The depth of night settled over Baldor Palace, and the surrounding forest and mountains sank into thick darkness broken only by the faint light of the three moons filtering through the clouds.
The hour was approaching four in the morning.
The wind that had been blowing in the evening had stilled, and nothing could be heard but the rustling of tree leaves, and the roar of the distant sea waves crashing against the rocks beneath the height upon which the palace was built.
Inside the palace, the lights dimmed in most of the corridors, and many windows went dark after exhaustion overtook the servants and soldiers.
Yet, the palace hadn’t truly slept.
Inside his room, Adrian had lit a small lamp above his table, spreading a faint light amid the darkness that filled the place.
The hour was approaching four in the morning, and yet no sign showed on his face indicating he had slept even for a moment.
He stood before his wooden cabinet in silence, preparing his clothes carefully.
He chose his dark combat coat, then put on a white shirt with a high collar, buttoning it calmly, before securing the leather arm guards around his wrists.
Then he picked up his belt, tied it tightly around his waist, then hung his sword in its usual place, and ran his hand over its hilt for a moment, as if making sure it was ready.
He approached the window, and pulled the curtain aside slightly.
Darkness still wrapped the palace, and outside there was nothing but the distant torch lights moved by the guards atop the walls.
He kept staring at the scene in silence.
There was no trace of sleepiness in his eyes, but a calm determination growing firmer with every passing minute.
Adrian opened his room door very slowly, avoiding even the slightest sound that might wake anyone at this late hour of the night.
He peeked his head out toward the corridor first.
The place was completely still.
There was nothing but the faint torchlight hanging on the stone walls, which cast long shadows extending over the palace’s shining floor.
He left the room, then closed the door behind him gently until it settled in place without making any sound.
He began walking with calm, deliberate steps, avoiding the decorative armor and metal pieces that might make noise if touched.
He passed through the long corridors in silence, then reached the marble staircase leading to the lower floor.
He held the stone railing lightly, and began descending step by step very slowly, maintaining the balance of his steps so his footsteps wouldn’t echo throughout the palace.
He knew that everyone needed rest before the search teams set out at dawn, and he didn’t want to wake anyone or push them to ask about his destination.
After a few minutes, he reached the palace’s inner courtyard.
The cold dawn air struck him the moment he stepped out, and his black cloak danced lightly behind him.
Adrian stopped in his place, astonishment clearly showing on his features.
He hadn’t expected to find anyone awake at this hour, let alone Arthur.
He approached him with calm steps, until he was a few steps away, then said in a low voice so as not to wake anyone:
“Arthur…?”
Arthur raised his head slowly, his eyes having been fixed on the sky moments before.
“What are you doing here?” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Adrian cast a quick glance around the empty courtyard, then looked back at his brother.
“You should be asleep by now.”
Arthur lowered his gaze slightly, then interlaced his fingers together and whispered in a low voice:
“I tried…”
A short silence fell.
“…but I couldn’t sleep.”
Adrian looked at him with interest, while Arthur continued, still looking at the ground:
“Every time I close my eyes…
I remember my sister Aria.”
Adrian smiled faintly, then said as he adjusted his sword at his waist:
“Ah, alright…
anyway, I’m going to the city to search for your sister.
I won’t be long.”
He looked at him with a reassuring gaze, then added:
“Make sure you go to sleep immediately after I leave.”
Then he smiled confidently despite the exhaustion covering his features.
“And I promise you…
I’ll find her this time.”
Arthur’s eyes widened, and worry no longer dominated him, replaced instead by clear curiosity on his face.
“The city…?”
He tilted his head slightly, then asked innocently:
“I’ve never visited it before?”
Adrian fell silent the moment he heard Arthur’s words, then looked at him with astonishment.
“…Really?”
He kept contemplating his little brother’s features for a few moments, as if trying to grasp that a prince of the royal family had never set foot in the city even once.
He lowered his gaze slightly, sinking into thought.
If he left him here…
he’d go back to sitting alone until daybreak, and might not sleep at all.
Then he looked back at Arthur’s face, and saw in his eyes genuine curiosity mixed with the innocence of a child who hadn’t seen the world beyond the palace walls.
He sighed slowly, then smiled a faint smile.
He paused for a moment before continuing:
“What do you say you come with me?”
Arthur’s eyes widened in astonishment, as if he hadn’t believed what he’d heard.
“Really?”
Adrian laughed lightly, then shrugged his shoulders.
“Even though your mother will worry a lot if she finds out…”
He scratched the back of his head as he smiled an embarrassed smile.
“But…
we won’t stay long.”
Then he bent down slightly until he was at his brother’s eye level, and said confidently:
“We’ll search for Aria…
and along the way I’ll show you the city for the first time.”
A wide smile formed on Arthur’s face that he couldn’t hide, and enthusiasm lit up his eyes again.
Adrian took Arthur’s hand, then gestured for him to follow silently.
“Come…
but don’t make any sound.”
Arthur nodded, and walked behind his brother cautiously, while the two made their way through the dark corridors until they reached the royal stable.
The place was quiet, and nothing could be heard but the sound of the horses’ breathing and the rustling of straw beneath their feet.
Adrian approached his black horse, and gently patted its neck, and the horse responded calmly as if recognizing its owner.
Adrian smiled faintly, then took Arthur by the waist and lifted him gently.
“Get on first.”
Arthur sat on the horse’s back, and gripped the saddle nervously, while looking around with enthusiasm he couldn’t hide.
Then Adrian placed his foot in the stirrup, and mounted behind his brother in one smooth motion, then held the reins with one hand, and wrapped his other arm around Arthur so he wouldn’t lose his balance.
He leaned down slightly and whispered near his ear:
“Hold on tight…
we’re setting off.”
Arthur nodded quickly, and tightened his grip on the front of the saddle.
Adrian calmly turned the horse toward the stable gate, then began advancing with slow steps, ready to leave.