My journey to become the greatest man of Aethelgard began at an early age. I shunned play with my peers, even though my parents insisted otherwise.
I refused to socialize even after entering the teenage years. And in an attempt to grow up faster I totally drowned myself into books after I mastered swordsmanship.
I technically devoured the Imperial Library but none of the books mentioned a solution to the problems like you, (I chuckled) father...
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In the deep hours of the day, a small figure in elegant silk pajamas, clutching a pillow equivalent to his height, padded softly down the large, red-carpeted hallway. Moonlight spilled through the numerous windows, guiding him to the huge metal door for the Empress's Chambers.
He reached his small hand toward the cold door, and after a few soft knocks, the latch clicked audibly.
"Lion," exclaimed a breathtaking beauty glowing in the moonlight, Empress Eleanor. She was wearing a silken nightdress, her face alight with happiness at the sight of her little boy, who popped his head out from behind the fluffy white pillow.
"Mother! Lion wants to sleep with mother~"
Twink! Twink! Young Alistair fluttered his eyes in an attempt to look cute. But a familiar cold and manly voice interrupted.
"Oh my~ are you attempting to usurp your father's place beside the Queen? Such bold efforts for a night watchman. Apologies but this moon belongs to my sky."
Eyes filled with a burning sensation, Emperor Arthur's lips twitched.
" Your Majesty, the Emperor, the highest man of the whole Aethelgard, 'the' crown of precious jewels and gold suits you better than jealousy." Although Eleanor wore an innocent smile, her words pointed towards Arthur's pettiness.
"It's just a gentle reminder to keep you from being swayed from your own words my Empress," Arthur was amused how his wife saw through him and spoke up in a failed attempt to hide his possessiveness out of embarrassment.
Flustered, he swiftly bent over to level his eyes with little Alistair, refusing to let his night be ruined by the little boy—the very fruit of the labor he had spent years to secure.
"Listen! She is 'My Wife' after whom I worked years to make her fall for me. Now you expect me to hand her over to you?" Arthur's words might have lacked perfect sense, but his demanding tone somehow sounded quite reasonable.
"So, grow up fast and marry yourself. Hmm? Problem solved~ Hah! How smart of me! No wonder she chose me over others." And that's how Arthur ended up in self-aggrandizing.
Feeling helpless over such childish words, Eleanor heaved a heavy sigh out and spoke deliberately for Arthur to hear. "Suddenly I'm starting to regret it now! Tch-! Don't listen to your father. There's no hurry, take your time to grow up and find someone you love, more beautiful than me to marry. I have your back!"
Little Alistair held his head high to look at Eleanor who was the most beautiful person in his perspective. His eyes filled with confidence as well as obedience and smile radiating sunlight even at the deep hours of the day.
He spoke in the manner of a gentleman, " Uhm! Although I don't believe in finding someone more beautiful than my mother. But I, your Lion will abide by your words from the bottom of his heart! And marry someone I love..."
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That memory, warm and sharp, faded as the cold reality of the present door loomed. I reached out, my knock failing before my hand even connected.
Mother, I have found someone more beautiful than you but she's the moon of another's sky. How do I pursue her to brighten my world?
Maybe, if only I had met her sooner? I wouldn't have been standing outside the very doors I voiced out to marry for love, right after going back on my own words. It would have been her across this door.
I still would have been Lion, if I hadn't lost my heart in a war I could never ever win. I wish I knew it before the day I knew of her. But, then again... I would have fallen for her eventually. How could one not?
Then I wish... I was courageous enough to at least confess and face her rejection. Or at least strong enough to be able to endure this situation where I keep it all to myself.
But now, I'll have to explain my heart to the woman actually across this door . Because she has all the rights to know the reason we will never be a normal married couple!