1 PROLOGUE

"Everything is set, you will leave tonight". King Michael said tapping the shoulder of his only son and child Prince Philip.

"Do we really have to do this. I feel like a coward running away just to save my family with the kingdom in danger". Philip muttered as he sat defeated on the sofa in his father's office

Michael sighed. Philip would have made a great King, that he was certain about. He had the sentiment a King should have towards the people but he had it in excess and that would have made it too easy for anyone to manipulate him, since he'd want to make everyone happy

"I'm also not happy with the turn out of event Philip, but sometimes you must sacrifice for the future. You know why we are doing this Philip. Its either you remain here, die alongside everyone and our kingdom never sees the light of day again or you go away and we have a hope of gaining our kingdom again". King Michael sternly said as he brought his son up by the shoulders, looking him in the eye

"What if our hope is false, what if its but a mere wishfulness". Philip dragged on

"Philip!". Michael bellowed, a low growl escaping his throat "it is a prophecy, you've seen that with your eyes. For God sake, you had a child, a girl, Philip. The first girl having a royal blood since 100 years back. Isn't that enough truth". Michael tried to make his son reason as he clammed his fingers unto Philip's shoulders

"I know that, but I can't help but feel like a coward. You got to be King dad, you got to show the kingdom your best. But me". Philip chuckled humourless "I might never be able to give my best as a king to the kingdom. I'll forever be known as the failure of a prince who left the kingdom in fear. A failure dad, a failure. That isn't how I want to be remembered". Philip yelled, his voice cracking as he stared right into the eyes of the King, not bothering to hide his emotion

"You're not a failure son. I don't care what others might think nor should you. You're a true King, one the kingdom is proud of having. And even if you never get to become a King, I am rest assured you'll raise a saviour for the kingdom and I couldn't be more proud. You're my son and no son of mine is a coward, you're a true King Philip, in action and in the heart". King Michael smiled at his son who stared at him like he wants to cry

"I know your mother says a man crying doesn't mean he's weak but just so you know, I uh don't know what to do with a crying person". Michael awkwardly scratched his ear taking a step back

Philip couldn't help but chuckle at his dad's awkwardness. He dabbed at his eyes wiping the tears that formed in them

"I'm proud to be your father". Michael said with a proud smile as he stared at his son

"Hug?". Philip teased with a big smile on his face. He knows his father's awkwardness to hugs especially with males

"Just this once at least". Michael agreed shocking Philip for a bit

"Be safe son. The future lies on your shoulders". Michael patted his shoulders as they hugged

"I will dad. Thank you. I'm proud and thankful to be your son". Philip replied as they broke the hug. Each of them staring into the others eyes with a true smile

"Uh this is getting awkward". King Michael cleared his throat looking everywhere but Philip when they kept staring each other in the eyes with so much emotions in between

"Uh yeah, I'll just hmm leave to prepare". Philip also cleared his throat

"Uh yes, you should. Better hurry". Michael agreed still not looking at him

"Yes I'll leave now". Philip nodded but didn't move. Michael met his gaze and they couldn't hold it in. The two of them burst into a fit of laughter, one that filled the air around them, wrapping around them like a cocoon, reminding them that this is home, this is love, this is family

"I'll leave now dad". Philip said smiling as they calmed down

"Hmm". Micheal nodded and watched as his son left

Just as Philip left, the weight of the future wiped their smiles. While Philip breathed out a sigh resting upon the door with his eyes closed. Behind those doors Michael stood in front of a wall covered with photo frames of his family from generations back to his. His eyes stayed longer on the most recent one. It is a picture of him; his wife -Penelope; their son and his pregnant wife -Anabelle, few days to her delivery. They were all smiling unawares of the future ahead of them.

"Ouch". He hadn't noticed that he was tracing the edges of the frame till a broken wooden piece pricked him just as he sniffle making him realise he had been crying for a while. Wiping his tears away he chuckled. Who would have thought this day would come

"May the saviour bring peace and unity to both kingdoms" He prayed in a whisper as his eyes glowed a bright gold