The Missing Piece

Chapter 19

After getting cleaned up and ready, Nick was standing in front of the mirror as he examined himself in his new attire. He didn't know how to feel, it was neither uncomfortable or delighted. He was just there, in the royal clothing that someone else should be wearing. He sighed, shaking his head as he was still confused with his thoughts that won't stop spinning in his head. Gradually sitting down on the bed, Nick hoped to try to relax for awhile before he had to go out and humiliate himself inferno to millions of people.

But that shouldn't matter to him since he finally got what he always wanted. Acceptance. That brought a smile to the knight's face.

'Maybe this isn't so bad.' he thought to himself.

That gave him an idea. He wanted to thank Jake and the queen and king for their gratitude and hospitality, but how can one show that if they have nothing to give?

As he pondered, Nick rose from the bed to look around the room, just by curiosity. The settlement brought charm and a warm welcome to anyone who was visiting. The knight would've never thought that he would be staying in such a luxury hostel. The artwork and adornments were placed perfectly. Noticing how serene and pitiful the taste of the room was, Nick felt incredibly noble to be in the presence of the royals.

A knock on the door stopped the knight's mini exploration of his room. Quickly turning his head, he noticed another servant, a tiny woman in a classy outfit.

"Sorry to startle you sir, but I came here to inform you that the Royal Ball will be starting in 15 minutes," she told the knight, who smiled courteously.

"Thank you, I'll be on my way," he replied, making the servant bow to him and left him in his space.

Before he departed from his room, Nick took one more glance in the mirror to take a deep breath, trying to make his anxiety at ease.

'Here goes nothing...' he thought and walked out towards the hallways.

With every step he took towards his destination, Nick felt his nerves rise more and more. He couldn't help it, this was a once in a lifetime event that he was heading to. Suddenly, Nick halted in his tracks as he remembered what they planned before the Ball.

"We'll have a tribute to the brave knight before the Ball starts tomorrow night."

'That's right... the memorial...' the knight thought to himself, being hit with instant regret.

As he took a deep breath once again, he continued his path towards the place he was informed to go to the gathering.

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The moment that his eyes saw a small church outside of the castle, he felt his depression come back instantly. The last time he's ever been in a church-like building was when he got his mark that was engraved on his chest, shaming him for the rest of his life. But this time it was different, even though it was still hard for Nick to move forward.

As he entered the open arch of the dark church, the knight noticed warm lighting by the candles that were placed on the aisle. Chills went through Nick's body as he glanced around the small area. Luckily, not many people were around but once his eyes moved forward, he saw a small figure wearing a dark cloak with the hood up. Those eyes, those sentimental eyes that the knight tried to help change in many situations where looking directly at him. How could he make those eyes happy again if he couldn't even bring back what made them both happy in the first place?

With a deep sigh, Nick gently kneeled down infant of the podium. A shrine was placed nearby, with the brave knight's sword and armor that Jake and Nick kept after the tragedy. The room was silent, with the occasional quiet cries that came from the prince. Even though he wasn't making noises, tears rolled down Nick's face as he kept his eyes closed. Whether or not if he was sending out a prayer, Nick just stayed up as he tried to calm his emotions. But as the memories of his dear friend showed up in his mind, Nick had to break down in silence.