HIS Queen, HER Billionaire

FATHER AND SON DAY

CHAPTER 5

Mid-afternoon, Weston Estate...

“It’s been years since I’ve ridden a horse” Alik grimaced as soon as he hopped into the saddle and grabbed the reins. He lost his balance at first and almost fell to the ground. But when he regained his composure, he began trotting the length of the fenced stable to complete three rounds around. He rode slowly at first and then increasing the speed as he reacquainted himself onto riding a horse. 

He used to play polo during his younger years. However, due to his busy business schedule, he had not been able to do so. The experience of doing it once again gave him a sense of excitement and freedom —the freedom to do what he loves best among all the sports he knew. 

He struggled versus gravity five feet above the ground. The joy and satisfaction in attaining balance and control while exerting exhilarating physical power were evident in his face when he joined the staff waiting for him near the stables. 

Jack and Alfred saw his hardship initially, but when they saw him settle a few minutes later, they were amazed by the charismatic and elegant man on top of his horse. As he sat on the saddle, his magnificent posture, his swift control of the horse, and his graceful movements while straddling were very notable. Nobody would assume that Alik had not been horseback riding for so many years. His prowess in horse riding was evident. 

“Sir, would you like me to ask someone to assist the Prince?” Alfred asked. A horse trainer was on standby to assist Elik.

“It’s all right, Alfred. I can manage. Hand over my son, please.” Alik responded in between shallow breaths. He knew he would need more riding time to tone his body to the strenuous activity. He was happy that he acquired the estate, including the vineyard, the stable, and small castle, for only a few million. It was an excellent investment, and he was glad Luke pushed it to him.

Frank scooped Elik in his arms, and he placed him in a small saddle in front of Alik. 

Elik tittered while curiously touching the horse’s hair. It was Elik’s first time riding a horse. 

The poor boy was confined in the Palace since his birth, and it was only later when the elders recognized his identity that people knew the Queen and the Grand Duke had a son. They thought the Queen had no romantic involvement. The people were surprised at first, but they understood that some rulings were posted as hindrances for the two nobles to be together when they found out the truth.

What the people thought about it was almost near the truth. Three years ago, Elisha hid the identity of the father of her unborn child from the elders and the council because of the protocol that the Queen should only marry a full-blooded Giorginian or a nobleman from Giorginia. It was only the Queen and Phoebe who knew the truth. It resulted in the elders not recognizing Elik as a prince and the Queen’s heir. However, the truth was revealed when they announced Alik and Elisha’s relationship. Their almost-three-year-old son was then accepted as Elisha’s successor. 

“Are you ready, son?” Alik asked the excited Elik.

“Aye, Daddy.” (Yes, Daddy) said the beaming Elik, settling himself in between the arms of his father.

“Tsk” Alik clicked his tongue and trotted at a slow and steady pace. He wouldn't want to frighten Elik on his first horse ride.

Both wearing a blue and black equestrian outfit, helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots, the father and son slowly moved towards their intended destination —by the river. They were escorted by six members of Duke's guard, all riding in their respective horses. 

They passed through several valleys and the vineyard until they reached the river still under the Weston Estate. It took them almost an hour riding the horse before they reached their destination. 

When they arrived, Alik let Elik rest while eating his favorite biscuit, scones, and milk. At the same time, Alik surveyed the property on foot. The river’s clear water came from the waterfalls adjacent to a forest atop the hills. It was not a big nor tall water formation but still a lovely sight. “Elisha will definitely like this.” He murmured under his breath.

Several workers in the estate approached them. Alik was aware that the estate had 50 families working for his family. It was a vast property; more than 100 men and women worked there to maintain the property. 

“His grace. It’s good to see you.” The workers chorused to greet him while they bowed their bodies 90 degrees. It was a healthy community. The workers seemed to be well provided for. The transition from the previous owner to the new one was not a problem for the workers.

Although Alik was used to having staff under his companies, his team functioned in a professional-business-manner with very little room for elaborate graciousness, decorum, and ceremonial reverence. Not that it wasn’t right, nor did it bother him. It was just something he wasn’t accustomed to. However, due to his position in the Kingdom, he had to adhere to such.

