“Master! Master Bradon!”
We both turned around at the sa ti to see Jenna sprinting towards us. If I had to describe the look on her face, then I would say that it looked like she had just co face to face with a ghost.
“What is it?” I called out to her to save her the effort of running all the way.
“The king!” She yelled before she stopped and panted.
I could tell right away what sort of news she was about to deliver about the king and Dahlia’s reaction told that she also knew.
“What about the king?” I asked Jenna while at the sa ti I managed to pull a very shocked Dahlia up to her feet.
“The palace had just announced the King’s passing on television. It is all over the news,” Jenna said in a shaky voice and I could tell that she was utterly upset and on the verge of tears.
“The king is dead...” Dahlia mumbled in the breathless whisper.
She was indeed very correct, the king is dead.
...
**Dahlia’s point of view**
The king is dead.
Ironically, the king died right on my birthday. The mont that I had been waiting for had finally arrived. Despite seeing this coming, I still felt quite shocked at the arrival of the news. It felt like the entire atmosphere and mood had shifted at the sorrowful news that without a doubt shook the entire country. Bradon and I quickly made our way into the mansion where many people were already gathered. I could hear fragnts of the news of the king’s passing being reported by the official spokesperson of the palace.
I was too shocked to say a word as I paid attention to the slightly vague announcent of the king’s death that clearly avoided any detail surrounding his passing. Desmond had not made any contact with , and that probably ant that he was too busy dealing with the situation. I took that as so good news because it ant that there wasn’t anything that I needed to do imdiately to assist him. Bradon stood wordlessly by my side as we both stared at the large television screen where the reporter was now outlining the rough days and schedule to be expected of the upcoming funeral ceremony for the king. Even the atmosphere and the mansion was filled with sorrow, and I could feel everyone’s downcasted spirit at this sudden news. Such was the proof of loyalty that the people of this country held for the king, and the mbers of Bradon’s staff were no exception.
“We’ll have to attend the funeral together,” Bradon said from behind .
I nodded my head in agreent when I realized that he was referring to our role as Anthony and Diana. Our families would be expected to attend the funeral, and that ant that we had to go together as a couple as well.
Needless to say, I didn’t look forward to attending the funeral and it wasn’t because I had to go as my sister or because I had to be there with Brandon, but because many people were going to be there, and keeping up appearances was going to be more important than anything. The sudden switch in gear affected my emotions and I suddenly felt very tired. Although I was still supposed to be angry at Bradon and what he had just done, I felt my anger dissipating at a very fast pace and perhaps it was because of the shock associated with the passing of the king. I let out a silent sigh as I decided to let the matter with Bradon slide because there were clearly more important things that needed to be handled.
“You look tired, why don’t you take a seat?” Braden suggested as I felt his hand on my wrist.
I was too tired to argue so I just nodded and let him lead to one of the chairs at the long dining table.
“Don’t look so sad, the king may have just passed away but it is still your birthday today,” he reminded in a soothing voice.
When I glanced up to look at him, I found him smiling down at and it felt like the clouds had parted and now rays of sunshine were pouring in. For a brief mont, I felt stunned and speechless. Suddenly the light in the room dimd and I realized that the maids had drawn the curtains closed and switched off almost all the lights in the room. Just when I looked around and was about to ask Bradon about what was going on, I heard the door open and my attention was directed to the glowing warm orange light that entered the room.
“Happy birthday, Dahlia,” Brandon whispered into my ear as he leaned down to position his face close to mine.
I was so stunned for a mont that I forgot to breathe as I watched a group of people approaching us.
“Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you...”
When everyone in the room started singing ‘Happy Birthday’, it finally sunk in that despite what was going on in the outside world, Bradon’s plan to celebrate my birthday was apparently still on. Even though it was hard to believe that he had gathered so many people to celebrate my birthday, as the cake ca closer and everyone continued singing, it all started to feel very real. I hadn’t counted on anyone celebrating my birthday, so it was really surprising for .
“Make a wish,” Bradon whispered close by my side when the ‘Happy Birthday’ song died down.
I stared at the large cake with multiple lit candles that was now almost right in front of my face while I felt everyone’s anticipation as they waited for to blow out the candles. I turned to face Bradon but I didn’t quite know what to say to him. The feelings that struggled to take dominance inside of my chest made feel so confused inside.
“But the king just...” I murmured.
The king had just died...
“The king’s death can’t possibly be more important than my wife’s birthday,” Bradon said with a mischievous smirk.
I stared speechless at his face as he began smiling at .
–To be continued...
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