Nathan had made up his mind. The castle, with its towering walls and endless corridors, suddenly felt suffocating. His young heart ached with questions and thoughts he couldn't yet understand, and he needed space to somewhere quiet, somewhere that belonged only to him.
Holding the medallion tightly, he slipped out of his room, glancing down the empty hallway. He moved quickly and quietly, his small feet making soft taps against the stone floor. The guards at the main entrance were too far to notice him sneaking toward the side passage he knew well to a narrow corridor that led to a smaller gate used by servants.
"I just have to think," Nathan whispered to himself, grasping the medallion tight. "No one will even miss me for a little while."
He stopped at the small gate, hesitated, and cast a look backward toward the castle. His heart was filled with guilt. The last thing his mother and father needed was another worry. Something about the medallion itself and the unusual aura that surrounded it, kept calling to him. He had to understand it; he could not think clearly elsewhere but in that meadow.
With one last look over his shoulder, Nathan shoved the gate open and walked outside. The cool evening breeze brushed over his face, and the noise of the large castle receded into the background as he made his way through the meadow towards his destination.
The path was familiar, even in the dim light. The soft crunch of the dirt beneath his shoes, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the distant sound of birds all felt comforting. Soon, the meadow came into view, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The tall grass and flowers seemed to sway in rhythm with the gentle wind, and the wooden bench stood waiting, just as he remembered it.
Nathan rushed to the bench and sat down, pulling out his medallion. The pulsing warmth in his hands steadied his racing thoughts. "Why did you choose me?" he asked the small object as if expecting it to answer. "Like..... Arghhh I can't ask a lot of questions, but I'm just a kid. I don't know how to use you or what you want me to do."
He held the medallion up, watching the fading sunlight sinking across its surface. "Father says I'll be great one day. But what if he's wrong?" His voice cracked slightly, the weight of his own doubts too much to hold back. "What if I mess it all up? But all i have to do is to know you or something else."
The medallion pulsed faintly, like a small sigh of reassurance. Nathan let his head fall back and he stared past the rim of the world where the sun was dipping below the horizon.
Back in the castle, Queen Rhea was going around her rounds when she felt something was wrong. It was so silent in Nathan's room. She gently pushed open the door to find it empty. She furrowed her brow with concern, glancing around at everything , noticing the open drawer where Nathan often kept his wooden sword and toys.
She walked out of the room and asked the first two knights she could find. "Have either of you seen Prince Nathan?"
"Yes, your majesty," one said, bowed slightly. "I saw him earlier in his playroom. Perhaps he is still there?"
Without waiting for more, Queen Rhea rushed to the playroom. Her heart sank when she saw the scattered dummies and the abandoned wooden sword. "He's not here," she whispered to herself, her worry deepening.
She turned back to the knights, her voice calm but firm. "Search the castle grounds. He may have wandered off."
The knights exchanged a look, but before they could move, Queen Rhea stopped them in their tracks by raising her hand. A memory emerged, bright and clear-a younger Nathan running to a particular spot outside the castle, his face alight with joy as he called it his "thinking place."
She let out a soft sigh of relief. "I know where he's gone," she said, more to herself than the knights. Turning to them, she added, "Stay here. I'll bring him back."
The knights hesitated but obeyed, watching as Queen Rhea made her way toward the meadow.
As she approached, she saw the small figure sitting on the bench, silhouetted against the vibrant colors of the sunset. Her heart softened at the sight. Even from a distance, she could see how lost in thought he was, clutching something in his hands.
Quietly, she walked up behind him, her voice gentle. "Nathan."
Nathan jumped slightly, quickly hiding the medallion in his pocket. "M-Mother! I didn't mean to...."
She sat down next to him, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "You didn't run away for meaning it? Right?" she said softly, this time more amused than scolding.
Nathan looked down at his feet, keeping his head hung low. "I just needed to think. I didn't want to disturb anyone."
