30 Days As A Substitute Prince

Chapter 12

It felt great to have a paintbrush in his hands again. 

Just to be bringing life to his art after so long was enough to make him feel like he wasn’t ill at all. 

It has been a terrible three days of having a cold, yet, it wasn’t all that bad, because a certain princess ensured he was very well treated. 

Chad had recovered quicker than he expected, even though he still had a slight cough here and there. But he was well enough to move around on his own, and better yet, he wasn’t imagining women anymore. 

She didn’t return after that night, and so Chad was starting to believe that she had been a figment of his imagination for real. In fact, when he woke up she wasn’t there with breakfast as she said she would. 

Sometimes, Chad didn’t think she was a hallucination, but the fact is that Aria didn’t know who he was referring to, and he had a fever of over a hundred degrees high made him believe that  it was highly likely that he had been imagining her. 

Still, Chad didn’t dwell on it. In fact, what he dwelled on was how hospitable Aria was, never once fearing that he could infect her too, but showing mere kindness and care for him. 

Could he really carry on with his act of coldness after she had been so good to him when he was ill? He didn’t want to. It wasn’t fair, but he knew it was for her best. 

Chad now hated that he took up this deal with Zadkiel. He was happy that he was helping a friend, but now Aria had become a friend too, and he’ll betray her in a matter of weeks when the truth comes out. 

It had been eating away at him for the past three days, especially since he had a lot of time alone to think. 

Luckily, Joshua’s heart was with Chad, and so he requested painting supplies for him. Since Joshua is ‘Zadkiel’s’ best friend and knows him the most, no one questioned the request, even though painting wasn’t listed as one of Zadkiel’s skills. 

Now, Chad was perched comfortably on a balcony adjacent to his room, painting the beautiful view of the town of Oryn that was perfectly displayed from where he sat. 

He knew he'll never get the chance to do this again, since his time here at the castle is limited. But he simply couldn’t let this opportunity pass up. Maybe he’ll paint another one and give it to his sister. 

She loved Oryn, even though she decided to leave a couple years ago. The memory of their parents was far too present in their home, and so Dania decided to move away. 

Chad missed his sister. He missed his parents too. He was just happy that his parents lived a long and happy life together, showing both their children the beauty and magic of love. 

Love. 

It was such an odd yet magnificent thing. Whether it be spiritual, intimate, parental or simply friendly. It had the most power on earth, and Chad tried to display its power in everything he does. 

That was why he painted. Painting holds so many stories, most of them revolving around love. 

Chad’s parents showed him and his sister what love really is, as well as what its power  is capable of. Even when they died, it still lingered in their lives. 

Maybe that is the reason why Chad kept friendship so dear to him, and treats it with the most delicacy and care. It physically hurts to do the opposite of all it stands for. Love doesn’t lie and keep secrets. Neither does it deceive and meddle with others’ emotions. 

His parents would be disappointed. 

Then again, he couldn’t betray Zadkiel’s trust and needs either. The constant battle with himself was enough to drive him mad.