Fantasy 𝑰 𝑹𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖~ ♚

[spongiecake]

Sorren was greeted with a long hug from his mother. She had grey strands of hair woven into a beautiful array of braids mixed into a bun. Her crown sat most fittingly on her head and her gown was as exquisite as ever. The boy felt empty in her arms but at least he was home now.

The castle was excitedly stirred up about the prince’s return from a foreign land. The servant girls giggled as they walked past him in some of the busier halls of the large palace. It seemed he had changed, presumably for the better. Sorren felt different but not in a good way.

He felt a surge of excitement though, as his mother later told him that the Queen of Gathia invited him to Weylin’s Birthday Celebration. Part of him felt guilty for not remembering his best friend’s birthday. When they were young children, they would most frequently spend their birthdays together, having the best of times. Without much thought, as foolish as it probably was, Sorren decided to attend this Birthday ball.

-

The Gathian Castle was in quite a rush as well. Excitement seeped through the walls. The servants always loved a good party- especially one that had to do with dancing. Plus, this wasn’t just any Birthday. It was a Masquerade Ball, held in Celebration of Weylin turning eighteen- the age that symbolized him becoming a Man. It meant he was one step closer to being King of Gathia.

There wasn’t anything strange with Weylin being pampered. His favorite meals were cooked for him on this day and it seemed everyone was trying their best to prepare for the incredibly large celebration that would happen tonight.

There was so much thought that was put into the Masquerade Ball. The Kingdom spent a mere fortune on the decorations; but, trade was good and in the eyes of the King, his Son deserved such a luxurious party. After all, the most important people would be attending the ball. The King’s advisors were smart enough to make sure that the majority of the attendees were young royals like Weylin who could have similar interests with the young prince.

It seemed the staff were continuously trying to find a good friend for Weylin but no one was as impressionable and great as Sorren. But, then again, the name of the Kezzain prince hadn’t been spoken in quite some time. There were bigger things to attend to. Back then, there were many more important things that Prince Weylin needed to attend to. And, even now, the Prince didn’t need to focus on such meaningless past friendships. The time had passed already. Having a friend was merely childsplay and the dear Prince of Gathia was on his way to becoming a man- a fitful King.

-

The night grew dark and yet the sky was lit by the delicate stars which were abundant enough for everyone, commoners or royals, to gaze upon.

Sorren always loved looking at the stars.

Though, it seemed that he found them quite uninteresting. He was fixated on going to a party he didn’t want to attend, having to mingle with gossipers and royal liars that he didn’t like to speak to. It wasn’t his idea of fun.

-

The Prince stepped out of his Carriage alone. He was dressed in a fine, tailored outfit that had the most popular and noble colors. Secured on his face, he had a mask-covering which met the theme of the Masquerade Ball.

It had been so long since he had stepped on the foreign, yet familiar, Gathian castle grounds.

-

The Prince of Kezzain walked within the crowded castle. Most of the guests were clustered inside the large ballroom that was made for one thing: parties. Everything was glorious inside. There were tables stacked and piled with various rich foods. Music filled the room as some pairs danced while others gossiped in corners. Others were seen exiting and entering the large ballroom alike. The room was so lively, filled with joy to the brim.

A small, petite girl with brown curly hair appeared next to Sorren as he was caught up in taking in his surroundings. She had a feathered mask on with a dress that was similar to her face-piece.

“Enjoying the party?” she asked, as she snuck up behind him.

Sorren was not surprised by the voice that suddenly appeared. He rather glanced at the girl who appeared to be a few years younger than him. Instantly, he recognized her, even with her mask on.

It was Princess Cecilia, Prince Weylin’s younger sister.

Did she recognize him? Sorren had changed a lot, so she might have been unaware of who he was. Plus, he had been gone for a long time.

“Indeed... Though, I haven’t mingled with anyone yet. I’ve just arrived,” he replied, vaguely.

It seemed Cecilia, as aloof as she had been, did not recognize him. Maybe that was for the better.

The young girl took Sorren by the arm, leading him to a group of masked noblemen and women.

