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justacatwritingforfun · 5 years ago

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Chapter 1 : Firstborn Prince

( Wattpad link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/226676168-maexourthi )

“Catch her!” My mom runs away from me. She loves to play catch with me and my brother.

“Help! Help me! Monster Terrasen is trying to capture me!” She continues to run away. I run as fast as I can. I notice her slow down for me to catch her. I take the chance and I sprint towards her.

“Got you!” We tumble down a little bit. We both laugh. My brother comes in and jumps at us. We laugh altogether whilst we lied on the ground. Soon, my father comes in and pretends to act like a monster.

“I am Ta Panta, the legendary destroyer of the realm. I like to eat kids aged eight and below. Run as fast as you can! Rawr!” Me, my brother and my mother stand as fast as we can to run away from him. We have played catch the whole day. We had so much fun and we did not worry about anything.

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Black. Everything is black. My head feels heavy; the pain is throbbing and I want it to stop - but I can’t.

“Stand up! You have yet to master the basics. Do not be a wimp! As the firstborn prince, you are expected to take the throne – the throne is not a game one can easily play. Stand up!”

A hit to my right leg. Another to my hip then my left shoulder. My breath hitches as I struggle to stand up. Sharp, dull, throbbing – all kinds of pain are hitting me from all parts of my body. I can’t take it anymore.

“As the firstborn prince, you have to endure mere obstacles such as this. Stop acting like a loser! Pain is nothing. A royalty must never feel pain, much more the firstborn prince! Being the firstborn prince is not a privilege! As soon-to-be king, you have lots of responsibilities - heavy and burdening responsibilities. This training is nothing but a speck of dust in your life. Stand up! I said stand up, Your Highness!”

“Yes, sir!” I have pulled all of my remaining energy for that response. It has been two years since I started this training; it never gets better. I force myself to stand up. My form was crumbling, my legs limping. I looked straight ahead and forced myself to stand straight. I brought my arm upwards with the tip of my shaking hand at my brow. Every bit of movement hurt; it was as if all my limbs were falling apart. I can’t see Ervyn’s face but I know that his emotions are crumbling too. He’s much more of a softie than your typical leading army commander.

“You’ve done a good job of enduring today’s blows. As a prince, you have to have utmost endurance and will - body and mind – to become a good king in the future. I will end our session early today as a reward for your great endurance. Take a good rest. Eat and drink well. I will see you tomorrow. Dismissed.” Ervyn salutes back. I put my arms down, waiting for Ervyn to vanish from my sight.

“Uggh. Damn, today’s session is more brutal than ever.” I dropped to the ground instantly.

“Firstborn prince.” I, Terrasen Dhrite Zemex, the 898th firstborn prince of Mageia is next in line to the throne. I, the firstborn prince, is expected to lead the whole kingdom for an upcoming war. I, the firstborn prince, have to suffer all this just to suffer more in the future! It may seem lucky to bear the title of the firstborn prince, although, I kid you not when I say it’s unlucky! Just because I am the firstborn prince, I have to memorise all military strategies, cultivate the highest level of magic and learn all other stuffs to do with being the firstborn prince. A prince may have some freedom but not the firstborn prince. Why did it have to be me? Why not Tethoris?

“Brother, father has asked for you. It is about an important matter regarding the Kingdom of Spathi. Representatives have come. I suggest that you take a shower and clothe yourself appropriately.” Tethoris offers his hand in front of me. I take it but I wince at the sudden sharp pain.

“Damn!” Tethoris offers his shoulder for me to hold on. He puts my arm over his shoulder whilst I try to stifle a scream.

“You are becoming more eloquent, dear brother. I take it that you have been doing well with your royal studies. I suggest that you take a shower and clothe yourself appropriately.” I mimic his tone and laugh as he flushes in embarrassment.

“Oh, shut your mouth. You’re no better. You’re beaten worse than a criminal would have been.” I continue to laugh. He grunts and jokingly nudges my side.

“You spiteful devil!” The pain stops my laugh. Now he starts laughing.

“Just a little heads-up, Princess Eyllwe is among the representatives.” I stop walking. Oh please, can’t a god give me a break? Oh, right. We, Mageians do not believe in gods. We, the royal family, are the gods. I guess, father can give me a break? Oh, never mind. I can’t disappoint him.

“Come on, can’t you at least be nice to her? She isn’t that bad. I mean, she is spoiled and arrogant –“

“Clingy and obnoxious –“

“Well, that is true but you still have to be nice to her! Remember, she is the Princess of Spathi. She is the best female warrior in the whole of The Realm and the best warrior in the Kingdom of Spathi. Their kingdom is specialised in producing all kinds of weaponries, something that we are desperate for.”

“I do not want to befriend someone just because I can use them for my own good.”

