Ch. 3

Lesson and Explanation

Kai lays Yukito in a bed, pulling the covers over him before looking over at a maid holding a water basin. "Please take care of him."

"Of course, Your Highness," the maid bows as she sets the basin down on a small table. Wringing out the soaking wet rag before placing it on Yukito's forehead.

"Thank you," Kai smiles before leaving the room, heading to the dining hall for dinner. Entering the dining hall to find his brothers, sister, father and the commoner family at the table waiting on him.

"Sorry to make you wait," Kai says, taking a seat next to Leonhard.

"Don't worry about it. How's Yukito?" Viktor asks.

"He's resting. One of the maids is taking care of him," Kai informs as their food comes.

"That's good," Viktor sighs with relief. "So, the boy's name is Helia and the girl's Kaylee?"

"That's what Yuki told us before passing out in the carriage," Licht tells him.

"He said he'd explain what happened later," Bruno says, still holding the crying boy.

"Allow me, Your Highness," Cathrine smiles, handing baby Kaylee to Leonhard who gladly took her in his arms.

"Am I holding her correctly?" Leonhard asks.

"Yes, Your Highness. You're holding her correctly," Cathrine smiles, going over to Bruno who carefully gave her baby Helia. She goes back to her seat, pulls a blanket over her let side and feeds the baby.

They talk while they eat. Learning a bit about the commoner family they invited into the palace.

"I hope you'll be able to rest with the babies, Miss Cathrine," Viktor says kindly.

"It's no trouble, Your Majesty. It may not look like it, but Marc and I have three adult children. They're triplets," Cathrine informs them with a smile.

"You look good for having triplets that are now adults," Licht smiles.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Cathrine smiles back.

A few days went by as Yukito's fever finally broke. He listens to Cathrine's parenting lesson and how to care for twins in his chambers.

"Though I'd say parenting comes naturally to you," Cathrine smiles, watching him changing the baby girl.

"Hm? Think so?" Yukito asks, carefully picking the baby up.

"I can tell just by observing you with them," Cathrine smiles. "You know when they're hungry and when they need to be changed. Also, how to hold newborns."

"Mothers are always right, I guess," Yukito shrugs lightly, getting out of his bed as he carefully takes the baby boy in his other arm. Both fast asleep as he walks towards the door. "Thank you for taking care of them, Miss Cathrine."

"You're welcome, my prince," Cathrine says still smiling.

"I'm not of royal blood," Yukito tells her.

"It doesn't matter if you're born royalty or not. It's the people around you that care about you and sees the person in you that you don't see."

"Honestly, I don't get it, but I will think on that. Uh… Miss Cathrine… would you mind opening the door, please?"

"Of course," Cathrine nods, going over and opening the door for him.

"Thank you." They head down the hall towards the dining hall. The doors wide open as they go in where everyone else waited.

"Yukito. I'm glad you're finally home," Viktor says happily.

"Glad to be home… father," Yukito smiles, carefully placing the babies in a crib together. Sitting down next to Leonhard and Kai. "Where should I begin with the explanation?"

"The beginning would do. Or whatever you remember," Viktor tells him softly.

"Okay," Yukito takes a deep breath before speaking again. "You heard about the princess from the neighboring kingdom, right?"

"Hm? Yeah. She got kidnapped the same day as you, right?" Leonhard asks, eating a salad.

"Yeah. They were after you, Leonhard. For their experiment," Yukito tells him. "Though they didn't start until last year actually. They gave the princess and me a choice. Either I force myself on her or she forces herself on me or die painfully."

"Oh my," Heine silently gasps.

"Princess Hannah didn't want to do either option. Neither did I for that matter. We tried to figure out a way to escape, but the only option for that would be to get her pregnant first," Yukito continues, taking a bite of steak. "So, we did that until she got pregnant. The Bulsack ruler told us his experimental plan five months later. He was going to experiment with chemicals on the newborn or newborns. We couldn't let that happen. On the day, Helia and Kaylee were born… the ninth of June… Princess Hannah got really sick. So sick she was practically dying. I was able to escape with the babies, also carrying her. Once the Bulsack guys found out we were gone, they sent soldiers after us. Hannah couldn't produce milk for them so they went hungry til recently." He stops for a while to get a drink of water.

"So… that's what…" Leonhard shivers.

"Originally they wanted pure royal blood on both sides. But when I butted in and saved you, Leonhard… they figured I'd do just fine. So, that's what they did," Yukito informs them.

"What happened to Princess Hannah?" Kai asks.

"I was able to get her home, but she died shortly after saying, 'I'm home' to her father," Yukito bites his lower lip. "Her father asked for details, so I told him the story. Also asking the names of the babies. When I was born my real-father wanted to name me Helia, but he went with the name mom picked out. Yukito. My mom also wanted a daughter named Kaylee. Ran those names by Hannah and she said, 'those are sweet names. I like them'. So, that's how they got their names. Hannah's father thanked me for bringing her home and asked that I do my best in raising Helia and Kaylee. Also, to visit when I can. They are his grandchildren, too," Yukito tells them.

"Of course," Viktor agrees with a nod.

Sounds like a horrific ordeal. I'm amazed Prince Yukito is able to continue on like this without a mental breakdown Heine thinks to himself. Even so, he is a devoted father already.

"Oh! That's right! I nearly forgot," Yukito says, his head popping up. "King Sanojin. Hannah's father also asked me to send a messenger saying I made it home alright with the kids."

They finish eating as the servants clean up the table. Viktor writes the message himself before giving it to his most trusted messenger. The messenger walks off towards King Sanojin's land.

They stand up from their seats as baby Helia starts crying. Yukito goes straight to the crib. "Helia," he says softly, gently taking him in his arms. Softly bouncing him as he calms down.

"Impressive, My Prince," Heine says coming over.

"Guess it's in my blood. My mom raised me on her own since my father died," Yukito smiles. "You're Professor Heine, right?"

"That's correct," Heine replies kindly. "Everything I have observed thus far, Prince Yukito. Brings me to the conclusion that you are more than worthy of the royal title. Even after your ordeal."

"Hm?!" Yukito blushes deeply.

"I agree," Bruno smiles.

"Yup," smiles Licht.

"I'm overjoyed that our brother has finally come home," Leonhard smiles as well.

"I know this may be overwhelming, but I'd like you to study with the others under Professor Heine," Viktor informs him.

"Hm? Uh… well," Yukito sighs. "I'm actually tired of saying that I'm not royalty. Alright. I'll study with my brothers under Professor Heine."

"Yippy!" Licht rejoices.

"As of now, Your Highness. Your children are more important," Heine tells him.

"True. How long are the lessons?" Yukito asks.

"That all depends on you," Heine replies with a smile.

"I can take care of your babies while you're at your lessons, my prince," Cathrine smiles.

"Alright. Thank you," Yukito smiles back.

...

This is the end of the story. I hope you liked it ^_^