I was never free of restraints. Never, was I allowed outside without an entourage of guards and never was I held accountable for actions of my own doing. Not once have I received praise for whom I was but only for whom I was from.
To this, I say, slavery. To this, I say, tragedy. A bird not allowed from his cage yet trained to sharpen his nails. Although, not all is lost, for I understand what I have been given over another. What my status grants and what it makes me to a crowd. For that, I have no words to express what I feel. Perhaps it is because I do not yet know what exactly it is I sense. Only time can be its remedy.
Nevertheless, this morning thought, as reflective as it makes me seem, I am yet to get out of bed. Lord only knows what I have scheduled to spread under my father's name. Opening my eyes, I only see my ceiling. Adorned with art from those renowned worldwide. All of them only served to beckon me further towards my so-called "Destiny".
Staring at it only benefited the growing burn my eyes felt. If that wasn't the reason for the sensation, then I am clueless as to its cause. This "Destiny", however, I wonder if it will frankly be mine. The competition for the throne is by no means stagnant or small. That father of mine is no doubt well-known for his debauchery. My half-siblings range from a hundred to more than I could even bother to remember.
In any case, his numerous mistresses and wives are none of my concern, instead, it is the result of his lechery. To have to watch my back day and night in apprehension for what moment could be my end. This life isn't one I'd regard living. No, it's also something distinguishable from being lifeless. More accurately, I suppose I could say I live a life of strings. Attached, I can only see, a guest in my own house.
A knock brings me out of my musings.
"Prince Ordell, I'm afraid you will miss your brother, Prince Guilliver's monthly summit if you continue to sleep. It's almost the afternoon."
Ah, yes. My aid. A man that serves me, ostensibly without a will of his own. Although, he is right. My younger brother would go out of his way to annoy me if I were to miss even a single of his valueless tea parties.
I rise from the warmth of the only place I'd call safe and ready myself for another day of repetition. After finishing my daily routine, I exit my chambers watchful for dubious objects. Not that I'm as pessimistic or cynical as my thoughts make me out to be, but I prefer being safe now than to regret later.
Continuing down the hall, I'm interrupted by a voice I hold the utmost disdain for.
"Good morning, Ordy. Where would you be heading off today? Not that I mean to pry, but I do feel it is my duty to worry as your elder sibling."
If he were a vocalist, I have no doubt the way he'd sing would gather all the snakes around to a pit.
"Good morning, Maxiillion. I'm honoured by you're caring words. However, I'm astonished you don't know where I'm headed. After all, you overlook almost everything that occurs in this household. Don't you? I'm sure my schedule for both today and this week would have met your eyes at some point in time."
It was true for the most part. He oversees everything I am connected to. The only one that I share a mother too. I can never figure out what he truly wants. Ever since we were children, he somehow managed to get what he desired. If it didn't happen that day, then in a week, if not a week, then in a month, and if not a month, it would unquestionably happen the coming year. He needn't even speak his wish. It would transpire nonetheless. Regardless, I still knew it was him. By hook or crook, he would get it done. While that frightens me more than I'd ever admit, the fact I can't deduce how he does it terrifies me.
"Oh, please, Ordy. We're brothers, aren't we? I've told you to call me Max or big brother."
His emerald eyes lock with mine, and his gaze appears to display care and affection. I know better than to trust it.
"My apologies, Max. I woke up not too long ago. It appears the discipline drilled into us has indeed stuck."
It's not that I cannot call him big brother, but It simply doesn't feel right to be calling someone I never truly knew something soo close. Even if he were a familial tie. Like living with a stranger, you could never overcome having your first discussion with. He chuckled before he replied,
"Ah, yes. I'm sure it's the same for many of us royalty. On the topic of not knowing your schedule, do you really believe I am capable of not taking breaks now and again? I'm flattered, but I am no mechanical machine."
His lips tugged faintly upward.
Whether he was amused at my little remark or genuinely thought it funny is beyond me.
"Well, you certainly are capable of producing similar results to one. At any rate, I will inform you that I am headed to another of Gulliver's summits.",
The moment I uttered those words, I could feel a slight tension crawling through my back.The stiffness of the morning hasn't reduced entirely yet, I mused.