Queen Rhea touched his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "You're never a bother, Nathan. Your father and I...always love you more than anything. But we can't help you if you don't tell us what's on your mind."
Nathan hesitated before pulling out the medallion. "It's this," he admitted. "It's like... it's alive, and I don't know why she gave it to me."
Queen Rhea's eyes softened as she looked at the strange object. "It must mean you're very special," she said gently. "But you don't have to figure it all out right now. You're just a boy, Nathan. Sometimes, it's okay to not have all the answers."
Nathan blinked at her, his young heart feeling lighter. "Do you really think I can be great someday?"
She smiled, pulling him into a hug. "I don't think so, but I know it. And no matter what, we'll always be here to guide you."
As the last rays of sunlight faded and the first stars appeared in the sky, Nathan rested his head on his mother's shoulder, feeling a little less alone.
Then the stars began to twinkle above and the meadow grew quieter. The gentle rustle of the grass, flowers and the soft chirping of crickets surrounded them. Nathan sits close to his mother, the warmth of her embrace calming his mysterious thoughts in his young mind.
Queen Rhea stroked his hair gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "This spot... I remember bringing you here when you were very little. You would laugh and play in the flowers for hours. It's always been your safe place, hasn't it?"
Nathan nodded slowly. "It's quiet here... and peaceful. I feel like I can think properly." He hesitated, glancing at the medallion in his lap. "But even here, I don't know what to do with this thing."
Rhea gazed at the medallion thoughtfully. "Sometimes, Nathan, things we don't understand can be frightful. But they can also be wonderful. Maybe this medallion is both. You don't have to figure it out all at once and its answers will come when the time is right."
Nathan looked up at her, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you think Father would know what it is?"
She smiled softly. "Your father knows many things, but I think this medallion chose you for a reason. It's your journey to uncover its secrets."
Nathan fell silent, his small fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the medallion. "Hmm.... Do you think I can really be great to someone?"
Queen Rhea cupped his face gently, her eyes shining with love."You already are, my little knight. Greatness isn't just about what you do, it's about the kindness in your heart, the courage you show, and the choices you make. And I see all of that in you."
Her words settled deep within Nathan, filling him with a warmth that rivaled the medallion's pulse. For the first time since receiving it, he didn't feel so alone.
"Thank you, Mother," he said softly, leaning into her embrace.
Rhea kissed the top of his head and stood, holding out her hand. "Let's go now, Nathan. It's late, and your father will worry if we're gone much longer."
"Okay, mother." Nathan took her hand, slipping the medallion back into his pocket. Together, they walked back toward the castle, the stars lighting their path.
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As Queen Rhea and Nathan heading back to the kingdom, life pulsed in the streets. Lanterns lighted the cobblestone roads, casting a warm glow over the cheerful faces of the townspeople. The fresh-baked bread and roasted meats filled the air with their enticing aromas, combined with the lively chatter of citizens. Near the central square, a large crowd had gathered around a raised wooden platform, where Sir Galen, the kingdom's renowned knight commander, stood tall and imposing.
Sir Galen, dressed in his polished armor, breaks out into authority and confidence. His voice was deep and commanding as he spoke to the people of Atlon, cutting through the chatter of the crowd.
"Citizens of Atlon!" he called, his words echoing across the square. The crowd hushed immediately, their eyes fixed on the knight. "It is with great pride that I stand before you today to announce a grand event that will unite us all to the Grand Warrior's Competition!"
Excited murmurs rippled throughout the crowd as he continued. "This competition is no test of pure strength or expertise but a revelry of spirit, resilience, and honor over our and other kingdoms. Warriors from each corner of Atlon will join together to demonstrate courage, dedication, and loyalty towards our great nation!"
Cheers rose up, and Sir Galen held up a hand to calm the crowd. "The challenge will be split into three aspects: Combat Strength, Endurance, and Tactical Excellence. And those who compete will need to be tried in more ways than just one. They need to be mentally sharp and great heart strength. These activities are meant to celebrate the concept of real heroes, those protecting and serving with unrelenting bravery."
