When the king finished patting his son's cheeks, he said in a gentle tone, "You may go. Since you have suffered so much, you are relieved from the punishments."
The king said with a twisted smile in his eyes, and he raised his hands in the air. "Continue, don't wait on my behalf!"
All the silence turned into music with drums and singing. Everyone who was standing went to their seats, while others went to the dance floors to dance with their partners.
I watched Prince Alexander continue kneeling on the hard floor until the king waved his hand away.
The prince rose to his feet as he said with a bow, "I'll be taking my leave, father."
The king nodded his head, and his red eyes stared at his son. As soon as the prince turned around, his back was facing the king.
The prince turned in my direction, and his serious red eyes bored into me, drawing me into his dark soul.
