In the year Zhong 15678Gh of the holy God calendar, a wave of celebration swept across the Kingdom of Xia. After many long years of fervent prayers, offerings, and hopes, King Yorin and Queen Lyra were finally blessed with a child. On a warm, peaceful spring night, their son was born, his arrival marking a new chapter of hope for the royal family and the entire kingdom. The child was named Zhong, in honor of the kingdom's most revered deity, the God of Intelligence. His birth was not merely seen as the continuation of the royal lineage; it was hailed as a divine event, a tangible sign that the gods were favoring not only the royal family but all of Xia.

News of the birth spread like wildfire, reaching even the most distant corners of the kingdom. People gathered in the capital to celebrate, their hearts full of joy and reverence. The streets were lined with banners, vibrant with the kingdom’s colors, as citizens offered prayers of gratitude to the gods. The birth of Prince Zhong brought with it a renewed sense of pride and hope for Xia, as if the gods themselves had set their favor upon the land.

Inside the grand halls of the royal palace, a different kind of celebration unfolded. Nobles, advisors, and courtiers gathered in the opulent throne room to honor the newborn prince. King Yorin, a man of great stature and wisdom, stood tall, his gaze never straying from the small bundle cradled in Queen Lyra’s arms. Pride radiated from him, filling the room with a palpable sense of joy and optimism. This was not just the birth of an heir—it was a promise, a sign of prosperity and strength for the future.

As the court rejoiced, King Yorin made a bold proclamation that would forever shape the destiny of Xia. He raised his voice above the murmurs of the gathered nobility, his tone both commanding and filled with emotion. "My son," he began, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "shall receive a gift beyond imagination." The room quieted, all eyes turning toward the king with a mix of curiosity and awe.

"On his fifteenth birthday, my son will be given a castle made of diamond," the king declared, his words sparking a wave of murmurs and gasps. "A testament to the strength, wealth, and wisdom of this kingdom."

The notion of a castle made entirely of diamond was beyond anything the kingdom had ever seen or even dreamed of. A hushed awe fell over the court as the magnitude of the king's vision sank in. Such a structure would not only symbolize the kingdom’s immense wealth and power but also the brilliance of its future under the rule of Prince Zhong. However, among the nobles and advisors, there was also unease. The practicality of constructing such a magnificent fortress was daunting. The kingdom had never embarked on a project of this scale, and the thought of gathering enough diamonds to build a castle seemed impossible. The councilors exchanged anxious glances, their minds already racing with the challenges they would face.

Later that evening, King Yorin called for an urgent meeting with his most trusted councilors, determined to set his grand plan in motion. Leading the discussions was Councilor Marik, a man known for his sharp intellect and pragmatic approach to governance. They gathered in the king’s private chambers, pouring over maps and blueprints, discussing logistics well into the night. The challenge was monumental, but King Yorin’s vision was unwavering.

Councilor Marik, after hours of careful deliberation, finally spoke up. "Your Majesty," he began cautiously, "if we begin immediately, it will take twelve years to complete this Diamond Castle. We will need to summon the kingdom’s finest craftsmen, miners, and artisans. It will require resources from the farthest reaches of our lands. But," he paused for a moment, gauging the king's reaction, "it can be done."

A gleam of satisfaction flashed in King Yorin’s eyes. Twelve years was just enough time, he thought. "Let it begin at once," he commanded. "When my son turns fifteen, Xia will witness the unveiling of a wonder like no other."

And so, the work began. Word of the king’s ambitious plan spread quickly throughout the kingdom, stirring excitement and wonder among the people. Across Xia, whispers of the Diamond Castle filled the air, and citizens marveled at their king’s vision. The kingdom buzzed with activity as plans were drawn, resources gathered, and master craftsmen summoned from every corner of the realm.

The construction of the Diamond Castle became a symbol of hope for the kingdom, a project that reflected not only the grandeur of the royal family but the bright future of Xia under the reign of the newly born Prince Zhong.

Months passed, and under the reign of King Yorin and Queen Lyra, the Kingdom of Xia flourished like never before. The birth of Prince Zhong had infused the land with a sense of rejuvenation, as if the very earth had been blessed by the gods. The once-bustling streets of the capital seemed more alive now, buzzing with excitement and pride for their royal family. Everywhere one looked, there were signs of celebration and hope. The people of Xia revered their new prince as a symbol of a prosperous future, and that optimism was shared by the royal family as well.

While the people celebrated, the royal builders were hard at work, laying the foundation for the grand Diamond Castle. The ambitious project, a castle made entirely of diamond, was a feat unlike any other in the history of Xia. Master builders from every corner of the kingdom had been summoned to oversee its construction. Day by day, brick by brick, the castle began to take shape. The solid foundations had already been set, and soon, precious diamonds from the kingdom’s deepest mines would be transported to craft the towering walls that would one day glisten under the sun.

As much as the kingdom marveled at the construction of the Diamond Castle, it wasn’t the only event on the horizon. An equally momentous occasion was drawing near: Prince Zhong’s royal blessing ceremony. The royal blessing was a deeply sacred tradition, carried out for every member of the royal family when they reached six months of age. It was a ceremony that ensured the favor and protection of the gods, bestowing divine power upon the royal child, guiding them throughout their life, and safeguarding their rule.

