The Prince of Goara

Chapter One

" Who will be the next King now? " An old lady shouted.

" Who will rule us now that the King is dead? " People asked.

King Axiaous Lewis. My uncle who has been ruling Goara for 34 straight years died due to heart failure. He was found dead in his room early this morning. My uncle has no son nor daughter. He wasn't able to have a child and no one knows the reason tho' he had many wives. Some people said it was a punishment from the gods and goddesses because he treated his people unfairly. He made them work without paying them and collected their money and wealth when they die. He was an abusive and savage King. People said he was an opponent of the last King, my Grandfather.

I am Xavier Chrisostomus Lewis, the son of the fourth prince of Goara- Christio Abrille Lewis. When my grandfather died a long time ago, my father decided to move to a faraway city with my mom. Anxious, the first prince of Goara took place of the throne and started ruling our world. All the other princes of Goara stayed with the new King.

When a loyal guard of my father came into our place and reported that the King died, we rushed to the palace to mourn and meet the other princes.

People were worried and some are celebrating because the a***e they were receiving from the King has finally ended.

The Princes and the Dukes to the Barons were having a meeting of who can take over the throne to rule Goara since the King has no child. I already met my cousins earlier. They were getting along but because I was far from them for a long time, they were treating me like a stranger. I don't care about them too.

" Hey, do you wanna be the next King? " One asked, Noeru who was standing right behind me. The only son of the second prince.

" I bet he does. Imagine living a boring and low-natured life when you're the son of the fourth prince. Tsk, he's a loser just like his father. " Airone added, the son of the third prince.

" And ambitious! " Aesoree spoke, Airone's brother.

" Imagine living a successful life but doesn't have good manners! " My brother said, imitating Airone. They were offended by what Demitri said and I know what will happen next.

" Demitri, stop! " I shouted. Glaring at him. I took a gaze at my cousin's and left them with no words. I heard my brother rushing to me.

" They insulted OUR father and our family, why did you let them? You're such a coward! " I was moved by what he said so I stopped walking and looked at him. He stood firmly and run away. That kid, such a badass.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" People of Goara, we have finally decided. " the second prince started.

" The princes along with the dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons of Goara. The sons of the princes; Noeru Lewis, Airone Lewis, Aesoree Lewis, Xavier Chrisostomus Lewis, and Demitri Bron Lewis will compete for the throne and the deserving prince will be crowned as the new King of Goara. " He announced which made loud murmurings, rants, and praises. All the people were shocked and also us, this is so surprising 'cause it could've been one of them-the princes. But why do we have to compete now? This is such a s**t. I looked at my cousins and they seemed well and unbothered. They have a still face and Noeru looked at me with a mocking smile.

" So people of Goara, there's no need to worry because you are now facing the future King of Goara! " More loud noises came from the crowd was heard. I know this ain't a really good idea because the people don't trust us now. The Lewis name doesn't have a good reputation anymore because of the last King.

My brother looked at me and held my arm, he looks nervous. He has a heart condition in which he could not be too nervous, happy, mad nor sad. I tapped him and gave an assuring smile. He flashed a weak smile and we finally left.

" But this ain't a good idea, and I don't want to be part of this mess! " I argued with my father.

" This is for our people, for our world. Goara needs a responsible and deserving King. This is an order, Xavier! " He replied.

" How about Demitri? Can't you just let them compete and let's not be part of it. We're doing well in our place so let's just stay there and run away from this just like what you did! " My dad was petrified and gave me sharp look.

" Xavier, don't start me. There's no turning back. You will and you must. About Demitri, you are there to take care of him so do not disappoint me. You're not a Lewis for nothing. " He calmly said and took a sip of his tea.

" Do you aim for the throne now too? Do you now regret what you did before? Do you want power now? " I confusedly asked.

" Watch your mouth, kid. I don't want to hear a word from you anymore. " He poker-faced.

" So am I! "I said and walked out.

I saw my mom talking to Demitri and he seemed unwell.

I grew up protecting and taking care of my brother because of his condition. I grew up obeying and taking orders from my father and now that I'm grown up, can't I choose and decide for myself still? I know how the system in the palace works. It's a mess when it comes to the throne. And I don't want to be part of the mess 'cause I wanna live peacefully with my family. Never did I think of being a King nor having power.

" Prince Xavier, honor to meet you. " Aila coldly said when I got in front of her. She's my long-time lover.

" Tsk. Stop it, I'm not a prince. " I replied. But still, she remained silent while looking down.

" What's wrong with you, Aila? " I asked.

" How may I help you, Prince? " She replied still looking down.

" Geez, this is so wrong. " I went back to the palace and summoned for the second prince.

