After a final check that their clothes were clean and fresh, the brothers joined their father, High Lord Gidon Aguerius, on their way to the palace. The anticipation in their hearts grew with each step as they entered the grand halls of the Provincial Palace, their footsteps echoing through the opulent corridors.
Upon reaching the King's chambers, they were greeted by King Yucaipa, a kind and elderly man who exuded wisdom and warmth. His eyes sparkled with recognition as he saw the boys standing before him. "Ah, Almas and Creetan! How you have grown since I last saw you. It warms my heart to witness your journey into young adulthood."
Almas and Creetan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty," they replied in unison.
The King smiled, his voice gentle and filled with grandfatherly affection. "Your father has informed me of your adventures in the forest and the mischievous pranks you played on your journey here. It is good to see young spirits full of life and laughter. It brings light to the sometimes weighty duties of the crown. By the way Young Cree, I must say I love your boots, perhaps I could get your parents to tell me were I could get a pair like that for myself. Now you will need to excuse me and your father."
Before they could respond, King Yucaipa turned his attention to their father, signaling that he had matters to discuss. "High Lord Gidon, I require your guidance on a matter of great importance. Would you be so kind as to accompany me to my study?"
Their father nodded respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty. Almas, Creetan, I trust you will behave yourselves while I am away. You may explore the Provincial Palace, but remember to show respect to all those you encounter."
As their father departed with the King, Almas and Creetan found themselves alone in the vast palace, filled with curiosity and a sense of adventure. They embarked on their exploration, marveling at the grandeur of the architecture and the exquisite artwork adorning the walls.
However, their wanderings soon led them to an encounter that dampened their spirits. Turning a corner, they stumbled upon the Prince, a stark contrast to his father. Unlike the benevolent King, the Prince possessed an air of arrogance and disdain.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the Prince sneered, eyeing the brothers with disdain. "Lost little nobles wandering through my palace. Shouldn't you be following your nursemaids?"
Almas clenched his fists, his face reddening with anger, while Creetan shot the Prince a defiant glare. "We are not lost, Your Highness. We have been given permission to explore the palace while our father attends to matters of state."
The Prince scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "You have been given permission to explore the palace? How generous of my father. He must have taken pity on you, living out in the farmlands like peasants instead of the Provincial Palace like real nobles."
Creetan stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Remember your Highness, by decree of the first king of the New Yucaipan Kingdom there are no peasants. We are proud to live in the farmlands, where we can see the fruits of our labor and the beauty of nature. Our father wants us to be close to the people he serves, and he wants us to know and understand the people of the province. He says that is what makes a true noble, not the walls of a palace or the jewels on a crown."
The Prince's eyes widened, his face turning red with rage. He was not used to being challenged by anyone, let alone two young boys. He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could utter a word, Almas and Creetan had already walked away, leaving him speechless and fuming.
The Prince's lip curled into a sneer as he called after them. "Permission or not, while my father and I are here, this is my palace, and I do not take kindly to your presence here. Know your place, little boys."
Almas and Creetan exchanged glances as they continued to walk away, their determination unyielding. They knew their father had taught them to respect others, but they also understood the importance of standing up for themselves.
They continued their exploration, leaving the Prince behind. The encounter had left a bitter taste in their mouths, but they refused to let it overshadow their excitement for the grandeur that surrounded them.
As they roamed the palace, they stumbled upon stunning gardens, magnificent tapestries, and halls filled with history. The intricate details and stories embedded within the Provincial Palace captivated their imaginations, allowing them to momentarily forget the unpleasant encounter with the Prince.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows throughout the palace, Almas and Creetan found themselves outside the King's chambers once again, eagerly awaiting their father's return. Their hearts brimmed with stories of their exploration, ready to share their adventures and misadventures.
YOU ARE READING
Adventures in the Sacred Forest
FantasyAlmas has a new friend in the elvish boy Ulec and the forest becomes their playground. However when trip with to the Provincial Capital starts to go wrong, Almas learns what the power of friendship can really do.
