'He's just like you!' the queen said, smiling.
'Indeed!' the king said. 'You know, son, when I was about your age, I always wished and even did adventure like no one else would have thought. It was always my dream to go to every place on the earth. I see that at least some of my traits have passed on to you!'
Edward smiled.
'You'll enjoy this time of yours, and be sure that you do; because never again will it return. Learn from people, about people and foremost, learn to understand them, for this is the crux of being a good ruler, which I'm quite sure you will be'
He nodded.
'Sure, you can go, but let me hand over something that I never told you about first' he said. 'Chancellor! Bring it here!'
The chancellor, an old affable looking man, smiled at the king and went inside. They didn't speak for a few minutes, while Mel fidgeted with her hair. Stella didn't seem inpatient, but calm and innocent as always. When he returned, the chancellor was carrying a long sheath, that looked like a sword.
'Here!' the king said, drawing it out. The sword was unlike anything else she had seen. It was simply beautiful, though with no rational reason why it would seem so. 'This is the Excalibur, the lord of all swords, often thought to exist only in stories. This is no mere sword, for you can change it according to what you are. Only he, who is pure, can use it to the fullest of its power. Gemstones have a great effect on its abilities, but I'll leave the rest for you to find'
Edward took the sword, his eyes gleaming. Grinning, he put it in his own scabbard, handing the old iron sword to the chancellor.
'Thank you, father!' he said. The king chuckled again and gave him a pat.
'Make me proud, son!' he said, smiling. 'And don't lose it!'
'I won't' Edward said, grinning.
'Edward!' the queen said suddenly. 'Do something for me too'
'Yes?' he said, as she froze for a moment looking at Mel and Stella. She turned back to him.
'Find yourself a wife' she said, smiling, though sounding rather strict.
'Yes, mother' he said, slightly turning red.
They bowed and left, with Edward keeping a slight bit of distance from them. Mel felt glad: at least Stella was on her other side!
