The hall was abuzz, the walls and pedestals would have 

whispered if they’d heard the decree today, these were mere 

people. 

’Now I get it. I was surprised when I got the message 

unexpectedly yesterday. The emissary was also an unfamiliar 

one. When I asked him, all he said was the others were busy. 

But something did not feel right.’ 

’Why the surprising decision? Do you think the prince is 

happy with this?’

 

’I heard the prince is very stubborn and does not abide by 

the rules.’ 

’Sending him might not be the best decision. I have heard 

all kinds of things about him. Why do you think the council 

has advised so? There may be some reason for it.’ 

’What do you think it is? They normally do not send 

someone royal unless it is the highest matter of state. Enara 

would not dare but do you think Deladra has gone against the 

alliance? Are we at the brink of a war?’ 

‘We do not know for sure, and it does not seem likely. The 

alliance was made long before us, nobody has questioned it 

since. Do you think there is some other reason?’

 

The bell was rung again to attract everyone’s attention.

 

’There is no reason to doubt this decision. It has been 

taken to promote peace through the kingdoms and remind 

everyone of the alliance with no hidden motives in mind. Put 

all your doubts to rest and go about your day as usual.’ Kaleo’s 

words silenced everyone in the hall. They all left quietly for the 

moment, followed by the king’s council and Kaleo, the hall 

emptied slowly. Theo was unaware of his surroundings lost in 

his own thoughts.

Sela and Dena approached Theo who seemed more 

annoyed than ever. 

’Did you two know about this? If you did and played 

along, I swear…....’

’You have to trust us on this sire, we did not know 

anything about this,’ Sela stopped Theo as he looked at Dena 

and Dena nodded assuring Theo of their innocence.

’Then how did you know my father was going to call out 

your names?’

’I did not sire, we were as taken aback as you were.’ Sela 

did not know how to manage the situation.

 

’Believe me when I say this, we did not have anything to 

do with this,’ Dena reassured. 

Dena did not speak unless it was absolutely necessary, he 

was honest and did not know how to keep a secret, it would 

slip out eventually. Theo knew this and always believed him. 

Dena never addressed Theo as a prince either. Theo was not 

the one to let something like that slide, he was too proud, but 

they had been close friends ever since he could remember, and 

Dena meant more to him than he ever let on. Theo calmed 

down for a moment there.

’Why did father do this in such a hurry? Without even 

having a word with me! I will not do this, and he knows that. 

I have to see him this instant and stop whatever this is before 

it gets out of hand’ 

’Let me find out what is going on here sire. Dena and I 

have to see our father first, he will surely know what is going 

on. I will arrange for your visit to have a word with the king if 

needed then. You kindly need to be patient, just for a while, 

give us some time and we will get you some answers.’ Sela 

promised as he placed his hand on Theo’s shoulder.

 

Theo looked into his eyes, 

’Sela does not seem to be lying. I do not know why father has 

to avoid it’ he took a deep breath and agreed.

 

They left the hall and walked through the royal grounds 

towards the prince’s quarters, 

’Kindly rest in your chamber for now sire, and do not 

burden yourself with thoughts. We will look into it.’ Sela 

assured.

Theo did not say a word, he sighed and walked past the 

pillars restlessly. Sela and Dena turned around and walked 

away. 

’Between us, did you know about this? Do not lie to me.’ 

Dena questioned Sela.

’I did not, and that is the truth!’

 

’Then we have to do something about this, and quick.’

’We need to find father right away’ Sela gestured to the 

council’s quarters.

 

They walked past the trees and guards making way to 

their father’s chamber but could not find him there, 

’I wonder where he has gone off to now!’ Dena sighed 

impatiently.

’He should be here this time of day, but with today’s 

proceedings I wouldn’t be surprised if we do not get a chance 

to see him all day,’ Sela looked around restless.

’Where is father?’ he questioned one of the guards who was passing by. 

’Chief advisor Kaleo is meeting the council members at 

the moment, sire,’ the guard informed.

Sela and Dena hurried through the hallway and headed 

straight towards the council hall. As they approached, they 

could hear voices.

 

’Why and when was this decision taken?’

’Did we receive any news of conflict from the 

neighbouring Isles?’

’Why weren’t any of us informed of this beforehand?’

’I do not think that the prince can handle this, it might 

turn out to be catastrophic for the alliance?’

’Why weren’t we intimated before appointing the prince?’

The impatient council members were demanding an 

explanation from Kaleo regarding the unforeseen royal decree.

 

’Seems like we are not the only one’s looking for answers 

here,’ Dena smirked.

 

The hall went silent as Sela opened the door and the cold 

looks he received were disturbing,

 

’Forgive me, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but this will be 

quick. Father, can I speak to you for a moment?’ Sela 

requested.

 

’I won’t be long,’ Kaleo assured the members of the 

council as he walked out.

 

Kaleo closed the door behind him. He placed his arm 

around Sela’s shoulder.

’I was expecting you,’ he whispered as Sela looked at him 

confused.

 

’How can you be this calm?’ Sela demanded. 

’Wait here Dena,’ Kaleo looked around cautiously, ’Walk 

with me Sela.’ 

They walked down the corridor away from Dena and the 

hall.

 

’Deladra has reached out for help from us, their ports are 

still being attacked,’ Kaleo stopped and looked into Sela’s eyes. 

’You very well know what I speak of you were there, and 

you saw what happened the last time we were there. They say 

the numbers have increased which is very worrying’ he 

informed in a worried tone and Sela could feel the chill 

crawling up his spine as he recalled the horror.

 

’But we have a force stronger than no other and can 

handle this, do not ever forget that. They have requested our aid and as per the terms of the 

alliance, we must answer. It would be better to nip it off now, 

ward off the pests before they reach us.’

’But the prince? He has no idea, and he cannot help. You 

should know that.’ Sela replied aggressively.

‘Do you really think we haven’t considered all the options 

before we went for this. There is no other way here, the king 

himself or crown prince should be honouring the request 

personally. We cannot afford to put our guard down and let 

the king visit Deladra. Our sources indicate that the 

information might be true, and we cannot turn a blind eye to 

the plea. It is trying times like these that strengthen the bond 

between the isles and reinforce Anmara’s leadership. The 

prince has remained far from his responsibilities all this long, 

but now, he cannot afford to anymore. You left home at 

thirteen to train, we agreed the prince is old enough now. It is 

time to face his reality and learn to overcome obstacles that 

stand in his way himself. Only then will he meet his true self.’