Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

The two joined the city dwellers heading toward the river at the edge of the city. When they arrived, they saw many people already setting up their lanterns. Stalls lined the area, selling a variety of beautifully decorated lanterns. People queued to buy them, while others were designing their own using paints and various craft materials. Madeline marveled at the sight—the river was aglow with lights, adorned with sun banners and colorful ribbons.

Prince Sebastian paused and looked back at his companion. "Let's go there," he proposed, and Madeline followed. They headed to a quieter spot to buy their lanterns. As they browsed, the prince kept glancing around, and Madeline noticed his actions. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing," he replied with a smile. 

Madeline looked around and noticed the place was swarming with guards, ensuring the safety of the festival and, more importantly, the royals and nobles participating. Among the attendees was the King, accompanied by several court officials, the princess, and other dignitaries. Prince Sebastian had managed to slip away unnoticed. He knew his father was a strict man who wouldn't approve of him spending time with Madeline, a servant girl.

The two made their way to the riverbank, where they prepared to make their wishes on the lanterns. They wrote their wishes on notes and attached them to the lanterns before setting them afloat on the river. The current carried their lanterns away along with countless others. The crowd watched in delight as the glowing lanterns drifted down the river, eventually disappearing from sight. With this beautiful scene, the Helios Festival came to a joyous end.

It was already midnight, and people were beginning to head home, some walking and others riding in carriages. The King and his companions were still engaged in serious conversation. Suddenly, Larry approached the prince with urgent news. He leaned in close and whispered to the young prince, "Your Highness, the boy has been caught. He's in the city jail cell."

Sebastian looked at the jubilant Madeline and said, "Madie, the boy we've been looking for was caught. Do you want to meet him?" Madeline's eyes widened with curiosity and excitement. "I want to meet him," she replied eagerly. "Alright, we're going to the city jail," the prince declared, setting off with a determined stride, Madeline following close behind.

At the city jail, the three entered, and Madeline felt a bit uneasy as she walked inside. The office guard gave them a skeptical look. Madeline was the first to step forward, prompting the guard to declare irritably, "This is no place for kids!" Larry quickly followed and asserted, "His Highness is here. He wants to see the prisoner."

Prince Sebastian then entered with an air of elegance and authority beyond his years. The guard's eyes widened, and he abruptly stood up, bowing to show respect to the prince of the empire. "Your Highness, this way, please," he said. Sebastian gave him a narrowed glance, his eyebrow furrowed, and without replying, instructed his attendant, "Lead the way." The guard noticed young Madeline trailing behind them as they proceeded further into the jail.

They entered the cell where Thomas was being held. The young boy stood up upon hearing footsteps echoing in the hallway. He recognized the familiar face of the wealthy boy and the crying girl he had seen earlier at the festival. 'Ah, so they're the ones who sent me here. Must be from a powerful family,' he thought. Thomas stood silently, scrutinizing the strangers before him without saying a word.

The prince scowled at Thomas's attitude, observing the boy closely. He noted the faint scar on his eyebrow, his tattered clothes, and his bare, dirty feet. Despite his disheveled appearance, Thomas exuded a sense of pride, as if he were looking down on them. This demeanor irritated the prince, who felt a surge of annoyance at the boy's audacity.

"State your name, boy! And give your respect to the prince of the empire!" Larry shouted, making Thomas's eyes widen. 'Prince? So, this isn't just a wealthy kid—he's royalty? Prince Sebastian of Carthage?' A flood of questions filled his mind. It was his first time seeing the prince up close, and he was surprised to find that the prince was a child like him. They appeared to be the same age. He glanced at the young girl beside the prince and thought, 'So, that girl is acquainted with the prince.'

"Your Highness," he greeted uncertainly, "I am Thomas Bennett." Without further ado, the prince demanded, "Where is the money you stole? You stole from the palace!" He emphasized each word, his voice sharp with authority.

Thomas felt uncomfortable under the prince's questioning. Despite his young age and gentle appearance, the prince's status was unmistakable with every word he spoke, and his gaze was intimidating. Thomas couldn't help but recall the contrast in the prince's tone when he had spoken to the girl earlier. Trying to maintain his composure, Thomas said, "I don't know what you're talking about," feigning ignorance.