“You haven’t mingled with anyone? Why, let me guide you, sir! You’ll find my company is most enjoyable. I have many people you should meet.”

Sorren scowled as the Princess touched his arm, leading him somewhere he didn’t want to go. Luckily, with his mask, no one could see the look of disgust that he had on his face. Surprisingly, though, he didn’t object.

Cecelia brought forth the handsome stranger to the group who she seemed to know quite well.

“Look here, now! This is a very nice gentleman I’ve found wondering about at the party so far,” she whispered to her friends, but the classical music playing made it hard for her to not speak in a normal tone of voice.

“Isn’t he handsome?” one of her maiden friends asked, rhetorically. (It was a dumb question- of course he was!). Anyone could see how handsome he was, even with his silly mask on. His hair was a charming shade of brown, his eyes were captivating- even his overshadowing height was of an attractive appeal.

“What’s your name, good sir?” another asked in a sweet tone. It seemed the group of people present had already taken a liking to the anonymous Prince Sorren.

 

[Edric Blight]

Today was a big day. It was finally the date of Prince Weylin’s eighteenth birthday. Yes, the crown prince of Gathia was officially becoming a man. Thoughts of Sorren were long gone from Weylin’s mind as he woke up that morning, yawning and stretching in his large royal bed. He was immediately tended to by servants, who quickly worked to freshen Weylin up and have him looking nice for his eighteenth birthday. The eighteen year old prince sighed as he was dressed and prepared by the royal family’s servants. He didn’t feel any different being eighteen, but maybe it didn’t settle in yet for him. This was a big step in Weylin’s life- he was now considered a man.

Unbeknownst to Prince Weylin, his mother, the queen, had invited an old friend of his, the prince of Kezzain, to his big birthday ball. The Gathian palace was buzzing as servants hurriedly prepared the castle for the coming large party that was set to be thrown that night. Weylin looked around at the servants diligently setting up the place for tonight’s ball as he was escorted down the hall by his servants to go have breakfast.

Weylin’s favorite breakfast meal was already prepared hot and ready for him as he entered the dining room. It wasn’t like this was special though as being a royal, Weylin could request whatever he wanted whenever he wanted and it would be done at the snap of a finger. “Your royal highness,” said a servant with a bow to Weylin as he sat down at the table, “Your mother suggests that you eat up this morning. You’ve got quite the busy day ahead of you sir,” said the servant.

Weylin just sighed and figured he’d follow through with his mother’s wishes. They were right- it was going to be a long day. Although this was his party, he was expected to be on his best behavior as the crown prince of Gathia. He was a man now and had even more responsibilities being an adult prince. “And of course, happy birthday your highness,” said the servant with a smile. “Why thank you,” said Weylin softly, being polite.

-

Eventually the night arrived and the Gathian palace was all set up to host the biggest event of the year. This year, the Gathian king and queen had planned a masquerade ball for their son’s eighteenth birthday. Weylin thought it was a bit silly needing to wear a mask at his party but obliged as his mother said it would be most enjoyable for the guests. As prince, there were plenty of things he needed to do that he didn’t necessarily want to do. Plus, he couldn’t complain- he was being thrown the biggest and most extravagant party in the land for his birthday! A commoner wouldn’t even dream of the party that was being thrown for the prince right now!

The ball room seemed to be filled to the brim with people, all lavishly dressed, talking and dancing. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and having a good time. Weylin sat at a large table, overseeing his party as his mother went off to gossip with some aristocratic ladies. His father was no where to be seen, presumably busy with something else. The only time Weylin had seen the king so far today was briefly when his father wished him a happy birthday. That birthday wish felt like it was the first time his father had spoken to him directly in a very long time.

Weylin sighed, holding a barely drank glass of wine in his hand as he did his best to sit up straight and look proper. Although this huge party was all for him, he wasn’t necessarily having himself a blast. It wasn’t like he had any real friends to spend his time at the party with. Unlike his younger sister, the princess, who mingled with wealthy girls from noble families, the prince of Gathia was kept largely secluded from everyone as he was groomed over many years to one day become the perfect king.