In Xia, four powerful deities ruled over the elements of life, each essential to the kingdom’s well-being. Asta, the God of War, was a mighty deity whose blessing granted strength and courage, ensuring that the child would grow to protect the kingdom from any danger. Yuna, the Goddess of Wealth, bestowed her blessing in the form of prosperity and fortune, her favor bringing abundance to the land and riches to the royal family. Zhong, the God of Intelligence, was the most revered deity in the kingdom. His blessing granted wisdom and clarity, ensuring that the child would grow to be a wise ruler, capable of making decisions that would benefit Xia for generations. Lastly, there was Zenobia, the Goddess of Spirits, whose blessing brought peace to the soul and allowed the child to connect with the unseen world. Her favor ensured that the child would lead with a calm heart and a deep understanding of the spiritual realm.

The blessing of the gods was not merely symbolic. At the ceremony, each deity would mark the child with their sacred symbol, a visible sign of their favor. These divine marks were imprinted upon the body, ensuring that the gods’ protection would be with the child for life. For the people of Xia, it was a matter of fate and destiny. A royal child marked by all four deities was destined for greatness—a ruler of immense power, one who would lead Xia to its brightest future.

Only three days remained before Prince Zhong’s blessing ceremony, and the entire palace buzzed with anticipation. Queen Lyra, though radiant with happiness, could not help but feel a growing sense of anxiety as the day approached. The ceremony was sacred, yes, but it was also fraught with uncertainty. Would the gods bestow their blessings upon her child as they had with rulers before him? Would Prince Zhong receive the marks that would shape his destiny and ensure the future of Xia?

Though she kept her worries quiet, they weighed heavily on her heart. As much as she trusted in the gods, she was a mother first, and the thought of her son’s fate being decided by the deities filled her with unease. She would often stand by Prince Zhong’s crib in the stillness of the night, watching him sleep peacefully, his tiny form a picture of innocence and purity.

The ceremony was fast approaching, and soon, the future of Xia would be decided. The kingdom waited with bated breath, eager to see if their beloved prince would receive the favor of the gods and lead them into a golden age. For now, all they could do was wait, their hopes and dreams resting on the shoulders of their young prince.

The evening sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the royal gardens where Queen Lyra stood. The once vibrant colors of the flowers seemed to dull under the twilight, as though nature itself was holding its breath, anticipating the events of the days to come. Lyra, her elegant frame still, stood by the edge of the gardens, watching the leaves rustle softly in the breeze. The air was warm, fragrant with the scent of jasmine and lavender, but the queen’s mind was far from at ease. Her thoughts, like the leaves, swirled in an unpredictable dance, returning again and again to the upcoming ceremony.

Inside the royal nursery, her son, Prince Zhong, now five months and three weeks old, lay peacefully in his crib. He slept, blissfully unaware of the weight of the expectations and the magnitude of the destiny that awaited him. His tiny chest rose and fell rhythmically, his hands curled into soft fists, as if grasping for something unseen even in his dreams. Queen Lyra often watched him like this, fascinated by his innocence and overwhelmed by her love for him. But today, her heart was heavy. The royal blessing ceremony was mere days away, and with it came the anxiety that plagued her thoughts.

Lost in contemplation, she barely noticed High Priestess Selene approaching. The priestess, dressed in flowing white robes that trailed behind her, moved with the grace of someone accustomed to silence. She carried an air of calm authority, a steady presence that always soothed those around her. As Selene reached the queen, she bowed deeply, her silver hair glinting in the fading light.

"Your Majesty," Selene began, her voice calm and soothing, "the preparations for Prince Zhong's royal blessing are well underway. The temple is being adorned with the sacred symbols of the four deities, and the people eagerly await the ceremony."

Queen Lyra nodded, but her unease did not abate. "Tell me, Selene," she asked softly, her voice barely louder than the whispering wind, "have the gods spoken? Do they foresee any danger for my son?"

The high priestess, sensing the depth of the queen’s concern, placed a gentle hand on Lyra’s arm. Her touch was warm, reassuring, as were her eyes, which held a wisdom beyond her years. "The gods have shown no ill signs, Your Majesty," she replied with certainty. "Prince Zhong will be blessed under their watchful eyes. He will carry their strength, their wisdom, and their protection. The deities will ensure that he is guided in his path."

Lyra exhaled, her breath slow and measured, though her worry lingered just below the surface. The priestess's words were comforting, but the queen's maternal instincts would not allow her to rest easily. "I only want him to grow strong, to rule wisely," she whispered, her gaze drifting back to the windows where her son slept peacefully. "He is so small, so innocent. The world can be so cruel, and the weight of destiny so heavy."

"He is a child of the gods, my queen," Selene said softly, her voice a melodic assurance. "His path is blessed. Trust in their will. They have chosen him for a purpose beyond our understanding."

The queen gave a faint smile, though it did little to dispel the cloud of unease that lingered over her. She knew Selene’s words held truth, but the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on her heart. Soon, her son would bear the marks of the divine—signs that would signal his connection to the gods and the destiny that awaited him. But for now, he was simply her child, fragile and perfect in his innocence.

As the priestess excused herself and made her way back to the temple, Lyra lingered in the gardens, her thoughts still heavy. She trusted the gods, but the future seemed so uncertain. The royal blessing was a sacred tradition, one that had shaped the fate of rulers for generations. Yet, Lyra could not shake the feeling that something was different, something she could not quite place.

With one last glance at the horizon, where the sun was now almost entirely swallowed by the night, Queen Lyra returned to the palace. She moved silently through the halls until she reached the nursery. Standing by the crib, she gazed down at Prince Zhong, his peaceful face lit by the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains.

Her heart ached with both love and fear. Soon, the gods would mark him, and the world would know that he was no ordinary child. But in this quiet moment, he was simply her son—a child of the gods, perhaps, but also a child of hers. And no matter what the future held, she vowed to protect him, come what may.

With a soft sigh, she leaned down to kiss his forehead, the softest of touches, and whispered, "May the gods watch over you, my son."