Nightfire Chronicles 8

Chapter 8: The Guests of the Palace
It has passed of two days since Alfredo and Alessandra left the team, and now Cross and the two children is now nearing to another town. The weather is now sunny and very refreshing. It has been almost a week that he has not had a new job of demon hunting.
“If Alfredo hasn’t given us some gold, we had starved to death…but I really need a steady source of income, now that I had to take care of these two children…” Cross mumbled to himself as he watches the two walks along with him. After a while, they have reached the prosperous town of Albienst. Upon entering, the sight of the city marveled them, and as they wonder around its pathways and lush scenery of buildings and people, Daniel remembered something.
“Mr. Night Fire, I remembered Alessandra invited us to go to her castle at this city. Would it be possible for her to be the Queen of this city?” he asked.
“Hmm, that would be a good thing to know. But before that, let’s eat first, I’m starving already!” Cross said, and the three went to a nearby restaurant. Little they knew someone among the crowd spied them.
At the castle, Alessandra was quietly reading a book at the veranda of her room when Alfredo informed the presence of Cross and the children at the city.
“So, they had arrived eh, prepare a welcoming team. I want to give them an Albienst style of acknowledgement…” she said, seemingly amused.
“As you wish, your Highness…” he replied as he exited the room. Alessandra then prepared herself for the three’s arrival at the castle.
“Father and Mother must know about this! They will be delighted!” she said to herself. Meanwhile, back at the city, the three was currently browsing around the marketplace, hoping to find anything that will catch their fancy and interest. Suddenly, a group of uniformed men approached them.
“Sir, we urgently request your cooperation, this is a very important matter…” one of the men said.
“What is this all about?” Cross asked.
“Welcome to the city of Albienst, Cross Night Fire, along with the children. It is me, Alfredo Alphonso, the Highness Alessandra Dietrich von Klausven have requested your presence at the castle. She wants to see the three of you as soon as possible. And I’m assigned to escort all of you back at the castle.” Alfredo explained.
“Well if that’s the case, we are more than glad to accompany us then…” Cross said, and they all returned at the castle. Upon arrival, attendants welcomed them and they were lead inside to be refreshed from their travels and prepare themselves for their reunion with Alessandra.
Meanwhile, as the other side prepares, Alessandra eagerly awaits her visitors together with her parents, the King and Queen of Albienst. “What taking them so long…” Alessandra said to herself, worry evident to her tone. She was walking back and forth along the veranda.
“My dear, calm yourself, this is not a meeting where someone’s life is to be decided to live or not…” King Leonard Dietrich von Klausven III said to her daughter, while the Queen, Michelle Willworth von Klausven watches her.
“But this is not appropriate to let the Royal Family to wait for them…” she replied, finally sitting across the Queen.
“My dear, understand them. They may be your closest friends, but they are just following the Royal protocols. Do you intend for them to know that we have no manners to be followed?” Queen Michelle said, placing her hand over Alessandra’s hand to calm her. After a while, a servant entered the room and whispered something at the king.
“Oh, let them come in then…” the King responded. The servant obeyed and exited the room. “Alessandra, it seems that your visitors have arrived at the garden, shall we go then?” King Leonard calmly said. She nodded, and they all left the room. Meanwhile, at the garden, Cross and the two kids were waiting for the Royal Family to arrive. They were wearing some sort of protocol uniforms that were similar to those of some servants but they were of much different color.
“Brother, do Alessandra really live in this castle? I mean…” Sheena said, with worry in her voice.
“Don’t worry about it, Sheena. We have seen Alfredo and invited us in; well just have to wait then…” Cross assured her. After a while, the Royal Family has entered the place. Cross were the first to stand and bowed to the three, he was followed by the two. “Thank you Your Highness for inviting us lowly mortals at your presence…” Cross addressed the Family.
“So you were the ones who took care of my Alessandra in Lain Waters. The Klausven Family is forever debited to you Mr. Night Fire.“ King Leonard said, as he was sipping tea at his cup and Cross were talking to him. The Queen was looking happy too, as Sheena and Daniel kept her busy on one side. Alfredo on the other hand, flanked Alessandra as the servants delivered them some snacks.
“It seemed that the matters have been settled down, Your Highness…” Alfredo commented.  
“I hope all will come out fine, Alfredo. It seems that Father and Mother were amused by them anyway…I’ll just wait and see what happens…” she said.  After that afternoon of acquaintance, the Royal Family has personally invited the three to stay at the palace, given the most comfortable rooms and with high respect and concern to all servants.
“Treat this as your home to Cross, along with the children. I hope you will all like your stay at the palace. If you need anything, feel free to ask help from the servants.” Queen Michelle said.
“It will be done, your Highness…” Cross said.