Luckily most of Weylin’s boredom was concealed behind the mask he wore on his face. His eyes darted around the room as he watched his guests enjoying themselves. All was going well. Occasionally, a few groups of people would come up to the prince and wish him a happy birthday, many bearing gifts which were promptly whisked away by a servant. Weylin wondered if he’d even look at any of his gifts after this ball was all said and done for.

His sister certainly seemed to be having more fun than he was. Her friends were all invited by the queen to attend his birthday party so Princess Cecilia was able to hang out with them. Life seemed much simpler and easier in a way for the princess. Unlike Weylin, she wasn’t being molded into the next future ruler of Gathia. She had much less responsibilities compared to the prince. Essentially, all she had to do was sit there and look pretty as princess of Gathia (this being something she naturally did well with).

Weylin was almost getting tired of the constant “happy birthday, your royal highness” from the various party goers. It seemed like he couldn’t really let lose and enjoy himself at his own party. No, he had to act proper and present himself well as the crown prince of Gathia. He was a reflection of his family after all. As much as Weylin didn’t really want such a big party thrown, he was appreciative of his mother thinking about him and wanting nothing but the best for him, as well as grateful for the diligent work of the Gathian servants to get everything set up for the big day.

The prince sighed as a ran a hand through his soft brown hair. He hadn’t noticed a certain special guest enter the ball room. With so many people coming in, it was impossible and impractical for Weylin to keep track of every guest. Weylin adjusted the fancy leather glove on his hand and shifted his weight in his seat. While most commoner boys would be going out to the tavern to celebrate their eighteenth birthday with a drink or two, Prince Weylin was stuck at this extraordinary party in the palace with the most delicious food. It certainly sounded better in his head.

 

[spongiecake]

“Never mind what his name is! He’s handsome and that’s all that matters,” Cecilia half-jokingly said to her group of friends. It was true, even with the mask on, Sorren appeared to be quite handsome.

“Take off your mask so we can get a better look at you!” One of the maidens suggested as she swatted her hand towards the young gentleman. It seemed that the group didn’t realize that the young man was none other than the mysterious Prince of Kezzain, the boy who had left so long ago.

“It’s a Masquerade Ball for a reason. I’d need a better reason to take off my mask,” Sorren replied, also half-jokingly but quite serious. The man refrained from removing his mask.

The Prince glanced back, across the room, looking for anyone else he could mingle with to escape the claws of Princess Cecilia. There was no exit from her.

“I think I’ll go and.. uh..” Sorren began to think of a good excuse, but before he could continue, Cecilia linked arms with him and guided him to a more quiet, boring part of the Ball Room.

“Here, come with me! I have a friend who you must meet! I’m sure she’ll fancy you as well. She always tries to show me the handsome men she meets and here you are- the perfect person for me to display!” she went on, but Sorren wasn’t listening. He was slowly regretting coming to this party.

The Princess dragged him near the large table where a Prince sat, masked and entertained with an untouched glass of wine.

There was a small maiden who was hovering near the table, close to the sitting man.

“Elizabeth! Elizabeth, come and look at how handsome this man is! He’s so different from the scholars in Gathia,” Cecilia chirped as she approached the young woman, only intending to boast.

Sorren softly exhaled as Elizabeth perked up, standing a bit taller after hearing word that a handsome gentleman was being introduced.

“Hello, sir. Lovely to meet you! Are you a Nobleman? What is your name?” she inquired.

Sorren refrained from speaking for a moment before glancing away. He then looked back at the two young girls who seemed to be hypnotized by his every move.

“No, I’m not a Nobleman,” he simply replied without answering the question of what his name was.

 

[Edric Blight]

Prince Weylin continued to sit bored and alone at his long table in his fancy chair. As long as everyone was having a good time, that was fine by him. Even though it was his party he still felt responsible for hosting it, especially considering his father couldn’t be bothered to show up and his mother was off gossiping with the noblewomen.