“The term is ally; you give and take. Besides, it’s not just for your own good. It’s for the good of Mageia. With them as our ally, we will have all weapons that we will ever need. Think about it. Our magic plus their weapons. It’s the perfect combination!” He exclaims. He almost dropped me to the floor.

“I do not want to wage war. I have no plans in letting Mageians and non-Mageians suffer just over some pointless war. We have even forgotten who, why and what started the war. Now, it’s just some plain war to see who tops The Realm.” I roll my eyes at him.

“I know how you feel and I feel the same, however, war is inevitable – “

“It isn’t inevitable. It can be inevitable. You will see. I will be the first ruler to ever evade war. I will ensure to keep all of my people and the people from the other kingdoms to live happily and safely. I envision a world where people are not branded by where they belong; everyone will have the choice to live wherever and marry whomever. Anyone can befriend anyone. I want a realm where everyone can enjoy the sceneries found only in other kingdoms. I want a realm where all resources are shared. A realm that is one, with unity and understanding. I will forge peace. I will bring back Maexourthi. I will bring it back no matter what sacrifices and sufferings I have to endure.” Tethoris stops. He turns around facing me and kneels whilst carefully supporting me. He bows his head and puts his arm on his chest.

“I truly wish for you to be successful. You’re only twelve yet you have such ambitions. As you rule in the future, I will stand as your adviser, your brother and your friend. As your adviser, I will help you conquer your problems and advice you to the best I can. I will advise you with different military strategies and I will guide you to the path which I see is best for you and the kingdom. As your brother, I will do my best to serve you and show my support. I will protect you from people who will backstab and spread false rumours about you. I will be your shadow and will follow you wherever you go. I will protect the royal family. As your friend, I will remind you of the goals and dreams you have made. I will make you remember of your past. If you ever change, I, your friend, will try my best to lead you back into the person you want to be. I am pledging my loyalty to you. I will call you my king, my brother and Terrasen. You can call me your adviser, your brother and your friend. Although I am only ten, I know that I am not lacking in maturity therefore I know what I am speaking of right now. I, Tethoris Pierun Zemex, pledge to forever remain loyal by your side.” I feel a smile form on my lips. I put my hand on his head, acknowledging his truthful words. Tethoris bows his head lower then rises up. We continue to walk towards my room in complete silence – not a deafening silence, but a trusting silence. I have always known that I could always lean on him. I trust him and I know that he is loyal to me. How could I wish for my burden to become Tethoris’s? I am truly lucky and grateful to have a brother like you, Tethoris.

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I stand in front of the door, polishing my clothes. I take a deep breath – as I always do – and the door opens. I walk forward towards father, only looking straight; head held up high, shoulders straight whilst pushing my chest slightly outwards, hands perfectly balanced along with my perfectly measured strides. I am wearing an outfit mainly showing off a royal blue colour – not too vibrant, not too dull. It is perfect to catch attention without showing off too much. For meetings such as this, I have to ensure that I show confidence for being the next in line. Elegant not charming, sophisticated not stylish, intimidating not threatening.

“Prince Terrasen, come join us. You have just turned 13 and yet I heard that you have already finished your basic course. I also heard that Ervyn is moving you up three courses in advance. I shall reward you for your excellent performance. Tell me, what is it that you want? I promise to give it no matter what it takes.” Father welcomes me and points at an empty place by the side. The place has always been mine, a place where the firstborn prince stands, the next in line for the throne.

“Your Majesty, I am deeply honoured and grateful of your appreciation. As I am currently contented and I have everything I could ever wish for, may I ask for the reward later?” I bow my head with my right hand on my chest and my left on my back.

“Very well. I shall reward you another time. Ask me when you are ready.” I stand up straight again and walk towards my place.

“Now that we are complete, I want to speak the good news that I have received. The Kingdom of Spathi has accepted our deal and is now officially our ally!” My head turns towards father quick. Spathi? Our ally? This is great news – it’s marvellous!

“I welcome King Alois Iomhair Viantrix and his entourage who travelled great lengths just to get here.”

“Thank you, King Kestramore. It is indeed with great pleasure that I have accepted the deal that King Kestramore has offered. I have opened Spathi’s borders for Mageians and Mageia for Spathians. King Kestramore and I have also agreed to share our resources to each other. In the upcoming war, Mageia and Spathi will be allies!” Everybody has been shocked by the sudden news. Applause came bursting in the room.

“King Kestramore has offered us with such irrefutable deal. When he offered the final deal, I instantly agreed to the pact. Today’s celebrations are not only due to us becoming allies. Today, I proudly announce that my daughter, Princess Eyllwe Aloissia Viantrix, and Prince Terrasen Dhrite Zemex will be betrothed to each other!”

