“Kara, Liyette” the prince smiled proudly as he entered the room, “We will have a guest in three days, make sure he looks perfect.” He motioned to the fragile boy staring out the large window. His long, soft brown hair lay freely on his back, his skin was rather pale, mostly due to lack of sun. He walked up behind the boy, his hand cupping his chin and carefully twisting his face towards him. “After all, we have to show off our greatest treasure.” The boy gave the prince a simple, emotionless smile. The prince frowned, “Bring him a blanket, he’s shivering.” Kara grabbed a cloak from it’s stand and hurried over. The prince took it from her hands. “I said a blanket.” She quickly bowed her head.

“Yes my lord but we are about to go on his walk, plus this is the cloak crafted especially for him, to keep him warm.” He looked at the cloak in his hand. He didn’t like having his orders ignored, but at the same time it was the better option in this situation. Suddenly he felt the cold touch of the boy’s thin fingers on his hand. The prince looked to him.

“Is this satisfactory to you?” The boy gave a soft smile and a short nod.

The prince helped him stand up and wrapped him in the cloak. “I must leave now, enjoy your walk.” He stroked the boy on the head then turned back to the maids, “Remember, absolutely perfect.” With that he left the room.

The two maids sneered at the boy, “You hear that? Seems like you’ll get a little break.” Liyette flipped her rust red colored hair behind her shoulder as she crossed the room to the door.

“Just don’t get used to it.” Kara said as she shoved the boy from behind. “After all you haven’t even proven your worth yet.” He stumbled forward, huddling into his cloak. He looked down to the ground hoping their words would end there.

“You’re still the useless Ledus you’ve always been.” Liyette chimed in as she opened the door. “A pathetic waste of space and resources.”

“How about this,” Kara said with an evil grin, “Make “it” and we’ll take you somewhere nice. Fail and we’ll take you to the place you hate most.” Ledus stood motionless, his face contorted in concentration. However no matter what he did, he was unable to make anything. His concentration was replaced by sorrow.

“I’m sorry, I can’t, I don’t know how.” his voice was soft and pitiful, practically begging for mercy. The maids looked at each other, grinning maliciously. “Please, don’t take me there, I beg you! I hate the chamber.” they ignored his pleas. Both grabbed him by the wrist and began to pull him to the door.

“We had a deal, if we go back on it now, how could we claim honor in our words?” Ledus knew he couldn’t break free from their grasp, they both had a healthy amount of fat and muscle on their bodies while he was like a twig. He hung his head and followed them down the tower stairs, a dark aura replacing his usual soft one.