That’s when Weylin seemed to notice something out of the corner of his eye. Not only did he see something but it was more of what he heard that caught his attention. It was a certain male’s voice, sounding so oddly familiar, but Weylin couldn’t quite place his finger on it. He snapped out of his bored stupor and looked over down the table where he saw his sister the princess showing off a man to one of her friends.

His first thought was to feel bad for the man as his sister seemed to be quite the annoyance to the handsome man. Weylin’s other thought though was that he must be hearing wrong. No, it couldn’t be…. That voice… it couldn’t possibly belong to who he thought…. But it seemed so familiar….

Weylin found himself absentmindedly staring over at the man, listening to his voice and noting it’s familiarity. It seemed impossible- surely Weylin didn’t know who this man was. He wondered if he should stand up and say something, step in and “save” the man from his irritating sister.

 

[spongiecake]

The rowdy princess huffed as she began to act bratty. She folded her arms and puffed out her cheeks, irritated by the fact that Sorren was being so secretive!

“Hmph! How boring! That’s not fair at all,” Cecilia muttered. “If your name is such a secret, lean close and let me tell you a secret of my own.”

Sorren couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He was never fond of the flirty, yet annoying, acts that young women always performed. They thought they were the smartest creatures alive and yet it just made Sorren more bored.

Though, obediently, the man leaned down and forward, close to the Princess so she could whisper a secret into his ear. He couldn't care less about her silly little secrets which were probably full of lies.

The Princess leaned forward with a small grin on her face. She paused, holding in her mysterious words before saying nothing at all. Instead, she quickly placed her hands on Sorren’s mask and lifted it off, uncovering his handsome face.

Instantly, Elizabeth and Cecilia began giggling at the handsome man’s face.

“Oh my! You are handsome!” Elizabeth giggled as she looked at her friend in agreement.

Sorren closed his eyes and shook his head softly. He should have known better, but the long day of traveling had gotten the better of him. The Prince was tired and it was possibly more suiting to be at home in Kezzain than in the exciting land of Gathia.

He knew what he was here for, though. But, then again, he’d never admit it to himself…

The Prince looked at the elated Princess in front of him. His looks brought her so much joy- or maybe it was the mystery finally being revealed that gave her a sense of relief.

“Wait.. have we met before?” Cecilia began as she squinted, taking in the small yet beautiful features of the Kezzianian Prince.

Sorren looked at the young girl with a blank stare. Had she not known it was him all along? He glanced into her eyes, finding no excitement or happiness that he was reunited with an old, childhood friend.

Instead, the Prince of Kezzain, without his mask on, locked eyes with a figure off in the distance— someone who would have never caught his eyes and something was drawing him in.

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin watched from not too far away as he saw his sister getting a bit flirty with the mystery man. He raised his eyebrows as he saw his sister go in and remove the man’s mask herself. His eyes widened as she lifted the mask to reveal the mystery man’s face. No- it couldn’t be!….

The Gathian prince found himself captured and essentially hypnotized by the other’s face. Not only was that voice familiar, but now the face was so strikingly familiar to him. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Before he could process much, he noticed the figure seem to turn in his direction. As soon as he did so, the prince found himself locking eyes with the other.

Weylin’s pretty brown eyes widened at the sight. As he locked eyes with the man, he instantly recognized him. It was a face he hadn’t seen in years- nearly eight or so years to be exact. It was the prince of Kezzain- Sorren Calloway! Weylin froze in place. It was his old best friend who had mysteriously disappeared and been gone for years. Now why was he suddenly showing up to Weylin’s eighteenth birthday ball?

 

[spongiecake]

It seemed that the Prince had locked eyes with someone who he presumed was a stranger. That wasn’t the case. The man staring at him not too far away was someone who was anything but a stranger. It was the man who was being celebrated tonight, and yet, he was alone, without a group of people who were swooning over his every move.

Sorren didn’t say anything, ignoring and forgetting what the two young girls were talking about.

“Er.. excuse me for a moment,” Sorren said as he brushed past the two young girls.

Elizabeth muttered something to Cecilia in a confusion of why he was leaving. Didn’t he like the attention?

Without his mask on, the Prince walked over to the supposed stranger. The expression on his face was unreadable as he tried to hide the fact that his heart was beating fast.

