Raised From The Wild-Chapter 400: Amaya’s Father

On the anniversary of Ibrahim’s passing, the royal family paid a solemn visit to the King’s Valley, a sacred resting place for Lireya’s past kings and their descendants.

Ibrahim’s crypt was a serene sanctuary surrounded by a sea of white gardenias. The intoxicating fragrance of the flowers permeated the underground mausoleum, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that calmed the soul.

A new portrait of Ibrahim was hung on the wall behind the crypt beside the original portrait that Amaya had painted a mural before.

Two torches with flickering light cast a golden hue on the two portraits, giving them a mysterious vibe. The torches emitted artificial light and were powered by a micro nuclear reactor produced by Marx Skylar’s tech company, which he set up in Lireya.

Amaya’s initial depiction of her father portrayed him as a rugged man. However, her most recent painting portrayed him as a regal prince, standing tall and adorned in luxurious princely attire reminiscent of the garments her Daddy Ibarra wore during banquets.

His outfit was adorned with the rich, deep royal blue hue of Lireya, and intricate golden patterns adorned the edges, adding an air of regal elegance. Around his waist, a sash embellished with intricate golden embroidery added a touch of opulence to the ensemble.

On his head was a golden crown similar to what she had gifted her Daddy Ibarra on his 45th birthday. His hair was slightly tousled but shining, and the length still reached his shoulder. His facial expression wore a slight smile that radiated warmth. His gaze was gentle, and his intelligent eyes bore confidence and wisdom beyond his years.

His right hand rested confidently on the hilt of a golden sword encrusted with jewels, sheathed in a scabbard. His left hand held a golden spear similar to the spear in the sculpture at the palace’s entrance.

"Aya, I had no idea you created another painting of your father. It’s a shame to keep it hidden here. We should display this on the gallery wall," Queen Lucinda said softly, her eyes affectionately fixed on the portrait of the man.

"Don’t worry, Grandma, I painted another one for the gallery."

The queen nodded in satisfaction.

Princess Amaya glanced around; only the Royal family and their most trusted guards were at the mausoleum. Then, her gaze locked with that of Leon.

Amaya gasped. She did not expect to see Leon alongside Vasquez. She thought that he was still in Uropa. A sense of warmth surged within Amaya’s heart. She did not understand why she felt happy seeing Leon. It reminded her of Marx, who was by her side more than two years ago during her father’s internment.

Amaro whispered something to his elder brother Sapiro as the priest officiated the ceremony to honor Ibrahim.

"Brother, it’s been over two years, and we still haven’t figured out how much treasure our niece brought back from that island. Have you given up on trying to find it?"

Sapiro turned his head to his brother and smirked. "I had stopped coveting what isn’t mine. Amaya is not naive." He threw Amaya a contemplative look. "Actually, she is very cunning."

"She is only cunning because that Skylar brat is always by her side. But didn’t he disappear two years ago? If only I were here and not sent by my father to oversee the South, I would have already amassed her hidden wealth."

Sapiro chuckled. The priest who was officiating the ceremony glanced at him. Sapiro lowered his head as a gesture of apology.

"Be happy with what you have, brother. Except for the throne, I just realized that Father is actually very fair," he whispered.

"So you have given up on your dream? You were adamant before that the throne is your birthright." Amaro said in a low voice.

"I am wrong. It is not mine as my mother is not the queen."

Amaro sneered. "So, it is your cowardice at play. What a pity. I had looked upon you as my model."

"Brother, I told you, do not long for things that are not yours. Do not be too greedy, lest you will fall prey to unscrupulous people. Be grateful because of our family."

"What happened to you, Brother? I can’t believe that it is you talking."

"Well, I almost lost everything because I allowed myself to become a chess piece in someone else’s game. I am lucky; it wasn’t too late."

Amaro’s eyes widened in astonishment as he glanced at his brother, then shifted his gaze to the priest and the crypt located just a few meters away from where they were standing. His eyes then focused to the newly hung portrait on the wall.

’Yeah, I should consider myself to be luckier than him. Despite both of us being sons of the king, he was kept in the shadows, whereas I, as the son of a concubine, was openly recognized as the third prince.’

...

After the solemn ceremony at the mausoleum, the royal family returned to Asteria Palace for the press conference.

The conference was held in the vast banquet hall, filled with court officials, other nobles close to the Rocas family, and reporters.

King Duncan, accompanied by his son Ibarra, ascended the few steps of the staircase and made his way onto the stage. As he took hold of the microphone from the host, a genuine warmth radiated from his smile as he greeted the guests gathered in the splendid banquet hall.

As he grew older, the king became a charismatic leader, charming his audience every time he spoke. But at that time, his face was stoic, and his eyebrows were raised.

"Good afternoon to all of you. I know you all heard about the rumor about my granddaughter’s parentage. More than two years ago, you learned of the existence of my third son, or rather Ibarra’s twin brother, Ibrahim."

"There are a lot of rumors on the internet, and today, I am clarifying those. Indeed, Princess Amaya’s father is no other than Ibarra’s twin brother, Lireya’s second prince, Ibrahim."

Gasps were heard from the audience.

"Ibrahim and Danaya were lovers. Danaya became pregnant, but at that time, Ibrahim was assigned to a dangerous mission. Well, I guess I don’t have to elaborate, as you have witnessed Ibarra and Danaya’s grand wedding." King Duncan’s voice had a slight tremor as he finished his words.

He shared half-truths. Surely, he could not tell everyone that Ibarra snatched his bother’s woman on her wedding day.