"I see... well, I'm not candidly fond of his character per se... the 'summits' are no better."
While he muttered the last part, I still managed to hear it.
"Be that as it may, have a wonderful time. Be sure to take your guards with you."
At that, I stiffed, and he slowly began walking closer towards me.
His steps echoed the long hall, like a steady heartbeat, until he finally stood in front of me, flatlining the sound. He towered over my frame. While I was by no means short as I was considered above average, standing at 5'11. His stature was just that much larger. From what I recall, being 6'6.
As he looked down at me, he raised his hand and placed it firmly on my shoulder.
"I believe you're not young or foolish enough to repeat your earlier incidents anymore. We only want you to be safe, brother."
The shadow from the chandeliers would have hidden his eyes if I weren't much shorter than him, I saw his eyes, and just for that moment, I saw the cold.
As soon as I saw it, It vanished without a trace, like a chilly breeze that flew past you on a ride. The smile right after melted away the little snow that lay on my mind. Or, it would have if I were anyone else.
"I know, don't worry. I'll listen and make sure I stay safe. On that, I can promise you."
I look back with conviction into his reflective green-tinted eyes.
"Good"
Was all he said, no longer meeting my stare. He left soon after with a tap on my shoulder. As his steps echoed through the hall once more, and I could no longer hear his loud presence, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I had no time to think over the implications of that conversation as my aid had chosen that time to usher me to the entrance.
Shaking off my sudden nerves, I followed behind him. We soon reached the main staircase leading to the doorway. Walking down, I asked him something that had been bothering me for some time now,
"James, do you enjoy being my aid?"
I pondered this often, If I were made to lead irregardless of my choice, then it would be wise to lead to the best of my abilities.
"Prince Ordell, that is a rather unique question. You have no need to worry. All of us aids have been hand-picked by the royal guard to provide the best of service, of course, we would enjoy being helpful to you and Prince Maxillion."
He stated without hesitation.
That wasn't what I was asking. I try to ask again, but right when I open my mouth-
"We have reached your highness. Please enter the vehicle and have a wonderful trip."
He said as he opened the limousine's door. I hadn't noticed we passed the doorway.Putting my question away for now. I entered the vehicle,
"Thank you, James."
I faced the window as I stared outside. Not much later, the car began moving. As I was driven past my shared estate, I found myself wondering what Gulliver had in mind this time. Usually, it would simply be a ploy to host his parties, a snobbish show off of wealth and position. I could never understand what joy he got out of such acts. As the car rode over the flyover, I stared at the city that was our kingdom's capital. It looked as contemporary to the period as possible. I oppugn if what I see is only for decoration, it can't always look stunning, but it manages to do so each time. The water that lay at the fore of it all only accentuated it. The Sun made everything sparkle as if it had all been filled with glitter.
Unfortunately, If one were to look closely, as I have done countless times, they'd see the disgrace that conceals itself under the clothes of beauty. The lines of folded fabric that hide the dirt of reality.
As I continued to stare out the window, the emerging manor that screamed for attention stole my attention. It really was a hideous mess of colours. Much less the obscenity of jewels it had adorned. None of it mixed together well. I guess that's the result of what you get when you put Gulliver in charge of embellishment.
As the car entered the gates of his unsightly manor, It slowed to a halt.
"Prince Ordell, we've arrived."
Taking that as my cue, I exited the vehicle with the help of the butler that had opened my car door.
"Thank you for the ride. You may return to my estate. I will be here for a while."
Taking in the 'view' in front of me, was enough to make me sigh in displeasure. The sheer amount of wealthy aristocrats and businessmen, along with the women they had brought along to parade was enough to tell me how my day would be spent.
Steadying myself for the inevitable, I continue forward. It doesn't take long before the attention is placed on me. Not even a minute can pass before I start hearing the inkling of whispers. While I can't hear what it is they say, I can always make educated guesses.
Snapping out of my game of guessing what the press might say tomorrow. I see my younger brother. Oh, the joy.
"Ordell! I'm so glad you could make it! I was wondering if you'd decided to raincheck today. I'm delighted to see you haven't, how's brother Prince Maxillion?"
