matter what happens you have to stay together." My father says to Dia and me.

"We know dad. We will always be with each other and no matter what happens we will always help each other." I reply to him.

"Yes, papa. Don't worry. Emmi will always be by my side and I will be with her. Whenever she needs help I will always help her. When she needs protection, I will protect her." Diamond replies to our father.

"Well, I am glad to hear that. Both of you have given me peace. So, I do have some bad news. Your mother and I have to leave tomorrow morning and we won't be able to be here for your birthday. I know that we promised both of you that we would be here for your birthday, but we cannot go against the king's orders. Which is why we are celebrating today." Father says to Dia and me.

Hearing that they will not be here for our birthday really upsets me. Since I can remember they have always tried to celebrate our birthday on the day of with us. But they couldn't always do it. My parents were the king's most trusted advisors and friends. My father was the Duke of Wellington and my mother had been the only child of the Duke of Halsbury. When my grandfather Joe had passed away the title had gone to a distant relative. They had grown up alongside the king. Diamond and I had met the king once, but that was about five years ago. I couldn't shake off what I was feeling, but I knew that my parents had a duty to our country and to the king. I turn to my left where Dia was standing. Even before looking at her, I could already feel her emotions. Looking at her only confirmed it. She was just as upset as I was, but I knew that she knew that our parents were duty-bound. There was nothing anyone of us could do.

In the happiest voice I could muster I said, "Well, let's not get down everyone. The important thing is that we get to celebrate our tenth birthday. Right, Dia?"

Dia replies, "Yes! Emmi, you are right! Okay everyone let's start the party!"

***Third Person's POV***

Everyone started heading to the smaller dining room. Soon everyone sat in their places and began chatting with each other. Laughter was heard throughout the dining room. Pretty soon nanny Sage and butler Jerry began bringing in the food. The birthday girls were served their favorite. Diamond got seafood pasta and Emerald got white cheese sauce pasta with grilled chicken. The adults ate steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and pasta salad.

Then nanny Sage brought the birthday cake. It was a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. On the cake said, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIAMOND AND EMERALD" in big block letters. Soon everyone began singing, "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday Diamond and Emerald. Happy birthday to you!" Everyone was giggling and laughing. Both girls felt like it was the best birthday ever. They blew out their candles on the cake. Then with the help of their mother, they cut the cake and gave everyone a piece.

Afterward, each one of the family members gave the girls their present. Everyone was very happy. The girls look at each other and then at their family. They couldn't help but think how lucky they were to have a family like theirs.

Then they hear their father's voice, "Well girls I hope both of you had a good time."

Together they reply, "Yes, papa we did!"

"Okay, well it is getting late. Why don't you both head upstairs and get ready for bed. Your dad and I will be up shortly." Their mother said to them.

"Okay, mom!" Diamond says. Then grabs Emmi's hand and leaves the small dining room.

As they leave they don't realize the sad look everyone has. For the past two years, there have been rebel forces trying to overthrow the king. Lately, they have been getting closer and closer. They have also been attacking all of the families and nobles who are loyal to the king. Which is the real reason why the family celebrated the girls' birthday early.

Henry the girls' father turns to speak to nanny Sage and butler Jerry, "I know that tomorrow is going to be rough on everyone. I hope that this all ends soon and that we can come back here. But if it doesn't go as we have planned I want both of you to take care of Diamond and Emerald. Also, make sure that their lockets are with them at all times and kept hidden. No one must know their true identities and their lockets."

In a gruff voice filled with emotion, Butler Jerry says, "Yes, Master Henry. No one will know their girls' true identity. We will protect them with our lives."

"Yes, Master Henry. We will gladly give up our lives for the girls. They are like our own children." Nanny Sage says.

"Thank you to both of you. Henry and I know that you see the girls as your children as well. For that, I am grateful because I know that they will be in good hands. I just hope that all of this ends soon and we can all be together again."

"Thank you Mistress Sofia. My husband and I will always be loyal to your family." Nanny Sage replies to their girls' mother.

"Well, Henry and Sofia go upstairs. The girls are waiting on both of you to tuck them in and say good night." Grandma Mina says.

Then the parents leave the dining room and head up to their daughters' bedroom.