Wonder Boy

Shadows of the Crown | Lualt

The grand palace of Azurelorn sprawled like a majestic behemoth, its turrets and spires piercing the sky. Within its labyrinthine halls, Prince Valt darted through the shadows, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. His dark blue hair was disheveled, and his hazelnut eyes sparkled with mirth as he evaded his pursuer.

Lui, the stalwart knight, chased after the prince, his armor clanking as he turned corners. "Valt, stop this foolishness at once!" he commanded, his deep voice firm but laced with a hint of exasperation. "You are the future king, not a common mischief-maker!"

Valt giggled, his laughter bouncing off the walls. He dodged behind a tapestry, using the intricate fabric to conceal himself. Lui halted, scanning the area, his eyes narrowing as he searched for any sign of the prince.

"Valt, I warn you, do not test my patience further," Lui called out, his tone stern but tempered with a hint of fondness. "Your safety is my paramount concern, and I will not be swayed by your antics."

As Lui approached the tapestry, Valt sprang out, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You'll never catch me, Sir Lui!" he taunted, dashing down a nearby corridor.

Lui's expression turned stern, his jaw set in a firm line. "Enough, Valt. You will regret this disobedience." He charged after the prince, his footsteps echoing through the halls like a promise of consequences to come.

Valt darted down the corridor, his laughter echoing off the walls as he dodged Lui's outstretched arm. He snatched a nearby vase and hid behind a nearby pillar, holding the vase hostage.

"Ah-ah, Sir Lui! Come any closer and this precious artifact will meet its demise!" Valt threatened, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Lui halted, his face a mix of frustration and amusement. "You wouldn't dare, Valt. That's a priceless family heirloom!"

Valt's grin grew wider as he pretended to totter the vase, his eyes locked on Lui's. The knight's eyes narrowed, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Fine, have it your way," Lui said, his voice firm. "But know that I will get you eventually, Your Highness."

Valt giggled, his eyes gleaming with triumph. He replaced the vase and took off in a sprint, weaving through the palace's winding corridors. Lui pursued, his armor clanking as he followed the prince's trail of laughter and mischief.

Their game of cat and mouse continued, with Valt always staying one step ahead of his determined knight. But Lui's patience was wearing thin, and Valt knew he couldn't keep this up for much longer.

Valt dodged behind a statue, his breathing quickened. Lui cornered him, his eyes stern but a hint of a smile played on his lips.

"Enough, Valt. You've had your fun," Lui said, his voice firm but gentle.

Valt held up his hands in surrender, a mischievous glint still in his eyes. "Mercy, Sir Lui! I propose a truce."

Lui raised an eyebrow. "What kind of truce?"

Valt's grin returned. "Take me to the city hall, and I'll behave for the rest of the day."

Lui hesitated, clearly tempted. "Why do you want to go to the city hall, Valt?"

Valt's expression turned serious, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I want to see the people, Lui. I want to know what they think, what they need. I'm tired of being cooped up in this palace, surrounded by yes-men and protocol."

Lui studied Valt's face, then nodded. "Very well, Your Highness. But you must promise to behave and not cause any...unseemly incidents."

Valt's face lit up with excitement. "I promise, Sir Lui! Thank you!"