Hollow World Theory

Part 6

Three weeks have gone by since the children left. Two months since Prince Kiaskin came to the Third Kingdom castle. In his quarters, he kept reading the book that he borrowed from Giosa. He got to the part of the story where the hero was stuck betweenn a rock and a hard place. He kept reading until he heard a knock.

He looked up to see a butler at his doorway.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Princess Giosa wanted to invite you to dinner tonight." The butler said. "She would be most pleased if you came."

"Oh?" Kiaskin looked down at his book to think for a moment, then looked back at the butler. "Thank you. I will come."

The butler nodded.

"The maids will come to help you dress."

"Thank you." Prince Kiaskin said.

With that, the butler bowed and left. Kiaskin put his book down as got ready to dress. As the butler said, a maid came in and helped the prince get dressed. He wore a beautiful red and purple dress with cuffed sleeves. His hair brushed in away that made him look regal and beautiful. He was ready.

Following the maid, he walked to the dining area that had a single table and two chairs. Waiting for him was Giosa.

"You look lovely, tonight." Giosa said, with a twinkle in their eye. Kiaskin smiled and nodded his head, blushing slightly.

"Thank you." He replied. He walked to his chair, where Giosa helped him with his seat. Finishing, Giosa went to their own. Right when they sat, a butler and waiters came in with food and drink. They served cherper breast with fine freadal and escar greens. To drink, they served moon wine. Nodding in content, Giosa sent the butler away. Almost immediately, Kiaskin picked up his fork and began to eat. Giosa did the same. While they ate, music played from the bards that were across the room. A moment passed when Giosa began to speak.

"Are you feeling well today?" Giosa asked, looking up at Kiaskin. Kiaskin looked at Giosa and paused.

"I am." He replied. "It is a little lonely without the children, however. It's so quiet."

"Hm." Giosa acknowledged, as they took another bite. "I understand. I find it a little unsettling with how quiet it is without them."

Kiaskin took another piece of his meal.

"Indeed." He said.

"... Kiaskin." Giosa said. "If you don't mind me asking..."

They hesitated. Kiaskin noticed this.

"What is it?" He asked.

Giosa paused before taking a breath.

"What was your kingdom like?" Giosa asked. Kiaskin paused in getting another piece in his meal.

"I... what?" Kiaskin asked, a little shocked. Giosa looked down almost quickly when he looked at them.

"My apologies." They said, sounding slightly anxious. "It must be too soon to ask you a question like th—"

"No no!" The prince exclaimed. "I mean, I didn't expect you to ask a question like that. Considering you are a part of the Third Kingdom. Don't they visit constantly?"

Giosa looked at him, with a slight confused gleam.

"No, only the guards do." Giosa explained. "I haven't been able to visit until... the incident."

They both remained quiet for a little bit.

"My kingdom..." Kiaskin said. "Was a beautiful place."

"You don't have to continue, my prince." Giosa said. "I didn't mean to—"

"No, it's alright." Kiaskin cut off with a smile. "It's alright to be curious."

Giosa looked at him for a minute, before a slight smirk crossed their lips. Kiaskin smiled as he continued to speak about his old home. The people, the buildings, the plants, and even the castle. As he told his stories, Giosa listened intently and with curiosity. That night, the prince and princess became a little closer.