MYSTIC [Part I]

CHAPTER :- 16

"Aren't you going to visit your mother? It's already been a month I guess"

"Yes.... In the evening, I'll return back at night"

"Why? You stayed a night, last month"

"Hmm.........but I can't leave you alone"

Boun fixes his eyes at him "I've been noticing from a few days...... Is there like, something going on. You barely let me go out these days. I like roaming around the kingdom. It's already been two weeks since I got out of the palace" he complains.

Prem gives him a soft gaze "...I am sorry but I have to do that and......it's for your own well-being"

"Prem........ " Boun gives him the most pleading eyes "....Let me come with you, I promise I will take care of myself, I will meet you near the market when it's time to go back"

That's what Prem can't handle. He wants to refuse but he can't say no to his dear prince.

Prem sighs then grins "Okay, fine. Don't look at me like that"

Boun grins from ear to ear.

"And.....don't you think that I am going to leave you alone anywhere outside the palace. We'll go to my house, then I'll take you wherever you want..........you..... won't mind going to my house , would you? "

"No, why would I? "

"Okay then, let me ask Ben "

°°°°

Prem took permission from Ben, to take Boun with him. They fly to his home.

Prem knocks on the door. A middle aged woman opens the door and smiles widely.

"You came late this time"

"Yes.......... and I won't stay a night today"

"Oh... Why? Are you... "She sees Boun standing behind him"............ Isn't he the prince? " she says, wide-eyed.

"He is. Aren't you going to let him inside ?"

"Oh..I am sorry. Please come in"

They sit inside the house.

"Would you like to have some tea? "She says looking at Boun.

" ..um... "

(Don't be shy) Prem looks at Boun, smiling.

"Sure. Thank you mam"

"Please don't call me mam. You can call me Aunt"

"Did you forget me mother? " Prem says.

"Prem! How can you say that in front of the prince, he is our guest" she scolds him.

"Aunt, it's totally fine. Don't scold him please"

"Ah..........Yes.....I will get some tea for you"

She goes to the kitchen and brings two cups of tea and something to eat ,after sometime.

"Where is Pineare? "

"She must be back anytime"

When Pineare (Prem's sister) comes back, they eat dinner . Then they bid goodbye to them and leave the house.

"So...where do you want to go? "

"Umm....... the bakery! "

"Okay...... let's go then"

°°°°
Boun's POV

We are walking back to the palace. It's quite late at night. When I exited from the bakery I saw two people playing music and singing in the market. I stayed to listen and lost track of time. It was already near 10.

I asked Prem to walk to the palace. There are barely any people at this time. I love taking a walk at night when there is no one, just the starry sky and cold breeze. It's so peaceful and........It's better with him.

"Prem..........do you remember. The day before we came here, we were walking at night like this"

He nods.

"When can we go to meet mom? "

"Whenever you want. How about, before the festival? "

"What festival? "

"We celebrate it every year as a uniting day of Illumina. The whole kingdom is decorated with flowers and lights, we eat and dance all night. It's in ten days I guess"

"Sounds fun. Then..........we'll go and come back before the festival. I'll tell Papa tomorrow"

°°°°

They have to walk across the hall first, to go to the stairs to their rooms. Boun and Prem enter the hall and see everyone standing in the hall. Ben is shouting at a man standing in front of him, he looks angry. Ben sees Boun coming towards them and stops. Everyone else looks at him and the man turns back.

"Who is he, Prem? " Boun looks at Prem.

Prem's eyes are fixed at the man. He says, in shock "..... Sean? "