The Royal Engagement

Chapter 18

The window welcomed a gentle and cool breeze of the summer into its humble aboard of the infirmary room's space. Vacant – except for the lonely, pondering figure that slumped over on the edge of the single bed.

His eyes solemnly fazed into the militant line of ants that sprinkled across the floor to a crack on the wall. He stared at them silently; observing as they brushed by his feet, momentarily sensing it there with their tiny and dainty legs before falling back into formation.

Tiny crumbs they carried – each a mere fraction of the entire treat they took it from; yet they persistently walked back and front for that single crumb like mindless zombies with no other purpose. Why all the hardwork? Was it to serve their queen? Keep each other alive? How easy their lives are – everyone puts the same amount of effort and co-operates with a fixed desire to help one another survive... If only humans were that complex with their empathy for one another...

But, they would never be that way... And, so, why try to change them when it's their nature? Humans will never be like ants that care and work together for the benefit of the colony... No...

Themselves is what matters more... They fight and resist to have their way – never staying obedient no matter what you do, no matter good you are to them...

So, why be good? If they wont change either way, why try to help them? Be good to them? Why set a good example to control them? What was the purpose for it?

Sometimes, he envied tiny, insignificant creature such as ants... Their lives are so hard yet simple because they aren't as intelligent as other creatures... Unlike humans that had the mind to have complexity in everything they do, ants are carefree and peaceful...

His glare's intensity grew parallel with his frustration. The ants that seemed so mesmerising and calming to watch, now overwhelmed him with envy and spite. His nostrils flared and he shook out an agitated breath.

With one quick and impulsive movement, his foot came down on the chain of ants, breaking the links and sending the remainders scattering in fear. Why leave any alive? Once you begin something, you finish it the same way. That was the only way to assert what makes one worthy to rise above the rest...

Again, he pin-pointed the larger clumps of ants that were within his shoe's vicinity and pummelled them as well. Again, and again – his foot came down on the helpless creatures. A sick and twisted grin working onto his face after his efforts had resolved in a massacre. If any twitched or limped, he would strike again; even harder.

'They deserved it,' he justified. 'That's what they get for stealing food from my palace.'

A heavy sigh squeezed from his lungs as he fell back into the bed. His face once again neutral and staring at the ceiling this time. His eyes narrowed when he spotted a spider resting upside down on the ceiling; directly above his face. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Ugh, even better. You should be grateful I can't reach you" he threatened the oblivious creature.

A faint but intoxicating smell caught the attention of the Prince's nose, alluring his head to tilt to the left – the head of the bed. A plump pillow with the light depression of the previous head it rested, remained in the middle. Pyro reached for it dragged towards him. This foreign yet stimulating smell...

He pushed against his nose, burying his face in deeply to extract more of the fragrance. Sweet and virgin aromas filled lungs. His eyes fell shut lazily to indulge in it even further. It was so tempting and fragile – as if it would vanish forever if he inhaled too deeply.

It splashed images of a familiar girl – a carefree smile and fresh, unpolluted mind. He was so envious... She had everything he had lost; and, was unable to ever regain...