The evening had settled in, and the royal palace glowed with a soft, warm light. The last echoes of the day’s activities slowly faded away as the servants busied themselves with preparations for dinner. The air was cool, with a slight breeze rustling through the trees in the palace gardens.
In the courtyard, the sound of clashing swords had ceased. The practice session was over, and the Royal Guardsmen who had been overseeing the young Prince Verb’s training began to file out, some patting him on the back or offering him quiet words of encouragement.
Verb, his brow slick with sweat, gave them a tired but proud smile. He was still young, and while his strikes had improved, his energy was starting to wane. It had been a long day.
From the balcony, King Monn watched his son’s retreating figure, his heart filled with a quiet, conflicted pride. Verb had worked hard, as always, but there was something else that always lingered in Monn’s thoughts—worry. Verb, at twelve, had dreams far bigger than his years. Dreams that came with a weight Monn wished he could shield him from.
But before Monn could linger too long on those thoughts, a voice brought him back to the present.
“Monn, you’re still watching him, aren’t you?”
Ghost, always keen to notice when Monn was lost in his thoughts, appeared behind him, his voice low and teasing.
Monn gave him a small, absent nod. “He’s got the spirit, Ghost. It’s hard not to.”
Ghost’s smile was both understanding and amused. “He’s stubborn like you. You know he won’t stop until he gets what he wants, right?”
Monn didn’t answer immediately. His eyes remained fixed on his son as Verb waved to one of the guards before disappearing into the palace doors. Monn’s thoughts were divided. He wanted to see his son succeed, but he also feared what that success might cost him.
“I just hope he’s ready when the time comes,” Monn muttered.
Ghost, always the more relaxed of the two, shrugged lightly. “He’s your son. He’ll be ready in his own way.”
Monn gave Ghost a small, knowing look but said nothing. Ghost was right in some ways, but that didn’t stop the worry.
The distant sound of the dinner bell broke through the silence, and Monn finally turned from the balcony.
“Dinner’s about to begin,” Ghost remarked, stepping closer. “And don’t forget about tomorrow’s parade. It’s been years since we’ve had one honoring the foundation of the Golden Eternal Kingdom.”
Monn nodded, his expression softening slightly. The parade, marking the anniversary of the kingdom’s founding, wasn’t just a celebration of history but a reminder of unity and resilience. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far they had come—and how far they still had to go.
“Yes,” Monn said, his voice quieter now. “It’s important for the people to see the strength of the kingdom, especially now.”
Ghost nodded, his tone a little more serious. “It’ll be good for morale—for everyone’s. Even you.”
Monn allowed a faint smirk before leading the way to the dining hall.
---
Inside, Verb was already at the table, freshened up, his clothes now neat and properly fitted. He was seated next to his sister, Lucy, who was engaged in quiet conversation with one of the palace attendants, her attention half on the conversation, half on the clock ticking toward dinner.
Monn watched as Verb laughed at something Lucy said, the boy’s face lighting up in a way that always made Monn’s heart soften. It was moments like these, when the weight of the crown seemed distant, that Monn wished for more. More time. More peace. More moments of simple joy.
Lucy, noticing her father enter, quickly straightened up, her attention shifting fully to him. At thirteen, she had a quiet air of calm around her, always far more grounded than Verb. She smiled warmly as he approached.
“Father, you're home,” she said, her voice light but full of affection.
Monn gave her a soft smile in return, though his mind was still wrapped in thoughts of Verb’s future.
“Did you finish your lessons, Lucy?” he asked, his tone kind but probing. The royal education was rigorous, and Lucy, though not as eager as her brother to be in the spotlight, had never shied away from her responsibilities.
“Yes, Father,” Lucy replied, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. “And I’m nearly done with my book. You’ll be proud, I think.”
Monn raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure I will be.”
He looked over at Verb, who was still deep in conversation with his fellow palace attendants, his eyes alight with energy.
“Verb,” Monn called, his voice carrying through the room. “Dinner is almost ready.”
Verb, who had been lost in conversation, looked up and grinned at his father. “Yes, Father! I’m just finishing a thought, and I’ll be right there.”
Monn’s gaze softened. It was so easy to see in his son’s eyes the same spark he once had—ambition, fire, a need to be more. But with that fire came a recklessness Monn could not always guide.
“You need to rest,” Monn said quietly, though with a hint of fatherly warmth. “You've worked hard today. Tomorrow is another day.”
Verb nodded eagerly, though he was already standing, excited to return to the conversation. “Of course, Father. But tomorrow, I’ll be ready again. I won’t stop until I’m ready for the Guard.”
Monn’s expression faltered for a brief moment. He knew Verb’s determination, knew it well. But there were still many years before that dream could be realized. Years Monn wasn’t sure Verb would be ready for.
“You will be,” Monn said, the words coming out almost as a promise, though he wasn’t sure if he believed them himself.
With a wave, Verb made his way to the table, and the family settled into their places for dinner. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated their faces, casting long shadows across the room. The quiet conversations around the table were interrupted only by the soft clinking of plates and the hum of servants attending to their needs.
Monn took his seat at the head of the table, his eyes briefly scanning the room. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, the quiet moments with his family were what kept him grounded.
As the evening carried on, Monn’s thoughts lingered on the parade. He hoped the celebration would bring a sense of pride and unity to the people, but more than that, he hoped it would remind his family—Verb, Lucy, and even himself—of the strength they shared, even in the face of an uncertain future.
YOU ARE READING
Eternal.
Science Fiction"They stood with us, side by side, Fighting through battles as the nights got colder. Their blades once lit up the battlefield, And their voices were strong-but now, it's quiet. I can still remember the way they laughed, The way they'd charge into t...
