"Is it me, or is my elder brother very happy today?" Emerson teased, nudging Arson's shoulder.
Arson's smile brightens. "Focus on combat, Emer." Arson points his sword at Emerson.
Emerson held the sword steady and spoke, "We all know your skills, my lord." He took a step back. "I am no match for you."
Arson frowns, "Emer, never look down on yourself. You are second in command in the army."
Emerson grits his teeth with a small smile. "Huh! Second in command."
Arson saw his lip movement. Although he couldn't hear him. "Emers, did you say something?"
Emerson shook his head, charging at Arson with fire in his eyes. If only he could kill him this way and declare it was a coincidence. Also, not possible. The king would slit his throat before Arson sleeps in his grave.
"Your Highness," Fawther calls Arson.
Arson turns his back on Elerson, narrowing his eyes at Fawther. "Is his highness feeling well? Did something happen?"
Fawther swiftly bows, replying, "Yes, your highness. The physician checks on his highness. They said they wished to speak with you instead."
Arson nods, placing the sword back in its place, fixing his attire. Brushed his fingers through his hair.
"Emer, let's continue later."
Emerson nods, "As my brother says."
Fawther frowns, hearing the voice. It sounded more like a taunt than a wish.
"Perhaps I am wrong. His Highness is a kind and good person. Then his brother would be good too."
A man wearing black attire emerged from behind the pillar. His eyes followed Fawther skipping steps towards the guest room.
"Rubel!" Suvian calls, choking the man.
Rubel's eyes did not move from Fawther, slowly pushing the knife on Suvain's thigh.
"Heavens! You are always guarded." Suvain pushes Rubel. "Is there any day you are not wearing the weapons?"
Suvain crossed his arms. "At this moment, I believe, it should have been you going to Elysia with his highness. At least, you would have smiled."
Rubel ignored Suvain's words. "How was your journey?"
Suvain's smile drops. "Rubel, whatever happened, forget it. She was-"
"If there is nothing else. I shall take my leave." Rubel gave a swift nod and walked away.
"I dislike women. They are not trustworthy." Rubel shouted, earning a sharp, offended gaze from the maids.
Suvain sighed, shaking his head. "One heartbreak has made him this. Heaven knows if he can believe in love again."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Arson knocks on the door, gaining the attention of the physicians. Fawther took a step inside and stood near Elric's head.
"Greetings, your highness." The three physicians bow.
Arson nods, stepping inside the room.
"How is Prince Ryan?" Arson asked, watching Elric's big ones. He can feel those eyes are hoping Arson will hug him.
Arson would have been honored. Yet, he cannot do so. The physician would take a different meaning, and it would not be good for Elric.
The first physician bowed, "Your highness, as the words of Prince Ryan. This has occurred because of the venom of a poisonous snake. I am afraid it would be later than today. The prince would have never been able to walk again."
Arson frowned, "Do not tell me what could have happened. Inform me what can be done to cure Prince Ryan."
The physician glanced at his subordinate. He showed a small container of salve. "This must be applied all the time on his shoulder. We have to cure and remove the poison from the core first."
Arson steps closer, inspecting the salve with his eyes. "Do I take it that these days the prince's body carried the poison?"
The physician shook his head. "No, your highness. Allow us to explain ourselves."
Arson nods, taking a pinch of salve and testing its fragrance.
"The other physician has done a wonderful job of removing the poison. Removing a poisoner is not an easy task. Sometimes, the process can take the patient's life too."
Arson froze momentarily. Eyes darted across the room where Elric sat with curious eyes.
"I have one request," Arson whispered, glancing back at the physicians. "Please cure him."
The physicians bowed together. "Your Highness, your wish is our command. We shall use every possible method to cure Prince Ryan."
The physicians hesitated. "For that, we require complete isolation and nobody to enter Prince Ryan's room. Not even the servants."
Arson turned his attention to Elric, who took a sip of vegetable soup. Fawther feeding him tenderly. It would be harsh to separate two loving friends.
"Do whatever it takes. I shall make sure nobody disturbs you. However, I would prefer Fawther to stay with him."
Arson raised his hand, silencing them. "He is comfortable and familiar with Fawther. He has to be present in the room to be comfortable."
The physician sighed, "As your highness commands."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The princess stares at the mirror. Her first courting gift is not accepted by the prince. She fisted the quill tight, breaking it without mercy.
