Chapter 4: Danger In every Corner
The massive grand hall was crowded, filled by servants' curious eyes, eyes locking on the small white-haired boy who stood in front of the throne with his head held high.
Despite the warm breeze of autumn, Ailen was shaking. His stomach stirred uneasily, and a dry lump was forming inside his throat. Standing there and being scrutinized by a pair of sharp brown eyes made Ailen's heart beat rapidly, with a sweat slowly trickled down to his chin.
When he walked into the palace, everyone was dumbstruck.
They're all stunned, gawking at Ailen as if he had two heads.
It's like they're witnessing a real miracle with their bare eyes. When Ailen saw the Emperor sitting on his throne, his face expressed how aghast he was. But immediately contorted into an indecipherable expression that made Ailen forgot how to breathe.
Meredith and Irma were standing a couple of meters away from him, heads lowered.
"Your Majesty," Ailen's voice came out quiet, but since the hall was mostly empty and spacious, his voice was heard clearly by everyone.
The Emperor's lips twitched, his bushy eyebrows creased.
"… Crown Prince. You're awake,"
"That, I am," Ailen answered with a tight-lipped smile.
"How?"
How?
Ailen blinked, eyeing the Emperor in front of him with puzzlement. How should he answer the question?
"I— Your Majesty. I woke up a couple of days ago. Meredith and Irma took care of me," Ailen gestured toward the two maids, who were visibly shaking in fear. Ailen gulped. "I'm perfectly healthy now,"
"Impossible,"
"The Crown Prince woke up,"
"He looked very healthy,"
Distant whispers among other servants were heard, The Emperor inaudibly clicked his tongue. He tapped the armchair with his finger, back reclined as his gaze sharpened.
"I see. It was rather unforeseen to see you again, Ailen,"
Liar.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm here simply because I wish to inform you about my well-being. Now that I recovered from my illness, I am capable of continuing my duty as Crown Prince,"
Another choir of loud whispers echoed.
"Ailen," The Emperor started, successfully making the whispers into a hush. "You just woke up after three years. I will have to ask you to stay in your bed until you're fully recovered. This is miraculous news that needed to be celebrated soon. Let's talk furthermore regarding the matter and other things over tea, or dinner. I'm aware that you still needed more rest. You're allowed to stay in the sapphire palace and wait for further notice from me,"
Ailen almost let out a loud breath in relief.
He lived another day.
"Yes, and thank you. I look forward to our next meeting, Your Majesty,"
"Likewise,"
Ailen bowed his head and turned around, walking to the entrance a little too quickly.
Simple, curt, and formal. That was easier than Ailen thought. A couple of servants bowed their heads at Ailen as he walked past them. Meredith and Irma followed from behind, navigating the little boy to the sapphire palace.
During their quiet walk, Ailen felt like he's about to wet the slacks he's been wearing.
The Emperor looked like he's about to kill him.
There's an ominous aura emitted from the Emperor, and he felt daggers burning on his head somewhere— like someone was watching him. Ailen chewed on his bottom lip, anxiously glancing everywhere as he walked through the giant corridor with pillars beside him.
The Emperor invited him for tea. It'll be the perfect chance to ask him questions. But Ailen knew, that the next time he's going to meet the Emperor, he probably won't be able to see the sunrise tomorrow. The thought made Ailen gulped.
It's not even a week yet since he woke up in this body. He could barely adjust to the environment, to his new life. And yet, he needed to focus on seeking protection.
The only people he knew were Meredith and Irma. And they're not sorcerers who could protect him with magic.
Sorcerers.
Magic.
Ailen abruptly stopped, causing the two maids behind him to stop as well.
"Your Highness?" Meredith asked.
Ailen turned around, looking up at the two maids with wide eyes.
"Bring me books about magic, immediately,"
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