Chapter 5
Change of POV - Angelo
Angelo was so mad at Frellius, that he let his poker face fall and revealed his emotions to the courtroom. How could he not be when his so-called best friend suddenly became merciful towards the man who caused his father’s death?
Well, it was the bandit’s father who caused that tragedy, but it felt so unfair. How come he got to bid his father farewell before he died, whereas Angelo never even got the chance to meet his own?
‘Ugh, I can’t believe that my mother let this criminal live! She should have beheaded him just like his traitor father but no, only because he was a child, he got to escape and cause more pain to people.’ Angelo thought as he was roaming through the castle, trying to calm himself down. ‘Maybe Frellius is right, I shouldn’t hold grudges against those who have not committed the crime, but it’s just so hard to see a living reminder of that traitor!’
At that point, tears were streaming down his cheeks. He tried to dry them with his handkerchief, but it was still noticeable as his eyes looked like he was tired beyond what was normal. Everything was the same ever since he was born, one of the servants would come to wake him up every morning, and he’d get bathed, get dressed, do some duties as a prince, and then train in the arena with all kinds of weapons; at the end of the day, he would wear his sleeping robe and lay down on his bed. All this time, he would only catch glimpses and peeks of his mother, who was always busy ruling the kingdom, instead of speaking with her face to face.
As long as he could remember, she was never there. Even his very first memory, which he remembers to this day, is of him, playing with a dog, while one of the servants was walking him through the gardens of the castle. His mother was there only when he celebrated his birthday or when it was his father’s death anniversary. He loved his mother and did not doubt that she felt the same, but it was too much on her. She was a woman leading a country, so she had it harder with all the people doubting her. But no matter how difficult things were, she always had a smile on her face whenever she saw her only son.
Angelo sighed and put on a neutral face; he did not need people taking pity on him. Not even Frellius ever saw him cry nowadays, even though they were best friends.
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When he was walking near the stairs leading to the dungeon, there were two guards standing there. Angelo’s anger suddenly rose again, and he wanted to give the prisoners a piece of his mind.
But when he stepped near, the men blocked his way. “I’m sorry, but prince Frellius does not want to be disturbed.” One of them said.
“What?! Why?! What is he doing down there?!” Angelo got worried, since, as long as he knows him, Angelo’s friend has never taken interest in any of the prisoners, but he was into adventures and mysteries, so he might be dumbly throwing himself in danger again.
That mere thought was enough to gather all his strength to push the two guards away and rush down as fast as he could.
But in half of the stairs, he bumped into the person he ran in for and that caused Frellius to lose his balance and he started to fall backwards.
Thankfully Angelo caught his wrist and pulled him up.
“What are you doing down here?” Frellius asked nonchalantly, still a little shaken from what could have happened a few moments ago. There was also a slither of worry about something else, but Angelo could not tell what it was. “Me?! I should be asking you that since you want to get yourself killed by talking to those criminals! Are you trying to play on the hero or something?! Because I would have called you a fool if you weren’t my friend!” Angelo yelled all his fury out at him, but it was still not gone.
He regretted his words immediately when he came back to his senses and saw that Frellius was trying to hide that his eyes were glimmering because of the tears that gathered in them. At first, Angelo looked shocked, since- as he said before- none of them saw the other ever cry, this was all new to him. He did not know what to do when somebody is crying beside his mother. He panicked and the same was with the other boy.
“I-I’m sorry, Frelly, I just yelled the first thing that got in my mouth, and it was not even meant for you, it was directed towards those bastards, and I shouldn’t have even started about it and-“Angelo started rambling while gesturing wildly with his hands, but Frellius stopped him.
“It’s okay, you apologized, I’m fine, there’s nothing to talk about anymore, so please leave me alone now.” He said with tears now trickling down his cheeks and he ran up the stairs as fast as he could before anybody could stop him.
Angelo was left speechless with his hand stretched in a gesture to stop him, but he did not dare to make his plan a reality. ‘What…was that?’ he questioned. Frellius looked so hurt and fragile that Angelo half expected that he would break if he touched him even by the tip of his fingers.
It was a long while before Angelo returned to reality, realizing that his hand, which he still had stretched, started to hurt and so he drew it back.
A whole new set of anger rose within him, and he stomped his way down at a rapid pace.
When he reached the bottom, he was basically running. He ran up to the surprised bandit in the left cell and pulled him closer by his collar. “What…did you and Frellius talk about?” Angelo said in a cold tone that would send shivers down anybody’s spine, but the man just chuckled.
“Why should I tell the likes of you, hm?” The prisoner responded, mocking Angelo the same way he was teasing Frellius just a while ago.
“Because I’m the prince of Sunlight kingdom and best friend of Frellius, prince of Moonlit kingdom, and all it takes to let you be beheaded publicly- just like your father- is a mere word of mine.” Angelo threatened, but it seemed to do nothing as the man he had his grip on grinned. “Do you really think that after you yelled at him like that, he’s still willing to be your friend? You’re such a fool.”
The prisoner unknowingly spoke aloud what was playing in Angelo’s mind and now that he acknowledged it, he could not stop thinking about it.
‘What if this criminal is right, what if Frellius really hates me now?! No, Frelly would never do that, he promised to be my friend and so he wouldn’t leave me…right…?’ Angelo was even more unsure than before since he has no idea how Frellius normally reacts to situations like this one.
Angelo let go of the man’s clothes, turned around and ran to the stairs. He had to make sure that Frellius won’t leave him as everybody else did. He has other friends, mostly children of the nobles, but he never really perceived them as anything more than minions who will do anything if you have power and money. He hated this kind of people, but they held onto him and Frellius like leeches, refusing to let go. Frellius was the only one who risked everything just to be Angelo's friend, even his right to be the next king was once at stake, and so he couldn't let Frellius leave him!
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When he finally reached his best friend’s chamber, he knocked on the door. “Is it you, Angelo? Come on in.” A voice sounded from inside and Angelo’s heart stung at the tone of it. It wasn’t as cheerful or careless as it should have been. Now it was as if somebody sucked all of the joy and emotions out of it and all that was left was an emotionless shell. Angelo had to bite his lips to not tear up the moment he heard it. 'No, he won't leave me, I'll fix it!' He gulped and opened the door.
“Hey, Frellius, I’m sorry for how I acted in the dungeon, and I hope that it won't destroy our friendship and that you can forgive me someday. Have a good night's rest, see you at breakfast.” Angelo said with a gentle tone of voice, looked Frellius in the eyes for the last time and left.
“Thank you for apologizing. I forgive you.” Frellius said warmly after the door closed, but it was too late for Angelo to hear.
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Or so he thought because Angelo had stayed for a little while behind the door to collect himself and heard it. A faint smile appeared on his face. “Thank you.” He whispered with a faint smile and went on his way.