Nathan's eyes lit up with excitement as he listened, his young heart racing. He tugged at his mother's sleeve. "Do you think there'll be a competition for kids, too? For knights like me?"
Queen Rhea smiled gently and held his hand. "Let's listen to what Sir Galen has to say, my little knight."
Sir Galen's voice rose louder, his tone full of pride. "The competition will be open to elite knights, seasoned soldiers, and promising new recruits who seek to prove their worth. Each contestant will compete not just for personal glory but for the honor of representing Atlon's indomitable spirit! To fight and defend our kingdom from enemies, let your soul be fearless!"
The crowd roared their approval, the energy in the square reaching a loud pitch. Sir Galen paused, letting the cheers low down before continuing. "However," he added, his tone more solemn now, "this competition is a serious and grueling affair, designed for adults only. While we honor the dreams of our younger generation, I am sorry that no children will be permitted to participate."
Nathan's excitement was instantly dispelled. His shoulders slumped. "No children?" he whispered, the words just loud enough to cut through the general noise of the crowd.
Sir Galen moved forward, not noticing the boy's disappointment. "This is not just a competition. It is an opportunity for all of Atlon to unite-to cheer for our warriors, to share in their triumphs and struggles, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one kingdom. The Grand Warrior's Competition will remind us all of what it means to be part of this great land."
As the crowd cheered once more, but Nathan turned to his mother, his face shadowed with sadness. "It's not fair," he said quietly. "How can I ever show what I can do if I'm never given a chance?"
Rhea knelt beside him, her voice soft and full of understanding. "Nathan, I know, this isn't what you wanted to hear. But your time will come. For now, you're still growing, learning, and becoming the person you're meant to be."
"But I want to be like my Father and the other knights," Nathan said, his voice trembling.
"And you will," Rhea said, drawing him into an embrace that offered warmth and solace. "Every great knight starts somewhere. Greatness builds one step at a time. You don't need to rush yourself. Your father and I see the potential in you every day-even if the rest of the world hasn't discovered it yet."
Nathan hugged into her embrace, warming himself on her words.
Meanwhile, Sir Galen concluded his declaration. "Prepare yourselves, citizens of Atlon! In three weeks, the Grand Warrior's Competition will begin and many other kingdoms will come here to participate in the competition. Let us all come together to honor our kingdom, our warriors, and the strength that binds us!"
As the crowd began to scatter, Nathan and Rhea returned to the castle. Nathan's heart was heavy still, but within him flickered a small spark of determination. Someday, he vowed to himself, he would prove himself, not only to his parents or the kingdom, but to himself.
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But for now, he clung to his mother's words. For every great journey begins with one step.
Even as the disappointment lingered, a quiet determination sparked within Nathan. He didn't know how or when, but he promised that one day, he would stand among the kingdom's greatest knights-not as a boy trying to prove himself, but as a warrior who had earned his place.
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Evening in Atlon
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In the evening at the castle, the chandeliers glowed warmly inside the dining hall. Roasted meats lay out on platters across the long golden table with fresh bread and steaming vegetable soup in bowls. King Nalon sat at the head of the table, a commanding presence made warm by a smile he used for his family. Queen Rhea sat beside him to the right, glancing back and forth between her husband and Nathan, with a quiet concern.
Nathan sat at the other end of the table, unusually quiet. He poked at the roasted potatoes on his plate, his appetite dulled by the weight of the day's events. The disappointment from Sir Galen's announcement still lingered in his chest, though he tried to hide it.
"Son," King Nalon began, his deep voice steady but gentle, "you've barely touched your food. Is there something on your mind?"
Nathan looked up at his father, hesitating. He didn't want to seem ungrateful or weak. "It's nothing, Father," he said softly, forcing a small smile. "I'm just not very hungry."
