The Crown Of Tears

"Prince Angelus Tiberius Rathmore, accept the royal decree, " the royal adviser intersected Prince Angelus's path.

Prince Angelus frowned. He grudgingly went down on his knees to accept the royal decree from his father.

"For the rude behaviour demonstrated yesterday to the king in the presence of the royal mistress and his guests. The King has cancelled your royal attendant and any plans for the celebration of your birthday in the castle," the royal adviser read out.

"What!" Princess Runa exclaimed in shock.

"You are hereby ordered to stay within the vicinity of the east wing of the castle and reflect on your actions," he concluded, reading the royal decree out loud for the prince.

Prince Angelus stretched forth his arms and received it. He felt abashed by the royal decree, which added another line between his eyebrows.

He was displeased beyond words. Despite being the victim of the whole ploy, he was the one on the receiving end of the stick. Prince Angelus loathed his father to the core for discriminating against him.

"I can't believe Father isn't letting you celebrate your birthday, " Runa uttered. Her anger consumed the happy moment she was sharing with her brother. "Ontop of that, he is cancelling your attendants. How will you get ready and survive without your servants? "

Prince Angelus clenched his fingers around the royal decree. He coldly watched the royal adviser pullback after dropping the bad news. Embers burning in his pupils, a fire that desired to burn down every inch of the palace, with everyone inside.

"I'll speak to Mother immediately. She will know how to fix this," Runa thought. "Don't worry, brother. I won't let your day be ruine..."

"I want to be left alone, Runa. Thank you for the flowers... they are lovely," Prince Angelus turned around and started his walk back to his room.

He wasn't permitted off the grounds by the king. While his whole world was falling apart around him, he could only sulk alone in his chambers. Prince Angelus cursed the stars that gave luck to his enemies.

Prince Angelus entered his room. He set the purple roses on the table and picked up a black cloak from his wardrobe. It was his birthday, and the prince refused to spend the day in the castle mourning all he lost. Tears weren't going to change his fate, but a day in the sun promised some enlightenment.

He sneaked out of his room through the secret passage that only he was aware of to leave the palace. Prince Angelus wished to put oceans between him and his family.

Family is supposed to be the pillars that he relies on in times of trouble. However, being born a prince, family was the trouble he needed protection from.

On such occasions, his feet found their way to Gael. His peace and comfort. Unfortunately, the man was in the castle, preparing to get engaged to the crown princess of Sevigoria.

'Where do I go when the one who brings me peace isn't there to receive me?' he mulled over his predicament.

The path led him to a small opening at the back of the castle walls, next to the palace river. Prince Angelus exited from the opening, and he traced his steps to a small rock near the river. Pushing the rock slightly out of position, he found a satchel of gold coins he had concealed away for emergencies.

He retrieved it and the wooden identity plate inside. For the day, he was a highbrow from Royal Arts Academy. An identity that gives him the freedom to wander around the city without any hassles.

Prince Angelus set out to the city on foot. He took the path through the woods, as it was rarely used, and hence, it provided an easy route to the city.

The streets of Werthingham city were bustling with activity. The populace of the city proceeded about their business as usual. A scene that angered Prince Angelus deeply.

A celebration in the palace was a cause for a feast in the city and the whole kingdom. It was birthday, a reason for the nation to celebrate and be delighted, yet no one seemed to care.

"It's seems the beast has angered the king with his presence. That explains why the king forbade anyone from celebrating his birthday," Prince Angelus heard as he made his way through the market.

"I can't believe our beautiful queen birthed a monster. One which the royal family can't parade out in public," another vendor gave mind to the topic.

"The king is handsome, and the queen is a rare beauty. Why is the crown prince a troll?"

"I hope the beast won't be allowed to ascend the throne and be our king," an old woman spoke up from the side.

Prince Angelus hung back, his feet rooted on the spot as he took in what his subjects had to say about him. He gritted his teeth and grasped the hems of his cloak, rage overwhelming his senses.

"The crown prince should be deposed at the earliest! "

"The king should crown Prince Ambrose or Augustus as next in line for the crown! "

"The beast should be slaughtered and sent to the heavens to bring peace to Sevigoria! "

"Prince Angelus is a bad omen. He should be sent into exile! "

Prince Angelus heard the comments from the local vendors in silence. He drank in all the hateful utterances and their vile wishes. The subjects of Sevigoria didn't know him, but that didn't stop them from cursing at him.

They wished for him to be deposed, exiled, replaced, and killed. Angelus ran away from the castle to get some fresh air and peace. His people gave him a bigger headache than the people in the palace.

Everywhere he went, there was someone who wished his ruin. The only crime he was guilty of was being born a prince.

"Such a foul beast shouldn't be allowed to live. He will be Sevigoria's undoing! "

The nasty remarks from the people scarred his already wounded heart. Prince Angelus rubbed the space between his eyebrows. His heart grew cold towards the subjects of his kingdom.

"When I am king, all you will know is the true definition of a beast!" he swore angrily.