[IM ANASTACIUS DE ALGER OBELIA]

Chapter 7- the party

"OH MY! you look fabulous" Maria the nanny of Anastacius complimented him as she helped the prince to fix his cloak 

Anastacius looked at the mirror to see himself 'Not bad at all' he thought looking up and down to his reflection

'alright its all done' Anastacius fix his clothes and sat down to his chair and drink his tea "you could go now maria" Anastacius ordered making her go away as Maria gladly to do

After Maria left, Anastacius sank into his chair, savoring the momentary tranquility. The compliment from Maria had boosted his confidence, confirming that his appearance was indeed impeccable. As he took a sip of his tea, the warmth spread through his body, momentarily soothing his restlessness.

However, amidst the luxurious surroundings and the meticulous attention to his appearance, Anastacius couldn't shake off a sense of emptiness. The superficiality of it all weighed heavily on him. He yearned for something more meaningful, something that would fulfill him beyond the surface-level praise and royal obligations.

As he glanced out of the window, a wave of boredom washed over him. The familiar scenery of the palace grounds and the routine nature of his life felt monotonous. Anastacius craved excitement, adventure, and a break from the predictable rhythm of his princely existence.

With a deep sigh, he made up his mind. It was time to break free from the confines of the palace, even if just for a little while. The world beyond those walls beckoned, offering the promise of new experiences, genuine connections, and a chance to discover himself beyond his royal title.

Anastacius was ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to explore what lay beyond the palace gates. He longed for something more than the empty routine he had grown accustomed to. It was time to seek fulfillment, purpose, and a life that resonated with his true desires and passions.

He looked away and walk out his palace, his people lined up and bow down respectfully, he didn't look back and walk towards the carriage and went in

As the carriage moved along the road, Anastacius continued to gaze out of the window, captivated by the beauty of the surroundings. The warm breeze gently brushed against his face, adding to the serene atmosphere. Lost in his thoughts, he couldn't help but reflect on his current situation.

Anastacius had grown tired of the pomp and formality that came with being a crown prince. The constant attention, the elaborate ceremonies, and the expectations placed upon him had started to feel suffocating. He longed for a sense of freedom, for a chance to escape the confines of his royal duties.

Despite his discontentment, there was a part of him that still cherished the simple joys and beauty of the world around him. The sight of the sunset reminded him of the tranquility and peace that nature could bring. It was a reminder of the things he had been missing in the midst of his royal responsibilities.

Lost in his thoughts, Anastacius wondered how much longer it would take to reach his destination. He yearned for a change of scenery, a break from his everyday routine. There was a hint of anticipation in his voice as he asked, "Are we near yet?" Perhaps he was hoping that the journey itself would offer a temporary reprieve from his royal obligations, allowing him to indulge in the wonders of the world outside the palace walls.

After an hour the prince arrived all soldiers gathered and the others opened the carriage door, anastacius slowly walk out the carriage and  entered the grand hall of the emperor's palace, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned towards him, captivated by his ethereal beauty and graceful presence. The nobles, usually so boisterous and self-assured, were rendered speechless in his presence. His aura commanded attention, radiating a sense of regal elegance and confidence that seemed to transcend mere mortal existence.

With every step he took, Anastacius exuded an air of effortless charm and poise. His movements were fluid, his posture impeccable, as if he had been trained in the art of elegance since birth. The room seemed to come alive with whispers of admiration, as the nobles marveled at his impeccable appearance and regal demeanor.

As he made his way towards the empress and the emperor, the atmosphere grew even more reverent. Heads turned, gazes followed his path, and an aura of anticipation filled the air. Anastacius knew the weight of his presence, the impact he had on those around him. It was a power that he had become accustomed to, a power that both intrigued and burdened him

Despite the admiration and awe directed towards him, Anastacius couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation. The beauty and grace that others saw in him became a barrier, separating him from genuine connection and understanding. Behind his flawless facade, he longed for someone who could see beyond the surface, someone who could appreciate him for who he truly was.

As he approached the empress and the emperor, Anastacius greeted them with a polite smile, effortlessly masking the turmoil within. The nobles, still in awe of his presence, watched with bated breath, eager to catch a glimpse of the interactions between royalty.

In that moment, Anastacius realized the paradox of his existence. Adored and admired by many, yet yearning for something more. The weight of his beauty and grace, while a testament to his royal lineage, became a burden he carried, a constant reminder of the distance between himself and others.

'What a waste of space' he thought as he smiled at his parents and walk besides them as their child and the next ruler of the empire her mother kiss his cheeks and his father smiled at him after a heart warming scene the people went back and continue the party

As Anastacius scanned the crowd, his eyes locked onto a familiar face amidst the sea of onlookers. It was a young child, their golden hair reflecting the light and their crystal eyes shimmering with a mixture of sadness and longing. There was an undeniable connection in that brief moment of eye contact, as if their souls had recognized each other amidst the grandeur and opulence of the palace.

Anastacius’s voice trembled with a mix of surprise and delight as he whispered the name “Claude” upon seeing his brother in the distance. A small, subtle smile graced his lips as he observed Claude gazing at him from afar, admiration shining in his eyes.