After the inspection, they went back to Elik and saw him busy running to catch a dragonfly. “Oh boy! He’d be knocked out by the time we return to the palace.” He murmured while looking at him dotingly.

Alik was grateful that he discovered Elisha’s status and followed her in the Kingdom. Otherwise, the elders would still deprive his son of his freedom. He couldn’t blame Elisha for the decisions she made. He was sure she fought for Elik in her own way. However, Elisha was too young and inexperienced. The obligation to handle the issues of the palace on her own was too grand for her. She had been alone in her early battles, but Alik would make sure she would never be alone again. He would serve as her strength --the solid wall behind her. 

“Son, it’s time to go back and see Mommy,” he said while messing up the hair of Elik. He was growing up looking so much like him, although his eyes were like Elisha's. The similarity between Elik and Alik was so profound. No one could say they were anything but father and son. Alik bent his knees to see his son eye to eye. In Elik’s crystal blue eyes, he could see the reflection of his face right through it. He was looking at his son with so much pride and affection.

“Mommy, mommy. I want to see Mommy!” Elik beamed at him, grinning from ear to ear. Elik circled his arms on his neck and hugged his father tightly. 

Alik enveloped him in his arms and stood up, then remarked, “We both want to see Mommy, son. Let’s head back to her arms.” Alik murmured, and he carried him to the horse as they headed back to the castle.

Before the sun had set, they were already inside the palace. When Elik saw Elisha in their royal quarters, he wiggled himself from Alik's arms and ran towards his mother. 

“Mommy!” Elik screamed excitedly.

As soon as he reached her side, Elisha sniffed and kissed her son. “Hmm. Miss, you son! Did you go horseback riding with Daddy?”

“Aye! Big, big horse.” He tittered and extended his hand, forming a big arch to motion to Elisha how big the horse was. She giggled, knowing how good his son's day had been. It was time well spent with his dad.

“I know how much you enjoyed your ride. That’s why you smell like a horse too.” She punched his nose. Elik giggled. And then she said, “Off with your nanny now and have your bath. We will have our dinner soon.” Elisha kissed him and then signaled his nanny on what to do. 

She stood up when Elik walked away from her, and she greeted Alik.

“Hmm. The good day ended with the smell of the horse sticking on both of you.” She teased him. 

“Hmm...Is that an invitation to shower together?” he chuckled. “I won’t mind.” He teased back.

“Ohh?!” She fluttered her eyelashes and smiled at him invitingly, and said, “I’d like that!” She stroked Alik’s hair on the back of his head. 

Alik smirked and bent down to carry his wife. 

He scooped her in his arms and carried her to the washroom. They left pieces of their clothing on the floor in a hurried fashion. They reached the shower room with nothing but themselves to cover each other.  Their feisty and burning gaze locked as their beautiful eyes, even more attractive as passion, took over and brought them to the vortex of their desire. 

The honeymoon was far from over for the sensual couple. How could it be over when each time their eyes locked, excitement crawled from their core and spread like wildfire to the rest of their bodies? Elisha would always giggle each time Alik would whisper to her that her gaze was enough to set him on fire. Both of them were very open in expressing desires and pleasures.

That night, dinner was served in their room and Elik's room instead of at the formal dining table. The staff was giggling secretly at their Duke and Queen. They were deeply moved by the harmonious relationship and highly affectionate and unrestricted display of emotion of the couple.

The occasional and unplanned display of affection of the Queen and the Duke was a breath of fresh air to the ladies in the Kingdom. Just a short or brief glance from the Duke, the Queen was already blushing, and a contagious beautiful smile would follow. Their glances speak of something only the two of them understood and left everyone speculating. Such a kind of relationship was a privilege not everyone was successful in having.

Most of the men in the kingdom were not as demonstrative and loyal as the Duke. Most of them were stiff and reserved with their wives. 

The single ladies and wives were in awe, admiring Alik even more. On the other hand, the gentlemen were left listless, doubtful, and jealous of all the compliments and admiration he was getting.

Alik's presence in the kingdom was causing a stir without his knowledge. 

He would play his cards against the masculine community ruled by an inexperienced Queen to determine the extent of the support and respect he would get from the community in the future. 

Was it the kind of game he knew so well, or would he be introduced to an entirely new game he knew nothing about?