Gazing upon the garden through glass, he stared endlessly at his elder siblings basking in the presence of the sun. A large book far too heavy for his small hands weighing heavily on his lap, restricting him from experiencing the joy that flows through young children such as himself.

Something he could only dream of in the latest hours of the night.

Kiran sighed, his head tilting forward in a motion of defeat as his radiant diamond eyes shifted into freshly polished gloss.

So much on his mind, yet unable to speak upon it.

His lack of companionship and communication with those outside of the palace was something that isolated him from the rest of the world.

Kiran blamed it on his birthright.

Though no resentment was created. Not once towards anyone whatsoever. He accepted those around him with soft smiles even as the other royals sneered in envy.

Small fingers clutched the edges of the book, his tinier frown deepening as it curled downwards.

But even as he wobbled unsteadily to set the book back down onto the cushion he rested upon and stood straight, the emotionless expression on his face was something he had to wear with pride.

That was what his father commanded.

His shoes clicked along the polished flooring of his studying quarters, recalling the request of his presence in the banquet hall when the beaming sun hit the final point of the horizon.

Gliding his hand along the thick railing, accented with true gold and cleaned to perfection, he took his time descending the stairs. His eyes almost taking on a condescending look as he stared down at the large amount of people awaiting his arrival.

But he meant nothing by it.

It was simply something he was ordered to adhere.

“Kiran.” His mother greeted, gently placing a hand on the small of his back when he reached their thrones. To which he replied with a curt nod, like a royal above should always do.

“Run along and grant your siblings your presence for a little while. Your father will be here shortly. You are to earn the trust of the children belonging to our neighboring kingdoms, is that understood?”

Despite her gentle touch, the firmness in her voice as she spoke to him and the refusal of her gaze said her request was not to be questioned. And that it was not a request at all, but a command.

“Yes, mother.” Following the guidance she used to push forth his smaller body, he began towards the small crowd of kids that were protected by two of their most valiant knights. He recognized them from their symbols.

The restricted area was lacking in nobles and elder royals that were above the age of fourteen he assumed. But they still remained in the banquet hall, just a small corner of it to themselves.

When he stepped passed the two knights that had bowed at his presence, the attention he obtained was instantaneous. His elder brother, Kiba, and elder sister Karletta went silent. Leading to the young children surrounding them to follow their gaze.

Some turning into sneers and glares, majority belonging to princes and some young princesses. Overwhelming in their own aspect but nothing Kiran wasn't taught to handle.

So he remained unwavering as his legs carried him passed their small group and towards the cushions laid for them to rest upon. Settling down onto one of them silently, resting his chin in the palm of his hand as he adjusted his legs into a criss-cross position.

..Must they despise me so heavily..?