Chirp! Chirp!
A gasp was heard, following a squeal. Later, a gentle hug caught Aaron off guard.
"Oh, my mother earth," Elric smiles, kneeling in front of the bird, chirping as though recognizing Elric.
"Greetings, little one. How are you feeling?" Elric asked, caressing its head as the bird blinked with a tiny chirp.
Elric giggles, looking up at Aaron, who stands frozen in his place. "Can I hug him?" Elric points at the bird, which is blinking its eyes.
"Yes, your highness," Aaron says, clearing his throat. For a second his heart skipped a beat when the prince hugged him.
Elric sits in the lotus position, embracing the bird while gently caressing its head. "You will get better. This person," he points at Aaron, "shall cure you, and you'll be happy again."
"If you get better, I will search for your family. They must be waiting for you, right?" Elric says, placing a small peck on its head. "You must be the family's father; your queen would be waiting for you. Do you have baby birds?"
Aaron placed himself next to Elric, watching the boy speak with the bird as though his long-lost relative had come to meet him. Where does he find so many things to talk about?
Sitting next to the prince, Aaron forgot about what was waiting for him far away from Elysia, in the beautiful palace of Amorite.
"Your majesty," The minister bowed, gesturing to his daughter to follow suit. She has sharp and captivating features, making her stand out from the rest of the ladies standing along with their father.
The king, Augustus, gestures for them to stand upright.
"Your majesty, this is my elder daughter. She has all the knowledge from sewing, tea ceremonies, and politics and much knowledge about plants. She would be very suitable for our crown prince." The minister spoke with pride as his eyes subtly glanced at the other ministers standing next to him.
"Your majesty, my daughter is no less. She even knows cooking, as we know his Highness loves to go out on long ventures. She would be a wonderful support to him." Another minister of finance spoke while caressing his beard.
"Your majesty, my daughter-"
King Augustus raised his hand; he placed his left hand on the head of the lion crafted on the handrest.
"I wasn't enlightened of you all being present here with your daughter." The king looks at every face. The girls shivered, taking a step back.
"I called you all for the issues of water to be resolved and not to create new ones." The king stood up from his place.
"My son knows what he wants from his life. If he says he likes any of your daughters by his will. I shall declare her the queen after their wedding. Until then, I would prefer you all to behave as the ministers appointed to resolve the nation's problem and not as the fathers of the young daughter."
"Pardon us, Your Majesty!" Every individual fell on their knees, bowing their heads.
The king stepped out of the courtroom with a raging temper. What do those ministers think of his son?
A step to climb the ladder to become supreme over other ministers. His son, the precious boy, never let him down. Among all this, he is loved by his subjects so much. If they pray for their family, they will pray for their son too.
He has seen and heard that his people love and respect his son. They even have the confidence that if the prince is in the borders, then they don't have to worry and sleep in peace.
Trust.
His son had crafted something profound, an intricate bond that seemed to be etched into the very fabric of their hearts. The king marveled at the depth of this connection, feeling both a sense of pride and bewilderment.
He often pondered when his son had managed to forge such a powerful emotional tie and the methods he had employed, as he remained blissfully unaware of the exact moments or events that had brought them to this point.
The king looks out of the balcony, seeing the tall mountains around his beautiful kingdom. "If I don't make Arson the king, the subjects would rebel without a thought."
The king sits on the table and takes a tiny scroll, writing a letter of symbols. He raised his hand in the air, and a falcon sat on it. "Go to my son. Find him and give my love too." He clasped the scroll on its foot. The falcon screams and flaps its large wings, departing to find its destination.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
A light, cheerful laugh fills the air, echoing off the walls of the room as Fawther, the loyal servant, shakes his head in bemusement. He meticulously smooths out the crisp linen sheets on the young prince's bed, tucking them in with practiced precision. The early morning sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm glow across the room.
Fawther glances toward the prince, who is sitting at the small writing desk, a letter grasped in his hands. The prince's eyes sparkle with mirth as he chuckles softly to himself, his amused expression a stark contrast to the tranquil morning.
Fawther cannot fathom what could be so amusing about reading a letter at this hour and shakes his head, both puzzled and slightly entertained by the youngster's joyful spirit.
