9 The Crown Prince of Lusindia

Desert, a Lady and the scorching heat. Tonight I had the same dream again. The same place, the same person and the same word. "What lies in the south?" The woman would question me as we stand in the middle of a desert. She had long black hair that falls just below her hip. Her skin is as fair and as smooth as porcelain doll. The color of her lips are red like roses. Her beauty is mesmerizing to any eye in this world. But while she talks, her eyes were never opened.

"The only place that lies in the south of the kingdom is Kars. The free city" i spoke. She raised her finger and pointed to the South. Then she said "the moon will guide you. Find the one whose blood is mine. Her fire can tame the lions and her enemies. You will need her and so does she". Then a hole underneath me would open up and I'd fall in. The next thing I know I'm at my room. I've been having the same dream for a couple of days now. And the reality of my dream is haunting me.

I look around my bedroom and the glow of the moon coming from the window is ghostly. It is bright but it's light will never be brighter than the sun. It gives a light dimmer than hope.

"Need?" I scoffed. "she said 'her'. How am I gonna need an unknown woman?" I shove my hands into the air and i fell on my back. My bed bounces underneath me. Then HER face shows up in my head.

"Genevieve" I whispered. My empty room remained empty but just for a little, her name made it look not as bad. I let my hands fell on my face and I covered my eyes with them. "Please tell me where are you?" And my words flew around my room and i could no longer fall asleep. I see her smile. The way her eyes would shyly turn when you meet them. The way she'd stumble when she runs and the way she'd pretend it didn't hurt. I miss her voice when she'd call my name. When i was with her, I'd Never want to leave. Oh, Genevieve, what kind of monsters who would steal your life?

The moonlight is fading slowly. When the light is gone, the room is pitch black. I whispered her name again "Genevieve!" But my room is no longer the same. Her name is now lost as it flew across my room. I fell asleep but her name is still there.

×××××

The morning light woke me up. I don't wake up late but ever since i started having that dream, i keep waking up to the sunlight. I sat and look around my room. The light has filled it up and it doesn't look as gloomy as it was last night. Finally i pulled myself out of my bed and I walk to the table where a glass of water was placed. I drank it and feel refreshed.

Later on I put on my best suit and did my work as the prince. My days are always the same. I work then sleep then wake up again only to work. It is my routine and my job. I entered my study and Warren was waiting for me.

"Good morning, your highness" he said.

"Tell me, Warren. Don't you ever get tired of working?". Warren smiled and the bags under his eyes made him look... A bit older.

"You tell me" he said.

Warren is my assistant. He helps me with almost every job that's on my table. Inside the castle, he is one of my biggest support. But he's not just an assistant, he is also my best friend. He came to the place at a young age. Back when I was a kid I'd usually avoid him because of the serious aura that he emits but after knowing him, he wasn't that bad.

"Tough day, huh?" I said while walking to my table. Warren pulled the chair for me and I sat.

"More like nights. You seriously need to attend those ball instead of sending me. I'm running out of excuses". Oh, That's right i told him to attend the ball last night hosted by Duke Versalis as my representative. I laugh as i imagine him limping around the great hall of the Duke.

"It is not a laughable matter. Plus, lady Julietta was asking about you all night long. She keeps bugging me and asking me question as to why you didn't attend." He sigh while probably thinking about last night.

"I'm sorry. It just that, now is not the great time for parties and social gathering".

"I know" and we both get started on our work.

Moments later, a knock on the door pulled me out of my work.

"Come in" i ordered and Reiner enters.

"Your highness" he said.

"What is it?"

"It seems that the papers you've ordered me to find doesn't exist."

"Hmmm...so they're trying to cover this matter up, just like that. What about traces? Have you found any?"

"Yes, my lord. The file was very well disposed that It almost fooled me. However, I've made some research and it seems pieces of it exist."

That made me smile. It seems my speculation was right. "Reiner, where is it?" I asks as I signal Warren to pour me a glass of water.

"The south. From the house of Brahman" Reiner said. When he said south, the image of the woman in the desert came to mind. 'to the south' was where she pointed.

"Now I see. Reiner, I want you to make an arrangement for me."

"What is it? Prince Selim" he asks

"We're going to the free city. Prepare everything. We're leaving today".

"Yes, prince Selim." Then Reiner was out.

"What about work?" Warren asked.

"We'll finish everything today. I need to go to Kars"

"Hah~ i have no right to complain but please don't kill me". He said as he started working.

I get to work too and hopefully, we'll be done before the sun sets.

When I'm done with the last paper. I turn around to look at the window behind me. The sun hung just above the line where the mountains and the sky meets.

"Done" Warren said and i turn around to him. He was rubbing his eyes. I smiled at him and said "you can sleep on the carriage later".

When I heard a Knock I already know it was Reiner. I ordered him to enter and he did.

"Everything's ready prince Selim." He said. I nod at him.

"Great. I just need to talk to the king. Prepare yourself and wait for me. I'll be quick with this matter" i said as i walk through the door. "Yes, your majesty" Warren and Reiner said just as the door closes behind me.

I found father at his study. The duke of house Ravenclaw and House Ruthven are with him. They were discussing about some matters over a problem in our borders. When they noticed me entered, father raises his palm to the two dukes and both stopped Midway.

"My lords, the crown prince has some business with me. Let's discuss this another time" father said. The two looked at one another and then said "Yes, your majesty". The two greeted me when they pass by me and then walked out of the door.

"I heard your making a trip to Kars?" He said under a serious tone. I was standing in front of his working table and he was seated behind it.

"I am my king. There are some confusion on my part that I just need to resolve" i replied. Father was thinking. His brows creases then asked "Is this about your brother?". He is perceptive as always.

"Yes, your majesty. As the crown prince of Lusindia and a brother to Alfred, it is my job to find out everything that had happened behind that tragedy. So please allow me to travel?". He waved his hand as if dismissing something

"as if I can stop you anyway. I maybe the king but for all I know even I can't stop you" when father said that, I can't help but smile. It's usually that tone when i feel the bond between us. Him being carefree and not careful around me. Him worrying for my own safety. Him showing that side to me.

"Father, it is your son's wish to go. Would you please allow me?" I lowered my head to show him my willingness. But he suddenly laugh. I guess even he isn't used to me doing that, yet. He stopped laughing.

"You know i use to do that with your grandfather and he always laugh at me. I never understood why but I guess I do now." He was shaking his head as if he remembers something. He didn't spoke for awhile staring at something on his table. He is probably thinking of what he should do. Then he may have made a decision for after that he stands up and walked towards me. When he reached me, he places a hand to my shoulder and said "I don't know what I should dowith you. You be careful now. You are strong but I fear for what stands in your way" then he pulled me in and hugs me.

"I'll comeback to you before you even knows it" I said in reply and i hug him back. I guess we are both emotional. No one's over with what happened.

After my talk with father, I return to my study and found Warren sleeping on the couch while Reiner was seated. Warren woke up and Reiner stands up. "Let's go!" And both replied "Yes, Prince Selim".

'I only have to wait a couple of days and I will find out what really happened that day' i said to myself as Warren and I enters the carriage. Reiner followed and when the door was closed, the wheel rolled.

We are off to Kars.