The Next Prince, Chapter 25 pg4
The Next Prince, Chapter 25 pg4
“Is there something wrong...” Khanin reached for the mask of strength and put it back on, withdrawing his gaze from Charan, his face returning to a composed expression.
“Prince Tarin has summoned you right now, Your Highness.”
“Understood. I will go...” Greatness spoke before turning away almost instantly. Khanin didn't hesitate anymore. He didn't differ from an explosion, relinquishing everything and making up his mind to move forward.
Once, his father told him that... with some people, it takes time, and for others, there are different ways to approach them. Khanin thought he was good at approaching people, but with Charan, he didn't know what to do.
If in the end the other party won't come back, perhaps the easiest way is to forget everything, to think of this competition as being for Tanattai from the start. Just forget all the words of the heartless person, think of it as just a gust of wind passing by and let it pass.
…
Even though it used to be a warm breeze that helped him endure the cold.
The walkway leading to the grand room of Prince Tarin stretched long and far in the feelings of Khanin. Despite being only a floor apart, he felt distant. He took steps and stopped in front of the large double doors, where two guards stood watch, their hands pressed to their chests in a respectful and customary gesture commonly practiced in this palace.
“Young-Lord Khanin, you have arrived.”
As the words faded, the grand wooden doors swung open simultaneously, revealing a room adorned simply with tones of white and brown. The perimeter was lit with orange-colored lamps, providing a warm glow unlike any other room.
The most valuable items were likely the cream-brown Louis sofa set in the center of the room, and the large bookcase that indicated the owner's status.
There were old and new books, as well as various collectibles. If the value were to be counted, it would exceed the combined price of all the chandeliers in this palace. Young servants, with brooms in hand, swept and searched for the one who commanded their presence before coming to a sudden halt at the sound of a cool and calm voice.
“Please, have a seat first.” The beautiful eyes swept and looked for the one who spoke.
Tarin, dressed in a dark brown silk nightshirt, stepped out from one of the doors that appeared to connect to the bedroom. Khanin showed respect to his elder, following the tradition, before carefully taking a seat.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Have a sip... It will warm your body.” The demeanor of the owner seemed more genuine each time they met. Tarin poured fragrant Jasmine tea into a small white teacup and handed it over, after finishing the cup with an aromatic and delicate fragrance.
Chamomile tea was not something Khanin particularly favored, but he could drink it nonetheless.
“Thank you, sir.” The young man glanced at the tea cup, raised it to his lips, and took a sip, savoring the comforting aroma. Meanwhile, his spirits were awakened and ready to respond. If the purpose of this meeting was related to his secret escapade outside the palace during wandering hours.
“Return late then. Did you enjoy your outing?”
The hand holding the teacup paused, the small lips approached each other slightly. Although the reason for the summoning could be guessed, when the conversation took such a direction, Khanin also found himself at a loss.
“Well... I...”
“If you plan to go outside, have someone accompany you. If you don't know who to tell, tell me... Don't just rely on Chakri, you can't go out with just two people, as the danger outside is greater than expected.”
“...” The listening person was silent. It wasn't as strict as he thought it would be when he was forbidden in such a forceful manner. Tarin merely offered an alternative but did not object, as Khanin worried.
“No matter what kind of life you've lived before, now that you're here, donning this crown... You have to be more cautious than before, think further ahead, and be more attentive. Because it's not just Chakri who will suffer with you, but those who are concerned will also lose sleep.”
Although speaking with a sentence that seemed like a reprimand, Khanin could sense the gentleness in the speaker's tone. On the other hand, the other party laid the teacup on the table and moved closer, his face showing a trace of sadness, making the younger person feel guilty.
“...”
“Do you understand what I'm saying?”
“Yes, sir.” What Chakri had mentioned before started to emerge in his mind. It was the story of PrinceTarin, who often went to bed before the customary three o'clock nightly hours, as a dutiful father to avoid making noise that would disturb the elders.
And yes... it is now past four o'clock, and Tarin is still awake.
If it's not because we care about each other, then there would be no other reason.
“...”
“...”
“Next time, I will tell you.” He chose to speak directly instead of keeping his mouth shut, instead of saying that this wouldn't happen again for the second time. Khanin chose not to lie and made Tarin sneak a smile at the honesty of the young man.
“There will be a second time?”
“Yes, well... maybe there will be.” he replied softly. Because he knew that the future was uncertain. Khanin was prepared for acceptance and resilience.
“Alright. It's late now, you should rest.”
“Yes, thank you... um... thank you very much...” Khanin stood up, showing his respect in the manner taught by Chakri, with a slight bow. Although he still felt unfamiliar and indifferent towards each other.
However, in the depths, they all hoped that the high wall that separated their families might be reduced someday soon…
…
This morning in the Royal Palace was no different from usual. Thawan, Mahadlek, and Madam, all diligently performing their duties. If anything deviated from the normal routine, it would probably be... Young Prince Atsawathewathin.
Khanin woke up early and quickly prepared himself before the familiar head of the household arrived. He was ready for learning, without any hesitation. Because he felt somewhat guilty towards Chakri for the incident yesterday, where he unintentionally forced the other party to comply with the order he didn't want to.
Conversing with Tarin helped Khanin regain his composure. In that way, the young man focused on studying to relieve the burden on his butler before the sun moved to the position atop Chakri's head, transforming into the role of a social studies and economics teacher, Emmaly 101. Then he let him rest as he pleased for a while.
After some time, when it was nearly afternoon, the tutor took the microphone, 'Marshall', and stepped forward, introducing him to the simple dance steps, along with explaining the traditions of Emmaly's folk dance.
Chakri explained that the Emmaly people greatly valued social interaction. Therefore, dancing was an indispensable element whenever there were gatherings, whether it was performed by outsiders or within the palace.
Because they wanted to get to know each other and have the opportunity to spend time with strangers without feeling awkward, they had the customary practice of dancing together, which had been done for a long time.
“Young Prince, you need to take one more step forward before, Your
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