“Happy Birthday, your Highness..” Sorren said, almost in a sad tone.

He felt ashamed that he couldn’t say more. Sorren didn’t know what else to say. It had been so long since he had deserted his best friend.

Though, he was sure their eyes were speaking to each other on their own. He missed seeing Weylin’s pretty brown eyes.

 

[Edric Blight]

So many thoughts were running around in Weylin’s brain as he sat there, locking eyes with Sorren for what seemed like so long. He couldn’t believe his own eyes- it was really him- it was really the Prince of Kezzain. Before he knew it, Sorren was approaching him. He shifted slightly in his seat as the Kezzanian prince came up to him.

Weylin was a bit stunned when the first thing Sorren had said to him after practically eight years was a simple birthday wish. Should Sorren have said more? What even was there to say? Weylin didn’t know, he was quite surprised. “Th- thank you, good sir,” said the Gathian prince quietly and formally. “It- it’s been some time… hasn’t it?” asked Weylin after a long pause as he removed his mask to reveal his face and lock eyes with Sorren once again.

 

[spongiecake]

“It’s been quite some time, yes,” Sorren said, stiffly. His eyes were sweet with an emotional-loving glaze in them and yet his attitude was distant almost as if he was holding back from showing his true emotions.

His heart skipped a beat as his old friend removed his mask. Both Princes were both extremely handsome. They both had a distinct feature about them that made the maidens swoon. However, Sorren didn’t see the face of his young friend anymore. He saw, what seemed to be, a young lad who was slowly becoming a King.

“Are you enjoying your Birthday?” he asked, softly.

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin nodded. He couldn’t help but be a little hurt that THAT was all Sorren could say after eight or nine years. Their eyes seemed to show more what they were thinking rather than their few words. He analyzed Sorren’s face for a bit, seeing how much his former best friend had grown. No longer was he a bratty young prince- he was a man.

Both of the handsome princes seemed to stare at each other for quite some time. Sorren then finally asked the Gathian prince how he was enjoying his birthday party. Weylin sighed, keeping his emotions subdued. “It’s quite sufficient, yes, I’d say,” he said simply and quietly. He had so many questions for Sorren but figured this wasn’t really the appropriate place to bring them up.

 

[spongiecake]

The strange tension was noticeable for both Princes. Sorren didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to be at this party and he hated the fact that he didn’t want to talk to Weylin. Seeing him made him feel worse than he already felt.

“So you’re happy then?” he asked once more.

“You always were excited for the day you’d come of age to being a Man,” Sorren recalled, remembering something that Weylin had told him when they were young boys.

Just then, Cecilia appeared behind Sorren, grabbing his arm and giggling.

“Sorren! Why didn’t you tell me it was you? I feel so clumsy knowing that I didn’t remember your face,” she giggled as she looked up at the Prince.

The Princess looked at her brother.

“Weylin, stop moping around at your party! Have a drink and go talk to some of the guests,” she said, totally aloof to the fact that the two old friends were having a chat themselves. But then again, she didn't care. She wanted the attention of a Handsome Prince.

 

[Edric Blight]

Sorren was right. He couldn’t wait to become a man, he’d excitedly talked about it with the Kezzanian prince many times when they were kids. Weylin wanted to say something snappy with every fiber of his being but held back as he knew he had to remain prince-like. He couldn’t help but now feel angry at Sorren for leaving him and breaking his promise to him when they were young boys. Weylin felt that Sorren had abandoned him and now he was showing up like nothing happened?

Before Weylin could even get out any sort of response, his sister came and quickly grabbed ahold of Sorren. Clearly she was very into the Kezzanian prince. He almost glared at his sister slightly as she interrupted his awkward conversation and encounter with Sorren. “Cecilia…” said Weylin softly, frowning a bit. “Sister, I’m completely fine,” he lied, sitting up a little straighter. “And I was talking to one of our guests…” he added softly.

 

[spongiecake]

Cecilia raised her eyebrows, confused as to what Weylin meant. Which guest was he talking to? She glanced at Sorren and then it all clicked.