Queen Rhea reached across the table, her hand brushing his. "Nathan," she said gently, "you don't have to hide how you're feeling. We're here to listen."
Nathan's grip on his fork tightened. After a moment, he sighed and looked down at his plate. "It's just... the competition. I thought maybe there'd be something for me, for kids like me. But there's nothing. It's like... I don't matter yet."
A brief silence settled over the table. King Nalon leaned forward, his sharp eyes softening as he spoke. "Nathan, your time will come. These competitions are meant to test warriors who've trained for years. But that doesn't mean you don't matter. Your mother and I see your potential every day. You're just beginning your journey."
Queen Rhea added, her voice calm and encouraging, "Nathan, being a knight isn't just about competitions or battles. It's about the strength of your heart, your courage, and your determination to protect others. You already have those qualities."
He looked up at his parents. Their words took time to sink in. "But how am I supposed to get stronger if I'm never going to get the chance to prove myself?" he asked quietly but sincerely.
King Nalon smiled faintly. "Strength isn't just built in one moment, son. It's built every day, in your training, in your choices, in how you face challenges, big or small. The medallion you carry is a gift, a part of your destiny, but it's up to you to grow into the man who can wield its power."
Nathan's hand automatically went into his pocket, resting on the medallion there. He felt its warmth through the fabric as a quiet reminder that he could believe in himself after all.
Queen Rhea leaned forward, her eyes filled with love. "We believe in you, Nathan. Even if you can't see it yet, you're already on your path. And no matter how long it takes, we'll be with you every step of the way."
Nathan nodded slowly, his heart feeling a little lighter. He picked up his fork and took a bite of his food, the comforting words from his parents easing the tension in his chest.
The rest of the dinner was filled with lighter conversation, stories from King Nalon's battles, and Queen Rhea's gentle humor that always managed to make Nathan smile. By the time they finished, Nathan felt a renewed sense of determination.
As they stood from the table, Queen Rhea placed a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Remember, little knight, there are the sturdiest warriors who may never give in, no matter how small these steps may become."
Nathan smiled up to her, resolute in the shine of his eyes. "I won't give up, mother. I promise."
And with that promise, Nathan's journey as a young knight continued, one step closer to the destiny that awaited him.
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As the silent castle settled into the arms of night, Nathan found himself in his room, his mind a storm of emotions and questions after the day's events. He had said goodnight to his parents, but his heart was still heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Lying on his bed, he stared at the wooden beams of the ceiling, trying to focus on the rhythmic sound of the rain outside. The medallion beneath his shirt seemed to hum faintly against his chest, as if responding to his inner turmoil.
"Why is this so complicated?" he whispered to himself, clutching the medallion tightly. *Sigh* "I asked a lot of questions, but why does it feel like it's more than just a gift?"
His eyelids fluttered shut, and as the edges of sleep began to take hold, a strange dark purple energy coursed through the room. The air was heavy, vibrating with a power he couldn't explain. Purple streaks of light danced along the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to ripple and breathe.
Nathan sits upright, his heart pounding. From the vibrant energy, Lilith emerged once more, her figure materializing like a shadow stepping into the light. Her presence was as commanding as before, yet softer this time, almost comforting.
"Lilith," Nathan said, his voice a mix of surprise and weariness. "Why are you here again?"
Lilith tilted her head, her dark hair cascading like a flowing river of ink. "I promised you guidance, didn't I?" she replied, her voice calm yet filled with purpose.
Nathan frowned. "Guidance about what? The competition? It's useless to me. There's no place for children like me."
A faint smile touched her lips. "You're wrong, young knight. There is a place for you."
His confusion deepened. "But Sir Galen said...."
Lilith raised a hand, silencing him. "I overheard new information from the rooftops, where no one could sense me. They plan to announce another event-a hidden opportunity for young aspirants. You'll see it soon enough."
Nathan's heart flickered with hope and sighed, but doubt lingered in his voice. "Um, Lilith, Why do you care so much? Why are you even helping me?"