He could never keep his voice down. He might as well have used a speaker. He stood at a similar height, being 5'10. He was as slender as they come, and didn't look like he weighed much despite his gluttonous lifestyle.
"Yes... I'm glad I could make it too. I was running a bit late. I'm sure you understand. Max is doing fine. I'll let him know you asked. I know he'd appreciate the gesture."
I doubt he would, but Dear Gulliver doesn't need to know that information.
"Thank you, Ordell. With that being said, let us move inside, shall we? Come, everyone! It is time to begin our celebrations!"
He hadn't even hidden his real attention for this gathering. I looked at the corner of my peripheral for any reporters that would have picked this moment for slander. I saw some, but they hadn't seemed to care. Figures, how typical of him to bribe even the reporters. Stepping inside his large manor, I could, at the very least, say the inside looked more acceptable than the outside. Probably means that he wasn't in charge of it.
"Ordell, we have much to talk on. I haven't had the opportunity to see you since last month either. Was it really that important to take those barbaric sword lessons?"
I knew he'd ask this at some point, but I didn't expect him to be soo forward with his line of questioning. It almost could be seen as accusatory.
I knew that wasn't his real intention. He never had a way with words. Nonetheless, I chose to amuse him somewhat,
" Of course it wasn't, but you know my nature. Once I start something, I like to see it through. It didn't feel right to leave training for an art I've practised since young because of indiscipline. Even if it merely is a contest of sticks and stones."
I don't acknowledge what I say. This is only to satisfy him.
I enjoy the sound of steel clashing and the adrenaline that fills my blood, the way a body can move without soo much as a thought, the instinct that drives the blade through another's heart and the blood that can spill as a result of a conviction. That is why I relish the art of the blade. I feel as if I can cut the strings around my world and just be free.
It is also why I detest the game of chess. To control puppets from afar and plan out each and every move. While I am no amateur and have even won against grandmasters, but I prefer not to play if possible. I gain no joy from it. I doubt Gulliver would understand or even try to if I told him this.
"Well, that part hasn't changed since we were kids, Ordell. I don't see the point of such useless activities, howbeit, that you can, exceeds me. Well, I'll continue our chat soon. I must now go present a speech to the masses as usual. Do enjoy in the meantime."
With that, he left to the podium in front of the cameras.
I couldn't really do much of anything while I was here since every attendee was waiting for this speech of his. I never liked them. They always rubbed me the wrong way. All I could do for now was to listen though. Resigning myself to fate, I went to grab a seat behind the podium. I had no choice but to since I was his brother.
"Greetings, citizens of Xenithia! I am Third Prince, Gulliver An Xenithia! To the people of our mighty empire! I request your attention. Our glorious empire has achieved what no other has and what no other will ever do! To grow, expand, conquer and withstand. This era will be no different than the rest! For the centuries of our rule, the cowards in the west have no drive and no spirit! We continue to improve with each day. To the people from the bottom all the way to those at the top, relish in the fact that you are Xenithian! To ensure that the status quo is met! To ensure that the world over recognizes our superiority! We must give our hearts and souls to our very nation! Join me in making our future brighter than the stars combined, Glory To Xenithia!"
"Glory to Xenithia!"
"Glory to Xenithia!"
"Glory to Xenithia!"
The masses gathered chanted, while no doubt, those in the empire echoed not far behind. In this hive of reckless trust, I look from afar. I scorn it with all my nature, but I cannot help. Not as I am now and no doubt not anytime in the future.
"Brother! The speech was rather quickly made, but I'm sure it did the job well enough, wouldn't you say so?"
So he didn't make it himself then, how entertaining. But, I can tell he felt it as truth. What a forgone individual. I've never asked what his aspirations are. It leads me to wonder if he has any to begin with.
"It was enough to suffice, Gulliver. You needn't fret over it."
I could tell I was on the edge of sounding as if I hadn't cared in the least.
"Oh, that's lovely to hear! Well, I must be going now. My time has been booked by a few others, have fun, dear brother!"
