The Next Prince, Chapter 37 pg7
The Next Prince, Chapter 37 pg7
‘I'll go down and wait. Just jump; don't be afraid.’ The older one whispered to instill confidence. Then he jumped down first, and the sound of his footsteps resonated heavily as they landed on the grass beside the factory.
Khanin took a deep breath, undeterred and determined to follow the older man, even though it seemed luck wouldn't favor them much when the things they worried about were about to happen.
‘What was that sound?’ The heavy sound of footsteps approaching from a nearby group indicated that they were getting closer. Khanin made the decision to jump, with Charan waiting below.
The thick hand of a young person reached out cautiously, and they both lowered themselves onto the grass before Charan signaled with a hand motion to let Khanin know that it was now crucial to keep the noise level to a minimum.
Within the tall wall, inside the factory, the sound of two sets of footsteps could be heard coming closer, no more than five meters away from their hiding spot. Soon, within this close range, there would be a small door that could serve as an exit.
If those people passed in time, it would be over...
‘Go check the narrow area.’
Khanin felt a dry throat and pounding in his chest, anxiously awaiting the command from one of the two prominent individuals.
“Understood, sir.” One person has already separated.
Khanin could guess Charan's thoughts, as the latter pressed him down, not allowing any movement.
At this point, there were only dangers on the open running path. The best option seemed to be to hide and confront if the other side emerged. It appeared to be the best way out.
If there was only one person, Charan could handle it. Khanin was confident in that.
They were hiding behind a pile of wooden debris and old rusty barrels. The feeling of anxiety overwhelmed them, with both sides remaining silent to prepare for the decisive moment.
Khanin and Charan were certain that one of them would have to come out this way. The taller one pulled out the most important weapon, a small black concealed handgun, necessary for self-defense, which Young Royal had to take.
“Only shoot when there's a clear opportunity, and if it's not safe, retreat.
Phitakthewa's men and guards will be waiting to take Nin.”
There's no time for further deliberation. Khanin contained the turmoil that had disrupted him, making it impossible to dodge. His predictions hadn't gone awry.
Charan gestured for Khanin to take cover and wait. His tall figure had to fight and go out to face one of the pursuing factory individuals. Flexibility on the lighted path was advantageous. However, the opponent's skills were not to be underestimated.
Khanin looked at the gun in his hand, taking a moment to make a decision that was well within his capabilities. He had already trained in basic shooting.
The young man stood up, determined to leave his hiding place and help the tall man. He raised the small, concealed black weapon to aim at the adversaries. A flickering light in the factory hit his face, momentarily blinding the senses of Khanin, who seemed to be ignited.
The two-layered eyes retreated in vast horror, a pounding heart causing chest pain, a pale white face suddenly turning faint and bloodless. When he saw the truth, the person he was pointing the gun at right now, was the same person he still held hope for and longed to meet one day.
“Father...”
Tanattai…It's really Tanattai.
“...”
Shouting echoed in the young, innocent face, while the flickering light hit, almost stopping the breath of onlookers. Tanattai halted with a punch that was about to hit someone else.
In the darkness, he could only see vague silhouettes until he saw the familiar face within arm's reach. His eyes widened, letting both hands fall to his sides.
“Nin...”
So it's really Khanin...
Tanattai immediately realized that the person they were fighting against couldn't be anyone else, apart from the person he had entrusted to take care of Khanin.
“Charan...” The situation had both sides confused and bewildered. Tanattai was one of the few who had some remaining consciousness. He was a middleaged man, looking around, turning his head, obstructing the obscured gaze, and then led the person they had just encountered back to the safe area.
This area was on the side of the factory, surrounded by abandoned heavy machinery that had become trash. Trees with large branches grew around, suitable for hiding.
Tanattai, at one point, sent a message to his younger son, whom he willingly sent to find the intruder, in a different direction. Fortunately, the person trusted and relied on him, so he obeyed the command without any hesitation.
Amidst the silence, the three of them tried to gather their thoughts. Tanattai, and Khanin avoided making eye contact. Tanattai's throat was dry, and his forehead was almost covered in sweat. Mixed emotions overwhelmed him because of the truth he had suspected from the beginning.
The candy wrapper... It fell by the wall and happened to be the same brand that he liked to buy for his virtuous son to eat. His past instincts assured him that it wouldn't be sold or found in Emmaly unless ordered.
In his heart, he did not dare to think that Khanin would be the owner of the foil paper. Because if that were true, it would mean that the person he loved like a precious jewel was in a dangerous place.
Yet, deep down inside, he hoped that Khanin would be the owner. Even though he knew that the possibility was close to zero.
But it was because he longed to see his son's face once again.
The cool breeze blew gently. Charan remained silent, his face filled with thoughtful contemplation, while Khanin breathed heavily, displaying his evident confusion.
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