The Author's Will

37 | Icicle Eyes

　　 The meteor shower from early that morning, didn't go unnoticed by the world. Many who were awake during its time had marvelled at the sight, as it could be seen all throughout Laydel — even capturing the attention of a certain young man who lived far from the Cherlianns.

Daniel sat at the windowsill of his grandiose bedroom, silently watching the stars falling across a twilight sky — but with little admiration. The sight was beautiful and he was grateful to his restless nights for once, because he was awake to see this.

The raven-haired prince sighed softly, glancing at his own reflection through the glass. His royal-blue eyes gazed back with a void of emotion, like an ocean abyss. His tanned skin and complexion looked far healthier now than before - and his ebony hair had a delicate sheen to it, but he felt no happier about his situation.

Over the last month, living in House Atlan was certainly splendid. He received delicious meals that were better than what he ate before, and all the servants adored him as if he was a prodigy. People marvelled at the sight of him simply traversing through the halls, but it was only suffocating to him.

"Look, that's the crown prince!"

"He is certainly going to grow up into becoming a prosperous ruler!"

"Look at how tall he is for his age! He's inherited strong genes from his mother!"

The only thing people seem to care about is appearances and reputation, in this place. He sighed, hugging his knees as he gazed up at the meteors. If I don't match everyone's expectations of me, it'll ruin the Kingdom.

Just as he thought this, a knock resonated from his bedroom door. Daniel flinched, turning his head to see a young man entering the room from the doorway. In his gloved hands, was a silver platter which resonated a sweet smell.

With sharp, almond eyes and luscious locks of scarlet hair, he was a considerably handsome attendant — assigned to the prince the day he had arrived at the Atlan's palace. Daniel grew rather used to seeing this face - although to say they got along well would be a stretch.

Tieve Cevalier. Sixteen years old, yet reliable and known for his quick wit, dexterous hands, as well as being popular amongst young noblewomen. He was the eldest son of a count, whose father worked diligently as the previous emperor's closest aide and secretary. Throughout his entire life, Tieve was trained to follow in his father's footsteps, and become the next ruler's right-hand.

As his eyes roved around the room, he noticed the untouched, pristine state it was in. The bedsheets remained seamless and tidy, as if no one had slept there the entire night. The curtains of the canopy around it were held elegantly in place with blue satin ribbons, but remained as the exact same knots that were tied the previous day. Ornaments were growing dust on their shelves, and the overall room appeared as if it wasn't even in use.

Tieve surmised that Daniel was uncomfortable with this place, from the day he had arrived here. The Prince hardly used the resources left for him, and didn't even sleep on the bed of his room. He couldn't tell if this was an act of spite, or out of cowardice.

"...Why are you here this early?" Daniel asked him, without sparing his attendant a glance.

Tieve silently observed his young master for a moment, before gingerly approaching the table situated on the other end of the room. He smiled absently yet politely. "I sensed you were awake, Your Highness."

Daniel sighed, his brows narrowing. "My uncle called for me, didn't he?"

He saw through him, as usual. Daniel's intuition was sharp for a child, but he was still a young and helpless boy yet to grow up. Cevalier couldn't help but wonder what the Prince would be like, once he matured. Surely, he'll become someone frightening with the way things are going now.