--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 12th of August 1907 ---
Maharajkumar Sharvil pulled back from the embrace, his sharp eyes briefly studying the couple before softening with genuine warmth.
"You both look well," he added, nodding in quiet approval. "The voyage did not trouble you; I hope?"
"It was peaceful," Yuvraj Siagu replied with a polite smile. "The sea was kind to us."
"And the timing could not have been better," Sharvil said, gesturing toward the harbour behind him. "Honolulu has been preparing for this christening for weeks. Rohan insisted everything be perfect—perhaps more so than necessary."
At the mention of his name, Rohan stepped forward, visibly excited despite his attempt to maintain decorum.
"Your Imperial Highness, Your Imperial Majesty," he said with a deep bow, his voice filled with pride. "Thank you for accepting my invitation. It is an honour beyond words. Especially after what happened between me and the Crown before."
A stare was thrown by Yuvraj Siagu towards Rohan as the man appeared to have now fully accepted his fate, realizing that, despite his foolish resistance before, nothing he could do would change what would happen in the future.
Siagu remained silent for several seconds before finally extending his hand.
"You have matured."
Rohan blinked.
Sharvil immediately covered his mouth, attempting to suppress a laugh.
"I shall take that as a compliment," Rohan replied carefully.
"It is," Siagu answered, shaking his hand. "You made many mistakes, Rohan. But you have also learned from them. That is more important."
Rohan nodded solemnly.
"I have."
Siagu's expression softened.
"And you are now a father."
The words immediately changed Rohan's expression. The nervousness disappeared, replaced by unmistakable pride.
"Yes," he replied. "A father."
Khao smiled warmly at him.
"Where is Princess Kahealani?" she asked.
Rohan's smile widened.
"She is inside the Jade Compound. Her attendants are preparing her for the ceremony. I wanted her to be properly dressed before bringing her before everyone."
Sharvil chuckled.
"Rohan has been impossible for the past several weeks."
"I have not," Rohan protested.
"You have," Sharvil replied immediately.
"I merely wanted everything to be perfect."
"You personally inspected the decorations three times."
"Four," Rohan corrected.
Sharvil stared at him.
"That does not make it better."
Khao laughed softly, while Siagu merely shook his head.
For a brief moment, the atmosphere at the harbour became remarkably ordinary. There were no political discussions, no military reports, and no questions about the future of Hawai'i. There were simply relatives welcoming one another.
Yet Siagu could not help noticing the changes in Honolulu.
The harbour was busier than he remembered. Butuanon flags flew alongside the Hawaiian royal standard, while Aylashan symbols had been incorporated into several decorations prepared for the christening. Butuanon Imperial Household Guards stood alongside Hawaiian security personnel, their uniforms reflecting the increasingly close relationship between the island and the empire.
There were also fewer American merchants than Siagu remembered.
The transformation of Hawai'i was becoming increasingly visible.
The island had not yet officially become another province of the Butuan Empire, but the direction was unmistakable.
Sharvil noticed where Siagu was looking.
"You see the changes."
"I do."
"It has been difficult," Sharvil admitted. "Some Hawaiians still oppose the arrangement. Others have accepted it because they believe the empire provides stability. The Americans who remained have mostly adapted to the new reality."
"And Kaʻiulani?"
Sharvil's expression became slightly more serious.
"She remains in the Jade Compound."
Siagu nodded.
"And she has accepted her situation?"
"She has accepted that resistance is futile," Sharvil replied. "Whether she has accepted it in her heart is another matter."
Rohan looked away at those words.
Siagu noticed.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
The history between Rohan, Kaʻiulani, and the Butuan Imperial Family remained an uncomfortable subject. Their earlier attempt to separate Hawai'i from the empire had nearly resulted in a much harsher punishment. Instead, the Imperial Family had chosen to preserve the Hawaiian monarchy while gradually removing its political independence.
And now their daughter was being raised under the supervision of Maharajkumar Sharvil.
A puppet noble, as Siagu had once privately described the arrangement.
But perhaps that was no longer entirely accurate.
Sharvil had become deeply involved in the administration of Hawai'i, and his relationship with the Hawaiian court had become surprisingly cordial.
"Enough politics," Rohan suddenly said.
Siagu raised an eyebrow.
Rohan smiled.
"My daughter is being christened this week. I refuse to allow politics to ruin it."
Sharvil laughed.
"For once, I agree with him."
Khao glanced at Siagu.
"I think we should listen to him."
Siagu sighed.
"Very well."
Rohan visibly relaxed.
"Then allow me to welcome you properly."
He gestured towards the waiting procession.
