Lilac Gaze

Prince River Arthur Cedric Hemmings of Dallas

"Don't you have a present for me?" My brother put his arm around me with his mouth in a wide grin.

I pay him no mind as I continue flipping the pages of my book. I could see in pout in the corner of my eye and it is such a pain whenever he manipulates me like this, "Why don't you ask our other brothers?"

"Raegan is busy fencing with our father, Rex is hunting with some noblemen," He listed, "Reginald is on a trip to the walls, Roman and Remus are flirting with women in the plaza."

"How about Roland?" I asked, giving him a side glance.

He let go of me before shrugging. He scratched his head before replying, "Ahhhhh..." His nervous demeanor seems to have caught my interest, "You see, our brother, Roland, my twin... I have an explanation."

I shot him an unamused gaze and he got even more nervous, "Then mind explaining?"

He let out a deep sigh, "You see, River, I haven't seen Roland in a while and I thought he might have been with you because I asked our brothers about him but he seems to be avoiding me."

I closed my book then let out a long sigh. Ronald, I understand that this is a day of celebration for you but why must you lose our brother?

"River, do you have an idea where he might be?" Ronald asked me but I honestly don't have answer for him yet. I stood up from my chair and took my book with me, my brother followed behind me, curious as of what was going on my mind.

First, I went to my mother who was sitting by the window of her room and I told her, "Mother, I shall be returning before the sun falls." I gave her a kiss on the cheek and before I even take a step further, she took my hand then asked, "Where are you going?" Her voice, soft as can be yet shaking due to what it may be, fear.

I turned back to her and I held her head close to mine, my mother hasn't seen anything and anyone over the past years and the doctor said that it may be impossible for her to get her sight back. It was understandable for her to be worried, since I am one of the few that actually visits her nowadays.

After I told my mother about my whereabouts, I headed to the plaza with my horse. Ronald was behind me on his horse and we searched through the towns. Near the plaza, I noticed that the tailors and seamstresses have their plates full due to the celebration, considering that most are invited.

One shop caught my eye for I see a beautiful maiden enter it, I was quite far from her but all I know that she was beautiful.

"River!" My brother yelled, getting my attention. I fell off my horse and my brother started laughing before helping me on my feet once more. I dusted myself and I hit Ronald on the head lightly with my book.

Ronald yelped in pain though I knew he was being dramatic since I didn't hit him that hard. I only rolled my eyes at him then at the corner of my eye, I spot a suspicious person lurking in the shadows of the shop wherein the woman I saw before entered. I gave the lead to my brother then I swiftly ran to the person. Once I was nearer, he noticed me and suddenly disappeared.

"Prince River!" A lady greeted with a bow behind me and my mind was quite occupated so without turning to her, I just greeted, "Good day to you too madame."

I looked into the shadows of the shop and truly, that person was gone. Which makes me wonder who they are. A hand touched my shoulder abruptly and I flinched before turning to the person only to find out that it was my brother, Ronald.

"Don't you go off running without me and your horse!" He scolded me. I understand the irritation he had in that moment which slowly faded away as he confusingly stared at my preoccupied eyes. He tapped his foot with his arms crossed, waiting me to acknowledge him again. I knew he was there staring at me but I cannot help but wonder who that person might be.