Her gaze flits to the letter she wrote with all her love for the prince. Until a guard knocks on her door and gives the mirror back to her.
"Princess, please do not-"
Trisha glares at her servant. "What do you think I shall do with the mirror?"
She tilts her head towards the mirror. "I shall make sure you are held in his palm and swear in front of the world to marry me." Smirking, she threw the letter, opening a new one to write. "I shall pursue you to the extent of you becoming mine alone."
The maid shivered; she had never seen her highness this angry before. She cannot comprehend what awaits in the coming days of spring.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Arson is unable to focus on the complaints received by the kingdom.
He closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead. Shaking his head, he takes the quill in his hand.
This letter is about the harvested crops. The farmer exclaimed that the crops grew so beautifully that they looked like gold. However, the soil is losing its fertility. They requested that the king provide a solution for it.
Arson was unable to think of a solution. His frown deepened as he tried to think of any way.
"Prince, you do not look well," Rubel whispered, looking at the pile of scrolls and the prince.
Arson shook his head. "No, I am not unwell. I was thinking of a solution."
Rubel nods, "Your Highness, for the past few days, you have been this way. And I have never seen you thinking about solutions so deeply. You always have answers for almost all the problems."
Arson smiled, which looked strained to Rubel.
Rubel bows, "I may be crossing the line by saying this. However, your highness, please give some rest to your mind."
Arson smiled. "Do not worry, Rubel. I am healthy and fit. Since I was away for a long time. Many things are pending from my end. Like approvals and suggestions."
Rubel nods, standing back in place.
The sun started going lower on the horizon. Yet, Arson did not eat anything. He dismissed every maid who brought breakfast, tea, lunch, or refills of water in the jug.
Rubel could not bring himself to eat either.
"Rubel," Arson calls with a warning tone. His eyes focused on the details written in the scroll.
"Your Highness is not eating; how dare I eat?"
Arson folds the scroll after signing, "Because I command you."
Rubel smiled, bowing. "I am afraid I shall not be able to compile it."
Arson sighs, shaking his head. "Why are you standing here for the entire day?"
Rubel replied, "For your safety, your highness. Any trouble reaching you must face me first." He looks at Arson. "However, I am not able to face the troubles of your mind first."
Arson paused his writing. "Rubel, can you check on Price Ryan?"
The hesitation in Arson's voice did not sit well in Rubel's mind. "As your highness wishes."
"One moment," Arson whispered, reading a letter with furrowed eyebrows.
"Yes, your highness." Rubel waits for Arson's command.
"Please look into this matter this instant." Arson signed and sealed the scroll.
"Ask the guards and soldiers to find a girl. She is a young girl, and she has been missing for the past few days."
Rubel bows, "As you command." He took the scroll from Arson and marched out of the room.
His team is sufficient to find the girl. Rubel stood in the training ground and gave a loud whistle.
The comrades lined up one after another, forming a square of 11x11.
"His highness has requested us to look for a young girl, who is missing and-" Rubel opens the scroll, reading the name of the complainant. "Perhaps the daughter of this farmer." He keeps the scroll back, attention on his subordinates. "Have any of you seen his daughter?"
Four hands raised in the air. "Chief! She is my sister!" The voice cracked, and so did a partition to see the individual, holding a straight face.
"If she is your sister. She's our sister, too!" Rubel shouts, gaining a chorus of "yes, chief."
"Let us find our sister. Go to the market, in the forest, and the surrounding areas. Go where you think a girl could go, or a man could. Find her at all costs."
"Yes, chief!"
They swiftly formed a circle around the brother, asking him to explain when he last saw her and what she looked like.
"Rubel, I have a bad feeling about this," Suvain whispered, standing next to Rubel.
Rubel hums, opening the scroll again. He could see faint drops changing the shade of the paper. "We have to find her, because this letter was sent before His Highness arrived."
Rubel looks at Suvain. "I do not understand in your absence. I hold the command. Then why does the second prince not do so? If he had seen this request. Perhaps, we could have found the girl long ago. And, you know, the second prince said, giving his scrolls, that these were asking for tough decisions, and he could not trouble his majesty for this."
Suvain threw a sharp stare at him. "You have said it today. Never repeat it. His Highness trusts the second prince more than his life. He shall not tolerate such miswords about his brother."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
There was a gentle knock on Arson's room.