"Young prince, your bath is ready."
The sound of laughter fills the air, soothing the servant's anxious thoughts. As he observes the prince's joyful smile and the warmth of his laughter, a deep sense of worry creeps in-an unsettling fear of fading away like a wisp of smoke.
There's an undeniable beauty in the prince's presence, a radiant aura that wraps around the servant like a comforting embrace, refreshing his weary mind and lifting the weight of his concerns. It's as if the joyous echoes of laughter breathe new life into him, momentarily banishing the shadows of doubt.
A beautiful soul.
"Your Highness," Fawther calls again and watches the prince carefully placing the letter back in the box with a wide smile.
"They make you smile like never before." Fawther placed the bed sheets properly.
Elric let out a soft chuckle as he settled comfortably onto the wooden stool, it's creaking a familiar sound in the dimly lit room. Fawther leaned in close, his fingers delicately running through the tangled strands of his hair.
With a gentle flick of his wrist, he removed the shimmering earring that had been caught in the unruly locks, setting it aside with careful precision. Meanwhile, the waistband of his trousers sat snugly at his hips, and the intricate finger rings glinted on his left hand.
"These days, Aaron speaks about me in the letters," Elric spoke, holding a smile. "The letter holds minute details about me as I talk about so many things that I find it difficult to understand. Furthermore, our birds have become better too. He even added how I sneeze while holding the edge of the sleeve and he sneezes very loudly and almost like thunder."
Elric laughs, imagining the bird flinching in his hand when Aaron sneezes. "It's quite a sight, I'm certain," Elric chuckled, shaking his head. "I can imagine the poor bird, feathers ruffled and looking utterly bewildered by the sound."
Fawther beamed with delight as he observed the carefree expression on his Highness's face. The royal's radiant smile, devoid of any burdens or concerns, filled Fawther with a warm sense of contentment. He felt grateful that the merchant had chosen to linger behind, allowing this moment of tranquility to unfold.
"Perhaps it's time to tell him the truth, Your Highness," Fawther said, keeping all the ornaments inside the box carefully. Elric's lips dip lower as his mind slowly processes. "I am afraid I cannot do it."
Fawther frowns, closing the box and giving full attention to his friend.
"Pardon, your Highness."
"Fawther," Elric pushes himself up from the stool. His mind plays the scenario of Aaron showing hate and regret while walking away from him.
"I am scared of the outcome. What if Aaron hates me? What if Aaron says, He felt I treated him as a toy." He embarrassed himself while the wind gently played with his hair.
"What if he informs his kingdom about this and they attack our land? Because the knowledge he holds is way beyond us. If a simple merchant has such knowledge in diverse fields. How will we protect ourselves from anger?"
Fawther steps closer to Elric. "Your Highness, I have informed you to tell the merchant the truth."
Elric nods slowly, a swell of happiness flooding through him, but it's accompanied by a heavy weight of guilt that is hard to shake off. The trust Aaron places in him is palpable, and he can sense the deep care his friend has for him, especially as they both tend to the delicate bird that has come to symbolize their connection.
Yet, as Elric watches Aaron gently cradle the creature in his hands, he can't help but feel a twinge of remorse for the deception he's orchestrating.
What is Elric truly doing?
Each time he sits down to respond to Aaron's letters, he finds himself carefully composing replies under the guise of a name that belongs to a ghost-a name that never truly existed but now haunts his conscience.
Elric's heart aches with the knowledge that while Aaron trusts him, he is simultaneously building a facade that threatens to unravel at any moment.
Perhaps it's too late to tell the truth now.
His gaze shifts from the expansive blue sky, where fluffy white clouds drift lazily, to the vibrant blossoms swaying gently in the garden below. The flowers, a riot of colors-rich purples, bright yellows, and soft pinks-create a picturesque scene, their sweet fragrance mingling with the warm breeze.
"I apologize from the depth of my heart."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Elric's brother couldn't help but notice the transformation in his younger sibling. There was something undeniably different about Elric lately; a lightness had settled around him that had been absent before. Gone were the days of quiet contemplation and subtle glances.
