The kingdom of Zorro, also called by the people, “The Land Of Diamonds.” This particular land was beyond magnificent.
The throne room was made up of gold, including the tiles and walls. The chandalier was made up of diamonds. The whole place was made up of pure craftsmanship. And the beauty cannot be matched by any palace. It was truly fit for royalty.


“Can you believe it?” Arthur said in an irritated voice and disgust was displayed on his face. He walked towards the window as the sun was rising. He hadn’t slept all night and was extremely tired.
      
“Maybe he did it unintentionally, Your majesty.” Benicio, who served as a personal servant and aide to the Prince of Zorro.

Benicio was a man of his word, a man of integrity. He was allegiant towards the ruler of the kingdom of Zorro. Arthur trusted him. Benicio also knew Arthur’s parents very well before Arthur was born. They would always call Benicio, ‘The Tree Root Of Zorro.’

They called him that because he took shelter in their castle since he was a child. Benicio had a sorrowful past indeed. Benicio’s parents had died during a war, and his parents were adjacent to the king and Queen of Zorro. Which is the main reason why the king and queen, both volunteered to raise Benicio as their own. Benicio later on continued to dedicate his life to serving the rulers of Zorro as a sign of gratitude and appreciation.

Arthur cared for Benicio as a brother. But sometimes, when Arthur’s logic isn’t proven right by Benicio, he would think that Benicio had a screw loose in his head or something.
Arthur on the other hand, was almost nothing like Benicio. He wasn’t a man of his word, and Arthur would always get what he wanted, whenever he wanted it. So, Benicio would sometimes blame his parents for making him a spoiled individual or giving him way too much oversolicitous attention.

“No, he didn’t. I know that arrogant, boastful, incompetent, high handed, prideful man and- and…”
The prince stopped and looked at his aide and asked:
“Are there any more words for my darling brother that the dictionary decided to take?” Arthur asked so inncently. Benicio could have sworn that his eyes were shining at that moment. At once, the prince’s expression turned cold as he looked back at the window.

“Now now, my prince. I’m sure Prince Maximillian had his own reasons as to why he did such a thing. I think it’s only fair enough that you forgive him for his negligence.” Benicio chuckled and slightly bowed towards the prince.

After Benicio had given his opinion, Arthur diverted his gaze from the rising sun and instead, settled his interest to Benicio. Arthur stared at Benicio like he just grew twelve heads. He walked towards Benicio in a calm and composed way. His eyes travelled towards his own shoes as he took light steps towards his aide. Arthur’s arms were wrapped behind his back. His cape was fluttering by his sides.
Benicio shifted uncomfortably in his place and awaited for his doom to take place. Benicio wasn’t terrified of Arthur, but it was something about his aura that made him feel frightened. Despite all the negative thoughts his poor aide had, he still waited for the prince to stand in front of him. The prince’s crown glistened in the sunlight as he walked passed a window.


“Do you know more about my own brother than I do?” Arthur finally stood in front of his aide and questioned him in a seldom voice.
Benicio was speechless.
“Exactly.” The prince concluded.
Benicio couldn’t say anything back. Even if he did respond, it would probably something so slovenly, and at this moment, a careless speech would definitely ruin the prince’s mood even further.

As soon as the prince turned his back to go back to the window, the large doors behind him opened, revealing a messenger.
Arthur turned his back to look at the messenger.
Benicio made way for the messenger by moving towards the side without breaking eye contact with the person.
The messenger bent on one knee and bowed towards the prince as his dark cape surrounded him. Benicio noticed the messenger’s nervousness, but he was definitely sure that the Prince didn’t. He was too oblivious to notice such a thing.

“What is it?” The prince asked the messenger while walking towards his throne seat.
Benicio took this to his advantage and looked at the messenger with a confused face, asking him what made him so nervous. The messenger looked at Benicio and turned his head sideways. Benicio understood the gesture and knew that there was definitely something wrong. By this time, the Prince had already been seated on his grand throne.

“Well? Out with it!” The Prince leaned forward a bit. His arms rested on the armrests of his throne, his legs crossed.

“S-sir?” The messenger stuttered. Arthur was annoyed and raised one eyebrow, gesturing him to continue.
“The Prince of Kaneria has sent a letter to you and sent me to deliver it.”

“Yes, I think I am well aware of that, thank you. Now, I would suggest for you to deliver the message to me before I deliver your tongue to your Prince, as it is of no use, I see.”
The messenger was struck at the sudden threat of the Prince as he wasted no more time and took out the letter from the pocket of a leather bag he was wearing with his shaky hands.

The messenger stood up and unrolled the scroll he had in his hand.
The messenger cleared his throat and took a brief glance at the Prince sitting in front of him with a bored expression.
The messenger finally let his voice out:
To the Prince of Zorro,
My dear Brother,
                          I am writing this letter to inform you that the mission in Zocodany realm has been subjugated by me. Your help is no longer needed. As your elder brother, It is my duty to give you advice. Remember, my dear brother, do not let rank or status get the best of you. Success in your rule isn’t measured by money or power or even your social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and
inner peace. This is the true sign of a true Prince. Like our father, King Oberon, we must follow his steps, and make sure to avoid the mistakes he did. Who better than our father to learn our mistakes from?
                                                                  Anyway, enough with the business chat. I would love for you to come to a feast tonight at my palace. I have also invited our little brother to join
and he has gladly accepted. It would make my day to see both my little
brothers. I hope you will accept my invitation.
                                                                                                                                      From the Prince of Kaneria,
                                                                                                             Prince Maximillian Oberon.



By the time the messenger was done reading, Benicio was smiling widely, glad that Prince Arthur has such a wonderful brother to take care of him.
When the messenger turned his head towards the Prince, his mood changed. The Prince’s jaw was dropped and his eyes were narrowed as he was trying to read between the lines. The other two people watched the Prince, expecting him to say something nice. But they were definitely wrong.

“H-he relieved me of my mission?!” The Prince yelled as his voice echoed in the whole room.
Benicio rolled his eyes and took a step forward.
“Sir? Didn’t you receive anything other than that from the letter?”
The Prince shook his head apruptly in shock of what happened and looked down.
“I can’t believe this…”  The aide said, while shaking his head sideways in disbelief and made his way out, gesturing the messenger to follow him. The messenger obeyed him and was glad that he left the Prince’s presence.
“Tell Prince Maximilliam that he shall receive a response from the Prince as soon as possible.” Benicio ordered the messenger as soon as they were alone and away from any unwanted attention. The messenger nodded his head and set off for the kingdom of Kaneria.
Benicio sighed deeply and closed his eyes while taking a few breaths.
“Who knew that so much could happen in one day?”

“Benicio!” Prince Arthur yelled from inside. The young Prince came into view and saw Benicio looking at him.
“Sir?” Benicio replied innocently.
“Prepare my horse. We’re leaving.” The Prince didn’t stop at his position, instead, he kept walking. Benicio followed him and started to get nervous. The Prince was indeed unpredictable. His actions cannot be guessed.
Benicio started to drop sweat. His hands were clasped with each other as he tried to catch up with the Prince.

“T-to where, sir?” The poor aide asked with his hands shivering out of fear. He glanced at the Prince and saw the seriousness displayed upon his face.
“Kaneria.” The Prince replied briefly, avoiding eye contact with the aide questioning him.
“Oh! To inform your brother about your decision for the feast he invited you to? That seems lovel-” The aide was about to complete his sentence, but the sudden chuckle of the Prince dared him to complete it.
Benicio’s eyes widened in surprise.