Several carriages stood near the harbour, surrounded by Hawaiian attendants and Butuanon guards. Beyond them, the road leading toward the Jade Compound had been decorated with flowers and banners.
At the centre of the procession was a carriage bearing the insignia of House Sharada.
Rohan motioned towards it.
"Your carriage awaits."
Siagu offered his arm to Khao.
"Shall we?"
Khao smiled.
"Of course."
The imperial couple entered the carriage, followed by several attendants. Sharvil and Rohan entered another carriage behind them.
The harbour of Honolulu had rarely witnessed a procession quite like this.
From the moment the imperial vessels appeared beyond the horizon, the city seemed to awaken.
People flooded the streets, gathering along the roads that led from the harbour toward the Jade Compound. Butuanon flags fluttered beside the Hawaiian royal standard, their colours dancing beneath the tropical sunlight. Flowers were scattered across the roads, while musicians played traditional melodies from balconies and courtyards.
Children sat upon their parents' shoulders just to catch a glimpse of the arriving procession.
Others shouted names.
"Yuvraj Siagu!"
"Yuvrani Khao!"
"Long live the Imperial House of Shaja!"
"May the Crown prosper!"
The cheers grew louder as the imperial party finally entered the city.
For many Hawaiians, the arrival of Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao represented more than a royal visit. They were members of the family that now stood at the centre of the island's political future.
For others, their presence represented something far more complicated.
The Butuan Empire had not formally annexed Hawaiʻi.
Not yet.
The Kingdom remained under its own monarchy and parliament, its own laws and traditions continuing to operate under the supervision of the Butuanon Imperial government.
But anyone who possessed even a modest understanding of politics could see where the island was heading.
As the procession began moving through Honolulu, Siagu looked through the carriage window.
The city had changed considerably since his previous visit.
Butuanon businesses had appeared along several streets, while new administrative buildings had been constructed according to a mixture of Hawaiian and Butuanon architectural traditions. Schools had also expanded, and several public works projects bore the insignia of the Butuan government.
Yet the Hawaiian character of the city remained.
Traditional buildings stood beside newly constructed structures, while Hawaiian music could occasionally be heard from courtyards and public squares.
Khao watched the streets with fascination.
"It is beautiful."
"It is," Siagu agreed.
She turned towards him.
"Do you think Hawai'i will really become a province?"
Siagu remained quiet for a moment.
"Eventually."
Khao frowned slightly.
"You sound uncertain."
"I am not uncertain about the outcome," he replied. "Only about how long it will take."
"And the people?"
"That is the difficult part."
Siagu looked outside again.
"An empire can conquer territory in months. It can take generations to convince its people that they belong to it."
Khao studied her husband.
"You've been thinking about this for a long time."
"I think about everything for too long."
She smiled.
"That is true."
Siagu laughed quietly.
The carriage continued toward the Jade Compound. Around it, the influence of Butuan was even more obvious.
Butuanon families had settled in increasing numbers, encouraged by generous relocation incentives from the Imperial government. Their arrival had brought merchants, craftsmen, teachers, soldiers, administrators, and labourers.
When they finally arrived, the couple stepped outside and were greeted by another group of Hawaiian officials and members of the local nobility.
Among them was Queen Emerita Liliʻuokalani.
The elderly queen stood with dignity, her expression calm as she waited for the imperial couple.
Siagu nodded respectfully. Despite being a deposed queen and a vassal of Butuan, Siagu still gave the old lady an ounce of respect due to her loyalty to the crown.
"Lady Liliʻuokalani."
Liliʻuokalani returned the gesture.
"Your Imperial Highness."
Her eyes then moved towards Khao.
"And you must be Yuvrani Khao."
Khao bowed.
"Yes, Lady Liliʻuokalani. It is an honour to meet you."
Liliʻuokalani smiled.
"I have heard much about you."
Khao glanced briefly at Siagu.
"I hope only good things."
The queen laughed softly.
"Mostly."
Siagu gave his wife an amused glance. After the couple arrived, a ball in celebration of their arrival was held prior to the start of the christening. Laughter and merriment echoed throughout the entire compound as people celebrated the arrival of the future couple of the empire.
Days went by without a problem; people continued with their daily activities while awaiting the day of the christening for the child of Prince Consort Rohan. And before anyone could notice it, the day of the christening finally came.
People gathered in the audience hall of the Jade Compound, waiting for the arrival of the priest of the Aylashan faith. Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao became the center of attention as the couple entered the hall with their luxurious and elegant attire. A huge gathering of relatives and ministers gathered around the couple.
