Wish Me Free

Chapter 2: EXODUS

I've been called the lonely prince, not because I didn't have anyone around me, but because despite having so much people around me and getting whatever the hell I wanted.. There was still an emptiness in my heart. I still felt lonely.

I didn't want to seem ungrateful, unsatisfied and discontented...

But was it my fault that I continue to feel empty?
That I've been feeling lonely after I lost my mother?

Our castle might've been filled with gold and other treasures, but those could never cure the heart of a child missing his mother.

"It's been 10 years since you left, mom.. and yet, I continue to hope that you will come home. Our kingdom needs its queen and I need my mother." I said to the cold breeze of the night. 

My mom, the queen of Edinaj, has been missing for 10 years. I was only 16 when she left and said that she wanted to take a walk and take a breath of fresh air. But she has never returned from that walk.

Queen Pleione was a wonderful queen, everyone adored her. She was also a good wife to my father, King Atlas. Yes, their marriage might've had a few bumps but they always found a way to overcome it together. 

Most importantly, the queen was the best mother that anyone could have. She didn't just raise me to be a proper prince but she raised me to be the best man that I could ever be. 

King Atlas, my father, did try to find his queen. We both did the best that we could to find her and bring her back to Edinaj, back home with us. 
Kaya nga lang ang hirap hanapin ang isang taong ayaw na magpahanap.

Soon after, our search parties weren't as frequent as it was for the first few years. 

Dad never remarried. He didn't say it out loud but everyone knew that my mom was the only queen he wanted by his side as he reigns Edinaj. 
He wouldn't admit it but I know he still has a tiny hope for my mom to return. He refuses to let other people see his weakness, which is why he tries to suppress his longingness for the queen.

The people of our kingdom, Edinaj, respects and loves their kind. Not our of fear nor is it because of his power. They didn't blindly follow anyone who sat on the throne and wore the crown. King Atlas was simply loved by them because he was a great king.

Oh how I wish I could say the same about him as a father. 
As the years pass without my mother with us, he has slowly drifted off from his role as a father.

And now, it's like I can only look and see him as a king. Nothing more.

We barely talk and if we did, it was only about my duties as the future king of Edinaj or issue related to the kingdom and it's people.
Like I said, he was a great king to look up to. But I would't want to be a father like him. 

I'm Exodus, the lonely young prince of Edinaj.

True, I was lonely but it didn't mean having it affect my duties. I was going to be crowned as their king someday, so it meant not having to show any sign of weakness. I wanted to be an amazing king for my kingdom. 
And Edinaj has never had a lousy king.

So who was I to shame the old kings and fail my ancestors?

But being a prince didn't come with a manual but it did come with a huge responsibility. It meant having to prioritize and to think of what is best for everyone in the kingdom for the rest of your life. 

It meant having to put them first before yourself.

"Young prince, King Atlas has requested for your presence." one of the servants knocked on my door. 

"Kung gusto niya akong kausapin, edi sana siya na mismo ang pumunta dito." I muttered to myself, making sure not to have anyone hear me.

I walked to his quarters, only to have flashbacks of me running around these halls when I was younger. Back to when life seemed much more simple.

After taking my time, I have finally arrived. So I knocked on his door.

I entered with my head down, refusing to meet his eyes. "You wanted to see me, King Atlas?"

"Are you really going to keep acting as if I'm nothing but your king?" He sighed. "I'm your father, Exodus."

I took a deep breath and answered him, "We both know that the two of us are far from being a family.. King Atlas."

"Very well, Prince Exodus." He then continued, "I called you to talk about your birthday."

"You already know what I'm going to ask for my 26th, King Atlas." I said.

He didn't say anything but nodded in approval, fully knowing what I meant.

"When do you plan on giving up with this ridiculous birthday quest of yours, Exodus?"

I wanted to say that I had no plans of giving up, not until I succeed in finding her.

"Then I wish you nothing but success on your quest, son." He gives me a weak smile. "May you find what you're trying to find, Exodus."

My quest to find the last remaining genie will not go in vain this year, I promise to myself as I walk out of his quarters to prepare for my things.

*************
Chapter 3 will be posted next Sunday.
Hope you enjoy reading!

- thal