Her expression was somber as she stepped closer. "Because your journey is tied to something far greater than you realize. That medallion you hold. it is not an ordinary trinket. It carries an ancient power, a gift imbued with a destiny meant only for those who can bear its weight."
Nathan blinked, staring at her. "But why does it feel so alive? Is it-does it belong to someone else?
The bright red eyes of Lilith glowed brighter. No warning was issued. She raised her hand, and a burst of energy enveloped them both. Time seemed to freeze. Flickering candlelight paused its dance, while sounds of the night faded into absolute silence.
Nathan gasped as the world around him shifted. He found himself standing in a vast, swirling void-a place that seemed to exist outside time and space. The ground beneath him shimmered like glass, reflecting countless stars.
"Whoaaaa.... Where are we?" he whispered, his voice trembling.
"The dimension of old times," Lilith replied. "A place where memories and truths reside, untouched by the present."
Before him, the emptiness shifted, and a vision unfolded like a tapestry being woven. A towering figure appeared, Hades, the Demon Lord of the Abyss. His dark, ominous presence filled the space, yet he exuded calm authority.
"This medallion," Lilith began, her voice almost reverent, "once belonged to Hades, a demon lord more powerful than even Tenebrous. Hades entrusted it to me, knowing I would pass it on to a chosen one-someone worthy of its power."
Nathan's eyes opened wide. "But.... Why me?"
"Because you are different," she said softly. "Unlike others, your heart carries both courage and compassion. I have seen your potential, Nathan, and I believe in it."
The vision shifted again, this time showing Lilith as a young girl in a radiant land filled with golden light. "I wasn't always what I am now," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "Once, I was a girl like you-a human, living in the Divine Realm. But I was cursed by a demon, locked away, and my kindness twisted into hatred."
Nathan stepped closer, his young face etched with concern. "Lilith... if you want, you can tell me what happened. I mean... how did all this-your curse, your life-come to be? Maybe it'll help to share it."
For an instant, the red eyes of Lilith softened. Her normally unreadable face had melted into something fragile. She paused, glancing at the nothingness surrounding them. "It is a tale, that i rarely tell," she said, her voice laced with a sorrow that seemed to resonate through the starry expanse. "But i think, you have a right to know."
The shimmering void shifted again, forming an image of a golden land filled with radiant light. Towering structures of divine craftsmanship pierced the skies, and fields of lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see. The air itself seemed alive with an aura of purity and peace.
"I was born in the Divine Realm," Lilith began, her voice far-off as if recalling memories. "A realm of light, where peace reigned in supreme. My family was blessed and my father is a high guardian of the celestial gates, and my mother was a healer revered for her unmatched kindness. And then... there was my little brother."
The image changed to that of a small boy with shiny, golden hair and wide, innocent eyes. He laughed while chasing a butterfly through a field, his joyful laughter contagious, even in remembrance.
"That was Asriel," Lilith said, her voice shaking a bit. "He was the bright light of our family-the son of the Divine, as most called him. He was untainted, never touched by the darkness of this world. And....I loved him."
Nathan saw love shining in her eyes as she talked of her brother, and his heart groaned for her.
"But peace," she said, her voice deepening to blackness, "is never eternal."
The vision shifted, showing a realm once golden, now shrouded in darkness. In that evening, crimson skies burst upon the land, and monstrous figures poured from the shadows, their twisted forms menacing. Fires roamed across the pristine land, screaming into the air the cries of the innocent.
"A demon lord, one of the oldest and most evil, launched an attack on our kingdom," Lilith said, her voice laced with pain. "His armies attacked through the gates, leaving destruction wherever they went. My father died in the battle, and my mother-she died protecting Asriel and me from demons."
Nathan's chest felt constricted. "That's horrible. but what about you and your brother?"