“Oh! Oh, yes, that’s right! You used to be best friends,” she giggled at her forgetfulness.

A wave of realization flashed over her and she looked to Sorren again.

“Sorren Darling, you should come to Gathia more often then! I’d love to see you more and I’m sure Weylin would love to see you too,” she smiled.

Sorren didn’t say anything. He didn’t know what to say. He looked to Cecilia, who seemed to be leading their conversation.

“Uhm.. I don’t know if it’d be appropriate to come back to Gathia after it being so many years since I’ve been gone,” Sorren said, honestly.

His eyes fixated on the Prince in front of him. Did he hate the fact that Sorren was back home? Did he hate the fact that he was here, in front of him, as if nothing had happened?

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin couldn’t help but slightly get irked as his sister said that the two princes used to be the best of friends. If only they were still best friends. But of course, Sorren had to go and leave and ditch him like he did so many years ago. Weylin wished they were alone and not at his party right now so he could go off on his former best friend, and ask him so many questions as to why he had left. Why had he lied to him so long ago?

Weylin then looked at Sorren. He couldn’t help but feel anger towards the Kezzanian prince. He couldn’t believe his eyes- that Sorren had just appeared here and was acting like nothing had happened. He didn’t seem to know just how much him leaving when they were kids had hurt Weylin.

Weylin cleared his throat and looked at his sister. “Ahem, Cecilia, why don’t you go off so that I can have some time with Sorren,” said the prince firmly. He definitely wanted some alone time with his old friend.

 

[spongiecake]

Cecilia’s face grew a bit rosy. She folded her arms and huffed in irritation as her brother was trying to shew her away.

“Well- I- Okay, fine! Have fun at your pity party then,” she said, half coherently as she slipped her arm away from Sorren.

The girl placed her hand on the Prince’s shoulder, which made him a little uncomfortable, before looking him in the eyes.

“Find me later in the evening, will you?” her eyes sparkled as she tried hard to charm the young man.

Sorren didn’t bat an eye. He simply just nodded, acting as if he cared enough to follow her directions. She was such a silly girl. The pesky type.

With that, Cecilia shot Weylin a dirty (but discrete) look before walking off. The sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor was somewhat of a relief to hear for Sorren.

“She’s changed,” Sorren said in a soft tone, unsure of what else to say.

It was now the two of them, surrounded by guests who were indulged in wine and gossipy conversations.

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin sighed and rolled his eyes at his sister’s brattiness. He was glad his sister had gone away, mostly so he could be alone with Sorren. They had much to catch up on. He raised an eyebrow and looked at his sister as she asked if Sorren would meet her later. “That’s if he doesn’t disappear for eight more years…” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

He then watched as his sister stormed away, her heels clicking on the floor. As Sorren commented on his sister’s apparent change, he couldn’t help but scoffed and roll his eyes a little bit. “And you haven’t?” he asked in a mutter. But it was so loud in the ball room that surely Sorren couldn’t have heard the passive aggressive remark.

 

[spongiecake]

Sorren shoved his hands into his pockets, a very improper thing to do, but it seemed he didn’t really care. He felt awkward in this situation. He felt confused. Part of him didn’t want to be left alone with his old friend and the other part of him wanted to freeze time so it could just be the two of them.

It seemed Weylin was talking but Sorren couldn’t catch a word of what he was saying.

The Prince took a step forward and hovered over the other. He leaned down a bit, placing one of his hands on the table as he leaned closer to Weylin.

“What was that?” he asked, curious as to what Weylin was muttering. “Sorry, I didn’t catch anything you said.”

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin raised his eyebrows as Sorren leaned in towards him and asked him what he had said. Suddenly Weylin wasn’t feeling so tough and witty anymore and wasn’t willing to repeat what he had originally said.

“Erm, it was nothing. Umm, w- why don’t we go somewhere more private to talk, hm?” Weylin suggested. He felt awkward as Sorren’s face was just inches from his.