He said as he walked away, a group of scantily dressed women joining him not a moment later. Here I thought he could have withheld his urges for more than 10 minutes. Now I have to deal with sycophants for the rest of the day, not that I have a choice. Looking around, my eyes catch something peculiar, a wooden sword laying on the side of a table. The oddity was that I had attended enough of these events to know that aristocrats, businessmen or merchants don't carry such items with them, much less in a very lit room.
I decided I'd sate my stirring inquisitiveness, walking closer to the weapon, I kept an eye out for who it may belong to. No one had stood out to me in the slightest, nor was anyone near enough to be a possible suspect. I could go for the careful approach, but I don't see why any harm could be caused if I were to pick it up.
At the minimum, I'd find who it belonged to. Weighing my options, I resolved to find the person who owned the object of my curiosity personally. Finally reaching the table, I prepared to bend so that I could pick it up until I was stopped.
"You needn't bother yourself with such a vulgar thing, your highness."
A feminine voice spoke aloud. I hadn't heard any footsteps at all. Whomever she was, she knew how to be stealthy. Which also meant she most likely knew how to use the 'vulgar thing' that lay ahead of me.
Turning around, I met the owner of both the voice and, I presumed, the sword. Surprisingly, her eyes were level with mine. I figured she was wearing heels, but I wasn't going to check with our eyes staring directly at each other. It would be horrendous if I gave off the wrong impression. Nevertheless, her dirt-brown eyes looked at mine. She hadn't lowered her gaze in the slightest. That wasn't common for anyone, much less an aristocrat.
"I hadn't had the chance to deposit it in a safe area, so I had no choice but to let it rest there. Please forgive me for disgracing your eyes with such a sight."
She did a slight bow, finally breaking eye contact at the end of her sentence. Her black hair was long enough that it covered her back completely, yet I could make out that her skin was a shining pecan.
"No, you needn't apologize. I do not find it a bother in the least. I was simply curious as to why it was here, pray tell, what is it that you do?"
My reassurance wasn't lost on the woman as she began to stand tall once more.
"Thank you, your highness. I'm just the daughter of an aristocrat and a beginner at the art of the blade. Nothing special at all."
She smiled a pearly white, but It wasn't true. It hadn't reached her eyes. I chose not to comment, however.
Her eyes looked away directly after she spoke, I used that moment to get a better gist of what she truly was. Her figure while not one a person could think womanly was beautifully highlighted by her black sleeveless dress. The Lithe brilliance she was couldn't be hidden. It did, however, make one thing very clear. She was fit, and if one were to observe the way she breathed, one could make out lean muscle. One did not gain that muscle being a beginner. Whoever this woman was, she spelt trouble. The fact a skilled swordswoman had lied and brought a weapon, even if pure wood, into a manor filled with aristocrats and two royalty, was unsettling. I would have reported her to the guards later if it weren't for the fact that I was interrupted the moment I chose to ask for her name.
"Your highness."
A man followed by others in well-dressed attire that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere said as he bowed,
"This woman is currently a trainee for the imperial guard as per her interest, we hate to interrupt your conversation, but she is required elsewhere."
Now, this was concerning. The only ones allowed to enter a trainee into the imperial guard were The Emperor himself or The first three princes. Seeing as how It couldn't have been me, that leaves Third Prince Gulliver and my brother, First Prince Maxillion in suspicion. If that was the case, then why had she lied and furthermore, why was the imperial guard lying to me about her right now? She clearly was no beginner. Much less, she was armed.
There was only one possibility, but I deem it far too impetuous and irresponsible of an action to actually be carried out. This doesn't solve my dilemma, but at the very least, it makes one thing clear. Something is going to happen. I just need to find out what.
"It's no problem. A pleasure having your company, miss...?"
I could only hope to get her name, even if it may be a fake one.
"Thank you for understanding, your highness. Cela and the pleasure is all mine,"
she said with a slight bow before leaving.
Looking at the guard of men and 'Cela' leave, I felt a tingle through my spine. If something is going to happen. I will not stand by and let it. For me to find out what's ensuing in this hellish cauldron, I'll need to operate without being treated as royalty. It's risky, yes but I don't have another choice with soo little time.
If I'm going to do it, it'll have to be a few hours into the party. This way Gulliver won't be too upset with me leaving 'early'. Content with my current plan, I walk towards a crowd to waste time with useless mingling.