Lilith's fists clenched as she tried to speak through her broken voice. "I was trying to protect him. I tried so hard, Nathan. But in the chaos, a powerful demon found us. It struck me down and reached for Asriel. I screamed, begged, and fought with every ounce of strength, using all my radiant magics I had... but it was too late."
The vision showed the young boy being taken by a massive shadow, his golden light dimming as he was consumed by the darkness.
"Asriel... he was gone, vanished from emptiness" Lilith whispered, tears streaming down her face. "And with him, the last piece of my family."
Nathan felt a lump in his throat. "Lilith... I'm sorry....But"
She sounded harder as she continued, but her sorrow intertwined with anger. "The demon did not kill me. The demon cursed me. It took my grief and my pain, twisted it all into hatred. My divine essence was corrupted and I was put into the Abyss-a prisoner of darkness."
The void shifted again, showing Lilith's transformation. Her once-golden aura turned black, her radiant eyes became a piercing crimson, and her smile of kindness was replaced with a look of sorrow and anger.
"For ages, I was a prisoner," she said. "I had become a demon, enthroned to disseminate fear and ruin. But even in the depths of the Abyss, some piece of my true self remained. I hold to the memory of Asriel, to the love I had for him. That small, hidden part of me refused to let the curse consume me completely."
Nathan looked at her, his eyes welling up with tears. "You... you've been through so much."
Lilith nodded, her face softening. "I've done things, but I'm not proud of myself, Nathan. But I swore I would never harm children. Instead, I sought to guide them, to give them the strength to face their own battles. Maybe... maybe it's my way of atoning for the things I've done."
She regarded him, eyes shining with a sense of hope mingled with pain. "When I saw you, Nathan, something in you reminded me of Asriel. The way you walk, the way you let your passion, and the light in the heart-it is as if part of him lives in you."
Nathan moves further forward with an emotion trembling his voice. "Lilith... I do not know what to say. But... can I call you ..... Um.... My sister? Since i don't have any siblings to take care with me or guide me through difficult situations. And... I don't have a side to wash over my fear during disasters."
She looked at him with wide eyes, like she was lost for words. A tear slid down her cheek, and a faint, sad smile crossed her face that held years of pain and longing inside.
"If that is what you wish, then yes," she said softly. "But know this, Nathan, being your sister is both a privilege and a responsibility I will not take lightly."
Nathan placed a hand over his heart, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. "I promise, Lilith. I'll make you proud. I'll uncover the truths about this medallion, and I'll face whatever comes my way even if I am old. You won't lose me like you lost Asriel. I will carry the world's future no matter what."
Lilith reached out and touched his shoulder with her hand, warm despite the dark aura surrounding her. "You have a long road ahead of you, young knight. But you are stronger than you know. Trust in yourself, and trust in the light that guides you."
As the emptiness started to melt away, Nathan could still hear Lilith's voice in his head, a gentle whisper of both love and tears. "Rest well, little brother. Your story is only just the beginning."
Nathan opened his eyes to find himself lying in his room, the medallion faintly glowing on his chest. He lay there, holding it tight, his heart heavy but determined. In the silence of sleep finally washing over him, he whispered into the quiet, "I'll make you proud, my sister."
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Nathan stirred a little and moved over as the faint glow from the medallion cast soft, golden illumination across his chest. The warmth of his bed, as well as the comforting hum from the medallion, appeared to hold him as it calmed the storm within his mind.
He let out a long breath, the tension in his small shoulders melting away as the weight of the night's revelations settled into a quiet resolve. His promise to Lilith echoed faintly in his heart, a thread of determination weaving itself into his dreams.
"I'll make you proud," he whispered once more, his voice barely audible in the stillness of his room.
And with that, Nathan let his eyes close fully. His hand rested over the medallion like he was drawing strength from its mysterious power. The soft rhythm of breathing soon filled the room as the distant sounds of night crashed around it.
And as sleep wrapped him in its gentle embrace, the medallion pulsed one final time as it shone with its luminescence to fade into darkness, letting the young boy to his undisturbed rest and dreams for a yet-future destiny.
