Chapter 15
As the imposing doors to the grand throne room creaked open, Orion bowed gently,prince Nael's sensed the bowing and made entrance. The prince's staff tapped out a deliberate rhythm on the polished marble floor, the sound echoing off the vaulted ceiling like a solitary heartbeat. The throne room's cavernous space swallowed the sound, only to return it amplified, a reminder of the power and majesty that dwelled within these hallowed halls.
"Your Majesty, are you in?" Prince Nael's voice rang out, his words carrying across the room with the confidence of one accustomed to being heard.
The king's deep, resonant voice responded, its warmth a gentle rebuke to the cold formality of the throne room. "Of course, I am here. Do you want the servants to assist you to sit?"
For a moment, Prince Nael's pride wrestled with his independence. His lips compressed into a thin line as he hesitated, the silence between them thick with unspoken meaning. "Ehm, I would find my way myself," he said finally, the words tinged with a quiet determination.
With cautious steps, Prince Nael moved forward, his outstretched hands probing the space before him like tentative feelers. The air seemed to vibrate with his concentration, his entire being focused on navigating the unfamiliar terrain. But fate had other plans. His foot caught on the edge of the dais, and Prince Nael's staff slipped from his grasp. His arms flailed wildly as he stumbled, the sound of his clothes rustling against the marble floor echoing through the room like a whispered apology.
The prince's face burned with embarrassment as he slowly rose to his feet. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," he began, his voice trailing off into an awkward silence.
The king's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a mixture of amusement and concern. With a gentle wave of his hand, he signaled to the servants standing nearby, their faces impassive masks of duty and loyalty. They hurried forward, their movements swift and efficient, and gently took Prince Nael's arms, guiding him to a nearby chair.
As the prince sat down, his fingers absently traced the intricate carvings on the armrest, his mind preoccupied with the mortifying spectacle he had just made of himself. Once seated, Prince Nael's composure returned, his voice steady as he asked, "Ah, Your Majesty, you sent for me?" The question hung in the air, a tentative bridge between the awkwardness of the moment and the weightier matters that were to come.
The king's words hung in the air, laden with weighty significance. "I summoned you for a reason, Prince Nael. Have you caught wind of the coronation ceremony? Your brother will be given the crown prince title.
Prince Nael's face remained impassive, a mask of calm composure. "Yes, Your Majesty, I am aware of the impending coronation. The whispers and rumors have been circulating throughout the palace for days."
The king's piercing gaze bore into Prince Nael's very soul. "Given the circumstances, you would have been the natural heir to the throne. I must ask, Prince Nael, are you at peace with the knowledge that your brother Lukan will don the crown prince title tomorrow? The coronation ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, with dignitaries and nobles from far and wide in attendance."
Prince Nael's response was laced with a deep-seated longing. "Your Majesty, the throne holds little significance for me. My heart's desire is not to rule, but to see. To behold the world in all its beauty, to gaze upon the faces of those I love." The yearning in his voice was almost palpable, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he had made and the challenges he had faced.
The king's expression softened, his eyes clouding over with memories of Prince Nael's birth and early years. "When you were a child, we held out hope that your sight might one day return. Your condition was a mystery, a puzzle we could not solve. And yet, as you've grown, we've come to realize that your true strength lies not in your physical limitations, but in the depths of your character and the resilience of your spirit."
The king's words hung in the air, a thoughtful inquiry into Prince Nael's innermost feelings. " The title of crown prince will be conferred upon your brother, largely due to circumstances beyond your control. I sought to reassure myself that you bear no ill will towards him."
Prince Nael listened attentively, his countenance a mask of serene composure. The king's words probed the depths of his emotions, searching for any hint of resentment or bitterness. After a moment of contemplative silence, the king spoke again, "Well, that will be all. I merely wished to confirm that you harbor no grudges. You are free to withdraw now."
Prince Nael bowed slowly, his movements deliberate and measured. He rose to his feet, grasped his staff, and began to navigate the palace corridors, assisted by the king's signal to the servants.
As they exited the throne room, Orion fell into step beside him, his voice low and respectful. "Your Highness, might I inquire as to your next destination?"
"I require physical activity to clear my mind," Prince Nael replied. "Let us proceed to the training grounds."
"Do you intend to instruct the soldiers, Your Highness?" Orion asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.
"I simply wish to engage in a bout of combat," Prince Nael said, his voice firm and resolute.
Orion nodded, his expression inscrutable. As they walked, he broached a more personal topic. "Your Highness, I couldn't help but overhear your nocturnal distress. Did you experience another sleepless night?"
Prince Nael's blind gaze narrowed slightly, his eyes flashing with a hint of frustration. "Yes, another night without rest," he replied, his voice laced with a deep-seated weariness.
Orion's expression softened, his voice filled with concern. "I know of a talented musician who might be able to soothe your troubled mind. Her melodies have been known to induce restful slumber."
Prince Nael's response was immediate and resolute. "Music, no matter how beautiful, will not alleviate my sleepless nights, Orion." His voice was firm, yet beneath the surface, a hint of sorrow lingered, a poignant reminder of the complexities of his inner world.
Orion's expression was thoughtful as he replied, "Your Highness, you won't know the efficacy of the music until you've given it a try. If the melodies don't resonate with you, we can explore other options. Perhaps it's worth a shot?"
Prince Nael considered Orion's words, his mind weighing the potential benefits. After a moment, he responded, "Very well, Orion. But I don't need you to send for her just yet. Tonight, I plan on taking a stroll to the river side. I'll use that opportunity to meet the musician myself, to gauge her abilities firsthand."
Orion's eyes lit up with understanding. "I'll make the necessary arrangements, Your Highness."