The Boy

Chapter 4 (Zen) [March 3041]

Aliceter Mc. Lain? Prince!? What!? Alice was THE prince of the Unicorns? Why did I not realize it sooner? There were so many hints, like his high education, or how he could come to my coronation, also the fact he could come into the Dark forest. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that Alice was suspicious, and that he may be someone important. I also know that only royal unicorns can turn into human form.

I looked towards the entrance and spotted the group that had just entered. The King and Queen were easy to spot, as they were in the front and looked aged yet beautiful. Then a man with dark blue hair walked behind the King and Queen. I suspected him to be the Crown Prince. Then there he was, that beautiful blue-silver hair, sky-blue eyes, and a scent that calmed me down.

Aliceter Mc. Lain. A Prince. I am glad he is second in line. . . Wait! What! How could I think that about my friend!

I thought to myself as I headed towards the Mc. Lain’s. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest, most likely because I really hoped that this “Aliceter Mc. Lain” was the Alice that I knew. Alice who was mature, but also a child at heart. Alice who looks like a beautiful angel. My Alice, who saved me. My Alice.

I was still a few feet away from the family, but I could see that they were all wearing something blue and silver. They all looked beautiful, like fairytale characters in a book. They looked so unreal, like magic.

I walked towards them. I could feel many eyes on me, wondering what I was hoping to achieve. I could care less about what fantasies they had in their heads about me, but the only thing that I wanted was to talk to “Aliceter Mc. Lain” and confirm who he really is.

"Your Majesties, It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Zen Wistalia Clarines, and I am the Crown Prince of Wistalia Kingdom. I heard there were problems while traveling. I hope nothing much happened, and if something did I would be happy to help out.” I could feel myself rambling on and on.

My rambling is probably getting on their nerves. I really wanted to stop, but I did not know what else I could say. How should I ask if Prince Aliceter was Alice? Should I just speak up? Should I stay quiet? I don't know what to do!

ALICE! I swear, if you really are the prince, just wait and see! I’ll be mad at you for a while.

I thought to myself, but then I heard a chuckle. A deep chuckle, that sounded sweet and caring. It was the same laugh that I had heard last night. It calmed me down, and made me feel safe.

"Hello there, Zen. Looks like I lost the bet.”

That deep voice sent shivers down my spine, I could also feel my eyes burning. I could feel the silence in the air, and all eyes were on me. I really wanted to turn invisible and run away.

Are you really Alice?

"Yes, I am your Alice.” He answered me while showing me the warmest smile.

"Did I say that out loud!?” I didn't realize that I had spoken out loud.

"No,” Alice turned around to face his family, “Mother, Father, I am going to hang out with Prince Zen. We have been friends for a long time, he is the person I told you about.”

He told his parents about me?

At that moment, I saw the cold faces of the King and Queen of The Mc. Lain Kingdom turns into warm smiles. They looked at each other, nodded, and then turned to me and Alice. Who was suddenly next to me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Zen.” Queen Eleanor spoke softly.

"Truly, Happy Birthday and congratulations on your upcoming coronation.” King Asher whispered into my ear. He really was similar to Alice in this regard.

"Th-Thank You! I- um- I am really grateful that all four of you could join me on this joyous day.” I could feel my cheeks heating up, but I kept smiling.

This is totally not prince-like! Ahhh I just want to bury my head in a pillow!

"Oh dear!” The Queen suddenly spoke, “You don’t know, do you? Alice! You didn't tell him!”

That really startled me. Did Alice not tell me something. . . Wait, is this about his identity?

"Mother,” For the first time the crown prince spoke, “Please can we stop making a scene here. We are not in our own country, this is a foreign country and it’s been more than a decade since we came to the outside world.”

His stern voice reminded me of Father when he becomes angry. There was this one time I broke a sculpture that he admired, and he was mad at me for a long time. Not that I blame him, I was playing around the castle with magic although everyone around me (my teachers, mentors, maids, and father) told me not to.

"I-" I started, but got stopped by Crown Prince Chester.

"Your Highness, since I am older than you, would you mind if I just called you Crown Prince Zen?” He asked.

"Yes, that would be great.” I replied slowly, then someone grabbed my shoulder tightly, “Father!”

"Son, It is time to toast and cut the cake.” He told me, and then looked at the family in front of me.

"Good Afternoon, I am Kain Wistalia Clarines, King of Wistalia Kingdom. I hope that we all get to know each other this week.” He talked with his “king voice”, as I called it.

Father uses his “King voice” with people who he doesn't know, or does not like. About two years ago, around the time I broke his sculpture, he used his “King voice” with me and I complained to Alice about it. So, when he chuckled under his breath, I knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

"Z-zen.. He sounds exactly like you told me!” Alice said to me, telepathically and while giggling, which really caught me off guard.

"Alice! You could have told me that you were a prince! Do you know how anxious I was, waiting for you, and what was the secret that Queen Eleanor was talking about?” I asked him back with telepathy.

It was just the first day of the celebration and I was already tired. First it was Prince Anastacius, then a bunch of old noblemen introducing their daughters, and finally Alice. Honestly, could this day get any more eventful!?

As my luck would have it, it did.