#122
As he spoke, his voice gradually became calmer. Enrique logically persuaded himself and accepted that persuasion. Certainly, this was the right thing to do rationally. One can’t have everything in life. Enrique had gained Anture, whom he never expected to have. That alone was more than enough. He shouldn’t be greedy for more.
“Alright. If that’s what you think, it’s fine. Anyway, since Ruben and our country share a border and have become strong allies, we might see Ruslan more often than we expect.”
Anture said kindly, wrapping his arm around Enrique’s shoulders. Enrique nodded, resting his head on Anture’s broad shoulder.
His feelings weren’t completely settled, but he had regained some composure. Enrique and Anture began to enjoy their journey together. When they felt cramped in the carriage, they would ride side by side on horseback, and at night when they stayed at inns, they naturally shared a bedroom.
Although Enrique thought Anture would want to, he only held Enrique while sleeping, not going any further. Even when Enrique subtly caressed him, Anture would just pat his back soothingly. It was unclear whether he had heard something from the doctor or if he just thought his body hadn’t recovered enough for intimacy yet.
After this harmonious journey, they entered the imperial capital of Ruben. Enrique took in every detail of the prosperous imperial capital visible through the window. While Shamier was also a wealthy country with a bustling capital, it was no match for the empire.
“What do you think? Do you like it?” Anture asked.
Hmph.
Enrique snorted. But inwardly, he was quite impressed. He even felt a bit jealous. Of course, Enrique didn’t stop at that emotion. He made a firm resolution to make Shamier a country no less great than Ruben.
Finally, as they arrived at the imperial palace and got out of the carriage, they saw people waiting for them. Among them, Ruslan in the arms of his wet nurse immediately caught their eye.
“Ruslan!”
Enrique approached with large strides and took Ruslan from the wet nurse’s arms. In the meantime, Ruslan had become even fairer and chubbier. His golden eyes stared up at Enrique. Enrique smiled with his eyes and showered kisses on the baby’s cheeks.
“Did you do well, Ruslan? I missed you.”
Enrique whispered, continuously kissing Ruslan. As if understanding those words, Ruslan smiled broadly. Enrique’s heart melted. At the same time, he felt both affectionate and pained.
Fortunately, the Ruben people didn’t try to stop Enrique or take Ruslan back. Whether it was because Anture was standing firmly behind them, or because they had received some instruction from the emperor, was unclear.
Enrique and Anture, with Ruslan in arms, headed to their assigned quarters. Enrique didn’t let go of Ruslan for even a moment. They would only be able to spend a few days together. He didn’t want to be apart for even a fleeting moment.
“I feel so sorry for Ruslan about so many things,” Enrique suddenly said when the three of them were alone in their space.
“Bayan will grow up in our arms, receiving our love, but this child will grow up lonely in this huge imperial palace, surrounded by wet nurses and servants.”
“That’s how most nobles, royals, and imperial family members grow up, isn’t it?” Anture said soothingly. For Enrique, who had grown up receiving abundant love from his father, this was incomprehensible. When Enrique glared at him slightly, Anture quickly changed his words.
“When Ruslan grows a little older, let’s write letters to him every day. Why don’t we have a large portrait of us painted and hung in Ruslan’s room?”
Enrique nodded at Anture’s suggestion, dropping his glare. Although they had to send him away, if the child knew that they never forgot him and always missed him, he might feel less lonely.
“Find me a painter. I want to have a picture of the three of us together painted. I think it would be good to hang it in Ruslan’s room.”
“Alright. I’ll immediately find a painter to create a portrait of the three of us together. Ruslan will like it too.”
Anture nodded and immediately sent a servant to call for a painter to create the portrait.
As they only had a few days to stay in Ruben, everything progressed very quickly.
On the first night, the two of them slept with Ruslan between them. The next day, they immediately began sitting for the portrait. The imperial court painter was experienced. He had already conceived the composition, background, and attire for the portrait of the three.
Enrique, Anture, and Ruslan, dressed in clothes befitting their status, took their places on the long couch prepared by the painter. Enrique held Ruslan, while Anture had his arm around Enrique’s shoulders – an overly affectionate pose uncharacteristic of royal or imperial families. But for a painting meant to show Ruslan the presence and love of his parents, this was perfect.
The work continued for nearly three days. As with most portrait sittings, the job was to sit still. Although Ruslan needed to be fed and have his diaper changed regularly, he didn’t cry or fuss, seemingly not bored with being held still. This allowed the work to progress relatively quickly.
When the basic framework of the portrait was set, Ruslan’s investiture day finally arrived.
The two of them, dressed early in the morning, watched as Ruslan was prepared. As he was still such a small baby, it was unreasonable to make him wear a formal uniform. Instead, he was dressed in baby clothes made of luxurious fabric and wrapped in a blanket embroidered with the Ruben imperial crest.
When the preparations were complete, Enrique and Anture headed to the venue for the investiture ceremony. The place was filled with members of the Ruben imperial family and nobles. Enrique could sense the complex gazes of the Ruben people on Anture. There was regret, pity, and even a bit of sympathy mixed in. But Anture seemed not to notice these gazes, focused only on escorting Enrique by his side.
The Emperor of Ruben appeared.
Seated on the imperial throne, the Emperor of Ruben was still very young and vigorous, just as Anture had said. It certainly seemed it would take at least a few decades before the emperor passed away and the crown prince ascended to the throne. It was reassuring to see that he looked strong enough to firmly hold the emperor’s position until Ruslan grew old enough to wear the imperial crown.
“His Highness, Prince Ruslan!”
Finally, a loud voice rang out at the entrance. Soon after, the tightly closed doors opened on both sides. Ruslan, in the arms of his wet nurse, began to move towards the imperial throne. All those gathered couldn’t help but marvel at Ruslan’s face and golden eyes. Enrique could sense the hope, exhilaration, and joy filling the eyes of the Ruben people. He felt inexplicably proud.
“Our child will become emperor one day, Anture,” Enrique whispered softly to Anture, tightly grasping his hand. Anture nodded with a smile in his eyes. Enrique asked him one last time.
“Do you have any regrets?”
In response to Enrique’s question, Anture leaned in and whispered in his ear.
“My only place to return will always be by your side.”
Enrique smiled happily at the sweet whisper.
Hand in hand, the two of them took in every moment of Ruslan being invested as the crown prince, not missing a single detail. Although he was still just a young baby, they believed that Ruslan would grow up to be an excellent crown prince, fully capable of handling that position.
‘Yes, live a shining life there, little one. We will always be watching over you.’
Enrique whispered in his heart to Ruslan. And he imagined the infinite glory and bright future that lay ahead for the child. His heart swelled with the fact that this child was born between Anture and himself.
“Thank you, Anture,” Enrique whispered, tightly grasping Anture’s hand. Anture gave him a gentle look.
“Thank you for choosing me, for staying by my side.”
Enrique whispered again. Although they had to live apart from Ruslan, the fact that at least Anture had returned to his side, that he had chosen him over all that glory, was overwhelmingly grateful. He couldn’t help but be moved by Anture’s great love.
“I told you, Enrique. That I would always return to your side. That I leave only to be able to stay fully by your side.”
Anture said with a smile. Enrique nodded.
The crown prince’s crown was placed on Ruslan’s silver hair.
People burst into cheers and applause all at once. Enrique and Anture, leaning against each other, quietly celebrated their son’s glorious moment.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