" I don't wanna be part of this. " I directly said to him. He smiled mockingly and looked sideways.

" Well, just as I expected. But, you have to. Don't you worry, surely, you'll never be the King? Just participate, we only need your presence. "

" How could you be so sure? " I asked.

" 'Cause, you are your father's son. Get that, kid? " He then smiled and walk past me.

No wonder why Noeru is a kickass.

All I wanted was to marry Aila, start a family and live peacefully. But now this?

I'm walking back to my horse so I could go home now but I heard loud noises from the people in a distance. I decided to go there and see what's happening. As I got closer to it, the louder the cry of a woman was being heard. I saw a man wearing a palace guard's clothes hitting a young guy who seemed to be a civilian and a woman crying and begging the guard to stop hitting his son that is near to death and bathing in his blood. I couldn't stand watching them so without hesitation I stepped in and held the guard's arm which made him shocked.

I pushed him so he fell then I immediately checked the young guy full of blood. I carried him and gave him to a carriage and told them to bring him to a physician so that he can be healed. I then get back to the guard and asked why he did that but he refused to answer.

" He was collecting taxes but we have paid out tax already and he keeps insisting to get the money from my son when my son refused to give him the money he started hitting my son," the mother said. All the people around us agreed with the statement of the mother.

" Was that an order to you? Do you have the right to hit civilians here? Violence isn't prohibited here?! " I screamed out of anger. The guard remained silent. I held him up and asked.

" Who commanded you to do that? " I asked. Still, he remained silent.

" WHO COMMANDED YOU TO DO THAT?! " He almost jumped out of scare. He holds onto my knees while the face on the floor and begged.

" He will kill me if I tell you. Please, forgive me. " He begged. He was almost crying.

" C'mon, tell me. We need to sort things out. You know, you're not supposed to do that, right? "

. He nodded and still pleading. He stood up . . .

" I'm sorry but I can't tell you " He left and ran as fast as he can.

I wonder who could it be. Since the King is dead, things like this should've ended. Unless someone is ordering them to do this. I bet he has the power, but I won't let this pass.

Instead of going back home, I decided to roam around here and see the condition of the ordinary people. I saw many things that I shouldn't have. Kids were starving, people were stealing foods, some were overpricing the foods and products. This ain't a world with a King. I don't know why I had an uncle like that, it's good that he's dead now.

" Hey, where have you been? " Demitri asked soon as I got to our place here in the palace. My dad looked at me sharply so I just ignored it. Demitri was packing his things 'cause we have to move in with our cousins because of that so-called 'competition'.

" I want t to be the next King. " Everyone looked at me. They all look surprised. Especially my father but he flashed a joyous smile after.

" What made you change your mind? " He asked.

" The people. " I started, everyone seemed to be curious.

" They need a King that will guide and lead them to a better future, a King that sees their needs. And that is me. " I said and left them without any expression on my face. They were left speechless. I started packing my things and later then left with Demitri.

" Hey, you were so cool. I wish you'll be the next King! " He cheerfully said.

" How about you, aren't you interested in the throne? " I asked. I saw a shy smile before he speaks.

" Not really. I don't think I'm that King you were saying " We both laughed.

" I thought you didn't want to be the next king, Xavier? " Noeru mockingly said.

" Time flies " I replied and gave him a mocking smile.

" TSS. You can't win against me. " He confidently said.

" Let's see. " I said then walk to my bed.

It was a tough day tho'. I closed my eyes, I can't believe my life would change in a glimpse. I guess life starts now.

" Sir, please give us food. We haven't eaten anything for three days. A bread is enough, sir. " A starving kid begged. My heart melted as I heard those words coming from a very young child. I gave them all the food that I bought from the food vendors.

I was distracted by the noises coming from here and there. I don't even know where to go first. This place is the place where you can see the poor governance and failed leadership of the passed king.

" He stole the fruits I was selling! Kill him! " A man shouted.

The people stopped the other man running with fruits in his hands. He looks nervous and disturbed. I walked near him when the fruit vendor was about to hit him with a rock. I stopped the vendor and asked them to calm down and let me talk to the man.

" I am Xavier Lewis, son of the fourth prince. " I calmly introduced myself to the man. As the people heard it, murmurings can be heard in the place. The man in front of me almost cried to death and pleads not to kill him. He almost kissed the floor begging to forgive him. I tapped his shoulders and asked the reason why he did that. He explained that he has a starving child and he needs to feed them but he doesn't have the money to buy food so he stole the fruits.

" I will pay for the fruits, Mister. " I talked to the vendor. I let the man who stole the fruits go home and bring the food to his children so that he could feed them.

All along, I was enjoying and living a stable life while these people were starving. It was such a disgrace turning a blind eye for these people. The King was such a disgrace. How could he let his people starve when he was eating plenty of foods in the palace? I can't believe this.

