The Farewell

The sun rose slowly over the Kingdom of Brightvale. The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and pink, but the castle felt cold and quiet. Sadness filled the air. The people of the kingdom did not yet know that something terrible had happened.

Minister Tom stood alone in the grand courtyard of the castle. His heart felt heavy. He had spent the night thinking deeply, trying to decide how to tell the people the truth, without revealing what had really happened. He knew he had to protect Prince Arin's secret.

As the bells of the castle rang, people from all corners of the kingdom gathered in the courtyard. Farmers, bakers, knights, and teachers,all came with worried faces. Everyone wondered why the Minister had called for an early morning speech.

Tom stepped forward slowly. His face was calm, but his eyes looked tired.

"People of Brightvale," he began, his voice strong yet gentle, "last night, our beloved King and Queen left the castle for a peaceful boat ride. They wished to float quietly beneath the stars, away from the noise of the court, just for a little while."

He paused, and the crowd listened in silence.

"But the waters grew wild. A sudden storm came out of nowhere. Their boat was caught in powerful waves."

Gasps echoed through the crowd. Some people covered their mouths in shock.

"We searched the river and the shores," Tom continued. "But there has been no sign of them. No boat. No crown. No voice."

A deep silence fell over the crowd. Then came the sound of crying. Some people hugged each other. Others stood still, unable to believe the news.

Tom bowed his head respectfully.

"We hold on to hope," he said softly. "But we also fear the worst. Let us pray for their safety, and let us honor their memory with strength and unity."

The people bowed their heads, their hearts full of grief.

Tom took a step back and waited. He had done his part. Now it was Arin's turn to speak.

Soon after, Prince Arin came out onto the balcony. He wore a simple robe, and his face looked pale. His eyes were red, not from sleep, but from tears. He looked down at the people, the very ones he had hoped to serve someday as king. But now, everything had changed.

He raised his hand gently, and the crowd went quiet again.

"My people," he said, his voice soft but clear, "my heart is broken. My soul is tired. I have lost the two people I loved most. And I know I am not the only one."

He paused, his eyes scanning the faces below.

"I cannot rule right now," he said. "I need time to heal. I need to find peace in my heart again. I hope one day, I will return to you as the ruler you deserve."

He looked over at Minister Tom and gave a small nod.

"Until that day comes," he said, "I leave the kingdom in the care of our wise and loyal Minister. He has always protected this land. I trust him fully. I hope you will too."

The people nodded, many in tears. They knew Tom was honest and kind. He had always stood by the royal family. They trusted him.

That night, long after the castle had grown quiet and the people had returned to their homes, Prince Arin called Tom into his private library. The same room where everything had changed.

Candles flickered on the shelves, casting soft light on the books. Arin stood by the window, looking out at the stars.

"I've made my decision," he said quietly, without turning around. "I'm not going to another city or hiding in the woods."

He turned to face Tom.

"I've created a world of my own… far from here. A place where I can study, learn, and be alone. No one will know where I've gone. Not even you."

Tom looked at him with sad eyes. "Arin… are you sure?"

The Prince nodded slowly.

"I must. The danger I caused… I can't risk it happening again. But I want to stay connected to you. I want to know how the kingdom is doing. I want to hear your voice when I need guidance."

He walked to the table and picked up the same talking pen he had enchanted days ago.

"This pen," he said, "is our bridge. It can speak to me… if you say the right magical words."

He handed the pen to Tom and gave him a small scroll.

"These are the words," Arin said. "Read them clearly. Speak them only when you truly need to reach me."

Tom opened the scroll and read the words quietly to himself.

Then Arin held up the pen cap.

"I'll keep this," he said. "As long as I have the cap and you have the pen, we will always be connected , no matter how far apart we are."

Tom took the pen and held it close.

"I will keep it safe," he said. "And I will only call for you if it's truly important."

The two stood in silence for a moment. No words were needed.

Finally, Arin gave a small smile.

"Goodbye, Tom. Thank you for everything."

Tom bowed deeply. "Goodbye, Arin. May your path bring you peace."

That night, without another sound, Prince Arin disappeared from the Kingdom of Brightvale. He left behind a memory, a mystery, and a magical connection that would live on.