Once there was a land led for centuries by a kingdom. Sat on the middle of the continent, spanning across other nations. A dry landmass rich in gold and metals. When the land was owned, no one dared to steal it.
No one knows how they did, but after just a while sitting on the throne, the kingdom rose into one of the greatest. They named the land they ruled "Rosenstadt", after the flower that bloomed in their prime.
In the heart of Rosenstadt, there stood tall a castle woven in gold and grace. It was owned by the family that ruled for more than 300 years, protected the nation and it's people. Surrounding it were smaller villages worshipping the family and nobled them as royalties. Standing atop of everyone were the kings and queens. And then the princes and princesses. Under them was trusted members of the family, but they always seemed to change.
Like a ripe fruit, they were worshipped by the townsfolk. But like a rose, too, everyone ignored their thorns.
...Do we? I never doubted their greatness my whole life. My parents worked for them until their last breath. And that too, will be my fate.
I walked through endless hallways decorated with elegance. Halls woven by silk curtains, imported ceramics, and paintings drawn with overly expensive acryllics. Yet all of them passed behind me. Others greeted me, but I ignored them all. When I looked at them, they froze after seeing my glare. Maybe they noticed the uneasiness in my face. And thus didn't bother me anymore.
My feet moved for God knows how long. I feel the metals in my shoes and trousers hit my skin, my cross belt tightened around my chest, and cold sweat drenched my gloves. I gripped the black-tinted sword on my left side until it's hilt dug onto my palm. My eyes moved from one scene to another quickly. I scanned my way like a predator. But really, I feel like worried mother deer trying to find her baby.
2 months ago, the prince of Richtofen Palace had gone somewhere. Now he's nowhere to be found. The kingdom had searched for him everywhere, even sending out knights and paying townsfolk to journeys. We plastered his face and even willing to pay a huge amount for anyone who can find him. But it doesn't seem to work. Nothing worked.
Or we weren't that desperate in the first place. Rosenstadt is big. If not included with the fields surrounding our borders, it is approximately 350.000km and had a total of 5000 residents. But even with all those big numbers, the prince was never found. Is it because we never prayed enough? I wonder if whatever God up there also helping us to find him.
Yesterday, I sent out another team to explore the northernmost of Rosenstadt. And I personally instructed them to go beyond the border if necessary. Maybe the prince was never in Rosenstadt, but it's almost impossible. He wouldn't go out without a team of horses. This time he went alone. It's like he tried to disappear.
They all exchanged confused, but worried, looks. One of them tried to reason with me, he asked if this journey is even worth it. But I shut him down. I have no interest in arguing at the time. When I left them, I heard they are talking down on me.
Should I care? Right now, I only care about the prince. Anything else can be set aside as long as I know where he is.
After I talked with them, I went home immediately.
Today, I went back to the castle to find the atmosphere as thick as wood. The air is cold, even colder than before. Some made a worried face when they noticed me. There are others who couldn't be bothered to notice anyone. One thing that they all have in common though, they are crying. Or, at least despaired.
My head is blank. I'm moving but my thoughts were somewhere else. I let my legs walk by itself and lead my body to wherever they want. Then, I noticed I was standing in front of a picture on the wall. A portrait of the Prince.
He look so warm in a maroon suit and gold brooch on his right chest. His hair is gold and long, it's thick and his bangs framed his face nicely. That gentle eyes, that smile. I miss him.
But he left, and no one knows where he is. The smiles of the people in Rosenstad had also disappeared with him, his sudden absence really made an impact to this land. I still can hear his voice calling out my name and his whispers in my ears. I really wish for that voice to never leave me.
It's strange, even for me. My parents left me when I was younger, and I went through many hardships as a low class citizen. I always survived with clear head. But when the prince disappeared, I feel like I'm starting to lose my mind.
"Commander Hugo", someone behind me called my name. I never realize the tears on my cheeks until I heard the voice. I brushed them off and turned around.
A woman in maid uniform and an empty expression stood behind me. Her eyes were downcast and I can see her fingers fiddling. "Speak." I said sternly.
She is one of the many maids in Richtofen Palace, mostly serving Princess Emilia. She would came to me to give the princess' orders."Her highness wants to see you. She and prince Connor wished to discuss about prince Eugene. She is waiting for you in the Ground Floor." She said as she bowed to me.
"The princess wish to not make her wait", the maid added and walked away.
I walked to the instructed room empty headed and found Princess Emilia looking at me with a stern expression. This isn't new, ever since the disappearance of Prince Eugene, this palace is just as cold as ice. But today, I feel like something is different. I kneeled down on my right knee with Prince Connor turned to me. He posed with his left arm on his waist. While princess Emilia walked in front of him.
"Hugo, have you gotten any informations about Eugene?" She asked me. Her voice sent chills, she sounded sad and furious at the same time.
Princess Emilia is Prince Eugene's younger sister. If I remember, they only have a 2 year age difference.
"No, your Highness." I answered shortly. I know this isn't the answer she was expecting. But, I can't bring myself to lie. The chills running down inside me locking my eyes to the red carpet under me.
"I see..." She said softly. Her voice cracked from sadness.
"Eugene has gone missing for 2 months. This really isn't like him. If he went somewhere, he'd definitely go with you." Princess Emilia sighs in disappointment.
"If only I know where he went..." She added.
"Commander Hugo, aren't you the Prince's right hand man? And his closest friend, too. How do you not knowing anything?" Prince Connor added Princess Emilia's sentence. His voice sounds he is mocking me. And I made it clear in my face that I dislike him, even though my face is still at the floor.
"Silence, Prince Connor." Princess Emilia quickly shuts him. I gathered finally myself to I looked at the royalty in their face, Princess Emilia starts opening her mouth, "Ah yes, there is something I want to tell you...", Princess Emilia cuts off her sentence. Leaving me, and Prince Connor, in confusion.
"What is it, Your Highness?" I asked. But she closed her eyes and open it to look at me in sorrow. The princess was still very young, yet she hid so many secrets.
"Emilia? Is there something you wanted to say?" Prince Connor turned to her. Even her husband doesn't know? I wonder what it is.
Princess Emilia didn't answer and only released a sigh. "I'll wait until the time comes..." She whispered softly, and turned back to her stern face.
"Hugo, if there is any news about to Eugene, please let me know." Ordered Princess Emilia and walked away followed by Prince Connor behind her.
I stood up and let out a heavy sigh. The royalties are also troubled with prince Eugene's disappearance, especially princess Emilia. I recalled they were close as a kid, and the prince isn't one to hold so many secrets. So, she was more concerned than everyone else.
But still, I wonder what Princess Emilia wanted to say.