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603 Words
Noorh stared blankly at the verdant hedges and colorful flowers arranged outside the window in an intricate maze.
He had always wanted to explore the place, but he was f*******n from ever leaving his residence without the king's permission. The garden looked so lively and cheerful than the four dreary corners of his almost dark and empty bedroom.
The walls of his room were intricately painted with scenes that reminded him of his family's lineage. It told tales constantly reminding him of his life's purpose and existence. The polished scarlet wooden floor beneath his feet reminded him of the blood that had been spilt because of him, and the gold drapes reminded him of the responsibility he had to carry on his shoulders at a young age.
Noorh always felt like he was trapped in that room, no matter how it was lavishly it was furnished.
Looking out his window was his only reprieve. Unfortunately, he lost access to it during gatherings. He was f*******n from opening his window when there were guests at the garden. He would either be sent to the attic to study, or sent to the grounds to train until his body collapsed in exhaustion.
Eight-year-old Noorh was a prisoner in his own home.
"Noorah," a familiar voice excitedly called out from behind him.
He turned around and found a young man smiling happily back at him. The shade of his hair and the obsidian hue of his eyes matched Noorh's. It was the only real resemblance they shared as siblings.
"Sorry, I'm late. Let's go?"
"Go where?" Noorh asked, confused. He had a nagging feeling that the young man shouldn't be there.
"Outside, silly. Didn't I promise to take you out today?" He extended his hand out to Noorh. "I'm here to keep that promise. Take my hand and we'll leave this boring room of yours behind."
"You'll get me out of here?"
"Of course! Haven't you been waiting for me all this time?"
Noorh's heart leapt with excitement. He was finally leaving his room - his cage! Then a thought hit him. "Won't you get in trouble?" Noorh would be leaving without the king's permission if he accepted the invitation.
"Me? In trouble? It's them who will get in trouble if they cross me. So, are we going to leave this place or are we going to wait for them to catch us?"
Noorh smirked. He reached out to accept his hand.
"I'm so sorry. Please don't leave me," a familiar voice echoed from the garden.
Noorh turned around, wondering who it was.
"I promise to work hard and help you. I'll be more like Alessa if I have to."
Alessa? Who was Alessa? Was the voice from Alessa? No. It didn't seem that way.
"Just please…please stay with me…"
A feeling of warmth bloomed from his chest. Noorh glanced down and found a white light slowly wrapping around his body.
"I guess I'm no longer needed here," another familiar voice said. This one came from the doorway.
Noorh glanced at it and found a silhouette at the door. He recognized him.
"Come home soon, Noorh," the voice said before everything became blindingly white.
***
Noorh snapped his eyes open and felt the ice, cold breeze against his exposed skin. He wondered how it could be possible when he was properly clothed. He looked down and found Kiran crying over his shoulder. "Kiran?"
Kiran gasped and leaned away. "Noorh! You're alive! Oh thank everyone holy here that you're alive. I thought you were gone."
Noorh stared confused at her, then at his body. "So you undressed me?"
- Writer
