Kelas silently inched toward the door to his parents’ chambers. He had to hold back a giggle. The guards hadn’t noticed him either! They’d simply turned away with a smile, completely unaware he was there.
He was searching for you and Papa. Kelas was now four-years-old, he was a big boy old enough to sleep by himself. He had promised Papa he wouldn’t cry when he tucked him in. And he hadn’t! Really!
But he missed sleeping next to you. He missed Papa carrying him around. Being a big boy wasn’t as fun as his older sister and brother, Ailea and Xirin, said it’d be. Kelas didn’t want to be big anymore. He’d rather stay small.
“Prince Kelas,” a maid said, eyes wide as she stepped out of his parents’ chambers. She crouched before him. “Are you searching for King Aiwin, my prince?”
Kelas gave a hesitant nod. He was looking for both his parents.
“He’s in his study. I’m not sure if you should disturb him.” The maid paused, before she opened the door wider. “But I’m sure you’re allowed to see someone else.”
Kelas didn’t need her to tell him who. He beamed, clutching his teddy bear and darting into the room to find you. He’d waited all night to see you.
He came up to the bed, stretching an arm to pull himself up. Once, twice. He couldn’t get to you, he realized in horror. “I need help,” Kelas called to you, bottom lip quivering. “Please.”
Tears stung his eyes. Why was he crying? He was a big boy, he promised Papa he wouldn’t cry. Kelas hiccuped.
He wanted to be your baby again. His cheeks were going red from the effort of holding back a sob. Would Papa be mad at him? He didn’t want Papa or you to give him a lecture for crying.