Chapter 29
"Sorry, for making such a fuss, Your Majesty!" Zavier bowed respectfully before the king. Seeing his changed attitude this morning made it hard for them to believe it.
"Hahahaha...it's okay! noise is common here. No need to apologize!"
"Thank you, sorry for being a bother!"
"Absolutely not! we should be grateful!"
"Why is that?"
"Thanks to you, finally my children can meet princes from other kingdoms. That's why I say welcome to Vasilenia! are you happy to be here?"
"Yes, I feel good. Thank you very much, Your Majesty!"
"Then, can you now tell us why you were stranded on this island?"
"The boat I was traveling to Arthes Island experienced strong shaking due to the impact of the waves. That night there was a very big storm, I skidded and fell trying to find out what was going on,"
"How did you survive?"
"I don't really remember, as I was drowning I saw a woman with a tail like a fish bring me to the surface. That's all I can remember!"
"A half fish woman? does she have black hair and creepy face?" asked Vincent.
"No! she has white hair and a pretty face, a white tail with scales that sparkle like pearls. Not scary at all!"
"It must be Neraidas!" said King Leonard.
"Neraidas?"
"Yes! Neraidas is an immortal being that can change form. Sometimes it has white legs and wings, sometimes with a tail like a fish swimming in the water. Neraidas is the guardian creature of the land of the gods, namely Evangelia"
"I just found out there is a creature like that!" said David.
"So, there is Neraidas, huh?" Matthew, who had read the Neraidas story in books, could not believe that the creature actually existed.
"They can only be seen by someone who has the divine lineage. They are usually the custodians of sacred treasures and also as messengers from the gods to the kings who lead Lithonia,"
"I'm impressed you knew all that, Father! I thought you were just a silly and useless old man!" said Randall who was amazed by his father's vast knowledge.
"Hahaha ... things like that must be known. Your great-grandfather always told about his friendship with the King of Lithonia to his children and grandchildren,"
"But, why didn't you tell us?"
"Hahahaha ... why is that?" he burst out laughing again and again had to test the patience of his wife and children.
"Darling, please be serious! you are the king!"
"Hahahaha .. uhuuk .. uhuukk .. okay, this time I'll be serious. Is that so? Arthes Island is not too far from this island. If you want, our ship can take you there!"
"Then, can I ask you for help, Your Majesty?"
"What is that, my son?"
"Can I stay here for a few days!"
"Haaah?" Nathania's request stunned everyone.
"But, why?" asked David.
"I just wanted to experience freedom a little longer. Sorry for asking something so troublesome!"
"Okay, I'll let you stay here. But you have to answer my question, can you?" said King Leonard.
"Yes..."
"Are you the son of the king of Lithonia?"
"Yes!"
"You're a crown prince?"
"Yes!"
"Haaah ...? impossible!" status as the crown prince made them much more shocked, especially as the crown prince of Lithonia as the ruling dynasty of human civilization. That is a very hard thing to believe.
"Then, you may stay here whenever you want, Your Majesty!"
"Father? why call him that?"
"Even though I am a king, status
what I have cannot be compared to the Kings and crown princes of the great kingdoms that are most powerful. It has been a long time since Vasilenia was seen as a relation because of the status of our small kingdom. That's why I hope that entertaining the future king of Lithonia can improve the good relationship between the two kingdoms."
"Thank you, Your Majesty! you are a good king and a very kind father. Everyone is very lucky to have you!"
There was silence hearing the sincerity of the words that Nathania said. Her gentle little smile made them realize that she was no ordinary human.
***
They enjoyed dinner together and tonight for the first time Nathania to have dinner with the King, Queen and their eleven children in one dining table.
They still couldn't believe it, even though near them, Nathania began to eat her food with gusto. Princess Mia even tried to steal a glance with a smile.
"How's the food? do you like it, Your Majesty?" asked Queen Clara.
"Yes, the food is very delicious!"
"Oi, how long are you going to be here?" Claude asked sarcastically. Even though he already knew the fact that Nathania was the crown prince, it didn't make his attitude change immediately.
"Claude, don't talk like that!" Queen Clara immediately rebuked her son.
"Until they find me!"
"Until they find you?"
"Yes!"
"What if they can't find you? asked Vincent.
"They can do it! I know my father very well!"
"What if they think you've drowned?"
"Will not!"
"Why are you so sure?"
"Why so? only my belief!"
"Right now, your country must be making a fuss because you are missing and the crew of the ship might get harsh punishment because of your actions!" Claude continues to be angry, but on the one hand he also shows that he cares.
"My father is a cruel king!"
***