"Why the long face, your highness?" Eunuch Klyle, a middle aged man with far more wrinkles than he should at his age, inquired while politely studying the prince's dreary expression. "Is it because of the emperor's remarks? I'm most certain he meant well." He added when he didn't receive a response.
Prince Aiden was sat up on his bed wearing his cotton undergarments while his bed sheets were made of wool to keep him warm. But his expression was far from cozy as he stared into the unknown. Then, he quietly uttered, "Is this going to be the rest of my life?"
The Eunuch tilted his head, partly uncertain as to what his majesty was referring to. "What is, your highness?"
"This. This existence that only repeats itself everyday." The young man replied, speaking beyond his years.
"Your highness..." The eunuch was speechless, as he should've been. From the moment they entered the palace, it was drilled into them not to interfere or involve themselves in personal matters concerning the royal family. He was to perform his duties, no less and nothing more.
"Eunuch Klyle," Prince Aiden turned to the conflicted servant. "what was your life like before you came to the palace?"
Albeit hesitantly, the eunuch replied, "Well, I was a mere farmer's son. Life was difficult but I was quite contented."
The prince's eyes twinkled with curiosity as the eunuch went on. "We lived on a remote island and...I had a woman whom I loved." He was a little embarrassed to share the last part with the young master but found himself at a point of no return.
"What happened to her?" The boy asked eagerly.
Eunuch Klyle had a regretful smile on his face as he spoke. "Unfortunately, she was married off to someone else."
The fleeting moment of elation came to an end and Prince Aiden's face once again turned cold. He averted his eyes and queried, "Were you angry?"
The royal servant nodded his head. "I was. But mostly with myself. I despised not being someone worthy of being chosen by her family. And that's when I decided to become a eunuch."
The servant grew concerned from his highness' prolonged silence and began to regret his actions. "My apologies, your highness. It was not a pleasant story to tell."
"No, it was worth listening to." Prince Aiden said sternly. "I, too, want to feel such emotions. Love, anger, regret, anything but this predetermined life that offers no surprises or room to make my own decisions. I am to become emperor but I won't even get to pick my bride."
The eunuch was lost for words once again. "Your highness...you need not worry. Your father will select a maiden that is most fitting to be your wife."
The prince chuckled uncharacteristically. "If she's anything like me, our lives together would be just as miserable."
Eunuch Klyle wanted to offer Prince Aiden some words of comfort even though they would only be empty consolations but he was abruptly interrupted.
"I'm tired. Leave me." The prince ordered and laid on his side with his back turned on the royal servant who then bowed out of the room, putting out the flame inside the lantern on his way.