With furrowed eyebrows, he opens it.
"Fawther?"
The mentioned male was standing with a plate full of food. Fawther bows, "Greetings, your highness." Fawther gestures to the food tray. "His highness requested you not to worry, and this food is for you."
Arson gulps, taking the tea. "How did His Highness know about me not eating?"
Fawther blinks. "Your Highness, I was passing by your pavilion and heard a nobleman trying to persuade you to eat." He bows deeply. "I did not wish to overhear."
Arson nods, "You informed his highness of this. He is upset now."
Father nods, "His highness was asking about you. Whenever I go out to get his Highness breakfast or food, he would ask one question." Fawther dares to look straight at Arson. "How is your highness doing?"
Arson nods, "I am thankful for your care. However, Fawther, please prioritize His Highness's health over anything."
Fawther bows, "As your highness commands." He widens his eyes. He took a folded paper from his stash. "This is for you."
Arson keeps the tray on a table in his room. He took the paper, nodding at Fawther, who bowed, taking the cue to leave.
As the door clicked shut behind Fawther, Arson carefully unfolded the paper, his heart racing with anticipation. The elegant script revealed a message that could be sent by Elric, and he felt a mix of hope and trepidation as he read the carefully chosen words.
To,
Dear Prince of Amorite.
I write to you beneath the hush of evening, with the lamp casting its golden glow across this paper. The air is still, save for the occasional whisper of wind, and in this quiet, my thoughts drift to you-as they so often do.
My legs, once stubborn and aching, are finally mending. The physician says I shall be walking with ease again soon. I dare say I shall be able to travel before long... and you know where my heart wishes to go.
But enough of me. Tell me, are you well? Are you eating properly and resting enough? I worry, though I know you will brush it off with that smile of yours. Still, indulge me-take care of yourself, not just for your own sake, but for mine too.
I long for the day I can see you again. I imagine it often: the way your eyes shall meet mine, the way time might pause for a breath. There is so much I wish to say, yet I fear my voice may falter when the moment comes. Perhaps you shall read it in my silence or in the way I linger just a little too long.
Until then, I remain faithfully yours,
Ever and always,
Arson did not realize the tears gliding over his cheek until the wind brushed them as though Elric were caressing it.
He sniffs, clearing his throat, rubbing the tears subtly. He looks at the food in the tray.
"Recover well, your highness. I am manifesting to see you walk again." Arson pulls the plate closer, taking the spoon in his hand. "I am wishing for you."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Elric blinks his eyes, watching the physician crush herbs and apply them to his leg. They are asking him to drink those bitter herbs. Fawther standing next to him, holding his hand.
All these days, he has not moved from the makeshift bed brought by the physicians. They are working tirelessly to cure him. They reassured him that he would be taking baby steps very soon.
That day, the sun could not have shone brighter than Fawther's smile. The way he closed his eyes, whispering thankfulness. Praying or talking with the universe's creator. Someone, somewhere out there, was wishing for his recovery, too.
There is a saying that you shall respect something after losing it. Perhaps that can apply to Elric, too.
Having Arson all the time around him. He addresses Elric as "his highness" every time he mutters anything. Feeding Elric when he does not have an appetite. Always there to listen to anything and everything, Elric mutters. And, eyes watching him with tenderness as though Elric were a dream, which he does not want to break.
"Prince Ryan," a physician whispered, bringing the boy back to earth. The physicians glanced at one another, nodding their heads. "You can try walking."
Elric's breath hitched, eyes flickering towards Fawther. The servant held his mouth with silent tears falling from his eyes.
"Your Highness?" The physicians frown, glancing at one another. "Do not be afraid. We are here to heal you." The physician reassured with a warm smile.
A physician steps back after wrapping Elric's leg with herbs and bamboo sticks around his leg for support.
"They might feel heavy. However, they would provide you with the initial support and strength to walk until your legs could take your weight with ease."
Elric nods, pushing himself from the bed. Fawther swiftly stepped forward, holding Elric's hand. "We can do it, your highness."
Elric closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Holding Fawther's hand tight, the other hand holding the edge of the bed. He pushed himself to stand.
The physician observed Elric's shaky legs. "Your highness, we shall do this every day. Carefully, we would see which medicine is working best, and we would try walking one step at a time."
