The Sapphire Prince

Azure's POV

"So your father wants the Cynthia's to stay in the palace momentarily during their meeting with you." Lance pinched his chin reading the letter I received.

The Cynthias have high legislative duties and quite the number too. They are superior members of the local commerce commission and is the most notable political powerhouse of the local kingdom.

They sought absolution perhaps to unify the monarchs and nobles. Of course, it would take a few days for two parties to reach an agreement, but I doubt it will only be discussed once on the table. Even so, it madden's me how suddenly they're once again welcomed in the palace and ever so casually stay...

"If they tailor this dispute into something more eye-catching then I'm sure your father will consider some of their demands." Lance eyed me sharply.

"What makes matters worse is they're a fairly powerful faction that can if given authority, rival the local monarchy. " He then placed paper down with his concerned eyes were fixed at my deprived state.

We stayed silent for one moment. Our bodies behaved smoothly and neither mouths inched to talk. For one moment, as if time elapsed in one corner. A sweet fraction of relief as Lance's hand met my heavy houlders. I glinted at him for one moment, and slowly, he withdrew.

The Cynthias and my family have an eerie history. That memory will last upon my mind though it would still bring me joy from time to time. They've been a very helpful ȧsset for both Rochileu and the empire, most scholars would praise their dominant mark in the trading industry as such it was impossible for my family not to glint at them.

"It's the responsibility of a monarch to purge their land's salvation. The empress has embellished the crown very ŀustrous achievements and as her heir, everyone expects you to behave likewise." He added.

"Monarchs have feelings. The Cynthias creep closer to my mentality rather than the crown. It aches to see them waltz back into these gates after so long." I slid my hand upon the ledge then I sat. The beautiful afternoon dew decorated the prairies a happy tone. It prints a small joy as I see my youngest brother tallying the horses.

"Your distress is normal. The head of the Cynthias is said to be attending-" I coughed, cutting him off and he casually jerked his tongue.

The Lord of the Cynthias, Count Cacious, is an outstanding fellow. Having to govern a very good piece of agriculture as large as that of three noble houses combined. His length and wisdom have enabled him to reach out to other noble houses, making their family the largest statement in Rochileu.

His nature, a very eerie one. He would have this peculiar smile on his face. An ear-to-ear grin that seems malicious. At times, he's very unusual. His accent suddenly strengthens and his eyes randomly twitched, combined with such smile...you would consider him foreign from normality.

"It's natural for the head to attend. I'm still very lost about why they didn't consider themselves with Queen's office first. Though proving a great share to the empire, they have no legal paper to ȧssume direct contact from our table." Lance giggled for one moment then he sighed.

"It isn't a good time to be laughing, Lance." I stood from the ledge. I fixed my pace returning to inside but then he tugged my collar.

"Your history is but a grain in the sands of regret, your family begs you to stop it already as they've considered your emotions to the point where the Cynthias lost virtues and stroke fiery debates about control and order." He tightened his grip then he laughed once more.

"Are you saying I caused this?"

"Its a hypothesis I've been keeping so long. With all due respect, you aren't a very good liar better yet you are the best person to blame. Without your mental hindrance, the capabilities of the imperial monarchs would have advanced with the nobilities...but no, your family was sympathetic as to consider your feelings"

...

"Emotions... they're very gracious and yet very stiff, central and dependent. Either break it or mold Independence within that shade of feeling, You are sorry, then you are pitiful, your sympathy lacks passion but you persevere either way." He then lightened the weight but I was nowhere in tilting his strength. I was nudging the whole time he was explaining. I'm guessing those appointments with the guards paid him benefit as he refused to relieve me from his clasps.

"..."

My temples ached. It was one of those moments where Lance steps out of his ego. The very reason why everyone including my mother considered him to be a good lad to pair my authority. Lance is very bold but never insensitive for most of what he said was true, all I could do was marvel and smile at him for he has reminded me of past embers I, myself couldn't kindle.

"Your silence is endearing, your majesty. A proper sign that you were paying attention. Now that my conscience has been settled. I believe we need to continue our talks inside."

"Let me clarify you Bastion. Politics disregard principles of vehemence. I know that my state as a monarch has never impeded the capabilities of one's empire. The Cynthias lost virtues for they have scorned the narrative of sovereigns and-" My lips then paused as the afternoon bell rang. He had the last laugh in this argument after all. I sighed and recomposed my brain, he followed brazenly as to sway his thɨġhs back to his usual couch.

"We'll continue that talk somewhere else." He said beaming at me.

"Indeed we shall." I replied.

(A Day After)

Given at such. The Cynthias and the other noble factions, in history, waged war against the Alchemy. The war between normality and those who are blessed shook the largest of mountains and made history tremble long before the existence of the capital city.

