The Curse

Aurelius hurried to his room and vented his rage by breaking any fragile equipment he could discover. He did not even know why, but he could not really control how he felt once those situations he was full of rage and hatred. He did not know what that's about, but no matter what he did, he just can not control how his emotions.

He flopped down on his big and luxurious bed as soon as he was weary of throwing objects he saw. All of his childhood memories of his parents flooded back to him, even if he didn't like to, he did thus unintentionally.

He was close to his parents, and they were aware of practically all of his issues; even little occurrences that occurred in his life were not hidden from his parents, but that was ten years ago.

Yes, ten years ago.

They still dine together at those times, the day of the week is their bonding, and they know one other's secrets. He could not really dispute that it was only at those times that he sensed the parents' sincere, unadulterated love for their child. When her father was inaugurated as the new king of the United Kingdom, succeeding her grandmother, who had ruled as a queen for more than thirty years, the wind altered.

It may have seemed inconsequential thing to the others, but all he had become accustomed to vanished abruptly when his father took charge and his family began to fall apart. Chantria was just eight years old at the time, and she may not have completely comprehended what had occurred.

But he, obviously, has changed since then.

It was as if he had lost his life and died in those moments, he was so desperate for a parent's attention and affection, and now he couldn't acknowledge to himself that he was yearning for care and love from a mother and father in these quiet moments even if he is grown and of the appropriate age.

So, even if he understood why he was furious with his parents, he wouldn't disclose it because he was terrified of uncovering his background as well as shortcomings. When he glanced around his room, he noticed that there used to be paintings of their faces and frames of their family, but now there isn't a single photo of them in his room. Whether he accepts something or not, he is nonetheless impacted by their family's loss of intimacy and connection.If Queen Priscilla and King Othello used to care after their children, today they have slaves who look after and guide them, which should be a parent's responsibility.

When Aurelius heard a sequence of knocks outside his bedroom, his consciousness appeared to come back to reality. He had no intention of noticing it, but the knocking was so loud. So, despite his misgivings, he was able to open the door and see the person who had been knocking.

"I apologize if I bothered you; the King and Queen asked me to bring you food since they knew you were hungry." The voice of a guard who had been previously assigned to deliver food to the prince at the time of his return tracks the unexplainable terror in his voice, and it was unable to look into the prince's eyes.

When individuals working in the house interact with the prince, it is not uncommon for them to be terrified and apprehensive, especially if he is not in a good frame of mind or is irritated at that moment. Outside the prince's room and behind the guard the other servants could be seen to take place, but they did not notice it much, and pretended to be doing something so as not to be involved in any trouble that might happen.

"Your coffee, as well as your meal, is also still hot, therefore you should eat it right now, as your parents told me to tell you and then—"

When Aurelius flung the foods away aggressively, the guard was unable to finish what he intended to say. He did not even appear to mind how the guard felt or whether he had injured him as a result of his actions. He had no sign of guilt or even an apology on his face after he thrown away and even scorched the guard's skin as a result of what he had done. And, as a byproduct of what Aurelius did, the slaves in their palace could not really refrain themselves from muttering their thoughts about his poor behavior, which was in stark contrast to his family, who was kindhearted and humble.

Regardless of the fact that the bodyguard was harmed when Aurelius threw the food he was carrying, he remained relatively low, with no signs of irritability or hostility on his face. Despite the fact that the prince had acted improperly, his head remained bowed as a gesture that he still respected him.

"I should not really see something on the floor when I walk out of my room because otherwise, you won't have a job starting tomorrow." with his gaze pointing to the thrown food on the floor as well as the coffee that was already pouring, Aurelius appeared nasty and callous to the man as he said those words.

When he became aware of the growing murmurs of others around him, he gave them a lethal glance, forcing them to remain hushed and continue doing what they were doing, possibly because they are terrified of getting themselves into trouble and that if they become entangled, they can lose their jobs. Since they already know Aurelius really does have one word, and he intends to do whatever he wants regardless of how others respond, whether they approve or not.

"I will do anything you command, but please, I am begging, don't fired and push me away since I am the only one who can look for my ailing parents. Please forgive me if I have angered you." The guard mumbled that instead, and then knelt down in front of Aurelius and appeared to be bawling. Even yet, he wanted to support and care for them, just as they had done for him when he was a baby.

Instead of feeling awful for the man because of his situation, Aurelius was able to just walk away from him and shut the door to his bedroom as if he did not really care if the unfortunate guard was harmed. The bodyguard was still on his knees when Aurelius locked his doorway with all his strength, and it appeared like heaven and earth had fallen on his face as a result of what had transpired before.

The soldier remained in that position not just until King Othello arrived and lifted him off his knees.

"I am sorry for what my son did to you previously, and I hope you will forgive him since he's just too much carried away by his emotions. Don't worry, I will speak with him and make certain you don't leave." As a gesture of his remorse on behalf of his son, the king gently patted the man's arm. The king had been listening and seeing what his son had done previously, but he could not really interrupt Aurelius because, rather of being outraged, he felt really sad for him.

Because deep down his heart, he understands that they are the source of his son's behavior.

"That's all right, beloved king; I am not disturbed by his actions; in fact, we are all used to his ruthlessness. But, the same as you, I am persuaded that there's still kindness in his heart. However, I just wanted to tell you that, even as he grows older, he is still your child, in need of your time, attention, and affection." the guard stated, which silenced him.