Elric nods, sitting back on the bed. His eyes flickered towards the entrance. One day, he wants to open the door himself and shock Arson to the core.
Father follows his line of sight and smiles tenderly.
"Prince would be the happiest among us," Fawther whispered to Elric's ear. The boy bites his lips, nodding.
The physician packed their things. "Fawther, you must apply this salve on the prince's leg." A physician gave the balm. Fawther bows, taking it between his palms.
"Heal well."
"Best wishes, your highness."
"I wish you a speedy recovery."
The physician bows to Elric one last time.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Arson is sitting in the pavilion, grinding stones for the ink.
He dips the quill in the ink and takes a scraper from the drawer.
To,
His humble highness,
Today's weather is chilly. Does the blanket keep you warm, or should I send something softer and warmer? I am taking good care of myself, your highness.
While writing this letter, it reminds me of our time in Elysia. Even today, I laugh at the mischief you played and how it unknowingly brought us closer.
I miss our time together, watching the sparrow with you. That reminds me, the little sparrow has befriended my falcon. Now, it stays with it all the time. Can you imagine a giant bird befriending a tiny bird?
I have seen many beautiful things, the flowers often reminding me of you. Our garden is waiting for your presence. I have to show you my world, your highness. You have not met my friends yet. They are very cute, and I am assured they will love you more than me.
Arson slaps his forehead for the slip of emotions. He was not supposed to write about love.
When the prince showed and exclaimed his discomfort. He should be grateful that the prince is not disgusted with him.
Arson scratches the alphabet. With a deep sigh, he starts writing.
These days, night drapes its velvet over lonely streets.
And I walk beneath its hush,
speaking your name to passing lamps,
hoping each flicker carries my longing back to you.
My heart has learned the weight of absence.
So I gather all these scattered moments-
and hold them like petals, trembling between my palms.
—Yours,
Arson could not come up with any names for himself. He refers to the letter sent by Elric. The letter addressed him as the prince of Amorite. Arson sighs, "Should I send this letter?"
Shaking his head, Arson folds the paper into a small square and tucks it inside his sleeve.
"Your Highness."Arson turns around, watching a guard panting hard.
"What happened?" Arson asked, standing upright, moving towards the man.
"Your highness, body. A dead body of a girl." The guard replied, gulping for nothing. "We think I could belong to"
Arson widens his eyes. "Where is it?"
The guard bows, "At the entrance of the kingdom. It was found in a deep forest."
Reaching the site, Arson did not expect the sight. A guard is holding the corpse close to him and sobbing profusely. Many subjects gathered around with shocks and gasps.
Noticing Arson's presence, the subjects made a partition, allowing the male to walk carefully.
The guard continued crying while caressing the cold body's face.
When the guard noticed Arson, "Your highness, my-my sister." He gestured at the body covered with a white cloth. By getting near, Arson could get the pungent smell from the corpse. He took a shaky breath, realizing she must have died long ago.
Arson turns his head at Rubel and nods his head. Rubel slams his fist on his chest and bows, taking the clue. "We have to prepare for the funeral."
Arson placed his hand on the guard's shoulder. "Pull yourself together." However, the guard cried louder.
The onlookers, wiping their eyes. Until they heard a loud gasp.
"My daughter," A mother's trembling lips muttered. She pushed people away from her sight, and she fell in front of her children.
"Wh-what happened to her? Why is she sleeping here?" She pats her daughter's face. "Wake up, you cannot sleep here. Look, our crown prince is here. Do you not admire him anymore? What would he think about you?" She pulls her sleeve and gently wipes the soil from her daughter's face. "Let us go home, hmm? Your father is waiting for us."
The guard wipes his eyes. "Mother, stay strong."
She snaps her gaze at the male. "What strong? You guys are my strength. If you are strong. I have you both as my strength."
"Yunjo! Get up. I am feeling anger now."
Yet, the girl remains still. Her eyes closed in deep slumber. She is in a faraway land.
The mother placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "My little child is sleeping?" She caressed her greasy hair.
Arson saw tiny organisms on her toes. He closed his eyes, holding the guard's shoulder. "The body is decomposing. We must finish the rituals." He glanced at the other guards and gestured. "Get a carriage or anything so we can carry her."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Fawther reached Elric with shocked, wide eyes. He placed a tray of salve on the table. Taking a cloth absent-mindedly, he rinsed it in warm water. Carefully removing the bamboo sticks, he washes the dry paste from his leg.