Now, Elric wore a radiant smile that seemed to illuminate his entire face. It stretched wider than it ever had, with an infectious brightness that brought warmth to those around him. His eyes, once shadowed with uncertainty, now sparkled with enthusiasm whenever he spoke.
It was as if a fire had been lit within him, and the source of that warmth was the merchant he had recently met. Elric would animatedly share stories with their father, his voice filled with excitement and wonder.
It bothers him.
What is motivating his brother to lean towards the enigmatic merchant? There seems to be an unusual bond forming between them that raises questions. Moreover, why hasn't the merchant returned to his homeland yet? Isn't he supposed to have completed his mission of instructing Elric by now?
If he still hasn't finished, one must wonder if he truly warrants the resources and hospitality that have been extended to him. Is his continued presence justified, or has he overstayed his welcome, taking more than he gives in return?
"Your majesty, I believe it is time to see whether the merchant is teaching Elric correctly or not."
The king's brow furrows deeply as he pauses while deliberating the kingdom's affairs, a flicker of surprise crossing his face at the unexpected question that disrupts their serious discussion.
"I would like to ask you whether you hate this merchant." The king asked, crossing his hand over the long table filled with scrolls and a quill with ink.
The crown prince froze for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected question. His gaze flickered to his father, whose sharp, discerning eyes seemed to bore into him, filled with an unspoken judgment that weighed heavily in the air between them.
"Father, I am worried about Elric."
"Perhaps I don't see more worry than something else for Aaron." The king keeps the scrolls away. "Such a coincidence that you both share the same name."
Aaron furrowed his eyebrows. "We may share the same name. However, our position is different. I am the crown prince of Elysia, and he is just a merchant."
He remains silent, attentively observing each subtle shift in his elder son's facial expressions. As the moments pass, he notes the tightening of the brows, the flicker of the eyes, and the slight tremor of the mouth that betray the young man's unspoken thoughts and emotions.
Each change speaks volumes, and he is acutely aware of the weight behind every nuance, trying to decipher the feelings hidden beneath the surface.
"I see the unnecessary pride in your eyes, Aaron. I am not fond of seeing such emotions."
The weight of finality in his father's voice left a lingering discomfort in Aaron's mind. It was as if each word carried an unspoken authority, slicing through the air with a sharp clarity that he couldn't ignore. The tone was resolute, devoid of any hint of doubt or room for negotiation, and it resonated deep within Aaron, stirring a mix of emotions-confusion, frustration, and a growing sense of helplessness.
He shifted uncomfortably, struggling to reconcile the stark finality with the thoughts racing through his head, all while the echoes of his father's voice hung heavily in the silence that followed.
"This is all because of the unknown man. What does he want from us?"
A sudden, sharp chirp broke the stillness of the room, pulling Aaron out of his thoughts. He sprang to his feet, heart racing with anticipation, and hurried to the window.
Outside, perched on the branch of an ancient oak, was his beloved bird, a vibrant flash of color against the greenery. Its feathers glistened in the sunlight, a mix of iridescent blues and greens.
As the bird spotted him, it took off, flapping its wings vigorously and soaring through the air with grace. Aaron instinctively raised his left arm high, and with a swift motion, the bird landed on him, its sharp claws gripping his skin. He winced slightly at the pinch but couldn't suppress a smile as he looked at his feathered companion. The bird had returned with news.
He quickly takes the scroll and opens it. "The crown prince of Amorite has replied to my message," Aaron shouts, moving his hand as the bird flies away with a loud cry.
"I knew you would support me, the crown prince."
There is a traitor from Amorite who has taken shelter in Elysia. If the crown prince could eradicate that person. Perhaps Amorite could hold hands with Elysia.
- Crown Prince
"Traitor?" Aaron burns the paper in the flame burning in the lamp.
He steps out of the room, closing the door behind him. "For me, there is one person who is a thorn in my eyes." His eyes lock with the intruder sitting under a tree with his younger brother.
"Aaron, the merchant." He grits his teeth, watching his brother smiling and talking with the eyesore. His eyes turned red when the merchant took a fallen leaf from Elric's head.
"I must do something about him." The crown prince grumbles, walking with strong and heavy steps. While descending from the stairs, he pulls a sword from the guard and takes another place on the wall.