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Morning rose to the Atlon
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As the sun rose through the curtains, Nathan slowly opened his eyes, its golden light washing over his face. His small body was weighted down, his mind fogged by the residue of thoughts he had the night before. He remained still for a moment, looking at the ceiling, his heart full of conflicting emotions that he couldn't explain.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes, and then carefully go out from his bedroom, and goes to the small hot pool in the large bathroom. The soft steam curled into the air as he entered, the water easing against his skin.
Nathan grasped his two favorite playthings-a knight with a wooden sword and a monster with sharp teeth. He pushed them through the water, simulating battles, but his heart wasn't in it. His small hands made the knight fight the beast, but his mind was elsewhere.
"The competition will be announced soon."
Lilith's words lingered in his mind, as if she still stood before him, her voice distant but even. He could still see how she appeared last night-standing in the dark hall, talking to somebody about the event coming up.
Nathan had been present, concealed in the darkness, listening. His heart thumped in his chest, his breath trapped in his throat.
A contest. A trial of strength.
He clenched the toy knight in his hand. "Will I be powerful enough? Will I even count to warriors?"
A sharp pain took up residence in his chest. He wasn't like them-he was merely a child, born into a world where strength was everything. His father, his kingdom, even the world beyond these walls-they all looked to him for something. But what if he failed? What if he wasn't enough?
His hands shook. The knight toy slipped from his fingers, drifting aimlessly through the water.
Nathan tightened his fists. "No... I can't think like this... I can't let uncertainty get a hold of me."
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. He took a deep breath and slapped the water, attempting to drown the emotions building up inside him. "I need to think about something else... Just for today."
Nathan wrapped himself with a towel and returned to his room after he was done bathing. He wore no royal attire as usual, but instead dressed in a simple but gleaming white shirt and dark trousers-a getup that allowed him to feel liberated from the prince's expectations.
He sat down at his writing desk, his eyes fixed on the empty parchment in front of him. His father had been so strict before, keeping him cooped inside the castle, never allowing him to see outside the walls. But today he wished to reverse that.
Nathan grasped the quill with his little fingers.
"Dear Father and Mother,
I know you want to protect me, but I must experience the world outside of these walls. I won't be out long-I promise to be back before midnight. Don't be upset with me. I simply want to learn more about the people, the world, and myself.
Your son,
Nathan"
His hand rested over the parchment before he folded it and set it on the table next to his bed.
"Will they get it? Or they will be angry?"
Nathan swallowed hard. He didn't know. But he couldn't remain here any longer.
Opening his small bag, he placed a few personal belongings-a new set of clothes, his golden water bottle, and a cloth that Lilith had given him once, something that reminded him of the love of family. But above all, he took out his wooden sword.
It was tiny, much like him, but it was his thing.
He wrapped it up with a smooth black fabric carefully, so it wouldn't be seen. Then, with the one last look around his bedroom, he took a deep breath and slung the bag over his back.
His small feet glided soundlessly through the halls of the castle. He dodged the knights, slipping past them unseen. His heart was racing, but he did not stop and continues to the exit.
At last, he arrived at the castle gates.
He glanced back, seeing the high walls that had always confined him, always stood between him and the outside world.
"Will they ever grasp why I must do this? Will they ever realize that I must grow independent?"
The breeze in the morning caressed his face, sending the fragrance of earth and flowers. The wind against his skin told him of something wonderful outside these confines.
Without caution, Nathan advanced one step. Then another.
And for the very first time in his life, he strode past the castle gates-into a world ready to be explored.
Nathan stepped out from between the castle walls, his compact body walking quietly, his racing heart beating like it could betray him. The great gates still stood behind him, proud and unmovable, but he had glided past them without detection. Just the consideration filled him with an odd sense of excitement, but as he turned to gaze over his shoulder at the giant form, a heavy burden lay down in his chest.