If it's 1 pm now. I'll need to leave at 4 after lunch.
As the hours pass, I talk with the wealthy, the ambitious, the sycophants and the charmers. Most are not by choice but by status. As lunch comes, My brother beckons me over to sit with him. As we eat, he brings stories of his 'glorious' nights out with the high life of the citizens of Xenithia. Which would only mean one thing.
Finally, it had reached 4 pm, and I was ready to begin the masquerade. Going to my brother, who at this point had lost most of his 'regal' appearance and was surrounded by nothing but filth, I informed him of my departure.
"Gulliver, it seems I'll need to leave early this time. Unfortunately, it seems some work at the estate requires my attention, and Max is far too occupied to handle it. It's been a delightful get-together."
He frowned the moment he heard me speak.
"Are you sure you must leave, Ordell? Is it not possible for an aid to resolve the situation for you?"
He questioned further
"Yes, I'm afraid it's a problem only I have the authority apart from my brother to fix it."
Gulliver maintained his frown but nodded his head.
"Very well, have a safe journey home, brother."
With that, we shook hands, and I began to leave. The guards that were assigned to me followed closely behind. As I stood outside waiting for my limousine, I received a call.
"Yes?"
I answered it without looking at the name of the caller, I simply had too much on my mind at the moment to bother doing something so mundane.
"Hello, Ordy."
All my thoughts came crashing to a halt.
"...Max?"
"Yes, well, since I was free at the time. I was informed of your departure from the event."
"Were you, it's amazing that you have any time to yourself with all the work father places on you."
"I agree, I was quite surprised I managed to free up space in my schedule. Now, tell me. Why did you leave?"
He said it slowly enough for each word to be rung a thousand times in my head but fast enough so that it didn't last for seconds. His voice was low, and his tone was flat. If I hadn't lived with him for soo long, I'd consider this an interrogation, but I know that this is a habit of his at times. A small thought at the back of my conscious told me that those 'times' weren't in everyday conversation for a reason.
"I left because...."
I had to quickly run through ideas that would seem plausible. He no doubt knew the reason I had told Gulliver, seeing as he was 'informed' beforehand, but he'd know that as a lie as well. He is the one that gets news of such things before me. He would know it was a poor excuse at best and a very suspicious act at worst.
"I have a planned meeting with the press soon."
"Is that the only reason?"
"Yes, they've been after an interview for weeks now, and so I decided to humour them, I hadn't known they'd ask for one today, but it would be bad for my image if I stand them up."
"I see."
I knew it was a dangerous gamble, but it was my best bet. He told me he hadn't checked my schedule today, and while he is cautious enough to check after we last met, the fact that I was going to Gulliver's party should have been enough for him not to bother with it, knowing I would likely spend the whole day there anyway.
"Right. I must get going now. The limousine is here, and I haven't much time before the interview."
"Okay, have a safe journey Ordy."
Alright, I was free of his suspicion for now. I couldn't let him know what I was planning. While I had done similar acts before, they were not of this scale. I needed to be careful, or I would face severe consequences.
"Thank you, Max, goodbye"
Alright, that was done. Now I had to plan on how I'd sneak out of my estate without the guards noticing and make my way to the manor in time. After that, there were too many variables for me to consider currently for me to even determine the best course of action. Now to hangup and be done with one of the many obstacles I'd face toni-
"I'll be looking forward to seeing you on Television. I have no doubt it will be live. I will be free in around 30 minutes for enough time to see your broadcast."
I breathe in slowly.
"I wish you luck in answering the very difficult questions you are going to face. Remember to tell me which news station it is through text later so I don't waste time asking an aid to search for it. Good luck and goodbye, Dear Brother."
As the phone told me he hung up, I slowly put it back in my pocket.
I release the deep breath I've been holding.
I walk towards the awaiting limousine and take a seat inside. The chauffeur closes the door and takes some time before he enters the driver's seat. Now alone in the back of the car, I can only reflect on what I must do. The choices aren't many and the chances aren't good.
But I suppose, the adrenaline is like no other.
What a feeling it is, to escape the cage
What a feeling it is,
To be alive!