Chapter 13: Chapter 13 {Little Prince}
Aika's children, oblivious to the strange occurrence, continued to browse the shelves, picking out books that caught their attention. Aika smiled at them, her eyes still aglow with the ancient runes. The shopkeeper, however, couldn't tear his gaze away from her. He had seen many strange things in his years as a collector of rare and ancient tomes, but this was something entirely new.
The shopkeeper's eyes were fixed on Aika's eyes, mesmerized by the ancient runes that danced within them. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized the significance of what he was seeing. The runes were said to hold the power of the ancient gods, and to see them alive and active in someone's eyes was a truly rare and awe-inspiring sight.
Despite the shopkeeper's fascination, Aika remained unaware of the commotion she was causing. She continued to browse the shelves, her children by her side, completely absorbed in her own little world. The shopkeeper, however, couldn't help but wonder what other secrets she might be hiding.
"Miss please take them for free," the shopkeeper said this woman is something else.
"Grandpa shopkeeper thank you!" Penelope said as she held her book with a goofy smile,
"Yeah thank you Grandpa Shopkeeper!" Kingston with a brightly smile. Ayla looked at the shopkeeper and she gently smiled.
"Thanks."
Aika smiled and nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you, kind sir. Your generosity is much appreciated." She gathered her children and began to leave the shop, but not before the shopkeeper called out,
"Wait, miss! Please, take this too." He handed her a small, intricately carved box.
"It's a gift. For you and your children." Aika's eyes widened in surprise, but she accepted the box with a gracious smile.
As they left the shop, Aika's children chattered excitedly about their new books and the shopkeeper's kindness. Aika smiled and listened, feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude towards the shopkeeper. She glanced down at the box in her hand, wondering what could be inside.
Aika's curiosity got the better of her, and she carefully opened the box as they walked down the street. Inside, she found a small, delicate crystal pendant on a silver chain, surrounded by a note that read:
"For the one with the starlight in her eyes". Aika's heart skipped a beat as she read the note, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
She looked up to see her children watching her with interest, and she smiled, trying to brush off the feeling of unease.
"It's a beautiful necklace," she said, holding it up for them to see.
"Let's get home and I'll put it away safely." But as she tucked the pendant into her pocket, she couldn't shake the feeling that the shopkeeper had seen something in her that she didn't even see in herself.
Aika smiled and took the map from Kingston, studying it briefly before nodding.
"Alright, let's go. I think I see a nice spot near the lake that we can have a picnic." She tucked the map into her pocket and led the way, her children following closely behind.
As they walked, Aika noticed the curious glances from passersby, but she ignored them, used to the attention. Her children, too, seemed oblivious to the stares, chatting excitedly about their plans for the day. Aika smiled, feeling grateful for the normalcy of their outing, despite the whispers and speculation that followed them.
The four of them made their way to the park, their face masks a subtle reminder of the world's caution, but Aika's children didn't seem to mind. They ran ahead, laughing and playing, as Aika followed, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of caution and enjoyment. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the scene, and for a moment, Aika felt a sense of peace, a sense of normalcy that she rarely experienced.
Aika has been sleeping she slowly opened her eyes she notice a cutie boy his eyes were just like her kids Aika rubbed her beautiful eyes and smiled.
"My cutie pie Kingston," Aika said gently not knowing this boy wasn't her son.
The boy's eyes sparkled as he smiled, but Aika's gaze faltered for a moment as she took in his features. Something was off, but she couldn't quite place it.
"Kingston, why are you...?" she trailed off, her voice gentle, but her confusion growing.
*Aika's eyes searched the boy's face, a mix of confusion and curiosity etched on her features. She reached out a hand, her fingers brushing against the boy's cheek, and he felt a jolt of surprise at the gentle touch.
"Kingston, sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.
The boy's heart skipped a beat as he gazed up at Aika, feeling a sense of longing wash over him. No one had ever looked at him with such kindness, such warmth. He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice, but all that came out was a faint whisper.
"M-mama..."
"Yes baby? My cutie pie it's okay want to read the book I bought you?" Aika asked the boy who she thought it was her son.
The boy's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. No one had ever called him "baby" or "cutie pie" before. He felt a lump form in his throat as he gazed up at Aika, his eyes welling up with tears. He nodded slowly, still trying to process the warmth and kindness that radiated from her.
Aika smiled and reached for the book, her hands brushing against the boy's as she pulled him close. The boy felt a jolt of electricity at the touch, and he couldn't help but lean into her, feeling a sense of comfort and security that he had never known before.
As Aika began to read the book, the boy listened intently, his eyes fixed on her face, drinking in the sound of her voice and the warmth of her presence. He felt like he was home, like he had finally found a place where he belonged. And for the first time in his life, he felt like he was loved.
Amun's eyes shone with wonder as he gazed up at Aika, his heart filled with a sense of longing. He had never felt this kind of warmth before, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like to have a mother's love. The Crown Prince's son had never known his mother, and his father's cold demeanor had always left him feeling isolated. But Aika's gentle touch and soothing voice made him feel seen, heard, and loved.
As Aika continued to read, Amun's eyes never left her face, drinking in the warmth and kindness that radiated from her. He felt a sense of safety and security that he had never known before, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like to have a mother. He had heard stories of mothers who loved and cared for their children, but he had never experienced it himself.
Amun's thoughts were interrupted by Aika's gentle laughter, and he looked up to see her smiling at him. He smiled back, feeling a sense of joy that he had never felt before. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was home, like he had found a place where he belonged.
As the story came to an end, Amun felt a pang of disappointment, not wanting the moment to end. But Aika simply smiled and pulled him into a warm hug, holding him close. Amun felt his heart swell with emotion, and he knew that he would never forget this moment, this feeling of being loved and cared for.
"My sweet son you are always so bubbly not cold smile more," Aika said gently.
Amun's eyes sparkled as he smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart. He couldn't help but giggle at Aika's gentle words, and for a moment, he forgot about his cold and distant life as the Crown Prince's son. He felt like a normal child, loved and cherished, and it was a feeling he never wanted to let go of.
At the Royal Luna Skyline Estate. Servants were shivering a man with piercing cold blue eyes stared at the servants for a long time as he tapped his fingers.
"Are you telling me you lost my son? My heir!" The man boomed out.