Nightfire Chronicles 9

Chapter 9: A Talk at the Art Hallway
The visit of the trio at the palace proved to be most fortunate, being the guest of the Royal Family itself, and treated with great importance that day. As they retreat at their respective rooms, the two children quickly slept well, but Cross haven’t caught the wind of weariness that time, he was thinking of something. On the other side, Alessandra was thinking of the event that leads her to meet Cross.
“Is this my destiny? To know someone as weird as Cross, and the two children…and Father and Mother kept on pressing me to be their successor at the throne…” she said to herself as she quietly ponders the words at her balcony, facing the light of the moon. Meanwhile, hoping to make himself sleepy, Cross went out of the room and walked along the vast hallways of the castle and with utter amazement walked along the halls with precious paintings on the walls.
“I never imagined the castle to be this big and so beautiful…I was very lucky to catch a glimpse of it…” he said to himself, admiring the paintings.
“I’m happy you appreciated the labor of my ancestors  in order to put up those valuable works of art at this castle. Even a demon like you value art so much…” Alessandra commented, with Alfredo on her back.
“Oh, It’s you your Highness, good evening…” he said bowing at her.
“You don’t need to do that Cross, you are my visitor here, so please stop that already. Besides, Father and Mother are not with us ok? Enough of those protocols…” she said as she walks near him, looking at the paintings too.
“Ah, Alessandra…it’s already night, why are you not sleeping yet?” Cross said, as he was looking at her as he was lead towards a nearby window by Alfredo and Alessandra.
“The same question was on my mind Cross, we share the same brainwave then…” she said as she was looking very gloomy.
“You look so sad, is that because your parents want you to stay in the castle and practice protocol and all sort of castle rules and regulations?” he said.
“Sad to say, but that’s true…all I want is to live a normal life…I’m already used to those protocols…they always say I must do that and this to impress the general public and not to become a shame to my family and clan…” she said.
“Your Highness…” Alfredo mumbled, feeling bad for her.
“Anyway, enough of those things like that for now…I need to talk to you about us coming with you to your next trip outside the city and beyond…” Alessandra said. Cross were stupefied upon hearing.
“Are you crazy?! You, the only child and successor of the throne of Albienst City, will come with us to our travels…are you really out of your mind?!” he said.
Alessandra smiled and patted his shoulders, “Don’t worry about that Cross, I have already told Mother and Father about that…and I have spent almost half of my day today defending myself to them, and finally they approved my proposal. I’m bringing Alfredo with me, so you need not worry…”
“Young lady, you don’t understand…traveling is not a child’s play…I’m traveling because I have a reason, and the Princess of the city of Albienst need not to be bothered by the likes of us…” Cross said, excusing himself.
“You are forgetting one vital thing Cross, I know you need money very badly on these times…and I know that you will never ignore this thing…” Alessandra told him, a hint of evilness on her voice.
“What do you mean by that?” he asked. “As a princess, I can spend any amount of money as I wish…I’m entitled to that privilege…so you really need my presence in your group.” she proudly said.
“I thank you for your help and your offer, but I rather suffer to earn money than ask it without care from you…I may be a demon to you, but I’m proud that I have a dignity to keep…” and he left their presence.
“How dare he ignore your good offer to him Your Highness?! He must be punished for saying that at your presence!” Alfredo angrily said.
“That’s enough Alfredo…now I understand what Mother and Father said a while ago… that even though you can offer some people gold for their approval, a person who has a high esteem to itself and who values his honor and dignity will outright refuse my offer…Cross is truly an honorable…demon. I admire him…” Alessandra said.
The next day, the trio prepared to depart. The King and the Queen personally invited to dine with them, but Alessandra was not with them that time.
“Your Highness, where’s Alessandra?” Sheena asked.
“Worry not my dear, she may be delayed, but she will come in time. “ the Queen assured her. They continued their meal and after that, the trio bade their goodbye to the Royal couple, and still Alessandra was not with them.
“We shall leave now your Highness…thank you for all that you’ve done for us…” Cross said, and the two children with him bowed to the two. The King gave them his blessing and supplies for their journey . The Queen gave them her personal compass and map of the country. She also gave Sheena and Daniel her blessings and a specially-crafted sword for Cross.
“May the Almighty bless your travels Cross Nightfire, and your party are always welcomed to return here anytime you need it...” the Queen said.
“It’s our honor your Highness...” Cross replied, along with the two and after they left the place escorted by guards towards the gate of the city.
The couple returned inside, and Alessandra was there, standing near the columns.
“My child, why didn’t you join us earlier? They left without you at our presence…”  The Queen asked. Alessandra then ran to the Queen’s arms as she started to cry.
“It was embarrassing…I’m wrong to judge them as people who only think of money…they really had dignity…and that cannot be bought by gold or any amount of money…” she said sniffling. The King and Queen understood her feelings of being left alone, and to be burdened by the responsibility of being the sucessor of their crown.
“My dear daughter, you still have the chance to catch them. They must be arriving by now by the gates of the city. I know you can do it...” the Queen said.
“B-but mother...what about the succession? I-I thought...” she stammered but the King patted her hair.
“Go on and follow your heart my child. The throne will always be here to wait for you. Good friends are not easy to find. We will always wish for what is good for you.”
Hearing that, Alessandra hugged her parents and immediately sent out a servant to catch up with Cross’ group, and with a formal ceremony she was accepted as part of Cross’ group and together with Alfredo they look towards the future together. Her parents gave their blessings to her and they both wished that she would have learn a lot in life so she will rule the kingdom in the future in proper way.