White shirt, made out of fine fabric were glided through the toned, buff, veiny arms, brushing past the honey toned skin before the buttons were clasped hiding the puffed out chest, prominent abdominal muscles and tucked inside the fine fabric of black trousers.
Two attendants, tied the thin thread securing the wrist making it look more elegant. A black robe was held behind for the taller male to slide his arms through the sleeves before holding the colars and jerking it closer making it comfortable as per his preference before allowing the attendents to secure the threads.
A pair of black riding shoes, were placed on the ground as he put his feet inside, letting the server to tie the laces tightly.
The dark raven hairs which matched the color of the mid night sky, were styled properly before, wrapping a fancy black turban, leaving a corner to fall on his side to cover half of his face later. Completing his appearance by applying some expensive Itr (perfume), extracted from a rare flower brought from far away land which gives a fruity yet manly fragrance, complementing his own natural musky scent.
"Greetings, your Royal highness", Zaid, his personal loyal head attandant, greeted, receiving a curt nod in return as the aforementioned was studying his appearance in the beautiful floor-length mirror.
"His majesty, The emperor and Her majesty, The empress wish for you to accompany them for breakfast before you depart for the hunt, my Prince", the head attendant spoke with his eyes casted down on the ground, showcasing his respect for the royal.
"Certainly", mumbled the crowned prince.
The sound of boots striking the porcelain floor echoed through the silent hallways as the Crown Prince of the Azurah Empire walked with his head held high, his posture exuding power and dominance.
"Assalamu Alaikum, mother, father", said the prince with a respectful gesture before he stood in front of the royal dinning which could hold the capacity for twenty people to feast on at once but at the moment only the emperor and empress was seated at the far end of the massive wooden table.
"Walaikum Assalam",
His greeting was returned with a prideful smile of his father , as his mother smiled warmly before saying,
"Come join us for breakfast, my dearest",
The prince walked towards his parents before sitting down opposite to his mother with his father in the middle, allowing the server to place his food in front of him.
"When are you departing for your desired adventure, son?", asked Emperor Nawaz before taking a sip of his freshly extracted orange juice.
"At noon, father", replied the prince receiving a nod.
"What's your destination this time?", came a question from the queen.
"The south, mother. It is amusing how the palace ground is near the southern kingdom, yet we never explored the referred land", the prince let out a chuckle before taking a bite of his food.
"Right.. Because my son loves adventure and what can be more intriguing than exploring far away land of different kingdoms and giving worries to his mother, isn't it?", the empress humoured but the prince could clearly feel the somberness behind those words.
The empress was never fond of the idea of the prince going on adventurous trips regardless of distance, direction and days. No matter how strong her son was or how many men are accompanying the prince, a mother's worry filled heart would always beat for her child's well being.
The emperor cleared his throat and chose to remain silent because it was between the mother and son, and his involvement would only lead to unnecessary argument. Not that, he wasn't worried for his only son, but being a prince and next heir, he should learn to be brave enough to face all kind of situation. And getting familiar with the lands and spending time with commoners as a disguise also had it's own benevolent perks. This way the prince would know his people's need, happiness and sorrow more clearly.
Heaving out a soft breath, the prince kept the spoon down and looked up at his mother whose pretty eyes were glistening with unshade tears, it always did whenever he depart for his trips around different kingdoms or far away lands.
"Mother, this has been a never ceasing conversation. I always assure you my return without any scratch on my body and I always do. Please mother try to understand me.. I want to explore as much as I can before I take over father and involve in political affairs. Once I am crowned, will be caged between my responsibilities but untill then I wish to enjoy my freedom to the fullest, please mother", the prince completed his explanation with a plea.
The empress replied with a timid nod in reply without looking up from her cutlery.
"Zahra, azizi (my dear).. We should respect our son's decision untill he is bound within the four walls of the palace ground, is not it? You, above all should understand him more", the emperor muttered in a soft voice, rubbing his empress's hand that were placed on the table.
"I understand, Janem (darling).. I have never restricted you, my son, nor will I. It is just my worries are clouding my sanity.. Live your life to the fullest azizem (my dearest)..", empress Zahra said with a small smile on her beautiful face.
The prince stood up and walked around his father to reach his mother before turning her and kneeling down in front of the older, taking her hands in his.
"Thank you, mother", he placed a kiss on his mother's knuckles making his parents smile.
"Now tell me what you wish for me to bring as a present?", came a cheerful question from the prince.
The empress chuckled at the enthusiasm,
"Return back my son without a scratch that is all I wish for", she said caressing the young male's cheeks lovingly filling his heart with warmth.
"As long as your dua and my Rabb is with me, no harm can touch my skin", the prince assured, which brought a smile on the empress's face as he stood up before returning to his seat.
"Shahzaib.. After your return, I would like for you to consider all the matrimonial proposals. You need a Princess by your side before the coronation", the emperor stated firmly, considering the matter was serious.
"As you wish, father", Shahzaib nodded nonchalantly.
"Does your heart belong to someone, my dearest?", the empress asked with a sweet smile.
"I believe not, mother", Shahzaib replied.
"wonderful.. I will prepare everything and arrange the royal meetings with the eligible Princesses before your return", the empress chirped in excitement.
"If that is what makes you happy, mother", Shahzaib smiled, there was nothing more he wants than the happiness of his birth-givers and his empire.
A guard walked in, informing Shahzaib about the arrival of his three companions who are the highest rank generals of the army, happened to be his close friends as they were trained under one master.
"Give me permission to depart, father, mother", Shahzaib said respectfully. The emperor and empress hugged him dearly before the prince bid his farewell and left to prepare for his departure and meet with his companions.
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"Greetings, your highness", three men said in unison with a exaggerated bow which had the prince to crack a chuckle.
"You may rise, peasants", the youngest played along as the others scoffed at him with the choice of his words.
"Whom are you calling peasant? We surely know your deepest secrets which can end you within seconds", scoffed the oldest among them.
"It wasn't me who started these formal greetings, Sahir", said the prince with a roll of his eyes.
"See this ungrateful excuse of a brother, rolling his eyes at his elders, huh?", the second eldest exclaimed wrapping his arms around the prince's neck such a way to imitate chocking him which had the others to laugh at the actions.
"My guards would have your head within a swift movement of my fingers, at such audacity, Harun", the prince playfully said which earned him a playful smack from another.
"Well we are you highest generals, who would dare to have their sword on us", smirked Sarim.
"My Prince, the horses are loaded with necessities and ready for the journey", informed a guard interrupting the fun conversation.
"Alright.. Let's start our journey then, shall we", Sarim exclaimed with immense excitement in his voice.
The three men mounted on their own horses as the prince walked up to his own white stallion which matched the color of snow. Even though it has a look of an angel, yet, it's size was as majestic as a beast. It was believed that the crowned prince's stallion was the prettiest as well as strongest throughout the entire empire.
"Hey there, Aqwa, how have you been?", Shahzaib's eyes were soft indicating his affection for the animal, the stallion neighed as if providing a positive reply to the prince who chuckled in adoration before he mounted on it.
Turning around he was met with the emperor and empress who were standing on the balcony smiling down at him sweetly. The prince returned the smile with a nod of his head as he left for their journey followed by three of his close friends and seven other royal guards.
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