Chapter 2 : I love the thought of imagination

    Princess Amelia and I are getting along smoothly. After walking in the garden, I show her some of my favorite books and she tells me stories of how her sister makes her feel bright and how the sky makes her admire art. She is very intellectual and creative.

We are now walking towards the front of my home since it is getting late. She will leave and I will feel empty again. It has been a while since I have laughed so cheery. I have to admit, Amelia makes me smile. Amelia and I arrive at the front of my home and we see her parents along with mine.

Their attention focuses on us and Amelia's father calls her over. She looks at me and kisses me on the cheek. It was not expected, but it makes me feel warm. Her kiss makes my cheek feel hot and soft.

"Thank you for today," she smiles.

"Of course," I reply.

She bows and walks over to her parents. I can see the bright smile on my father's face. He sees how Amelia's kiss means she likes me. I am sure that brightened his whole day. Princess Amelia and her parents enter their carriage and leave. I walk over to my parents and my father pats me on the shoulder. His hands are huge and strong.

"Great job, son. I told you that you would love her. She is a beauty, is she not?"

"She is beautiful. If that is all, I will be going to my room."

Without another word, I leave my parents and enter my home. I am not in love with her, but she is different and charming. Hopefully, my heart will soon feel love for this princess.

* *                                            * *

The night sky reminds me of dreams. Whenever I dream, it is dark and only a few bright stars are drawn in. I am nearly a spectator, observing the wonders of the world. I am always hypnotized whenever my eyes meet with the moon. It puts me in a trance and my body feels as if it is floating out at sea. The water is cold, yet I can feel the warmth moving inside my veins.

"Knock, knock." I turn my head and command, "Come in."

The door opens and Ella comes in. She locks the door behind her and she gives me this warm smile.

"Did you like her?" Ella asks.

"She was unique," I reply.

"But do you love her?" Ella asks. This time the tone in her voice is different. She sounds melancholic and worried.

"I do not. She is beautiful and I do not dislike her, but I do not love her either. We have only spent a day together. It was not love at first sight."

"Are you still planning to wed her?" Ella asks.

"Yes, of course. If I do not, war will happen and my people will die. I cannot let that happen. I will marry her and I will grow to love her."

"Well, if that is your decision, I will go by it. Have a nice night prince Kai."

Ella turns and leaves my room. She is disappointed. I can feel the negative energy pouring out of her and into my mind. Her voice is raspy and her eyes show me regret. She should not have to feel this way. Princess Amelia is not a horrible person. I do wish that I could fall in love with someone and then get married, but that is not how my life works.

I get on top of my bed and I rest my head against my soft pillow. My eyes close and the world becomes dark. This is when I am at peace. Tomorrow is going to be another day, a day closer to marriage and a day closer to responsibility.

* *                                   * *

The sun hits my cheek and it feels warm and inviting. My eyes open slowly and my hands stretch above me. I get out of bed and walk out onto my balcony. The sun is brighter than it was yesterday. I place my hand above my eyes and I continue to stare at the beaming sun.

"Thank you," I smile.

Every time I look out at the sun, I will always remember Amelia's words. There are two days left before we get married. I wonder what marriage will be like. When I observe my parents, they do not seem to talk much. All my father cares about is money and power. My mother is constantly alone, she is his shadow. Will marriage be the same for me? I can never tell.

Today I am supposed to be visiting Amelia's home. I wonder what her kingdom will be like. Her parents did not seem too horrid. Hopefully her kingdom is not as dark as mine. Her home is not that far from mine, so I should be able to come back home before dark.

I walk out of my room and begin to head to the washroom. Before I am able to get there, I hear my father arguing with one of the knights. I hide behind a wall and continue to listen in on their conversation. It is wrong to do this, but I must know what they are speaking of. My father always keeps things from me and I am tired of that.

"Those damn creatures were trying to steal from the palace again yesterday. I hate those bloody Kairos!"

"What should I do with them sir?" The knight asks as he keeps his perfect posture.

"Get rid of them. The wedding is in two days and I do not want them interrupting. As soon as my son gets married to that girl, our kingdom will be rich and safe. My son is pathetic, but I am sure with a little knowledge from me, he will make a fine king."

My blood begins to boil and my hands clench onto the wall. 'My son is pathetic' those words ring in my ears. He is the pathetic one. I shake my head and continue down the path to the washroom.

