Return Of The Crown Prince[2]

"Uh! Don't you think the palace has turned gloomy by the absence of mine, Delbert?" Adrien questioned, walking through the lonely hallways that led them toward the room he once receded at.

"Seems like there's a lot to renew." He shook his head as he observed the palace.

Though everything looked clean and dust free, they still lacked liveliness. After all, how would it not when no souls were living in his wing?

The royal princes and princesses had their own wings in the palace, which was separated into two. With his siblings and half-siblings, Adrien lived in the prince's wing as the Crown Prince.

Each royal family member had their own distinct floor, highlighting their unique status and function within the kingdom.

Adrien was the eldest prince and heir to the throne, followed by Adrasteia, the second princess, and Aiden, the youngest of the royal family.

The three siblings represented the Queen's heirs. There were also two princes: Nicolas, the second prince, and Sapphira, the first princess, both of whom sprang from the King's first mistress, Scarlett. The King's second mistress had three daughters named Iolanthe, Xylia, and Faline.

As Adrien and Delbert continued to walk, the crown prince came to an abrupt stop before he glanced back at Delbert with a frown.

"Have you lost your tongue, Delbert?" He turned about and continued to stare at him.

"If it weren't for your subtle acceptance of my words, I'd assume you'd turned mute at the very minute we stepped into this castle."

"It isn't that, Prince Adrien. I still don't understand what had you return to the palace all of a sudden," he admitted with a bow.

There was a brief silence between them.

"Brother!"

The sudden squeal of the familiar voice echoing in the silent hallways had the two shift their attention.

Delbert who nearly had a heart attack bowed his head at the sight of the second princess.

The princess came running and jumped into her brother's arms in an embrace.

"Ah, brother Adrien. It feels like we've been years apart though we, I mean you've been sneaking into the palace," she muttered between their long hug.

Though the two had been sneaking to meet up, the meet that they had today felt so good and bonding. İt seemed like years of them reuniting with no restrictions.

Adrien patted his sister's head before they broke their hug. The huge smile on his sister's face never left.

"Good morning, second princess Adrasteia," Delbert cleared his throat breaking both the sibling's reverie, and greeted her with great respect.

"Good morning, Delby," she responded with a gleaming expression. "How have you been doing all these years?"

Delbert smiled warmly at the princess's question, grateful for her genuine concern for his well-being.

"I have been well, thank you, Princess Adrasteia," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

Adrasteia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in closer. "Tell me, Delby, what has been happening? Are there any exciting stories or events that I should know about my brother? Has he got any~" she dragged the end purposefully as she gave a mischievous look toward her brother meaning his love life, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I wonder if I am your brother or if he's your brother. You seem to miss him more than I," Adrien questioned his sister as he gave a pointed look at his butler who was also his aide.

The smile on the butler's face immediately wiped off as he bowed apologetically for his carelessness.

"Well, let's not waste our time anymore. I'm sure we've got a lot to do. I am yet to head to my room. I'll see you at breakfast," he assured her sister giving her a pat on her head.

Adrasteia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Of course, brother! I can't wait to show you all the things that have changed since you've been away." She clapped her hands like a little girl and kissed her brother's cheeks. "See you!"

Adrien shook his head in disbelief. He could not believe the content of her excitement.

"She's just the same as she was seven years back," muttered Delbert.

Adrien turned on his shoes as I'd he heard nothing and left him alone. The poor guy had to run back after him realizing his mistake.

Upon coming to stand in front of a large blackish blue door that had heavy intricate done over its surface, all that Adrien had to do was to cast a glance at the door knob and the door opened on its own accord.

Adrien entered the space, surveying the comfortable surroundings. He had not entered his own haven in years. It was his chamber. There was a sense of quiet in the room, as if time stood still while he was gone.

He entered the room further, his mind racing with recollections. He recalled the countless hours devoted to studying, the sleepless nights spent in deep thought, the times of solitude where, from a very young age, he had sought refuge from the duties that went along with his position, and the most recent argument he had with his so-called father that had caused him to leave the castle immediately.

Rich tapestries, exquisite furniture, and a huge, ornate bed that served as a sign of his rank all decorated the chamber. His taste and hobbies were carefully reflected in each picture and sculpture that covered the walls.

Adrien moved in the direction of the window as the light from the sun filled the space with a cozy glow.

He cast a quick glimpse out at the extensive grounds, which he had previously explored as a child. He felt nostalgic as the scene recalled back to happier days before the burden of his royal responsibilities took over his life.

Adrien took a deep breath and closed his eyes, letting the tranquility of the space wash over him.

He had come back to the palace for a reason that had not yet been made clear. He would, however, take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet of his haven before getting ready for the difficulties and surprises that were ahead of him in the coming hours.

There was a big story that is yet to be revealed. The story of the involvement of the monarchs with the deaths of creatures of nature.