Billy finished dressing and admired himself in the mirror. He combed his hair back neatly and allowed himself a small smile.
"It's fun to be Prince Billy again," he mused, adjusting his cuffs. "Now, it's time to meet the Queen. I wonder what Elara is up to."
He stepped out of his chambers, closing the door softly behind him. As he turned, he nearly stumbled upon a familiar figure standing just a few paces away.
"Agent Smith?"
The man gave a curt nod, his stern expression unchanged. "Yes, my Prince. I'm here to escort you to the Queen."
Billy nodded, stepping aside to let him lead the way. "After you, Sir."
The hallway was brightly lit by magic cores embedded in the walls, their glow soft and steady. Ornate lanterns hung intermittently, casting intricate patterns that danced across the stone. Billy's gaze lingered on them, the shimmering light reminding him of his mother's eyes—eyes that seemed to glow even in the darkest night.
He always asked if his eyes could glow too and her usual joyful response was,"Oh, my little beast, you'll have to discover that yourself."
The memory brought a faint smile to his lips. 'Little beast.' She always called me that.
"Hey, Prince Billy!"
The voice snapped him back to the present. He looked up to see Ella striding toward him, her steps confident and lively. She was dressed in her usual 'let's rock and roll' style—leather jacket, ripped jeans, and boots that echoed against the stone floor. Her blonde hair was tied into a loose ponytail, with a few strands rebelliously framing her face.
She stopped in front of him, her sharp eyes scanning him from head to toe.
"Look who just returned from outer space," she said with a teasing grin. "I thought I'd never get the chance to bully you again, stepbro." She shoved him lightly, her laughter echoing down the hall.
Billy forced a small smile, though her energy was overwhelming. "I missed you too, Princess Ella."
"'Princess,' huh?" Her grin faded, replaced by a shadow of seriousness. "Nobody's called me that since… ever."
The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken words.
Billy cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I was on my way to see Queen Elara."
Ella smirked, her usual attitude returning. "Oh, I already know that. But first…" She pulled out a piece of gum, popped it into her mouth, then pressed the wrapper—sticky side first—onto his pristine suit.
"And there you go," she said with a cheeky wink. "See you later, heir to the throne."
"Where are you going?" Billy asked, brushing at the offending gum wrapper with a sigh.
"To break some royal stuff. Wanna join me?" She tilted her head, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"No, thanks. I really have to go."
"Suit yourself, Prince Billy."
He watched her saunter off, her boots clicking rhythmically against the floor. Some things never change.
---
When Billy reached the castle's balcony, Queen Elara was already waiting. She stood tall, her posture regal, her gaze fixed on the sprawling kingdom below. At his approach, she turned, her sharp features softening into a welcoming smile.
"Oh, Billy. You're back."
"Yes, my Queen," he said, bowing slightly out of habit.
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh my, don't be so ridiculous. Rise."
Straightening, Billy met her eyes—eyes that gleamed with both warmth and power.
"So," she said, folding her hands gracefully, "where were you all these years?"
Billy hesitated, the answer clawing at his throat. Don't say it. Don't say it. But he had no choice.
"I was in New York."
She raised an elegant eyebrow. "And where is that exactly?"
He swallowed hard. "It's… it's in outer space."
"Hmm. Sounds fascinating." She turned back to the balcony, her laughter light and carefree. "Now that you're back, I'll have to keep a closer eye on things. You know, I am the only Queen now." Her laugh grew louder, echoing ominously.
Billy tried to laugh along, but the sound caught in his throat.
Her tone shifted, dropping into something cold and razor-sharp. "I'm not sure if Kai will be pleased with your return. So tread carefully, Billy."
She faced him again, her eyes flickering with a faint red glow. The smile was gone.
"And one more thing," she said, stepping closer. "Stay out of my way. Otherwise...you'll end up like your mother. Okay?"
Billy's chest tightened, his heart thundering as if it might shatter his ribcage. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded quickly.
"Y-yes, Your Highness."
"Good." Her smile returned, though it was far from comforting. She gestured toward the grand doors leading to the dining hall. "Now, let's go to dinner. And Billy…" She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you burn me again, I'll demolish you."
---
The dining table was a grand spectacle, overflowing with a feast fit for royalty. Platters of vibrant fruits, fresh vegetables, savory roasts, creamy soups, and exotic delicacies stretched from one end of the table to the other. Crystal goblets brimmed with sparkling drinks, and the air was rich with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and spiced meats.
The royal family sat around the table in silence, their plates clinking faintly as they ate. For minutes, the quiet hung heavy, like an unwelcome guest at the table. Finally, Queen Elara decided to break the tension.
"It's so peaceful nowadays, my King, isn't it?" she said with a sweet smile, holding up a spoonful of creamy yogurt. King Morphine hesitated for a moment before obliging, opening his mouth. She gently fed him, her expression warm but her eyes sharp, watching him closely.
"There you go," she said, her voice lilting with a false sweetness. "Hope you like it."
The King swallowed, his brow furrowing slightly. "It would be better if Lysandra gets well," he replied, washing down the yogurt with a gulp of water.
"Oh, how is she doing?" Elara asked, her tone disinterested, almost dry.
"Not so bad."
"It must be… painful." Her gaze drifted to Billy, who had been quietly observing the exchange. The intensity of her eyes pinned him in place. He quickly looked away, clearing his throat as an excuse.
"Dad, can I s—"
"Hey, hey, hey, Billy!" Elara's voice cut through the air, rising sharply. Her tone was mockingly scolding. "Finish your food first. Why can't you be respectful like your elder brother and sister?"
Billy's father glanced at him briefly but avoided holding his gaze, his expression unreadable. The slight stung more than Billy expected, but he kept his head down and focused on his plate.
By the time he finished his meal and looked up, his father was gone.
---
That night, sleep eluded Billy. He lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, the faint flicker of lantern light casting shadows that danced like ghosts. He pulled the covers higher, closing his eyes, but every time he blinked, he saw her—his mother. Her warm smile, her comforting presence...
The ache in his chest deepened. He longed to see her again, to hear her voice. He turned over, trying to banish the thoughts, but they wouldn't leave him.
As he began to drift into a restless sleep, a familiar sound reached his ears. It was soft at first, barely more than a whisper, but it grew clearer with every breath.
"Billy… where are you, my little beast? Come to me, son…"
His eyes snapped open, his heart pounding. The voice was unmistakable. It was her.
To be continued...