บท 4: Chapter 4

"That is enough for today, dinner will be ready shortly." I look back and see father standing a few paces away with his arms behind his back. "Good evening father" I say as I fully turn to greet him. He looks down at me with an impassive look on his face.

"Naman, I hear you took a stroll earlier today. Try not to strain yourself, you know you are weak and unnecessary actions can cause your body to go into shock." I flinched at his words. He and just about everyone else would prefer if I just stayed in the palace to avoid any trouble. That and I would be closer to the palace healers. But I can't stand being forced to stay there all day. Lately this palace has begun to feel more like a cage.

"Forgive me father, I just wanted a change of scenery. I was merely looking over the city, trying to pass the time." He looks over to my personal guard and nods after a moment. Probably getting confirmation from the man about my story. Just then my stomach growls and I fight to stand upright while clutching my stomach.

"This is why it is best for you to remain at the palace. Take him to the healers." My guard swims over. "At once my king." Before I even had time to protest, that it was just a cramp I'm already being carried by the man and rushed over to the infirmary.

I look back to see my father looking towards Mera, completely forgetting about me. After being placed in the care of the healers they make quick work in calming my aching stomach. I'll never get tired of seeing them do their work. How I long to be able to use magic as they do.

After a few rounds of spells I am taken to my room. After being escorted inside the doors are shut and I am alone. I walk towards my bed and lay down. Seems I will not be joining father and Mera for dinner. They will most likely have my food brought to my room. Not like it's anything to look forward to anyway. Just some slop, not their fault though. My stomach simply can't handle complex ingredients.

I just lay in bed for hours, thinking about life. My doors suddenly open and I assume it's my guard bringing my food. I'm shocked to find my sister carrying my food towards me. She is so beautiful my sister. Flowing red hair that frames her gorgeous face. And those eyes, just like mother's. "Mera, what are you doing here?" She places my tray on my desk and walks over to me. "I brought your food over. I haven't seen you all day, is it so wrong for me to want to see my little brother?"

I shake my head at her antics. "Not at all dear sister. But I'd imagine you are tired from another long day of training. Surely you would rather rest than spend time with the likes of me." I stand and make my way towards my food. "How many times have I told you to stop talking like that? You are a part of this family too."

I take my seat and look down at the slop placed in my bowl. "Sorry, I have a tough time remembering that considering I'm all but ignored by just about everyone. What is even in this stuff?"

She pulls a chair over and sits beside me. "Father is busy with his kingly duties and my training. And I have no idea what's in that." I grab my spoon and shove a spoonful into my mouth swallowing almost instantly. It tastes like nothing, I suppose I should be thankful for that.

"You know how important my training is. Once I kill the king of Atlantis we will be free." I look her dead in the eyes. "I will still be a prisoner of my own home." She reaches over and pulls me into a hug. "No, I promise to find a way to cure you. I'm sure that Atlantis has some way to help you. We just need to get out of here first then we can look for a cure. I know there's something out there that can help you."

I just nod at her words and go back to eating while she rambles on about her day. She really thinks she can kill the king of Atlantis. "Aren't you afraid? I mean you will be all alone out there. What if something goes wrong? You won't have anyone to back you up."

She looks at me with absolute confidence. "I will not fail. Do you not believe in your sister?" I just shake my head and pat her thigh. "Sure I do. How are your studies going?" She beams are thae mention of her studies.

"They are going great. I wish you were there, you would love it. But don't worry, I made sure to write great notes and to borrow some books for you to look at." I smile at her consideration for me. "Thank you, but don't get into trouble with father on my behalf." She waves her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. As long as I don't fall behind then all is well."

Her face becomes gloomy for a moment. "I have done some reading and experimenting but I can't seem to come up with anything to help you. Seems Atlantis is our only hope. I'm sure they have something, they have to."

She quickly shakes off her gloomy vibe and returns to her normal happy self. "Have you made any friends?" I give her a deadpan look. "How in the world am I supposed to make friends? No one will talk to me and I'm barely able to leave the palace."

"Sorry, don't worry once we are free we'll find a way to cure you then you can make plenty of friends." I just nod at her words not believing her at all. We spent a few hours just talking. Even though she rarely has time to spend with me like this I truly enjoy these moments. For who knows when I'll get a chance like this again. Her schedule is no joke after all and sometimes she really is just too tired to spend time with me.

Eventually I head to bed and she makes her way out. Just before she opens the door she speaks without looking back. "I promise I will save you little brother. One day you will be free to swim to the ends of the ocean and eat all manner of food. I promise." I smile at her words. "I know you will sister. I know you will." With those parting words she heads to her room to sleep the long day away.