REIGN

Chapter 2

"Woof! Woof!!" A golden retriever came to Nanon when he was reluctantly leaving his room, looking around from one corner to another for the last time. He loves to keep everything on its place but at this time, things were scattered here and there. He had taken some of them with him, and he was leaving some behind. As his father said, "There's no need to take everything with you they will provide you with all the luxuries. You're just moving from one palace to another. Not much will change in your life."

"If only he could understand." Nanon sighed.

"Woof woof!! Woof woof!!" The barks snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hey Chocochips!!" Nanon sat down, brushing the soft fur of the golden retriever.

"Are you going to miss me?" He asked with a sad smile.

The dog barked but mournfully as if he understood what his human was going through.

"Don't be sad buddy. If you cry how am I going to bid you goodbye?" Nanon chuckled.
"Do you like the rhyme, Chocochips? No? It makes you cringe, right? Right?" The brown eyes sparkled seeing his prince laughing.

"I love you Chocochips but I won't be with you from now on. I have to leave as you know I'm a prince before your friend, I am a prince even before being Nanon, myself. Duty comes first, you know. I wish I could take you with me but dad won't allow us to do so. He might say "they will rear a pack of dogs instead of your Chocochips". What dad doesn't understand is it's not the same. No dog can replace my Chocochips, no palace can replace my home. No matter how large and lavish it is." Nanon could sense tears in the corner of his eyes. He couldn't allow it to fall.

Noticing the unshed tears the joy disappeared from Nanon's fur baby's face. He curled up in the prince's lap.

"Be a good boy, okay? Don't disturb anyone. Listen to Mama and take care of her. Promise me Chocochips, you will take good care of our Mummum." Nanon offered his hand and Chocochips put his paw. "As you have 'paw'mised me I can leave-"

"Prince Nanon" a sweet female voice interrupted the conversation between Chocochips and his buddy.

"Mama!!" Nanon's voice cracked a little.

"It's the time for leaving. The king, the queen and everybody else are waiting for you. You have to reach there in the evening. Don't be late if you don't want to be scolded." The lady said.

"Who will save me from getting scolded hereafter?" Nanon was staring at the woman who had taken care of him since birth.

"Why do you need anyone to do that for you? You are old enough. " Nanon's nanny who was no less than his mom stated.

"And for you?"
The middle aged woman crouched on the floor embracing the prince. Nanon freed his tears. Tears were rolling from her eyes silently, Chocochips joined them howling.

"P'Nature, dad is getting impatient. Why Phi is taking so long?" The Princess marched into his brother's room.

"Everything is set, princess. Prince Nanon is coming.. right now." The lady answered while wiping Nanon's wet cheeks.

"I'll be right there in no time, Film." Nanon assured his sister.

"Hurry up Phi, it's not easy for you. I can understand, but you know how dad is. " Princess Film tapped her brother's shoulder and left the room.

"Get up Non. Chocochips, let your friend go now." P'Nature made Nanon stand up and tried to separate his pet from him.

"Mama, can't you come with me?"

"It's not allowed."

"If you can't stay with me there please be with me till the wedding. Attend my wedding at least." Nanon requestd.