Regal Academy - The Legend of the Mermaid <Book 2>

Chapter 12 - The Emotional Losts

Young Aiden: "Daddy?"

The young toddler peeked through the opening of the door and saw his father having a conversation with someone.

Arthur: "A-Aiden?..."

Aiden pushed the door and took small but cute steps towards his father.

However, the toddler stopped in his tracks when he noticed his father wearing such an upset look on his face. It was almost like he was on the verge of tearing up.

Young Aiden: "Daddy, what's wrong?"

Man: "Your Majesty..."

Arthur: "No...please leave us..."

The man, who were also in the room, nodded and left the room in a hurry. Aiden curiously eyed him leaving the room before he looked back at Arthur.

Aiden: "What were you talking about? Aiden wants to know too..."

King Arthur took in a deep breath and replied in a calm manner.

Arthur: "Aiden...you know your older brother-"

Aiden: "Big Brother?? Aiden haven't seen him for so long!! Is he coming back??"

At that moment, King Arthur couldn't hold it back anymore and tears streamed down his cheeks. Aiden was shocked and exclaimed.

Aiden: "Why are you crying, Daddy?? Did Aiden do something wrong??"

Arthur: "N-No...no, Aiden...It's not your fault at all..."

King Arthur bend down to Aiden's level and unexpectedly hugged him as his tears continued to fall.

Arthur: "I'm sorry, Aiden...but older brother will not be seeing us anymore..."

Aiden: "What? Why??"

Arthur: "He's...gone..."

The young toddler was speechless.

He took a while to comprehend what his father was saying and why he was so emotional.

Arthur: "*Sniffs* I'm so sorry, son..."

Young Aiden didn't say anything. He just stood there and listened to his father's cries. That was the first time...when he understood the true feeling of lost and trauma...

<Back at the balcony...>

After spilling about his brother's passing, Moon's eyes widened as it came as a shock to her.

Moon: "I'm so sorry, Aiden. I didn't know! I apologise for my rudeness!"

Moon felt extremely bad for Aiden but he just shook his head in disagreement.

Aiden: "No, it's fine. It's all in the past already."

Aiden's tone suddenly turned sadder than usual. Moon was so used to seeing him joyful all the time that she didn't realised what he has been hiding behind his kind smile.