A relentless pounding echoed through the grand halls of the mansion, the sound reverberating off the opulent walls like a thunderstorm.
With a hint of annoyance etched across her features, a woman in her forties flung open the main door, her expression one of disbelief. “You meathead, why in the world are you banging on the door like a madman?” A sense of urgency hung in the air as she caught sight of the muscular guard standing before her.
“It’s an emergency!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic. “The King and Queen Maurya are arriving early.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief as she instinctively checked her Universal Soul Bracelet (USB). The cold metal felt heavy in her palm as the realisation hit her. Without wasting a second, she turned on her heel and dashed up the grand staircase, her feet barely making a sound against the polished floor.
The door to the Prince's bedroom stood slightly ajar, and she twisted the knob with urgency, bursting into the room. She yanked the blanket off the Forteen-year-old Prince, startling him awake. His blue eyes blinked in irritation as he glared at her. “Kamla Bai, what’s your problem?”
“They are coming!” Nanny Kamla replied, her voice almost a shout, as she lit the magical lamps that bathed the room in a warm glow. She quickly rummaged through the wardrobe, pulling out clean clothes and tossing them towards him. “Get changed quickly!”
As she scrambled about, her distress evident in her hurried movements, the Prince's curiosity piqued. He glanced at the clock mounted on the wall, the hands ticking relentlessly forward. “Who exactly is coming early in the morning to make you...?” Suddenly, the pieces clicked into place. “Don’t tell me.”
“Yes!” Nanny Kamla interrupted, her words clipped as she continued helping him dress. “Oh no, you haven’t done your birthday ritual yet!” She rushed out of the room, her voice echoing as she called back, “Come to the backyard quick; we only have half an hour left!”
As the Prince hastily donned his clothes, he made his way to the window, pulling the heavy curtains aside. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness, the moon casting a soft light over the grounds. ‘I should have slept early last night,’ he thought, rubbing his face to ward off the lingering sleepiness. ‘This is the only day they visit me, and I am utterly unprepared for it. Huff, I should stop complaining like a child already.’
He made his way down the grand staircase, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the hall. Reaching the bottom, he was met with the guard’s bow. “Happy Birthday to His Excellency Vishwa Maurya.”
With a frown, the Prince retorted, “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Vishwa instead of that gibberish?”
The guard’s expression turned apologetic. “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t.”
Ignoring the guard, Prince Vishwa stomped towards the backyard where he found Nanny Kamla awaiting him. “Kamla Bai, can you explain?” he asked, pointing toward a large log resting on the ground.
“Kid, we only have this log,” she replied briskly, handing him a hatchet. “Now, start cutting it into Forteen pieces with this.”
Vishwa took a step back, disbelief etched on his face. “You are crazy to think I will use that thing again.” He pointed at a scar on his leg, a painful reminder of a past attempt at the same task.
“Alright, then figure out a way to cut that log down,” she shot back, swinging the hatchet into the log with precision. “I have to prepare for their arrival. You have… ummm, fifteen minutes for Forteen pieces.” With that, she turned and left him to his task.
YOU ARE READING
Genesis of the Soul
FantasyPrince Vishwa, with distinctive silver hair, lives in seclusion, concealed by his mother to protect him from his tyrannical father, the king. The king targets silver-haired people, fearing for his life due to an oracle. Vishwa seeks acceptance from...