Sensing the prince's growing annoyance, Madeline stepped in. "Your highness, I'll talk to him instead," she offered, her eyes meeting Sebastian's. "Please," she added earnestly. Without a word, Sebastian turned and walked outside, his attendant following closely behind. Madeline watched them leave before turning her attention back to Thomas, hoping to get through to him with a gentler approach.

Confusion clouded Thomas's face. "What do you want?" he snapped. "You've got the wrong person here," he insisted, his voice laced with irritation. "I'm sure it's you," Madeline countered softly, her emerald eyes locking with his brown ones. Unlike the accusing glares he was used to, hers held a gentle sincerity. There was no judgment or arrogance in her gaze, just a quiet determination. "I'm Madeline," she introduced herself, her voice barely a whisper. "Seven years old, and a servant at the castle."A moment of stunned silence followed. The girl's gentle demeanor completely disarmed him. "What about you?" she inquired, tilting her head slightly. "Didn't I just tell you, my name?" Thomas bristled, his annoyance returning. But before he could unleash another harsh remark, he noticed a flinch cross Madeline's face. Shamefaced, he mumbled an apology. "You're Thomas, right?" she confirmed tentatively. "That money," she began, her voice barely above a murmur, "it wasn't mine. It was entrusted to me, and if I lose it, I'll be punished severely. Betty, my fellow maid, will be in trouble too," she finished worriedly.

Thomas shifted uncomfortably under Madeline's unwavering gaze. The flickering torchlight danced across her features, illuminating them for the first time. An unexpected thought flickered through his mind - she was cute. But that realization was quickly overshadowed by the memory of his sister, 'Macy was prettier,' he thought. A blush crept up his neck as he tore his eyes away from Madeline.

"The money," he mumbled, scuffing his foot against the ground, "it's already gone. I, uh, spent it. I don't have anything left on me right now," he confessed, avoiding her gaze altogether. Shame gnawed at him. He knew his answer wouldn't appease the girl, but the thought of admitting his predicament to anyone, especially cute girl like her, filled him with dread.

After a second of silence, Madeline said, "Alright, can you tell me something?". The weight of silence hung heavy after Madeline's question. A flicker of irritation crossed Thomas's face. "What?" he snapped. Before he could elaborate, Madeline pressed on, her voice laced with concern, "Why did you do it, Thomas?" Shame burned in his gut. "I need money," he mumbled, the words scraping against his throat. "No one will give me a job; I had no choice." His voice dropped to a near whisper, "I have two younger siblings to take care of."

Madeline, despite her young age, seemed to absorb the weight of his confession. "I will talk to the prince for you," she declared, her eyes sparkling with determination. "His Highness, Prince Sebastian, is very kind. You don't have to worry anymore." Thomas scoffed internally. 'Kind? That's rich coming from someone who lives in the lap of luxury,' he thought cynically. "What are your siblings' names?" Madeline asked, her brow furrowed in concern. But her question was met with a heavy silence. Sighing softly, Madeline decided to take matters into her own hands. She stepped outside the cell, her small frame dwarfed by the imposing doors. After a few tense minutes, a guard emerged, the key jingling in his hand. He unlocked the cell with a curt nod. "You're free. Now scram!" he barked, his gruff voice leaving no room for argument. Uncertainty clouded Thomas's face as he stepped out of the cell. He squinted into the torchlight, spotting Prince Sebastian deep in conversation with his attendant. The prince cast a brief, unreadable glance in his direction before turning and walking away from the jailhouse. Madeline skipped towards him, her eyes sparkling with a newfound warmth. "Don't get into any more trouble, alright?" she said gently. Then, reaching into her pocket, she gets two small baked goods. "Here," she offered, extending them towards him. "Give these to your siblings." A shy smile played on her lips as she added, "Goodbye, Thomas."Surprised by her unexpected kindness, Thomas hesitantly accepted the food. Shame washed over him, a stark contrast to the warmth blooming in his chest. "Thank you," he managed to mumble, his voice thick with emotion. Madeline beamed back at him, her smile radiating a genuine warmth that chased away the last vestiges of his cynicism. With a final wave, she turned and walked out of the jailhouse following her companion, leaving Thomas speechless and profoundly touched by her generosity.