Before long, Rohan approached them from behind.
"Imperial Highnesses, the priest has arrived."
Everyone's attention shifted.
Standing near the entrance of the compound was an Aylashan priest accompanied by several temple attendants. Their presence immediately distinguished the ceremony from the Anglican traditions that had historically been associated with the Hawaiian royal family after its colonization by the British.
Rohan had deliberately chosen an Aylashan christening.
Siagu looked at him with approval.
"You truly meant what you wrote in your letter. Aren't you afraid the people of Hawai'i will rise against you because of what you are doing?"
Rohan nodded.
"I did. But I do not fear the possibility of the people staging a coup against me and the government because of this. Aylashan faith might not be the dominant religion in this island, but the faith has been gaining momentum in welcoming new members."
His expression became more serious.
"Besides, I want my daughter to grow up knowing both sides of her heritage. She is Hawaiian by blood, but she is also part of House Sharada and the Imperial House of Shaja. And whether I like it or not, our family is always tied to Butuan."
Siagu nodded slowly.
"That is the correct decision. She will be the next generation, the future of this island becoming part of the empire. Her upbringing must be in line with the teachings of the temple and the family; I hope you are aware of that."
Rohan smiled.
"I knew you would say that."
Before Siagu could answer, a small sound came from inside the Jade Compound.
Rohan's expression immediately changed.
"That is her."
He hurried inside.
Sharvil shook his head.
"Still the same Rohan."
Khao smiled.
"He seems very happy."
"He is," Sharvil replied. "Whatever happened between him and the Crown, he loves his daughter more than anything."
Siagu remained silent.
He understood that feeling more than anyone.
The thought brought his mind briefly back to his own future.
A family.
A child.
An heir.
But he pushed the thought away.
Today was not about him.
It was about his cousin and his newborn daughter. The daughter that will be of huge use for his future plan in the incorporation of Hawai'i to Butuan. A perfect pawn for the future of the empire and the family. It might be dark for others, but for Siagu, who came from the future, it is a necessary move to ensure that Hawaii will remain under the shadows of Butuan.
A few minutes later, Rohan emerged carrying Princess Kahealani in his arms.
The infant was dressed in an elaborate white garment embroidered with Hawaiian and Butuanon motifs. Around her small neck was a delicate pendant bearing the symbol of House Sharada.
Rohan approached the gathering proudly.
"Everyone," he announced, "allow me to introduce Princess Kahealani Sharada."
Khao's expression immediately softened.
"She is beautiful."
Rohan smiled.
"She has her mother's eyes. But a feature of a Bakunawa."
Sharvil scoffed as Samir Vikram complemented his granddaughter.
"And might be the strength of a Butuanon."
Siagu stepped closer and looked at the infant.
For a moment, he simply stared.
So small.
So innocent.
Yet already carrying the weight of two royal bloodlines.
He wondered what kind of world she would inherit.
A world where Butuan dominated much of Asia.
A world where European empires were beginning to feel threatened.
A world where the great powers were preparing themselves for another confrontation.
And perhaps a world where the boundaries between East and West would no longer be as clear as they once were.
Siagu gently placed one hand against the child's small head.
"Welcome to the family, Kahealani."
Rohan looked at him.
"And now comes the part I asked of you."
Siagu already knew what he meant.
"You still want us to be her godparents?"
"More than ever."
Khao smiled.
"We would be honoured."
Rohan visibly relaxed.
"Thank you."
The Aylashan priest then stepped forward, smiling. Draped in his priestly robes and with a regal aura due to his age, a true definition of an Aylashan priest. Behind him were nuns assigned to spread the teaching in Hawai'i.
"Your Imperial Highnesses, Your Highnesses, Your Majesties."
Everyone turned toward him.
"The ceremony is prepared."
Rohan nodded.
"Then let us begin."
The gathering slowly entered the chapel prepared within the Jade Compound.
Hawaiian nobles sat alongside Butuanon officials, while members of House Sharada occupied the front portion of the hall.
At the centre stood the ceremonial basin, surrounded by flowers and traditional Hawaiian ornaments.
The Aylashan priest stood before it, while Rohan carefully carried his daughter forward.
Siagu and Khao stood beside him.
For the first time since arriving in Honolulu, Siagu felt the political weight surrounding the occasion disappear.
This was not an imperial ceremony.
Not a treaty.
Not a military celebration.
It was simply the christening of a child.
And as the priest began the ancient Aylashan prayers, Siagu and the others found themselves staring at Kahealani.
The little princess remained remarkably calm.
