03. BROTHER?

Two heavily armed guard men were stationed at the entrance of this huge black gate. There were lights all around that were neither fueled by generators nor electricity but by something else that was brighter than what one could ever imagine.

One of the men noticed an image - somebody was walking towards them in slow and steady steps and he became alert. So was his companion after he noticed it too.

Immediately a few armed men jumped out of nowhere and arranged themselves to prevent the person whom they perceived as strangers from entering. One of the earlier two men then approached the stranger.

"Stop."

The stranger did accordingly to their commands. He was wearing a black linen that covered his face so his image was not properly seen. The guard was still cautious get brave.

"Remove your cover." He ordered but the stranger did not even move an inch. The guard lifted the cover off his face and was stunned to see who it was when the eyes greeted him in the dark.

"Your...your Highness?" He was totally shocked and quickly saluted him by curling his palm into a fist and placing it directly on his shoulder across his chest. The men behind also did the same before he was led in.

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"It's such a wonderful moment I can assure you."

"Of course...of course, your highness. It's indeed glorious as it's the red moon night."

"Many catastrophes are meant to happen as well."

"Who are we to stop it? Moreover, this is the one time in their lives when they get to be independent without getting caught."

Different manly voices and feminine laughter graced the air as meals - assorted meats were served around the huge dining table in the dining hall. Every member took their seats prestigiously and waited for the leader to start eating before they would. However, their discussion was ruined when a guard entered. He bowed and moved closer to the King. He whispered something and that moved him because the spoon he was holding fell to the ground, making a loud noise due to its weight. His eyes shone after receiving the information.

"Really?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Then let him in. What are you waiting for? How dare you even let him stay outside one bit?" He scolded the guard furiously and the latter quickly ran out with his invisible tail stuck between his butt. The members of the table were slightly confused about what was happening and looked to the King for an explanation. However, that wasn't needed anymore as the awaited guest finally made his presence, seizing the air and everyone's breath as well.

The ladies gasped when they saw him while the men had a mixed reaction of shock, surprise, arising anger, and unhappiness. The stranger bowed before the King.

"Father."

The King was excited to meet him but had to calm himself down. He cleared his throat and nodded as a form of response.

"Hmm. What are you doing here?"

A young man rushing down the stairs caught everyone's attention and immediately he saw the stranger, he couldn't fail to express his happiness.

"Brother? Brother!!!" With gladness, he went to hug the stranger, jumping on him unexpectedly without a care if it was disgraceful or not.

The stranger rolled his eyes at his childish behavior and waited for a while so he could express his gibberish talk before pushing him off.

"Hezekiah," Allen noted but Hezekiah didn't let go of his hand one bit and just kept smiling like a fool instead.

He turned to his father, "Father, I can't believe this. You haven't seen your son in decades and all of a sudden, the first thing you're asking him is why he is here. Terrific." Hezekiah scolded but then looked at Allen with confusion for a while.

"Yeah, why are you here?" He asked.

"Hezekiah!" His mother scolded him and he went to sit down while Allen just stood there, absorbing everyone's gaze.

"Prince Allen, why don't you come have a seat beside me?" A lady offered with a smile as she patted her chair. The King agreed and spoke,

"Yes, yes, have a seat. We were just about to have dinner."

Allen didn't refute and sat down with the rest of the large extended family. His food was quickly served and they all began to eat at once after the king took his bite. Conversations sprung up again to lighten the mood after Allen's arrival.

Sitting opposite and facing him was Sky, Allen's oldest brother. His eyes didn't leave Allen for a second as they were eating but he didn't say a word so he wouldn't ruin the happy occasion but deep within him, he was slightly troubled. Allen had been gone for years or should he say 'he escaped' his clutches? So why was he back?

The King drank from his cup and faced his son.

"It's been a while, Allen. How are you doing and what is with the sudden visit?" He asked. Everywhere became dead silent as they waited for him to speak. A minute...two minutes...three minutes passed by yet no word was heard from him.

"Father is asking you a question, why are you pretending to be deaf?" Sky asked this time around and Allen paused. He looked up from his meal and then at Sky. His mood couldn't be deciphered as he was always mysterious and unexpected. He then looked at his father.

"I am here for something. Don't worry, I won't stay long. I will be long gone before you realize it." He answered and continued eating. The King poured him a glass of red content which he rarely did and pushed the glass cup gently towards him to drink. Allen eyed it and shook his head.

"Can I a bottle of water instead?" He requested and everyone was stunned. They looked at one another in surprise at his request. The lady sitting beside him was perplexed as she stared at the handsome man.

"Allen, don't tell me you don't drink blood again?" She asked. Hezekiah poured a glass of water for his big brother happily and just when he was about to lift it, the lady stopped him by holding his hand, bringing it to everyone's attention that he had a ring on.

"You're married?"

"What?"

Allen removed his hand from her grasp and drank the water instead. He stood up and bowed to the King.

"I will be up in my room."

"Brother wait for me." Hezekiah followed quickly with his remaining food, leaving everyone baffled as they heard him chat excitedly with Allen before their voices could not be heard any longer. The presiding Queen looked at her husband and then at everyone. They had become speechless, unable to understand what was going on. Allen could not be a spy, he was here for something, he had a wedding ring on and he wasn't pulled in by the strong scent of blood - something wasn't adding up. That was what Sky concluded in his mind. Whatever the idiot was here for, he had to ensure that he would leave before ruining his work for him. The image that he had managed to build for all these years.

.....

I can imagine myself in the scene already, lol. Please, leave a comment. Thank you.