Extra Chapter - 2

In the quietude of his chamber, Prince Salien, adorned in princely regalia, approached the ornate communication ring, a sense of guilt gnawing at his conscience. He had just returned from his first escapade. It was a disaster. He took a deep breath, his hand hesitating for a moment before pressing the enchanted gem that activated the communication spell. The ring emitted a soft glow as it connected to the distant chamber of the Emperor.

The emperor, his stern countenance softened by the glow of the communication spell, appeared on the enchanted surface of the ring. "Salien, what brings you to the communication ring at this hour?" The Emperor's voice held a note of curiosity.

The Prince, struggling with his conflicting emotions, cleared his throat before speaking, "Father, I must confess something to you. Today, I... I ventured beyond the palace grounds without your knowledge."

The emperor's brows furrowed, a hint of concern clouding his eyes but realising it was his age to act in such a manner, he calmly asked, "What compelled you to leave the safety of the palace, Salien?"

Salien hesitated, grappling with the right words. "I needed a break from the constraints of my princely duties. The monotony became too stifling, and I sought solace in the night."

The Emperor's gaze softened remembering that his son is the same as he was when of his age. Still, knowing the potential dangers, he decided to keep his tone stern yet it tinged with paternal worry. "You endangered yourself, Salien. Do you realize the risks?"

Salien nodded, his gaze faltering. "I encountered trouble in the forest—a group of thugs attacked me. I used magic to defend myself, but one of them managed to wound me."

The Emperor's tone shifted to concern. "Wounded? How severe is the injury, Salien said?"

Salien's eyes dropped, his voice tinged with remorse. "It's not life-threatening, but it hindered my abilities. I managed to return without causing a commotion, but I couldn't bear to keep this from you."

The Emperor sighed, his sternness giving way to a father's understanding. "Salien, you must understand the weight of your actions. However, your honesty in confessing is commendable. We shall address this matter together. Return to your chamber, and rest. You will not be punished this time."

Salien nodded, a mixture of gratitude and guilt etched on his features. "Thank you, Father. I understand the gravity of my actions, and I am prepared to face any consequences."

The communication spell dimmed, leaving Salien alone with his thoughts as he contemplated the repercussions of his clandestine escapade.

But, even after the Labyrinth incident where he was hurt by the Creeper lady, Prince Salien found himself once again yearning for a taste of the world beyond the palace walls. His father, the emperor, was away attending to matters of state again, leaving Salien said to seize the opportunity for a secret adventure. As he stealthily made his way back into the palace, he nearly collided with the emperor, who had returned unexpectedly.

The Emperor said "Salien, my elusive explorer, where do you think you're going?"

Salien said, "Father! I, uh, I was just returning from the library. Late-night studies, you know."

The Emperor said "Late-night studies in the library, or perhaps late-night tales with the city's storytellers?"

Salien said, "Well, maybe a bit of both. I just wanted to learn about our people, especially after the slavery case. What if I find something else?"

The Emperor said, "Ah, the curious mind of a prince. I can't fault you for that. But next time, let's schedule these midnight lessons together."

Salien said, "Together?"

The Emperor said "Of course! We did it once, remember? I used to sneak out of the palace too when I was your age. The city has its own rhythm, and I understand the allure."

Salien said, "You did?"

The Emperor said, "Oh, indeed. But remember, secrets are hard to keep in a palace. Now, tell me, what did you discover in the city tonight?"

Salien couldn't help but share his experiences, weaving tales of the vibrant marketplaces and lively streets. The conversation went for a long time. He stated, "And then there was this street performer, Father, who juggled fire! It was incredible."

The Emperor said "Ah, the wonders of the city. Well, next time, let's make it an official father-son excursion. I'd love to see these street performers myself."

Salien said, "Deal, Father. And, um, sorry for sneaking out." Salien said, fearing a slap sometime again in the future if his father's anger boils over.

The Emperor said, "No need to apologize, my son. Just remember, we can explore the world together. Now, let's get you back to the palace library—officially this time." He chuckled.

As they walked back together, the palace halls echoed with laughter and shared stories, marking the beginning of a new tradition that would bring father and son even closer, one moonlit adventure at a time.

But again, it was not the end. Under the silvery glow of the night in the palace courtyard, Prince Salien stealthily made his way toward the imposing gates. He had snuck out once again.