I wonder if my cousins would do the same 'cause if they will be like the passed king, the throne should be mine. I know what the people need and I know I am the one who can help them. So I will now aim for the throne to save my people.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" Today is the first day for your training and yes, you'll have to train in fighting first so that if you will ever be the King, you know how to protect yourself. A King protects his people, to protect them, he must know how to protect himself first. "

Airone looked at me and Demitri.

" Poor Xavier and Demitri, they still don't know how to fight," Airone said and they laughed.

" SHUT YOUR MOUTH, PRINCE! " the man who's training us said.

I smiled as his face turned mad red. We already had our lessons earlier and it's time for the sparring now. The first assigned to fight is Noeru and Airone.

" Fight! "

They both started moving and Noeru first aimed to attack. Luckily, Airone was able to avoid Noeru's stick. Everyone was watching intensely while I was observing their moves. I wanna know how they strike, defense, and avoid the strike of their opponent. As they keep on fighting, Airone was finally able to strike Noeru and he failed to avoid it. He then hit the neck of Airone and strike him with the stick on the left leg.

After being struck, Airone then fell off the ground and their match ended.

It was Demitri's turn to fight against Noeru.

" Fight! "

The face Noeru's wearing did not disturb Demitri, instead, he focused on how he can strike on Noeru's arms first.

" C'mon little kiddo. " Said Noeru.

My brother took his step closer to Noeru and he succeeded in hitting Noeru's arm. He was probably shocked 'coz it looks like he didn't expect that Demitri can fight. Then, Noeru struck Demitri on the left leg but Demitri was hard to beat. I knew he wouldn't give up. Demitri tried striking Noeru on the right leg but he failed 'coz Noeru was just too fast to avoid it. What made me worry was when Noeru struck Demitri on the right leg intensely and my brother fell off. Noeru wasn't contented, he was going to hit Demitri on the head so I halted him with my stick. They were all shock, even our trainer.

Noeru looked at me with anger on his face but of a sudden, he flashed a grin. I signed Demitri to move back 'coz it's my turn to fight this s**t. When Noeru was about to hit me on the neck but I moved so fast and hit him on the stomach. The only sound that can be heard in the place was the sound of our sticks. When I got the chance to go behind him, I immediately struck his right leg that caused him to fall. Some were cheering me while Noeru's face was burning red. Airone and Aesoree almost dropped their jaws.

. . . . . . . . . . .

The past few days went well. Tho' sometimes Noeru is still trying to get his revenge because he lost n the match. Things were getting quite easy, not until now. I was just walking on the corridor back to our room when I heard sounds coming from a room. I decided to look and I saw what a man was doing. Tonight, we are about to have a meeting with the princes of Goara. The man I'm watching right now is putting something on a cup of wine that will be served later for one of us. He was trembling with fear so he made it quickly and checked if no one sees it.

Fortunately, I saw everything he did. I could not help myself but follow the guy, he was walking quickly heading to a dark place at the back of the palace. There is no person there, why would he go there? Still, I followed him without him noticing. I was about to reveal myself to him and confront him but I almost jumped to death when I saw who he was about to meet. It was Noeru.

" Are you sure no one saw you? " Noeru asked and the guy nodded his head while looking down. Noeru looked around and gave something to the guy. It was a paper with money inside. Soon as the guy received the money, he left with no words.

" So, how are you, princes? " The second prince asked.

" We are doing great, your highness. " Noeru politely replied. He was grinning while looking at my brother.

The servants already served the wine for each and one of us. I saw the cup that the guy had put something was served for me and the smile on Noeru's face was getting bigger.

I talked to the servant earlier that she should serve me the cup so that no one will get harmed if it has poison. At first, the lady refused because it was meant to be served for Demitri but then she agreed when I gave her money.

" Lewis " The 'cheers' for the royal family in Goara is our Last name so that's what we say when we toast.

All of them drank their cup of wine but I just smelled mine and pretended I drank it. The smell, shouldn't be like this, it has a distinct odor and smells like castor beans. Castor beans are poisonous and deadly. It naturally contains the poison ricin. The odor was strong and I think it is about 7 seeds was on it.

This is purposely done because they want to kill the person who's supposedly drinking this wine now and it was my brother.

The smile on Noeru's face isn't fading. It leads me to a bright idea to make him confess his crime.

" Was it good, Noeru? " I asked while grinning.

" What do you mean? " He asked with confusion on his face but still smiling.

" The wine? " I said. His eyes grew bigger.

" W-what about t-the wine? " He asked to stutter.