"Aaron!" The crown prince calls while marching towards the dou.
Elric quickly nestled the small sparrow within the folds of his outer robe, creating a cozy little sanctuary for it to rest at his waist. As he secured the bird, a soft chirp broke the stillness, its delicate voice contrasting with the encroaching shadows that began to surround them.
With his arms crossed, Elric leaned down, his fingers gently brushing over the tiny creature's head, caressing it softly through the fabric, as if to reassure both himself and the bird in the deepening twilight.
"Your Highness," the merchant said with a bow. The crown prince threw the sword on the ground.
"Let's have a duo. Shall we?"
The commander is standing afar to guard Arson. He was busy plucking flowers from the garden and tearing each petal to pass his time.
Suvain frowns at the way the crown prince throws the sword at Arson's feet. How dare a mere prince talk and challenge the prince of Amorite? The commander held his dagger, ready to slice through his neck.
Such disrespect!
"Is he seeking his death?" The commander gradually took steps towards the garden. Twigs are crushing under his feet. Until he paused when Arson gestured for him to stay back.
Gazing down at his feet, he reluctantly acquiesced to the command, slowly retracing his steps. As he moved backward, he felt his back collide gently with a small, delicate frame, the impact sending a slight shiver through him.
"Oh my!" The boy closed his eyes, believing he would fall. The impact would be painful. However, he felt a strong grip on his waist, holding him from falling.
Fawther frowns, not feeling any impact; he opens one eye to see whether he directly descended to heaven or is still in the embrace of Mother Earth.
"Hey," Suvain whispered, pulling the man upright. "Uh, walking with open eyes is beneficial for health." Suvain further added and walked away to stand in the distance.
Fawther blinks his eyes with confusion. He shook his head, stepping towards his highness. His eyes noticed the sword kept on the ground and the crown prince posing with another sword with a strong grip.
"Your Highness, the current situation does not feel right. What has happened?"
Elric turns to his servant. The sparrow found an opening, pushing his head to see the world. It chirped; Elric swiftly pushed his head back inside.
"Your Highness?" Fawther pressed his sleeve on his mouth. Elric gestured for him to keep quiet.
Aron takes the sword from the group, dragging the soil along with it. The sword shone with the sunlight, which reflected to the king's eyes.
Elric squinted against the glare, feeling a sense of foreboding wash over him. He knew that the sword's glimmering surface held secrets, and in this moment of tension, he could no longer ignore the strange occurrences surrounding them.
The king was going towards his chamber to rest. However, it looks like the rest can wait for some time. He can see his son's hatred towards the merchant. Why is he hating him?
The man was polite and never stepped or crossed his boundaries. Whenever he would cross paths with the king, he would stand aside and bow to him.
Elric cannot stop talking about him. His son's beaming smile whenever he reveals something interesting. The boy would give an in-depth explanation.
A talent that he saw apart from his passion for painting.
"Your majesty," his advisor whispered, "I believe the crown prince doesn't fancy the merchant. Perhaps we could send the man away?"
The king pondered this suggestion for a moment, remembering Elric's animated expressions as he recounted tales of his adventures and new learning. "No," he finally replied, "let the boy befriend whomever he chooses; he must learn from all walks of life."
The king understood that the future of the kingdom relied not solely on tradition but also on the breadth of experiences that could shape a wise ruler. "After all," he added, "true strength lies in the diversity of one's alliances and the wisdom gained from understanding different perspectives."
With that thought in mind, the king resolved to encourage his son to explore relationships beyond the castle walls, knowing that each friendship would teach valuable lessons.
As the sun shone over the horizon, illuminating the castle in warm hues, he felt a renewed sense of hope for their future and the countless possibilities that awaited the young prince.
"Inform Aaron; I request his presence this instant. This behavior is not accepted by a crown prince." The king commands, watching his older son one last time and walking towards his room.
Aaron looks at the merchant with a glare. Today, once and for all, this will be over. This man always feels like a threat to him. Perhaps it was the way he spoke in court or his brother spending more time with Aaron rather than his brother Aaron.