The noble faction suffered the most severe casualties losing over half their population. The leader and the supervisor of the alliance were my ancestors...

"Funny how they've decided this was the best time to attack especially when they know that the imperial family is in its prime this year," Lance smirked still searching for that one book.

Now, the power struggle is having its backlash. The nobles especially the Cynthias wished for kingship, to have a legitimate narrative as a monarchy of the state.

Though Whereana's definition of monarchy is still complicated, the pledge of the name highlights glory and authority which makes it the supreme denotation of an individual. Still, though, what do they need from that title?

"Your majesty?"

Narrowing down the situation, I'm keeping the conversation's ending statement while continuing to write a draft reply.

"Your grace!"

"E-Excuse me?" I said perplexed. My eyes hovered on Lance who's hand was nearing my cheek.

"I was just about to slap you." He withdraws smiling.

"I'm sorry. I give the situation a severe noting, I became oblivious. Since the dispute could connect well with history, I overlooked too much."

"You tend to overthink these types of things. Although the value of this situation ranks better than the rest, I guess it's only a normal reaction for you to overanalyze." Lance sighed.

"The Cynthias hold a very distinct place in the empire's history. Rochileu, the very first kingdom of the empire, honors the family, they recognize them as heroes..." I mumbled.

( A Few Moments Later )

I relaxed in my usual place under the Silvermoon tree. What once was a small white iron-like sapling to a marvelous tree with almost ocean blue leaves and a wrinkly bark.

There were thickets and brambles underneath the sunlight, while flowers bloomed in abundance and buŧŧerflies not far from the horizon.

The hedges groomed and with slight touches of paint may be from a groundskeeper's wagon or perhaps an artist's old attempt to capture this garden's image.

My hand then touched the grass. Same as ever as my feet have threaded these forests a thousand times more than I can remember. A garden that seemed like a castle inside a castle, a haven of my affairs...Whatever it may be, I feel in my ċhėst that this place will always be memorable.

"Good to see you out and about your majesty." Said the ever joyous groundskeeper.

"Sir Arnold Howard. Good afternoon." I said raising a hand as he passed by pulling a wagon the size of a cow with filled barrels of weeds maybe from the week's worth of work.

Sir Arnold has been here for a while and his acquaintances are fond of him. Always carrying around an ear-to-ear smile and a wrinkled yet spirited face that everyone seeks refuge from their gloom.

Like them, I also had that person in my life. She gave me countless smiles and memories that I've cherished as a child. A playmate and an angel of sorts, she was my positive figure, and yet...she's gone.

In the hour, I felt a tingling sensation that I should be somewhere else. But still, I let the moment sink in. it's rare to have these kinds of days, so it's best to have it savored. It urged me to be nothing, it urged me not to feel anything but the freedom of one's grief.

"Please, I do remember you but, sadly, you had to go so soon before I even got to meet you wholly," I said, frowning gently.

I seemed as if I was pleading in silence as I stared blankly into the open, reminiscing for something-something that should've been here. Yes a missing link in the fields of a thousand dandelions, that's what it felt like...

I then closed my eyes.

(A kinder Azure, A young Azure sat against the tree with ice crystals for leaves and white iron for a bark. He sat there, reading a story about the old myths of nightmares he was afraid of and about as a child of cowardly nature.)

(A woman drew near to him. Azure looked at the woman and noticed who she was. Azure smiled and then he closed his book. The woman laid out his right hand and with a warm heavenly voice, she asks.)

("What shall I call you today? Prince or Azure?")

(The young Azure spoke. " The other one". With that, the woman smiled and sat down beside him. Risking her green dress and her rose grooming all for the sake of her acting son. The smile etched across her face reveled at the sight of his joy.)

That was one of the few memories. Every time I look at a flower or maybe an apple, I remember a very kind woman. Why does the pain ache even after years, how does grief fade so slowly?

Why does it fade so slowly, I want time to pass by but I'm scared of the future. I will grow and change, I will be unhappy...but the grief won't be as painful anymore.

"Time, a universal truth that brings deny. Anyone would wish they could defy it." I joked.

The bells then rang. It was the mid-afternoon bell. I got on my feet and cleaned myself up.

"..."

I scoffed and fixed my posture. With a slow pace, I made my way back inside the white palace. Unfortunately, I was not able to inform Lance where I went but after these years we've been allies, I'm sure he knows well where I've been and where I could've been.

The mid-afternoon was another scheduled study. Monarchs study theology to pay respect to the church and to know better about mannerism, religious traditions, and formalities. Through the years I've seen myself as a hybrid of a believer and the opposite.

Some prophecies were true and some ended up false.

The magic in this realm is truly confusing and its systematical purpose is even more mind-boggling. Its essence and theories are divided into many strands in theology and the imperials should understand them well.

"Best be off to the usual parlor then," I whispered.