Footsteps echoed through the castle's corridors, frantic and hurried. There was no doubt—Prince Claude had escaped. But this was more than just a matter of an escaped prince, it was a scandal. For a noble family, losing control of their own child was a deep disgrace, one that would ripple through the courts and bring shame upon the Valence name.
As King Aldric sits in his throne, thinking franticly about Claude, thinking on what that boy is thinking, of all the time to escape it had to be now. as the king ponders, his son prince Eric, heir the throne enters the room. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a strong jawline and striking blue eyes that seemed to always be thinking ahead. His dark hair framed a handsome face, marred only by a small scar from an old battle—a mark of his experience. Confident and calm, he had the look of someone who had seen war and come out stronger for it. People followed him because they trusted his smarts and his ability to lead. Even in silence, he commanded attention, a prince shaped by both battle and duty.
"Father, I hear Claude has escaped the castle?" asked Eric worriedly.
"Yes, that foolish brother of yours knows not of the danger that lie in wait, were he to-" before the king could finish his sentence a guardsman entered the room abruptly.
the guard knelt and said, "My liege, His highness prince Claude has returned".
As Claude entered the throne room, there he sees his father sitting on his throne with a furious expression, and his older brother Eric to his side, sneaking in a smirk. Claude began to walk towards his father, with thoughts running through his head of how he wanted to punch his brother's face to wipe that stupid smirk off, and having thoughts of how he can reason with his father. Before he can continue his thoughts he's already at the throne. As Claude was about to open his mouth a loud bang can be heard through the room, it was his father with a clenched fist smashing the throne.
"You foolish boy!, how could you escape at a time like this!?". with anger evident on his father's face, Claude paused for a while then explains.
"Father forgive me for escaping, I was merely trying to know the people I rule over, how can they expect to serve me if I do not know my own people?" said Claude in an irritated manner, with clenched fist and his eyes looking at his father with an unwavering determination, for he just wants to escape the castle once in a while without worries, but it appears to be close to impossible, at least not in this lifetime.
"You think your excuses will save you this time!?, our kingdom is in turmoil because of what happened with your brother, the other families think us weak!. If I show them that their King cannot control his own son, how can they expect me to lead them?."
As the King filled with anger and exhaustion began to explain to Claude, Prince Eric intervenes.
"Father, I don't agree with Claude's methods, but he's right about one thing. He must know his people if he's to rule them one day. Ignorance will only weaken the crown."
said Eric in a calm and logical tone although there was a small smirk in between.
King Aldric glared at Eric for a while but simply sighed, for he knows that he speaks the truth of the matter. as King his words and authority is not to be challenged nor tested, but if his own son cannot follow his orders, what does that say about his rule as a King?. with these thoughts running through his head he cannot help but be mad at Claude, but with the wise words of Eric he simply can't argue with logic. Eric is right, although he could do so without that smirk of his.
"What you say is true, Eric, but your brother's actions still carry consequences. If I let this go unpunished, what example would I set for the other families? Claude may be the third prince, but his words and deeds still reflect on the crown."
said the king clenching his fist, with him torn apart between consequences for Claude and the sound Logic of Eric he is simply too exhausted to let this drag on, with the King having a smirk of his own, he began to look at Claude, then Composed himself once more and began to speak.
"As your father I am only concerned for your well being, But as your King, my respect and authority is to be followed, yet you ignore it despite knowing all of this?. your brother speaks true, but that doesn't mean your actions are to be left alone."
said the King in an calm tone while looking at Claude with the look of worry is patiently waiting for his verdict.
"There will be a meeting with the faith in the plaza in a couple of days, you will be the one to represent the our family, rather than your brother, Eric."
Eric nodded along, his usual composed expression unwavering, until his father's words sank in. His head jerked toward the king, eyes widening in disbelief—a rare crack in his calculated demeanor, and Claude looking at his father dumbfoundedly thinking that he might not have heard properly, he then realized what he meant, as both Claude and Eric were about to protest, their father raised his palm and began to speak.
"I will accept no protest and my decision is final, and Claude? do not embarrass the Valence name."
as the King said that, he looked at Claude who is looking at him with confused eyes and a face full of worries. with that look on Claude's face evident, the king was smiling at how his son handles the information, and he then he looked at Eric one last time and nodded, he then left the room. the King left with a smile, for he knows that this will be a good lesson to Claude as well as a preparation for Claude to rule one day.
After the king left, Claude was panicking, thinking Why me?, why choose me for such a critical task?, why not choose some responsible, someone like Eric?. as those thoughts kept running through Claude's mind, As those thoughts raced through Claude's mind, Eric let out a hearty laugh and spoke...
"That was unexpected, even for father, nevertheless you are the prince, although I expected the role be assigned to me, I cannot object. Father sees something in you Claude, don't let him down."
said Eric in a serious tone with eyes of worry, he then left Claude with a smile, for he knows that in the coming months, war might break out, and times like these would be but a memory. he then left the room with a sigh. as for Claude however, he is confused as to why his brother was acting that way, for he knows his brother is not the one for saying such endearing words, especially not to him. he then proceeds to slap his face with both hands and shook his head, looking at the door where they left.
"Worry not father, I shall not disappoint you." as Claude said those words he clenched his fist with his eyes burning with fiery determination with hopes of what lies ahead. Yet, as Claude stood alone in the empty room, a creeping unease settled in his chest. He had no idea what awaited him in that plaza, but whatever it was, it would test him in ways he'd never imagined.