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“Congratulations!” Everyone greeted me. Everyone had smiles plastered on their faces. I see my father getting along well with King Alois. My brother is on the corner conversing with noble Spathians. In the other side of the room, I see my little sister playing with Princess Eyllwe, my fiancée. It has been 5 years since our betrothal was announced. Today, Mageians and Spathians are officially celebrating together my engagement with Princess Spathian. I should’ve known that this was going to happen. Back then, I was young. Although I have always known that marriage was one of the ways to form allies, I never thought that my father would offer me. Father has always cared for us in his own little ways. He always taught us good morals and has always made sure to spend time with us even if it was just for a minute. I cannot blame him as war is approaching. I cannot do anything but agree to this proposal.

“Hello, Prince Terrasen.” Princess Eyllwe bows in front of me with her hands holding her dress on both sides. I curtsy back at her.

“Hello, Princess Eyllwe. To what do I owe this pleasure?” She chuckles and comes near. She reaches for my unkempt vest and proceeds to fix it. People start looking at our direction, whispering to each other how sweet and perfect we look.

“You can stop it, you know. Drop the act. I know you’re only forced to marry me. Besides, you are of great status, you can always break off the engagement. Although, I forgot that it means breaking off our alliance. Remember, war is approaching. Other kingdoms have started preparing.” She grabs my hand and plants a kiss on it. I feel my blood boil. I pull my hand rashly. She chuckles.

“You’ve gone rather colder. I wonder why. Is it because of your responsibilities? Are they keeping you busy? I can always help you when you become king. Oh, but wait. You are more fun to play with when you are being like this.” Her hands run along my chest, trailing her hands to my Adam’s apple and up; she moves from cupping my chin to caressing my cheek then snakes her hand to the back of my hair. Her eyes start shining in excitement. I grab her hand and clasp it. I pull her quick towards my chest and bow my head closer to her ears. My lips graze her cheek and ear very slightly.

“I am trying to show my respect for you and it is very hard. If you cannot return the favour, you might as well skid off to some other guy that you can play with. Remember, you are in my kingdom - my palace, at the moment. If we do get married, I will be king and you will be my queen. Try treating me with respect. I will see if I can do the same for you when the time comes. Besides, people are watching. What would they say? Now run along, little vixen. I might not be able to contain myself tonight.” Her smile has not wavered; her eyes seem to gleam. I walk past her. If she continues to behave that way, I might gain the courage to break off the engagement. If so, I might really put the kingdom in danger. I need to speak to father. I see him enjoying a conversation with other people.

“Father, may I speak with you?” Father excuses his companions. He then turns towards me.

“Is this of a private matter?” His face turns serious and on edge

“I’m afraid so.”

“Alright.”

He leads me to the nearest empty room. He sits on a chair and offers the vacant seat in front of him.

“What is it?”

“Are there any other ways that we can still be allies with the Kingdom of Spathi without being engaged to Princess Eyllwe?” He seems to relax as if he managed to dodge a bullet.

“Son, you know that this is a matter that we cannot turn back. Backing out from the engagement means gaging war with them. Everything will fall to chaos. Princess Eyllwe may seem difficult to be with but I can see that she is just an innocent little girl who was spoiled by her father. I believe that she will become a good queen who can best serve you and the kingdom.”

“She is not that innocent, father. She is cunning and obnoxious. I cannot imagine living the rest of my life with her. You do not know her – “

“Terrasen, that is not the right way to speak of a woman. Whatever the situation, you should always treat her with respect even when she is not present in the room. Besides, Eyllwe is known as the best female warrior in the whole of The Realm. She is smart and she adapts to any weapons that she is given. She is also intelligent – a fine woman born to be queen.”

“But father, I know who she is! She cannot possibly become a good queen. She likes to play and I am afraid that this kingdom will become her toy. A while ago she tried to flirt with me. She is nothing but a sly vixen– “

“Enough! This is not right. Princess Eyllwe is our best chance at gaining Spathi’s trust. If we cannot be allies with Spathi, we might have more grave and serious consequences. Think of the people! As the firstborn prince, you must accept and choose every decision that is best for the kingdom. At the moment, she is our best option. I am sorry to put all of this burden and responsibilities on your shoulder, but marrying Princess Eyllwe is our best shot at winning this war.”

“Why do we even have to win this war? Why do you want to destroy other kingdoms badly? Are they not people who are just defending their own territories too?” Father becomes silent. He stands up and comes near my side to pat my shoulder.

“I can only answer your questions when you become king – only when you become king. As long as you are not sitting on the throne, I cannot tell you anything. I want you to forget all of this. I do not want to hear any more of this from you. You are Mageia’s firstborn prince. You only have to remember that. You are Prince Terrasen. Always remember that, son.” My father squeezes my shoulder. He leaves the room leaving silent echoes surrounding me. The firstborn prince, that’s who I am. Everything is for the people. Everything should be for the kingdom’s best interest. I am the protector and future ruler of Mageia. I am Mageia’s 898th firstborn prince, Prince Terrasen Dhrite Zemex. Terrasen is a nobody. He does not exist. Not anymore.

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