Axzel's POV
The first thing I did when I woke up was prepare my luggage. After taking a bath, I got dressed and prepared myself for the new life I was about to experience.
I was a little nervous, but excitement was practically overflowing inside me.
I didn't bother looking at myself in the mirror because I was sure my appearance hadn't changed. Well, let me introduce myself to you guys.
I'm Axzel Flinst Helius, twenty years old. I have dark brown hair, fair skin, ocean-blue eyes, and stand six feet tall. I'm the third child of the Helius family.
And yes, you're right. I'm a prince.
Although I'm different from other boys, my family has never made me feel like I don't belong. They have always accepted and embraced me for who I am. Because of their unconditional love and support, I've gradually learned to accept and love myself, too.
Right now, my family was waiting downstairs for my departure.
I'd decided to move out of the palace and live on my own. I wanted to experience what it was like to live a normal life. I was curious to know whether other people would accept me for who I was. Nevertheless, I wouldn't let their opinions define me.
"Axzel, son, are you really sure about your decision?"
My mother asked as soon as I descended the stairs. Her eyes were filled with worry.
I sighed and gave my family a reassuring smile. Then, I walked toward my mother and hugged her tightly, whispering a few words to comfort her.
"Mom, I'm sure about this. Besides, I want to experience being independent. I don't want to keep relying on you and Father all the time. Please trust your son."
She nodded, seemingly understanding my reasons.
I then turned toward my father. He gave me a stern look but remained silent. I knew he didn't agree with my decision, but after much pleading, he had eventually given me his permission.
"Dad? Aren't you going to hug me before I leave?"
I opened my arms, waiting for him to embrace me. However, he merely scoffed and turned his head away.
I laughed at his childish reaction. Without saying another word, I approached him and wrapped my arms around him tightly. He didn't return the hug, but he did give my back a few gentle pats.
"Remember our condition, Axzel," he whispered.
It was my turn to scoff.
"Yeah, right."
I rolled my eyes.
"You asshole! Make sure you take care of yourself out there, all right? Otherwise, I'll beat you up."
My older sister, Almira, chimed in.
"Almira! Watch your mouth!" my mother scolded her.
However, Almira merely rolled her eyes.
My two other siblings, Alzer and Alaine, weren't there to see me off. They were currently living in another country. Fortunately, they had called me the previous night to say their goodbyes and offer me a few tips.
"Axzel, dear, if you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me, okay?"
I nodded and hugged them both.
It was finally time for me to leave. I said goodbye to each of them before heading out.
My mother couldn't stop crying, as if I were leaving forever. The others tried their best to comfort and cheer her up, but she just couldn't seem to stop.
The journey took approximately two hours and thirty minutes.
I was amazed by the beautiful scenery outside the palace. It was my first time traveling beyond its walls, and everything seemed new and fascinating.
Mr. Dave, our driver, pointed out the different buildings and landmarks along the way. I listened attentively, trying to remember as many details as possible.
Soon enough, we arrived at the airport.
Fortunately, no one had ever seen my face before, so nobody recognized me. I was actually glad about that.
I stepped out of the car and made my way to the waiting area. After a while, I boarded the plane.
My teacher had already explained and taught me everything I needed to know about traveling, and I was grateful for that. At least I wouldn't look like a complete country bumpkin.
It wasn't my first time flying, so I was already familiar with the experience.
After three hours, we finally landed.
I collected my luggage and waited for the elderly woman in front of me to get off the plane. However, one of the passengers accidentally bumped into her, causing her to lose her balance.
Fortunately, I managed to catch her before she fell.
I turned toward the man who had pushed her, glaring at him angrily.
"Watch where the hell you're going!"
The other passengers behind us also cursed at him and shot him unpleasant looks. However, the man didn't even bother looking back. He simply continued walking as if nothing had happened.
I shook my head and turned my attention back to the elderly woman.
"Are you all right, Ma'am?"
Thankfully, she was unharmed.
Once everything had settled down, I finally made my way out of the airport.
I immediately hailed a taxi. Another forty minutes of traveling awaited me before I could finally reach my apartment.
My sister had arranged an apartment near the university so I wouldn't have any trouble getting to school.
I was busy admiring the scenery outside the window when the car suddenly came to an abrupt stop.
My head hit the window, and I let out a groan of pain.
"Sir, I'm terribly sorry! Are you all right?" the driver asked, sounding concerned.
"Y-Yes, I'm fine. What happened?" I asked while rubbing my head.
He glanced outside the car and pointed toward something.
There was a man and a woman standing in the middle of the road. They appeared to be a couple, and judging by their expressions, they were having a heated argument.
What the hell? Were they out of their minds?
The driver honked his horn and shouted at them to move out of the way, but they didn't seem to hear him. Instead, they continued arguing as if they were the only people on the road.
I let out a frustrated sigh.
I was exhausted, and all I wanted was to get some rest. These idiots had no idea how much trouble they were causing.
Several other cars began honking their horns, but the couple continued to ignore everyone.
Jesus!
Fortunately, a police officer soon approached them and guided them toward the sidewalk. Even then, the couple continued arguing despite the officer's attempts to calm them down and convince them to settle their dispute at the police station.
Eventually, the road was clear again, and we continued our journey.
When we finally arrived at my apartment, I was relieved. Thankfully, the driver was kind enough to help me carry my remaining luggage to the door.
I offered him a tip. At first, he refused, but since I was pretty good at convincing people, I eventually managed to persuade him to accept it.
"This is it, Axzel. You can do this, man," I mumbled to myself.
I opened the door and let my eyes wander around the apartment.
It was beautiful inside—simple yet elegant. My sister had clearly gone out of her way to make sure I'd feel comfortable living on my own.
A smile slowly spread across my face as warmth and happiness filled my chest.
I couldn't wait to begin this new chapter of my life.
My very first day of school was just around the corner.
I can do this.