" That was supposed to be Demitri's cup but I just thought that it might be better than the one meant to be served for you because you deserve it more than my brother 'coz remember, you beat him on the match? " I explained. His reaction was kinda funny. He looks like he can see his death.

" I-is that t-true? " He asked the servant. And the lady nodded while looking on the ground.

" I n-need a doctor! Doctor! Call a doctor now! " He said panicking. No one was moving 'cause they don't know what's happening. Even the princes were confused.

" What's going on with you?! " said the second prince.

" Please, call a doctor now! Save my life! " he panicked.

" You bastard! I'll kill you! Call a doctor!!! " he commanded and some already called a doctor.

" What the hell is happening?! " The third prince shouted.

" Noeru ordered someone to kill my brother by poisoning him with castor beans. " I started. The doctor arrived immediately.

" Save me! Save my life! " Noeru pleaded to the doctor.

" I lied. I didn't exchange your cup and my brother's. Instead, I exchanged my cup and my brother's cup " Everyone was confused. I placed my cup in the middle of the table.

" Check it. It has castor beans. I knew it because of the strong odor of castor beans. I supposed it has 7 to 9 seeds. " I said. The doctor then checked the cup and he confirmed what I said. When I was a kid, my brother almost died because of a poisonous plant but luckily he survived and that's why I studied the different kinds of poisonous and deadly plants.

Noeru's father looked at him and glared.

" You'll have to pay for this. "

" Hey, thank you for doing that. If it weren't for you, I may be dead now. You always save my life. " Demitri thanked me.

" I guess, that's what I'm born to do. " I joked and we both laughed a little.

We're here on the bridge near the palace. Hoping for fresh air.

" I feel guilty. " I thought he was joking but I got halted from laughing when I noticed his serious face while looking from afar.

" Bro, don't take it seriously. " I said.

" Whenever I'm in trouble, you put yourself in that situation. " He seriously said.

I sighed.

" We're brothers. It's my choice to save you. Besides, I can't afford to lose you. " I replied.

" That's the thing. I don't know how to protect myself so you gotta risk your life for me. " He answered.

" Get to the point. What do you want to say? " I asked.

I was looking at him while he's not even throwing a gaze at me.

" Don't do that again. " He said and finally looked at me.

" Do what? " I confusedly said.

" Just let me be. Stop saving my life. Let me protect myself. I can fight on my own now. " He emotionlessly said.

" Seriously? What's wrong with you? I can't see any problem with a brother saving his younger brother. " I said.

He just gave me a final gaze and left me with no words.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" Ooh, looks like they're not getting along anymore. " Airone teased.

They've noticed Demitri and I's a cold treatment to each other since last night.

" What seems to be the reason, kiddos? " Noeru asked but we both ignored him.

He was punished after what he did last time.

We're all taking tests from the 3 most intelligent educators in Goara today.

It has been 8 months since we started competing for the throne. And it has been Noeru who's got on top of us. I can't blame him, he's that great.

" Xavier got the highest among all of you "

It was a long and tiring day so I decided to sneak out late at night and see Aila. I was about to go now when something halted me, I heard two people arguing. I was petrified when I heard my name.

" I did what you told me to do! " A man defensively said.

" But you failed. Just like what you did last time, you failed to kill his brother. I shouldn't have adopted you. " The time I heard those words, anger rushed in me and I wanted to meddle with them and beat those bastards. It was Noeru and his father.

But did I just heard the word 'adopted'?

I ran out as fast as I can when I heard footsteps.

" Ai--"

I was about to call her but I saw her with somebody that I don't know.

I ran for almost an hour just to see her in someone's arms. I wanted to run but my feet won't cooperate, it's like I'm stuck here and I can't move.

The guy was weeping in Aila's shoulders and she was comforting him soundly. I felt sudden chest pain and it murdered me.

When Aila turned her gaze at me, I felt the urge to run and I did.

I felt numb when I stopped running. The rain started falling as my tears were flowing abundantly. The pain inside me thrashed me again. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I just found myself on the bridge near the palace. The picture of them flashed in my mind again.

BANG.

It hits me again.

What did I do to deserve this kind of lethal pain? I keep thinking of any possible reason that might be valid for me to accept but still, it hurts more.

" Can't sleep? "

I was dumbfounded when I met his eyes. He was also drenched by the rain. He coldly looked at me.

" Wanna drink? " He added. He looked as fragile as I am. Confusion swallowed me when he spilled those words. In a few minutes, I found myself sitting next to this dipshit. We were drinking alcohol. He has this melancholic aura that I've never seen before.

" A-ahm... "

" You don't have to talk. Just drink. "

I was stupefied. I just did as he says. I drank as many glasses as I can. It feels satisfying. I feel like drowning myself with alcohol. I feel so wasted.

I rest my heart . . .