In the distance, the voice of the Emperor echoed, questioning, "Salien, where do you think you're going?" Salien muttered to himself, a mixture of nervousness and determination evident in his hushed words. As he tiptoed forward, thoughts raced through his mind, each step bringing him closer to the clandestine adventure he was about to embark upon. "Almost there," he whispered, the anticipation of the night's escapade building with every carefully calculated move. The moonlit shadows played on the palace walls, casting an air of secrecy over Salien's nocturnal endeavor.

Prince Salien froze as the Emperor stepped into view, his arms crossed with a questioning expression. The Emperor, raising an eyebrow, inquired, "Salien, sneaking out again?" Salien, clearly nervous, stammered in response, "Father! I was just... enjoying the moonlight." The Emperor, enjoying the play, pressed further, "Enjoying the moonlight or trying to outsmart your old man?" With the unexpected reply, the Prince felt fear gripping him. Tension hung in the air as the moonlit courtyard witnessed this exchange between father and son, the secrecy of the night now punctuated by an unexpected confrontation.

The Emperor and Prince Salien ascend to the palace terrace as suggested by the Emperor senseing the unease within the Prince. Upon reaching, the Emperor patted his head and asked again. That subtle hint was enough to convey, the Emperor would engage in nothing but a playful banter with the Prince.

Salien, attempting to justify his nocturnal excursions, asserted, "Recreation is important, Father. Sneaking out is a way to recreate. It helps you get creative with solutions."

The Emperor, responding with sarcasm, remarks, "Ah, yes, the creative art of evasion. I'm sure that'll come in handy ruling an empire."

Undeterred, Salien smirks back, a playful challenge in his eyes. Salien continues, "Besides, Father, it's a tradition for future emperors. You used to do it too, right?"

The Emperor, nodding in acknowledgment, concedes, "Well, yes, but it was different in my time." This banter between generations on the moonlit terrace reflects a shared history and the evolving nature of princely traditions.

Salien raises an eyebrow, throwing a challenging gaze toward his father. "Different how?" he questions.

The Emperor, adopting a teasing tone, responds, "Back then, we didn't have the luxury of moonlit escapades. We had to sneak out under the watchful eye of the palace guards. Much more challenging."

Salien, grinning with a sense of victory, asks, "So, you understand the importance of sneaking out?"

The Emperor, teasingly, replies, "Oh, absolutely. But keep in mind," he cautions, "you don't get a medal of bravery for sneaking out. All you get is regret for the time wasted."

Salien playfully salutes, pledging, "Noted, Father. I'll make sure to consult you for my next moonlit adventure like we discussed last time."

The Emperor, smirking, adds a humorous warning, "And remember, Salien, sneaking out may also earn you a good beating from your father."

Salien, remembering the actual beating he got once, promised to consult his father. But, not wanting to make his father remember about it and keep it light-hearted, Salien laughs, and the Emperor joins in.

Salien opens his arm asking for an embrace from the emperor, and the emperor opens his arm and pulls his son in a warm embrace. He was finding comfort from the slap he got a few days ago. The sadness and shock and pain, still hasn't dissipated. He responds defiantly, "A beating? I'll risk it for the thrill."

The Emperor, smirking, offers a piece of advice, "Just don't get caught. It's not as easy as you think."

As they share a warm moment walking back into the palace, the Emperor speaks softly, "But seriously, Salien, if you ever want to explore the city, just let me know. We can make it an official father-son excursion."

Salien, surprised that his father was serious, grinned and sealed the agreement, "Deal, Father. And no sneak attacks from the guards this time."

The father and son share laughter as they vanish into the palace's depths, the soft glow of moonlight enveloping the scene.

The Emperor, teasingly, declares, "Agreed. No sneak attacks. Now, let's get you back to the palace library—officially this time."

Salien, laughing, playfully responds, "You drive a hard bargain, Father."

And so, beneath the moonlit sky, the Emperor and his mischievous prince shared a moment of laughter, bridging the gap between tradition and the ever-changing tapestry of their royal adventures. This moment solidifies their bond, weaving together the threads of familial tradition and the unpredictable journey ahead.

Although the Prince did sneak out a few times after that, these conversations still lingered in his mind and he stopped eventually.