 

[spongiecake]

Sorren watched as his friend glanced away from him, breaking their eye contact. Weylin’s face relaxed as shifted, seemingly now uncomfortable that Sorren was so close.

“If you say so,” Sorren said, a bit irritated at how childish Weylin was acting. It was a bit annoying that he didn’t say what was on his mind- or, at least, he wouldn’t repeat what he said.

The Prince now suggested to go somewhere else, maybe somewhere more quiet for the both of them.

“Alright, if that’s what you wish... We don’t have to talk either if you’d like,” Sorren suggested, trying to be nice to his friend given that it was his Birthday. “I’ll follow you. Just lead the way to a private place.”

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin quickly stood up. There was no way he was going to pass up the opportunity to have a one on one talk with Sorren. “No, we can go somewhere private,” said the prince. “I think it’s best that we do,” he said, motioning for Sorren to come follow him. “Come along,” he said as he began to lead Sorren to his study, slipping out of the ballroom undetected. Ironically the study room is where Weylin and Sorren had their last conversation before Sorren had disappeared for eight years.

 

[spongiecake]

Without another word, Sorren nodded his head and followed Weylin to his study.

What did Weylin have to say to him? The Prince’s mind was fled with questions. They hadn’t seen each other in so long. It had been a while since Sorren was so emotionally invested in something. Being alone and studying abroad had taken a toll on him. All of this— the luxurious yet rowdy party— just wasn’t fun or exciting anymore.

But then again, Sorren questioned in his mind, if things were slowly going to return to how they were. Only, this time, Sorren was different. After years of solitude, being surrounded by only teachers, Sorren had a better understanding of his responsibilities as King. Though he didn’t want to be King, he knew he could never fully be anything but royalty. It was his only purpose in life and he couldn’t change that fact, no matter how hard he revolted. But now, being 19 years old, Sorren was content with his role in life- or, at least, he unfortunately learned to be happy with his life.

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin eventually led Sorren all the way to his study- a room he had spent many a night alone in working hard on his assignments from lecture. He opened the door and entered, letting Sorren follow behind him. Once Sorren was in, he then closed the door and turned around to face the prince of Kezzain.

“So,” he said with a sigh, slowly walking over to Sorren. “Why did you do it?” he asked simply. His voice has a sense of calmness in its tone, but he was certainly holding back some suppressed angry emotions. “Why did you leave me all alone so many years ago?” Weylin asked more directly.

 

[spongiecake]

Sorren entered the room with the stranger he once called his friend. He didn’t know what to expect or what even to say. This was all so weird. When he was off and away from home, the only thing he wanted was to see Weylin again. Now he was back home and with him but it all felt so strange.

The Prince didn’t react to Weylin’s words or questions. He just stood there, watching as the man engaged in conversation with him.

“I went to study,” he answered plainly.

“I’m sure you know as well as I do that we have a standard to uphold. My Father sent me to Trellasees,” Sorren said without a hint of compassion for his friend’s feelings.

“I don’t know why you’re already getting so worked up..” he muttered in a harsh voice. “It was my Mother’s idea for me to attend your party, if that makes you feel any better.”

 

[Edric Blight]

Weylin sighed and shook his head as he began to pace around the room now, almost circling Sorren like a shark out for blood. “To study?” he asked, clearly not satisfied with Sorren’s answer. He then gritted his teeth a bit as Sorren stated that it was his mother’s idea for him to come to his birthday party.

In all honesty this didn’t make Weylin feel any better. “So now you just show up after eight years? You disappeared! You bailed on me!” Weylin said. “Why did you do it then? Why did you lie to me and say you’d never leave?” Weylin asked him, being very confrontational.

 

[spongiecake]

“Why are you flooding me with questions?” Sorren folded his arms and frowned. It seemed his old friend was getting on his nerves.

“You’re acting like you cared that I left. I probably just made you feel better about yourself, hm? You were such a better Prince than I was that it made your confidence boost?” he asked, rhetorically as he spat back.

“I didn’t know I’d leave,” that was a lie. “But who knows, maybe it was for the better that I left. You’ve changed a lot- I can’t even believe that you’re speaking to me like this.”