Going home

Seven years ago, everything started. I left home, barely ten years on my shoulders, innocent, curious as I would continue to be. With cyan crystals in my eyes, I waved my father goodbye. My older siblings had all left by that time, my eldest returned not long after I did too. Father, black-haired with the same eyes, had smiled. A mix of happiness and sadness. Happy because his youngest son was starting the journey of his life. Sad because my mother wasn’t there to see me off. My carriage started moving and I squeezed my teacher’s hand, its color resembling the most beautiful of ebony, in anticipation.

I had not known anything back then. The world was a mysterious place, the sky was a vast sea of the unknown, its stars meant to lead me to a future my mother would have wanted for me.

I didn’t get that future. Not as pleasant, though not the cruelest of all. Cyan crystals now filled with tears, one drop more painful than the previous. That stream, that waterfall never stopped completely and years passed. My once fair skin was painted into bronze by the endless suns. Scars were born. My silver hair grew longer and longer, my clothes hugged my body tighter. One thing didn’t change. My smile.

And now, here I was. Seven years had passed, it was my seventeenth birthday. Considered to be an adult, finished with the Seven Golden Eclipses, I was now to return to the Cyan Palace to claim my place as prince. My alias Lian had to be left behind. It was time for me to rise with the name Zian vi Alexandria. The sixth Imperial Prince of the Holy Alexandrian Empire.

A cool breeze caused my silver hair to dance through the air. The curtains of the night had long fallen upon this land, nonetheless life did not disappear. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear both the living and the dead rushing through the bushes and trees, brave enough to leave their shadows as the humans had fallen asleep. Mortals and immortals, humans and living beings who understood more of magic than humanity could ever wish for, coexisting on this earth. Yet hiding from one another, cautious, both feared and admired by each other. I inhaled deeply, leaning against the tree in a relaxed matter. The air was cold but my body didn’t quiver. The sky was clear and I could see light spots forming drawing after drawing. The stars. They were said to represent every living being. That’s why every night, hundreds would fall. People were dying every second. It was a reminder for all of us. Death was always there. Always close, always watching. Always lurking where we would expect the least. Always waiting.

Was this why humans chose to sleep in the night? Because they couldn’t bear the truth?

A quiet scoff escaped me. Those who let lies control their lives were despicable.

“I would appreciate it if you would not walk off on your own, Your Highness”, a voice demanded. I didn’t have to turn around to know that Meilani li1 Alexandria, one of the best Imperial Teachers and my attendant during these seven years, was standing behind me with her hands on her hips. I clicked with my tongue and grinned.

“You always find me anyway.” I turned around. Her violet eyes were narrowed and she sighed.

“There will be a day when I will not be able to find you. I hope you regret ever sneaking out, then.”

I simply chuckled under my breath. Eyes once again focused on the stars. I was looking for my family. Eight, once nine, stars somewhere in the sky. Where, I did not know.

The sound of Meilani’s steps grew louder and only stopped when she was standing right next to me, her gaze on me. I looked back at her. Her expression had softened and she bowed her head slightly.

“It’s time, Prince Zian.” That name sounded foreign in my ears. It had been several years since the last time someone called me by that name and I felt the pressure of it lying heavy in my heart. I gave her a nod.

“Let’s go home.”

*li: a title given to servants loyal to the crown by members of the Imperial Family