A COMMONER

{Kenneth's pov}

*In the airport*

I had just arrived at the airport, I looked around and though where I was couldn't be compared to where I was coming from, this place was also magnificent and enticing. Country H wasn't a bad country after all.

I took out my phone and called my junior sister informing her that I had alighted, previously I had called my sister before I boarded the flight so she must have packed around here somewhere but where?.

I was new to the environment.

"Ken, the red Lamborghini packed behind the black SUV, third row to your left" Gina directed me over the phone when she picked the call.

I located my ride and hoped in.

"Hey sis, how's dad?" I asked as I wore my sit belt.

"Don't even think of using this accent for me" she scolded me as she drove out from the airport.

"What accent? I just asked how's dad?" I asked

"He is fine, he has been moved from the hospital to the empire, he's recovering from home" she explained.

"Oh great which means I can get back soon" I stated as I smile happily.

"Go back to where? If you don't know mister you are not going back to anywhere" Gina said as she manovered through the traffic jam, she drove exactly like dad.

"What do you mean by that? I'm here against my wishes if you don't know, I'm only here because Mum made it seem like Dad is going to die today or tomorrow" I said seriously obviously I am not happy with the change in plans because I had promised my friends that I will be back.

"I can't say much Ken, when you get home, you can argue that one with Mum because it is her decision" Gina said and concentrated on the road leaving me to my thoughts.

*The empire*

Maids and guards dressed their best, all anticipating the arrival of the prince, no one had seen the prince before, except the king and queen. Everyone dressed their best, the queen was beaming, it was obvious how excited she was to welcome her son.

"Her highness, gold or silver?" A young maid asked the queen who stood at the entrance of the empire.

"Silver. It's Ken's favorite color" she ordered.

The honk of a car at the gate made everyone arrange themselves in two rows with a red carpet in between.

The red Lamborghini drove into the compound and packed, Gina and I alighted and moved to the crowd awaiting us. I was shocked to see so many people waiting for me, they were all dressed neatly, I noticed Silva and Ciara- my best friend when I was young before I left for Country V standing next to mum, when mom saw me tears flowed down her cheeks.

"My son" Mom beamed and couldn't hold the tears that flowed down her cheeks. I hugged my mother tightly but no too tight to the point of squeezing her. I had missed Mom so much, I missed my family so much.

After hugging Mom, I hugged Silva and Ciara, they were both excited to see me.

***********

We were cracking jokes as we had lunch, I told all about my staying in Country V and they told me everything that happened here in Country H. After lunch, I, Mom, Gina and Silva visited Dad, he looked pale and less healthy unlike the man I grew up to know.

"Dad" I greeted.

"Ken?" Dad asked his eyes still closed, he was confirming if I was the one.

"Yes Dad, it's me dad, I'm back" I said as I hugged him gently.

"I thought you will never return" Dad said as he held me.

"Dad I'm sorry for not returning all this while" I apologized.

"Nonsense my boy. You were having fun, I can't use my predicaments to spoil your happiness for you, you are young so enjoy your youthful age, I was strong because I.....wanted to give you the best" Dad said when we finally released from the hug.

"Thanks Dad. I still want you to remain strong Dad, I want to remain healthy at least for the time being" I said.

"Yes...yes...I understand. I am the only one that can lecture you on the traditions and ways of our people, I wouldn't leave that responsibility to someone else" Dad jokingly said and we all laughed to our hearts content.

{Evelyn's pov}

"Mum the prince is home" I overheard Yelin telling Jane while I was in the kitchen preparing lunch.

"He's finally home....after thirty-one years... it's been so long, I even doubt anyone will be able to recognize him after that many years" Jane said as she chew her gum, it is her habit.

I went out to where they sat and was chatting and placed the tray containing the meal on a table. My aunt purposely kicked the table and the food fell down.

Jane slapped me heavily on the cheek "you clumsy fool, always destroying things like your mother" she shouted at me and hot tears flowed down my cheeks.

"Don't worry Mum, she is always careless" Yelin chipped in.

"Bring another food for I and Yelin now, why are you standing there and staring at me like I'm some movie, my friend get to work" Jane shouted and pushed me causing me to fall on my butt.

I got up and moved to the kitchen, I cleaned up the mess my aunt created and served them another food.

After this, I went back to the kitchen to clean up but I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing, I couldn't stop crying either.

'why did my aunt have to bring up my innocent dead Mum?'

"Evelyn it's okay" Frank said from behind me, I didn't know he was behind me all this while. I turned around to hug him and wept to my heart's desire.