JOSEPH'S DECISION
1151 Words
Chapter 4: Joseph’s Decision
Joseph stood by the window of his palace chamber, the rays of the setting sun casting a golden glow over his face. The view of the kingdom from this height was breathtaking—the lush green forests of Malia stretched out far and wide, the river glistening like silver in the distance. Yet despite the beauty before him, he felt nothing. His thoughts were consumed by the growing frustration he felt with Esther, his girlfriend. It had been months since they last had a conversation that didn’t end in an argument, and today was no different.
"Joseph! Are you even listening to me?" Esther's voice pierced through the silence of the room, sharp and demanding.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before turning to face her. There she stood, arms crossed, her striking green hair cascading over her shoulders. Esther was beautiful, undeniably so, but her beauty was often overshadowed by her constant need for control and attention.
"I heard you, Esther," Joseph replied, his voice calm but tired. "But do we have to do this every time? You know how I feel about this."
"How you feel?" Esther scoffed, stepping closer to him. "You don’t care about me anymore, do you? All you do is focus on your royal duties or your stupid training. What about us?"
Joseph clenched his jaw. He had been trying to keep his composure, but the constant accusations were wearing him down. "This isn’t about not caring. I’ve got responsibilities, Esther. Things that go beyond us. You know that."
Esther's eyes flashed with anger. "So, I’m just supposed to wait around while you play prince and forget about me? You never make time for me anymore. All I want is for you to show me that you still care. Is that too much to ask?"
He ran a hand through his black hair, frustration building. "I do care. But I need space. You’re suffocating me."
Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "Suffocating you? Fine, Joseph. If that’s how you feel, maybe we’re done here."
For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and filled with unsaid words. Joseph didn't respond, and that silence was enough for Esther. With a huff, she turned on her heel, her green hair swishing behind her as she stormed out of the room. The echo of the door slamming shut reverberated through the halls.
Joseph let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging. He had known this day was coming for a while now. The truth was, he hadn’t been happy with Esther for months. Their relationship had become more of a burden than a partnership. She was clingy, demanding, and they no longer connected in the way they once had. Still, the end of it left a hollow feeling in his chest.
But before he could dwell on it for too long, there was a knock on the door. He straightened, clearing his throat. "Come in."
The large doors creaked open, revealing a palace guard. "The queen wishes to see you, Your Highness."
Joseph nodded. "I’ll be right there."
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In the royal study, Queen Lucille sat poised on a velvet armchair, her sharp blue eyes observing the magical flame flickering in the hearth. She was beautiful, even in her age. Her silver hair was always styled perfectly, and her regal attire radiated authority. But what set her apart most was her magical power—telepathy, mind control, and illusions, all unmatched in the kingdom. As Joseph entered, she turned to him with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
"Joseph," she said, gesturing for him to sit. "We need to talk."
He obeyed, taking the seat opposite her. "What is it, Mother?"
"I’ve heard about what happened with Esther," she began, her voice soft but commanding. "I’m sorry it came to that, but perhaps it’s for the best."
Joseph shrugged, trying to dismiss the topic. "We weren’t right for each other."
The queen nodded but didn’t linger on it. "Regardless, that’s not what I called you here for. It’s time for you to focus, Joseph. You’re a prince, and there are expectations. Your powers—your telepathy, your strength—need to be honed. You must master them if you are to lead this kingdom one day."
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "I’ve been training. You know that."
"But not enough," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Your powers aren’t as strong as they should be. You need to spend more time in the magical school, focusing on your abilities. I can’t have you distracted by trivial things."
Joseph frowned. He knew this conversation was coming, but it still didn’t sit right with him. "I’ll go," he said slowly, "but only on one condition."
The queen raised an eyebrow. "And what condition is that?"
Joseph hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I want you to allow two non-nobles to attend the school with me. They have potential, and they deserve a chance."
Queen Lucille’s eyes darkened. "Non-nobles? Joseph, the magical school is for royals and nobles. You can’t be serious."
"I am serious," Joseph replied, his voice firm. "If I’m going to do this, I want them there. They deserve to be trained just like anyone else."
The queen studied him for a long moment, her gaze intense. She wasn’t one to be easily swayed, but Joseph wasn’t backing down. Finally, she sighed. "You’re stubborn, just like your father. Very well. If it means you’ll take your training seriously, I will allow it."
A smile broke across Joseph’s face. "Thank you, Mother. You won’t regret it."
"I hope not," she said, her voice cool. "Now, who are these non-nobles you’re so eager to bring into the palace?"
Joseph’s eyes lit up as he thought of Nelly and Nadia. "I have the perfect people in mind."
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Later that night, Joseph sat at his desk, writing out two invitations. His mind raced with excitement as he imagined the looks on Nelly and Nadia’s faces when they received them. Nelly, with her quiet strength, had always intrigued him, though they’d only crossed paths a few times in the city. Nadia, her friend, was sharp-witted and had an air of mystery around her. They both had powers that deserved to be nurtured, and Joseph was determined to help them realize their potential.
He sealed the invitations and handed them to a palace messenger. "Deliver these to Nelly and Nadia in the ordinary part of the kingdom."
The messenger bowed and left. Joseph watched him go, feeling a sense of purpose he hadn’t felt in a long time. His life had been a series of expectations, duties, and responsibilities, but for the first time, he was doing something that felt right.
Nelly and Nadia had no idea what was coming their way, but soon enough, they would.
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End of chapter 4
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- Writer
