The day has arrived. Kamarani will be exiled to his own fief—an area he had no idea where he was going, but he was very grateful for the opportunity.
It was of no use for him to continue staying inside the palace. Though it held an important part of his life, the memories of his family, and the last piece of hope he was not ready to let go of, he had to. There was a greater cause that he had to fight for. For instance, Alana. He needed his Queen close to him, and so he ought to be stronger. He had to protect her.
His uncle was kind enough to let him 'keep' Jarek with him. He also deployed several maidservants and guards to accompany him, but everyone knew the real reason he sent all those people with him.
Kamarani had only had Jarek as his aid these past five years, and so he had to do most things on his own to not exhaust poor Jarek. So, all the people that his uncle had "gifted" him, fifty in total, included cooks, minor maidservants, guards, and advisors. Shekel wanted to seem like the ideal uncle, but everyone knew what his true motive was: all those people could not be trusted. They were all spies.
Today was the last day Kamarani would see his home. Who knew where his uncle had decided to have him go? These past few days he had avoided Kamarani like a plague. For any briefing, he would have one of his advisors go in his behalf. It was a strategy of his, acting like he was suspicious of Kamarani in order to have him panic and make mistakes. But Kamarani was very calm; he had to act like he knew nothing.
While the last load of items were loaded inside the carriage, Kamarani was looking around the place he had called home for his whole life, and now he was leaving.
"Ah, Kamarani, you were going to depart without visiting your king?" That was the voice of his uncle, Shekel.
Bowing slightly, Kamarani peeked at his uncle's expression, which was one of amusement, and knew he did not care. "Your Majesty, this one knows how busy the King is and I dare not disturb the King with minor matters."
Shekel nodded and chuckled. "Don't be so proper; I am your uncle after all," he walked up to Kamarani and placed his hand over his shoulder.
"Walk with me, boy," he said, as he headed in the direction of the royal gardens.
Kamarani's expression was calm and collected, but deep inside he felt like punching the man. But he could not do such a stupid thing. As irritating as Shekel was, he was still the Emperor, and Kamarani could not give him a reason to imprison him any longer. He had plans he needed to do, and he could not do them while still under the watchful eyes of his uncle.
Walking a few steps away from Shekel, Kamarani walked while looking at his feet. His shoes were worn out. When was the last time he had anything new to wear? But these past few months he had learnt to be appreciative of all the things he had. He was no longer the spoilt crown prince of Eryndor. He did not wake like he owned the whole of Galilia. Now he had to walk while looking down to avoid disrespecting any high-up nobles. He had to learn how to talk with consideration, unlike the time when he was still the crown prince; he never cared about anybody else. When he felt like saying a few words, he did it, and when he felt like not talking at all, then he did what he inclined toward.
The fancy gates of the royal gardens stood tall ahead, their golden bars sparkling in the morning light. Kamarani quietly followed Shekel, feeling the heavy suspense in atmosphere. Birds sang happily, unaware of the hidden power and deception swirling between the two men. The usual sweet scent of daisies and roses felt overwhelming today, almost like it was difficult to breathe.
Shekel paused by a beautifully carved fountain, where water bubbled and splashed in a steady rhythm. He turned to look at Kamarani, his smile thin and predatory.
"So, Kamarani, are you excited about your… new duties?"
Kamarani kept his calm expression, speaking with an even tone. "I appreciate the chance to serve the empire in any way, Your Majesty."
Shekel's smile grew wider, a cruel gleam in his eyes. "Of course, of course. Service is such a noble idea. But let's be honest, Kamarani; you're not being sent away because of your…strategy skills in governance." He laughed softly, a harsh sound.
"You are quite cunning, spreading all those rumors and getting the common peoples sympathy, you played you carers right boy"
Kamarani stayed silent, clenching his jaw. He understood this was a all but a game meant to test his resilience. He wouldn't give Shekel the pleasure of seeing him falter.
Shekel leaned closer and lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. "Don't think for one second that this shows weakness on my part, boy. Or that you've outsmarted me somehow. Those fifty people coming with you? Consider them... my eyes and ears. A little... nudge for you to stay obedient. Keep that in mind, Kamarani. I am still the one in charge, a step away from you, always." He emphasized his words with a sharp poke to Kamarani's chest.
Kamarani met his uncle's eyes, holding his own gaze steady. The impulse to strangle him was almost too much to handle, but he pushed it down, forcing himself to stay calm. "I understand, Your Majesty." For now, he would play Shekel's game. He would wait patiently, gather his strength, and when the time was right, he would act. But not yet. Not now.
Shekel stepped back, putting on his usual friendly smile again. "Good, good. I'm pleased we see eye to eye. Now, do you have any requests? Anything at all before you head off to your…'domain`?" He almost spat the word "domain."
Kamarani paused to think. He could ask for more supplies or more trusted men, but that might raise suspicion. He needed something subtle and harmless.
"Just one thing, Your Majesty," he replied respectfully. "I wish to say goodbye to the my old horse Pirtron.I will truelly miss his company when I am gone"
Shekel frowned and narrowed his eyes. "A horse? Why?"
"My relationship with Pirtron is all that I have heard since I was but a young fellow. I just want to show my appreciation."
Shekel thought this over before shrugging. "Fine then. But don't take too long; we wouldn't want to delay your departure." He gave Kamarani a pat on the back that felt more threatening than friendly. "Now go. And remember… I'll be watching."
As Shekel turned away, Kamarani let a glimpse of his true feelings break through. The calm front he had worked hard to maintain cracked slightly, revealing the anger that simmered just beneath the surface.