The Happy Prince

Golden Haze

"Donovan, wait up!" Elwin called as he paced across the palace halls.

Up ahead, Donovan looked over his shoulder with a cheeky grin creeping on his face. He quickly spun around, his mop of golden locks bouncing as he continued his fast stride.

"Not a chance, Elwin! You'll have to catch me first!"

Exasperated, Elwin stopped to catch my breath. Not fair. Donovan, being a year older, had always better than him at everything. At thirteen years old, Elwin knew he still had a lot of growing to do. Still, he couldn't help feeling a little envious of Donovan's being at least a head taller than him, or the fact that his voice had deepened whilst he still sounded rather childish.

Elwin sighed and resumed to a jog. Sunset light washed over his face each time he went past a window, creating a rib-like effect all along the hall. Light, dark, light, dark. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and smiled when the light hit his closed eyes, only to quickly be put out again. 

Then, out of nowhere, he kicked something hard, causing him to topple over and practically face-plant on the ground. Hard.

"Oof!"

Donovan spun around and dropped his arms in exasperation when he saw what happened.

"Come on, you clumsy goon. Catch up!"

Elwin sighed laughingly. Reckless as he was, he was fine. These cobblestone floors were always such a nuisance. Getting up, he dusted off his pants. Perfect. 

"Ready to go?" he smiled.

"Sure." Donovan shrugged. "C'mon, I'm pretty sure dinner's ready. I think we're having roasted swan with potatoes."

"Finally! I'm starving."

***

"So Elwin, son, how was your day?"

Elwin looked up from my half-eaten drumstick to meet his father and mother's gaze, chewing slowly.

"It was so much fun! Donovan and I tried making a catapult machine after lessons. You should have seen how far the rocks went flying. It was a success! Except when we narrowly missed General Mazteck. Although I doubt anyone would have missed his sour face."

The king's blue eyes lit up with mirth as he gave a hearty laugh, revealing the laugh lines that gave away his frequent habit.

"Sounds like you had a good day, as always." He paused for a brief moment before continuing, " Now, I am sorry to say this but I have to go out of town again to visit a good friend of mine, the Lord Bhanzoelak. I will be gone for three days. Is there anything in particular that you wanted on my return?"

"Actually, yes, father." Elwin smugly answered. "I needed another carved ivory elephant so that my animal collection is complete. It needs to be about the size of my palm and a ruby attached to the forehead." He thought for a bit before adding, "The feet must be gold-dipped. Hand-carved. And adorned with gems: amethysts, emeralds, sapphires and the sorts. I've been meaning to tell you for a while, but I simply forget whenever the subject is brought up." He took another bite of the buttery potatoes. Mmm, delicious.

My father did not flinch in the slightest. Huh, Elwin thought, I thought I had it this time.  

"That will not be a problem," he smiled. "Only the best for you, my son. When I return, we shall spend some time fishing by the lake, how does that sound? I hear the lake is teeming with cod at this time of year. "

Elwin beamed.

"Oh, yes father, that would be fantastic!" he smiled.

"Now, Arnold," his mother smilingly reprimanded, "we don't want to spoil our son to the point when he won't even feed himself anymore. He must also learn to be grateful for the things he has. Isn't that right, Elwin?"