He clenches his fists, determined to confront the growing tension that has simmered beneath the surface for too long. With every step he takes toward the merchant, the resolve in Aaron's heart solidifies; today, he would reclaim his rightful place and assert his dominance.
Arson takes the soil from the blade and crosses it over his chest. He touched the sword to his head. "I shall hold you for protecting and not attacking any soul here."
As the crown prince clenches the sword, the weight of unspoken words hangs heavily in the air, amplifying his sense of purpose.
Aaron knows that this confrontation could change everything, not just for him but for his brother as well, and he feels an electric thrill coursing through him at the thought of finally throwing this man away from the castle.
The anger in his brother's eyes. The posture shows that he will not hesitate to remove his friend's existence from the earth. Why is he doing this?
Elric's breath hitches, noticing his brother is not asking for a duel in a casual way. No, he cannot lose his friend. He looks at his friend, who is standing calmly around.
The merchant looks at Elric, and he notices the thin line of tears, which doesn't fit well with the beautiful eyes. He blinks his eyes, assuring the boy that he will not hurt his brother.
Elric shook his head, understanding the gesture. He is unable to voice that he is more worried about him than the crown prince. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air between them, a silent pact forged in shared vulnerability.
Elric could feel the tension in his chest tightening, knowing that the stakes were higher than ever.
The crown prince noticed the interaction between them, and his temper turned similar to the volcano. His eyes glint with redness. The crown prince grits his teeth. What does this man have? Elric widened his eyes with a hitched breath; he stood as a barrier between his brother and friend with closed eyes.
He held his breath when the sound of swords clicking with each other followed by multiple gasps.
Elric doesn't wish to open his eyes and witness any of the people being hurt. He felt a hand coiling around him and pulling back. He opened his eyes, seeing his brother standing in front of him with shock, and the sword was far from them.
His brother's sword is missing. He tilts his head, seeing his friend's sharp eyes staring at his brother. He looks down at the arm wrapped around him and another hand holding the sword.
What did happen in the blink of an eye?
"Elric!" The crown prince shouts, marching towards the boy. Each step creates his footprint on the soil. He gripped Elric's hand, which was placed on his stomach, tightly, protecting the sparrow from falling.
The force of the grip pressed the bird to the inner rope. The bird is chirping with panic. It peeks its head out and chirps, looking around.
The crown prince's jaw tightened in a mixture of frustration and disdain as he yanked the delicate bird from the folds of his robe.
With a flick of his wrist, he cast it aside, watching as the helpless creature hurtled through the air. It collided forcefully with the rough bark of a nearby tree, the impact echoing in the stillness. The tiny body crumpled to the ground, motionless and forlorn, a pitiful sight beneath the shadow of the towering branches.
Elric gasped, his heart sinking as he watched the fragile creature crumple beneath the weight of his brother's actions. The crown prince turned away, his expression hardening.
Suvain's breath caught in her throat as she witnessed the merciless scene unfold before her. It was clear that the crown prince had much to learn about compassion, especially from his father, the crown prince, who embodied strength with kindness.
Meanwhile, Aaron swiftly grasped Elric's hand, a fierce determination in his eyes as he pulled his younger brother away from the chaos. The merchant caught off guard, lost his grip on Elric, freeing the boy to join his brother in a moment of reluctant escape.
As they stumbled away from the scene, Elric's thoughts raced, torn between loyalty to Aaron and the deep sense of injustice he felt for the creature left behind. "We can't just leave it there," he urged desperation creeping into his voice.
Elric paused for a moment, casting a concerned gaze over his friend. His eyes scanned every contour of his companion's body, searching for any hint of injury or the dark stain of blood. Satisfied that his friend seemed unharmed, he allowed a smile to grace his lips before turning away.
Arson's gaze remained locked onto Elric's, the intensity of their connection palpable in the charged air between them. Elric stood firm, a protective barrier against the looming threat of his brother, his posture radiating both defiance and urgency.
Arson inhaled deeply, the cool, crisp air filling his lungs as the weight of the moment bore down on him like an oppressive blanket.
The servant standing afar decided to step away from the garden. Arson saw Fawther leaving. "Fawther, can I discuss a few things with you?"