Queen Emerita Liliʻuokalani leaned slightly towards Maha Samrat Samir of Palawan, father of Prince Consort Rohan.
"She is not crying."
Lord Sarimbar of Palawan, Prince Consort Rohan's older brother, answered with a joking tone.
"Perhaps she has inherited Rohan's stubbornness."
Queen Emerita Liliʻuokalani and the others covered their mouths to suppress a laugh.
Rohan heard them.
"I heard that, older brother."
Sarimbar smiled jokingly.
"Good."
The ceremony continued.
The priest invoked the Lord's blessing upon the child, asking that she be granted wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength. A cross sign of the Aylashan faith was then performed in the forehead of the child.
When the final prayer was spoken, Rohan looked toward Siagu.
"It is time."
Siagu stepped forward.
As her godfather, he placed his hand gently over Kahealani's head.
"I swear before the Lord Jesus, before His priests and nuns, before our ancestors, and before those gathered here today," he said solemnly, "that I shall guide her whenever she seeks my counsel, protect her whenever she requires protection, and remind her of the responsibility that comes with the blood she carries."
Khao followed.
"And I shall teach her that strength does not mean cruelty, and that dignity does not require distance from those she governs."
Rohan's eyes glistened.
Sharvil lowered his gaze, visibly moved by the declaration.
The priest smiled.
"Then let the child be blessed."
The ceremony continued until the final prayer was spoken.
And when it finally ended, the chapel erupted into quiet applause. Along with this, bells started to ring, signaling the near end of the christening. Cheers of congratulations reached the ears of Yuvraj Siagu and the others, shouting blessings for the princess.
Rohan held his daughter close.
Siagu looked at Khao.
She smiled at him.
For the first time since leaving Sooraj, Yuvraj Siagu felt the burdens resting upon his shoulders become slightly lighter.
Outside, Honolulu continued its ordinary rhythm.
Ships entered the harbour.
Merchants negotiated their prices.
Children played in the streets.
And beneath the tropical sun, a new member of House Sharada had officially been welcomed into the faith and family that now connected Hawai'i to the Butuan Empire.
Yet none of them knew that the little princess sleeping peacefully in her father's arms would eventually become far more important to the history of both Hawai'i and Butuan than anyone present could have imagined.
The celebrations continued for another hour before the imperial party finally withdrew from the chapel.
The halls of the Jade Compound remained lively, filled with quiet conversations between Hawaiian nobles, Butuanon officials, and members of House Sharada. Yet Yuvraj Siagu had gradually withdrawn from the gathering.
He found himself standing alone on a covered veranda overlooking the gardens.
The evening sun had begun to descend over Honolulu, casting a golden glow across the palm trees and tiled rooftops. From somewhere within the compound came the faint sound of musicians preparing for the evening banquet.
Khao approached quietly.
"You disappeared."
Siagu glanced over his shoulder.
"I needed some air."
She stood beside him, resting her hands against the wooden railing.
"You've been unusually quiet since the ceremony."
"I was thinking."
"You are always thinking."
Siagu gave a faint smile.
"That is becoming a common complaint."
Khao looked toward the gardens.
"Are you certain of what your plan is for this nation?"
Yuvraj Siagu did not answer immediately; instead, he kept staring at the waves hitting the shores of the area.
"Yes."
"Is it necessary?"
Yuvrani Khao inquired as she tapped her husband's back.
"Yes."
"What for?"
"Our enemies are not yet done. They will strike."
Khao's expression changed.
"Who?"
Siagu remained silent for a moment.
"The Americans," he finally answered. "The Europeans. Perhaps even nations we have not yet considered."
Khao frowned.
"But Hawaiʻi is already under our protection."
"Protection is not the same as possession."
The words came quietly, almost without emotion.
Khao turned toward him.
"Siagu."
He finally looked at her.
"You saw what happened before. The moment we allowed Hawaiʻi too much freedom to maneuver, foreign interests began appearing everywhere. Merchants. Politicians. Agents. Men who claimed they only wanted trade while quietly asking questions about our fleet, our ports, and our relationship with the Hawaiian court."
Khao folded her arms.
"And you believe annexation will solve that?"
"No."
His answer surprised her.
"It will create another problem."
"Then why?"
"Because some problems are preferable to others."
Khao stared at him.
Siagu returned his gaze toward the horizon.
"Hawaiʻi is too important."
He gestured toward the ocean.
"Look at where it sits. In the middle of the Pacific. Between our eastern territories and the American continent. Whoever controls these islands controls one of the most important crossroads of the ocean."
"And that is why you want it."
"That is why I cannot allow anyone else to have it."