Elric frowns, noticing Fawther's unusual silence. He has seen Fawther skipping towards him with a warm smile and some news about Arson. Once he starts talking, nothing could stop him unless Elric sighs and dozes off to sleep.
"What happened?" Elric asked, holding Fawther's hand.
"Your silence is causing chaos in my mind." Further adding, gesturing for Fawther to speak through his eyes.
"Your Highness, a girl is said to have taken her life in Amorite, near the deep forest."
Elric nods. "What could be the reason?"
Fawther shook his head, washing the cloth in water.
"Why would someone kill themselves by going deep inside the forest, your highness?"
Elric looks out of the window. "Perhaps she lost faith in humanity."
Fawther stills for a moment. "Your Highness, it could be the worst that led the lady to take such actions."
Elric hums, "Does Arson know this?" Sighing, "I am worried about him."
Fawther nods. "His Highness was present when they found the body."
Elric hugs himself. "Can I be alone for some time?"
Fawther stood up and bowed deeply. "As your highness wishes."
Once the door closed, Elric took a shaky breath. He can remember his sister's cold body lying still in the bed.
For a moment, they thought she was sleeping. If not for the red line sliding from the corner of her mouth.
Her maid could not tell the reason or who did it, or why. However, the royal family blamed and charged the maid for everything.
Elric knows it was not the maid or the sister trusted so much. It was something or someone else's work.
The physician could not find the exact poison or how it reached inside her body. Since there were no wounds, they concluded, it must have been consumed.
Aaron and Elric could not keep calm. They reached the maid's house. Everywhere, every single person was mourning for the loss. She was their beloved princess.
The maid wept at Aaron's feet. She declined to say that she had poisoned their princess. Yet, Aaron did not believe her.
Elric did not mutter anything on that day. Yet, after a few days. He searched through the princess's belongings. From the dresses' wardrobe to the makeup table, every drawer. Yet, he could not find anything. Finally, he slumps on the bed.
He rubs his face in frustration. How would he fight for his sister's justice? How would he save the maid now?
He slams his fist on the bed, falling on the bed. His eyes lock with the bright chandelier at the entrance of the room. The candles flickered off, and it looks dirty now. He sighed, twisting his body, facing the chandelier. Until he saw something like paper kept on top of it.
Elric swiftly scrambled up, pushing a chair and stepping on it. He carefully rotated the chandelier and took a few envelopes from there.
By reading the letters. He realized his sister was in love with a prince from a faraway land. She did not mention the kingdom's name. However, she did not stop praising him for his features, for his knowledge, and for his wisdom.
His sister sounded like she was so in love with the unknown prince.
She mentioned meeting him for the first time at a royal gathering. He looked far apart from every other prince. What took her attention was the way he was admiring the moon as though it were his love.
Elric showed those letters and proved the maid to be innocent. However, Aaron did not believe the letters. Even today, Aaron blames the maid for the loss.
Elric tried to find any other clue about the prince. He thought his sister could not bear the unrequited love anymore and took her life. He wished to meet the prince and tell him about his sister. At least, his sister's soul would be at peace after that.
There was a gentle knock on the door, breaking the trance.
Elric swiftly wipes his tears, rubbing the excess water, and combs his hair.
"Your Highness?"
Elric paused, understanding it was Arson. Before, he could reply.
Arson continued, "Your Highness, I seek pardon for breaking your peace. I wish to meet you."
Faether, standing next to the door, saw Arson being very disturbed. He did not look his usual happy and calm self.
"I am unable to reach you. You have to enter the room." Elric replied from behind the door.
Fawther smiled, nodding at Arson, and opened the door for him.
Fawther closed the door behind Arson and heaved a deep breath. He smiled, turning around to leave.
His heart jumped to his throat as he gasped, falling back on the wall.
"Heavens, who are you?" Fawther asked with anger, holding his heart, which was beating with panic. "You scared me, you know that."
Rubel tilts his head, "Who are you? Why are you standing here?"
Fawther threw him a glare and turned away, walking towards the kitchen to fetch Elric's food.
The man stood in front of Fawther. "I asked your name."
Fawther glares back, "Who are you that I should answer?"