Legacy's Prince

Chapter Forty-One: The Opera of the Three Brothers

Another weekend, another theatrical production.

I really don't want to go. I don't feel like being around people at all. But I can't think of a genuine enough excuse to skip. I suppose I could fake illness, but that would be too easily debunked. Thus, reluctantly, I dress myself in a forest green suit and check my appearance in the mirror.

It's an odd sight, my reflection staring back at me. I look the same as I did barely a month ago, as I got ready for my last lesson with Fredricks. Yet, I'm not the same. So much has changed in such little time. So much is still changing.

And I have no idea where those changes are taking me. I poke at my hair, trying to form it to a desired shape, but soon give up. What is the point? No one will be looking at me anyways. They would be watching the show. At least, I hope they will. I'm not in the mood to be spectated.

As I stared at my deceivingly pristine appearance, Dezden emerged from the washroom, dressed in the same suit I'd lent to him for the banquet all those days ago. He smiles as he beckons me to follow him. Forcing a grin, I trudge along behind him, making my way to the amphitheater.

We meet Axellia and Seana just outside the amphitheater. Axellia is dressed in a celeste gown, while Seana wears a simpler, mint dress. I try to be respectful, but I can't help but give Seana a few sideways glances as we take our seats. I can't help but feel she's grown, though she doesn't look to be any taller. Still, there's something different about her. An attendant passes out a program detailing what we're about to see as we settle into our spot.

I glance over the pamphlet.

It's an opera.

I hate operas.

I groan and let my head roll back in disgust. Axellia jabs her elbow into my arm, scowling for me to behave. I grumble under my breath and open the pamphlet, begrudgingly giving this show a chance.

The program tells me that this opera is the story of The Three Celestial Brothers and how they feuded amongst themselves.

"The youngest died in battle. The eldest rose to power temporarily before falling from grace. The middle brother rose from the ashes of war and became a shining beacon of hope. So moved by their tale were the gods, that they immortalized them in the sky. The youngest's tattered body became the stars. The oldest became the moon, shining temporarily before slowly slipping away. And the middle became the sun, sharing his radiance with the world for all eternity."

It's a nice story, I guess.

But if it's written down right there why do I have to watch a three hour ordeal about it?

Operas are so slow! And over dramatic! And eons too long!

This one proves to be no different. Three songs later and we haven't even met two of the brothers. We're stuck with the eldest, going on and on about how grand he is, even though we all know he's going to lose in the end. What is the point of this again? I glance over at the other three. Axellia, of course, looks perfectly enthralled. Seana only seems mildly amused. Dezden is already bored of the show, his head rolling against his chest as he fights to stay awake. I lean over to him and whisper:

"Hey, Dezden?"

"Hm," he asks, sitting up straight, snapping out of the stupor he had been lulled into.

"Can you do me a favor?" I ask.

"Sure," he shrugs.

"One that breaks school rules?" I warn.

"Wouldn't be the first time," Dezden reminds me.

"That book I ordered from the Roamers will be ready soon."