Chapter XXI

Soon it was sunrise. Prince Ayaan was up before his mother. He tiptoed to ease himself in the bathroom. Queen Maya woke up when she noticed he wasn't there.

"Ayaan," She called raising her head.

"Do you need anything? Huh?" She added.

"No Ma, good morning." Ayaan said.

"Good morning. Are you hungry? What would you have?" She asked worriedly.

Then there was a knock on the door,

"Son," King Arden said.

"Good morning, father." Ayaan said.

"Good morning," King Arden returned.

"Maya are you okay?" He asked.

"I am, I'll just go get breakfast." Maya said.

When she reached the balcony on her way from the kitchen, she watched as the remains of frost melted on their own.

Meanwhile Giselle pushed the catering trolley to Prince Ayaan's room. The guard outside helped her open the door. Queen Ara was also on her way there, so he held the door still.

"Good morning Queen Ara," he greeted.

"Good morning," Queen Ara returned.

"Your highness, good morning, Did you rest well?" Giselle asked.

"Yes I did thank you." Queen Ara said.

"Good morning Mother," King Arden stood up and reached for her hand.

"Morning my King. Why didn't you tell me?" She asked.

"We didn't want to disturb you," he said.

"Grandma," Ayaan said giving her a hug.

"My little Prince, are you okay?" She asked and he nodded.

"Here Giselle has brought you breakfast, your dad and I will be outside." She said.

"Okay," Ayaan said.

"His powers," King Arden said.

"I know," Queen Ara said.

"Time heals all wounds, he'll be fine. He's a tough one," she added.

"Your highness, Emress is here." Xan said.

"Alright," King Arden said.

The King and his mother went to his chambers where Emress awaited him. Maya was leaving her room when met Xan in the hallway.

"Your highness," he said.

"Ah Xan, have you seen Mother?" She asked.

"She's with King Arden in his chambers, the mage Emress is here." He said.

"Very well then," she said.

"Will that be all my Queen?" He asked.

"Yes Xan, you may go." She added.

She changed course and went down the stairs. Now she had a reason to go to King Arden's chambers.

"King Arden, Queen Ara," Emress greeted.

"Emress am I glad to see you." Queen Ara said.

"Everything has a reason and that's why I'm here," Emress said.

Queen Maya entered as the conversation was going on and Emress paused to greet her.

"A lovely day to you Queen Maya," Emress said.

"A lovely day to you too, please carry on," Maya said moving to the seat right next to King Arden's.

"I've wasted a little too much time," Emress said.

"How do you mean?" King Arden asked.

"Prince Ayaan needs to be in a place away from home,"  Emress said.

"Why didn't you tell us till now?" Queen Maya asked.

"I know how much you all adore him, that's why I decided to let him stay with you all these years. But I'm afraid it might get to a point when even I can't help him," Emress said.

"My poor child," Queen Maya said with teary eyes.

"What should be done?" Queen Ara asked.

"Your highness, let him come with me so he can fully harness this power within him," Emress said.

"You have my approval, he'll get ready." King Arden said.

"I'll be back," Emress said.

"How are you sure he'll come?" Queen Maya asked.

"He will. Your son has more magic than you think your highness." Emress said and smiled.

"Thank you," Queen Ara said.

"I'll take my leave," said Emress.