I open the double doors and I walk inside. The room is cold and the atmosphere is soothing. This room is where I can think in peace. I begin to run some warm water in the white tub. My hands carefully pull down my clothing and I undress.

My body feels chills all over and I flinch. I run my fingers along the lukewarm water and it sends warmth inside my veins. I stick my legs in first and then my whole body. I carefully lower myself until I am all covered in water.

Kairos, what kind of creatures are those I wonder. This world is filled with demons and creatures, that, I know of. Soldiers and knights work hard to keep them out of our world. I have heard of many, but this is the first that I have heard the name Kairos.

In this kingdom I feel so shattered. I resemble a broken glass. I am the glass that I let fall. I have damaged my own self. Never have I stepped up to my parents. What I want to tell them is that I am not worthless and that I do not wish to be king yet. I consider myself to still be very young, I have lots to learn and places I wish to travel.

My father enters the room and I give him a look of extreme hate. He smiles at me and leans against the cracked tall column.

"After you are done here, we will visit your wife to be. If you show the same attitude as yesterday, everything should go well." He sounds cunning, as always.

If he could marry Amelia for power, he would. He would do anything to be the ruler of the entire world! Sometimes, my heart wishes that he never had me.

"Fine father." That was my simple and monotone reply. I do not wish to speak to him any further.

He chuckles as if he is mocking me. He leaves the room and I am left there, with my brows arched and my fist clenched. One day I will show him that I am far more superior.

* *                                  * *

The last time I was in a carriage with my parents, my father almost killed us all. It is almost impossible to avoid an argument when my family and I are together for more than ten minutes. It has already been two hours and I can see my father's hands trembling.

"Damn, this thing goes terribly slow," my father complains. He begins to rub his foot and bite his lip. The irritation is getting to him. I should be the nervous one.

As we ride through the kingdom Reum, I gaze upon the beautiful scenery. The peasants seem cheerful even though their lives are poor and difficult. A smile shows on everyone's face, and it makes my heart feel warm. The kingdom is huge and sorted into different levels by every hill. On the first hill, the homes are worn down and cracked. The air seems toxic and the farmers are angry. On the second hill are the people who can handle life. Their houses are sort of like the peasant's home, only a bit brighter and stronger.

Now, on the third hill are the lucky people. They get to stay close to the king and queen's home. Their homes are rich and huge. The food they eat is delightful, better than having bread a day. I have noticed that no matter what hill I was on, most people look like they love life. My kingdom needs to be more like this, I will make that change.

Once we arrive at Amelia's home, my parents and I are in a complete trance. Her home is much bigger than mine. The water that surrounds the home is bright blue. It is much cleaner than my kingdom's water. The castle stands tall with many Gothic features. The castle contains stained glass windows; large windows, pointed arches, and the ceiling is soaring high as if it is trying to stretch to the heavens.

The bridge that my carriage is crossing is well made. It is white and made with pure brick. The view makes me feel as if I am in a fairy tale. The tree stands tall, resembling a person with amazing posture.

The carriage stops and the servants briskly help me out. Once I step on the warm concrete, I get chills all over my arms. This kingdom seems welcoming and cozy. The door to the castle opens and Amelia's mother and father walks out.

"Hello, welcome to our kingdom. Come inside," the queen welcomes.

My parents and I bow to her and we follow them inside. Once I pass the white double doors, I immediately notice the interior design. The floor is shining and each tile holds a different glow and feature. I gaze around and notice different paintings and portraits of the land, and the kingdom's people. In front of me are these long double staircases, and beside them are four columns to keep the ceiling up. Around the columns are green vines.

I look up and see Amelia walking slowly down the stairs. As she walks, I notice every step she takes. Her body is slender and elegant. Her cerulean eyes makes me picture a whole new world filled with beautiful seas and land.

She makes it to the last step and she carefully approaches my family and I. She bows and so do I. Her lips are plum and her shivering eyes makes her seem more human. Amelia is rare; my heart begins to think of all the greatness we can accomplish.

"It is a pleasure having you in our home. We look forward to working with your kingdom. Amelia, why don't you and the prince go out into town? The king and queen of Endia will join your mother and I for tea," the king announces.

"Of course father, I will be on my way." Amelia's voice sounds soft and soothing. My ears follow every word that leaves her lips.

She smiles at me and takes my hand. Her hand is warm; I can feel the warmth moving throughout my body. She and I will be married soon, she will be my wife and my heart will beat crazily for her. I chuckle a bit, it is hard to believe that. Though, I am in love with the thought of imagination.

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