Fawther stops his steps, glancing at the way his Highness was pulled by his brother and back to the merchant's expecting eyes. He gave a hesitant nod, walking closer to the man.
Arson motioned for Suvain to pick the bird from the ground. With a swift yet gentle movement, the commander reached out and cradled the creature in his hands.
He couldn't help but notice the raw wound, where the flesh had reopened, blood slowly congealing in dark knots. A heavy sigh escaped Suvain's lips as he held the fragile bird with the most care, feeling the weight of its suffering and the responsibility resting on his shoulders.
"Suvain, I have already prepared the salve in the morning. Apply it and wrap a clean cloth on its wing. I will be back by then." Arson, he explained with crossed arms.
Suvian nodded with a bow, "Yes, your highness."
Arson squeezed his eyes shut, turning his face away in an attempt to block out the scene before him, while Suvain fought back the urge to speak, clenching his tongue between his teeth in restraint.
"I know; I am ordering you. But do not treat me as though I'm a prince." Arson tried to cover it. Alas! The seed of doubt is sown in the servant's mind.
Fawther furrowed his eyebrows, a crease deepening on his forehead as he absorbed the weight of Suvain's words. The way he uttered "Your Highness" resonated with a palpable earnestness, infused with a gravity that suggested every request from this Aaron was not merely a suggestion but rather a solemn directive intended for his friend.
There was no hint of jest or lightheartedness in Suvain's tone; it was a clear reflection of unwavering dedication and respect, making the atmosphere around them feel charged with sincerity.
Arson, keenly observing the subtle shift in the other person's expression, quickly pivots the conversation to a different subject, hoping to lighten the mood and divert attention from the unsettling change.
"The way the crown prince dragged his highness, I am certain, it was not the first time it happened."
Fawther pressed his lips together. "This is a matter within the castle, and you, being not from this kingdom, should not worry about it."
Arson inhales deeply and nods, "You are correct. However, what the crown prince did to Your Highness is being accepted by this outsider. Then, how is the castle being calm about it? Nobody spoke against this manner.
"How could we go against the crown prince? For sure, we do not pray to get beheaded by him." Fawther takes a step back. "Perhaps you are assuming my Highness is strong enough to protect himself?"
Arson's eyes widen in disbelief as he gazes at the servant standing before him. The weight of the moment hangs heavily in the air, confirming everything he had been insisting all along.
The servant's expression is a mixture of surprise and apprehension, mirroring the chaos of emotions swirling within Arson.
The servant gave a knowing smile. "Your Highness was probably about two human lengths away. However, he managed to stand in front of you right before the crown prince could strike. Doesn't it make you suspicious?" The servant smiles.
"My Highness is strong and very intelligent. It's just that he is bound by a promise." The servant bows lightly and walks away, leaving Arson with questions swirling in his mind.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
"Crown prince," Elric's voice froze the brother while his grip didn't loosen from Elric. "What you did in the garden is not acceptable!"
Elric pulls his hand away from the grip. "I am tolerating all these because of the promise."
Arson took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "But at what cost, Elric?" he asked, desperation creeping into his tone. "This promise is turning us against each other."
Elric inspects his wrist, but prominent red lines contrast with his white skin. He sighed, glancing at his brother. "You cannot raise the sword or any weapon against the one person very important to me now."
Aaron's forehead throbbed with anger. "Do not forget you are talking with--"
"You do not forget that I am very capable of fighting for the crown. I keep quiet. That does not imply that I don't have other intelligence." Elric takes a step back, noticing his father walking towards them. "Never take my silence as my weakness."
Elric bowed to the king and said, "Your majesty, I have a complaint against the crown prince." The king raised his hand, gesturing for Elric to keep quiet.
"I am very aware of this matter. Crown prince," The king threw a sharp stare at him. "We should have tea together."
The king's eyes soften, looking at Elric. "You should go back to your sparrow."
Elric widens his eyes. "You think I won't know what and who is entering the castle?" The king chuckled, patting Elric's hair. He threw a final glare at Aaron and gestured for him to follow.
Aaron hesitated for a moment, the weight of the king's gaze lingering on him. With a resigned sigh, he stepped forward, ready to confront whatever challenge awaited him in the shadow of the royal court.