The king had been thinking intently before, but now it felt so deep that he could not get up, he comprehended the guard's point, and he was justified. Despite the fact that Aurelius is twenty-five years old, he is still his son, who has neglected him for more than ten years that he was deprived of time and attention, him and his wife.

People inside the palace were used to releasing their frustrations on whatever they disliked or wanted to focus on in that particular place. Rather than resenting for their displeasre, he endeavored to deal with the problem that had been brought to him.

As a result, everyone adores him since he believes that everyone is comparable, regardless of their social status. The Alberici are known for their benevolence and humility, which is in their blood.

"But King, I have to apologize also. I believe I am also responsible since I know there was a previous dispute in your family; I hope I did not seem to bother him initially because I understand that his heart is still consumed by hatred. As nothing more than a corollary, I must also apologize for not observing properly." The guard also apologized because, underneath it all, he believed his timing in bringing the food was a little off. He did not give it to the prince after waiting just several hours.

Followed by a brief conversation between King Othello and the bodyguard, the king promptly issued an order that no one should disturb the prince. Allow it to rest and be alone in his room for a while because he knew that was what his son needed in those moments.

Despite his desire to have an in-depth conversation with his son, he also didn't even speak to him since he wanted it to rest his mind first.

Aurelius, on the other hand, took advantage of the silence and freedom which was forming at that night. He sprang to his room and dashed to the spot where his Locomobile would be discovered. Despite the fact that he was well aware that going out alone and without security personnel was expressly prohibited for their wellbeing and safety. However, he was obstinate and disobeyed his father's order. He did not seem to care what will happened to him in those periods.

When he found his Locomobile, he immediately turned it on; there were other guards stationed at the palace entrance, but he was able to easily elude them by threatening them with it. "By the moment you tell my father concerning me, I will see to it that you are sacked from your position and never return to the palace."

Before going too much further, he double-checked that no one was behind him, that no one was discreetly trying to chase him.

He had no idea where he was going or where he meant to go after he had left the palace. As far as that was all he was thinking about was that he desired to be alone, in a place where no one recognized who he was; he did not know how, and he did not have any clue.

He promptly halted his Locomobile in an unpopulated area when he felt unusually exhausted after driving for more than half an hour. He checked his watch and noticed that it was just fifteen minutes to twelve o'clock in the morning, so he decided to spend the night in his Locomobile and sleep for a while. Although he had not expected to fall asleep so quickly, perhaps it was because he was exhausted from his tournament preparation and had not been able to sleep since yesterday, so even if he did not want to sleep in that circumstances, there was nothing he could do, as he did when he closed his eyes immediately.

Soon after, Aurelius awoke; perhaps he had only slept for ten minutes, or perhaps he felt uncomfortable where he had been. So, when he awakened, he quickly started his Locomobile and drove away again, not knowing where he was heading.

He did not notice that he had hit with an old woman whilst driving. Aurelius didn't bother getting out of his Locomobile since he knew the impact wouldn't be too severe when he struck with the old woman.

He did, however, take the money that had been placed in his wallet and promptly handed it to the old woman. "Don't obstruct my route next time; that's why you crashed; here's the money; go to the hospital; that's more than you need." Aurelius stated it frankly.

When he saw the old woman was only staring at him and didn't even take the money he offered her, he became irritated. He flung it away in an obnoxious manner right away, unexpectedly, some paper bills landed on the old lady's face. He instantly maneuvered his Locomobile to escape that location, but to his astonishment, the woman who had been sitting on the ground was already standing in front of his Locomobile, staring him down.

"I have been watching you for a long time, Aurelius. Your heart is pretty dreadful, and you have no pity for everybody else. As a punishment, I will send you to a place that will put your character to the utmost." Full of bravery, says a strange woman, who holds a stick similar to those shown in fairy tale films in her right hand.

Instead of being frightened and nervous, Aurelius suddenly grinned, believing the woman was insane and lost in her own ideas.

"You know, old decrepit woman with a boil all over her face, don't add to my dillema's—" Aurelius could no longer speak when the old woman cut him off.

"At that new generation, everyone will despise you, and you will be compared to the spawn of satan. You will not be able to live in peace as long as your negative behavior persists. People are more wicked than you think, and the situation is worse than you believe. Do not get complacent because whatever you do to others will come back to haunt you." The old woman said again, at that moment her fairy stick suddenly flashed, and there Aurelius' eyes suddenly widened in shock.

That light was unusual; he thought it was a tint of blue moon he couldn't describe.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Aurelius exclaimed nearly aloud because no matter how hard he tried, he could not control the Locomobile he was riding.

"When the night falls, you will be a monster loathed, abused, and scorned by everybody. Because of your ugliness, no one will accept your character." The old woman's words were the only thing that astonished Aurelius once again.

"In order for you to return to your actual span of time; you ought to seek for someone who can help you change your attitude and who will love and accept you regardless of how you look. Only when he kisses you on the lips, when the blue moon appears, and you are entirely turned into a wolf, will the curse be released." The old woman last statement, and she instantly aimed the stick she was carrying at Aurelius, blinding him with the brightness emanating from that weird object.

Aurelius wanted to say anything else to make the woman feel the rage and frustration he felt at the time, but he couldn't because he felt like he was slowly absorbing the light that was condensing inside the old woman's stick.

12 a.m

That was the exact moment at which he was drawn to the light that leads him to the future.