Chapter 10 - Is it cold?
1081 Words
Nate moved to stand next to him, nodding at him before crouching next to Pyro. He made a mistake, so he can only ask for forgiveness. Sir Ron mentioned a punishment. He kneeled down as he bowed to the king, down to the floor.
“I ask for his majesty’s forgiveness for my actions.”
Selene came forward and kneeled beside her elder brother. She followed his actions.
Philip looked over when he noticed someone’s presence. He reached over a hand to pat her back. She did well.
It was a while before the king responded.
“You recognize your error?” His voice sounded loud and echoed through the walls.
“Yes, my lord. I was wrong.” There is no need to say more to the king. He’s known for his wisdom.
Pyro chose that moment to produce a small ice mountain. Philip was rigid as he looked to his left. Didn’t he tell him not to do that with others around? He didn’t see the ball of ice in Nate’s hand that prompted the kid to follow.
“Is it cold?” A counselor strode forward to see. He leaned and touched the piece of ice. He immediately withdrew his hand.
“It is terribly cold, my king.” He reported as he straightened up.
“He’s only a kid, your highness. Please forgive him.” He bowed again. Selene peeked at her brother without lifting her head from the ground.
“Get up, the two of you.” There was a hint of tiredness from the king’s tone this time.
“I shall think what your punishment would be.”
“Yes, my lord. Thank you for your mercy.” He managed to say while standing up.
The king gestured to the two members of the counsel.
“Inform these two. They shall be responsible for the child.”
Philip didn’t know what that meant, but he and Selene followed them on the side, to where a small table is located.
“Magic is publicly prohibited. In secret, the kingdom has decided to nurture it instead.” That opening statement made Philip froze.
“What’s his name again?” The counselor turned to look at Pyro being entertained by Nate and Vince.
“Pyro, my lord.” Selene answered for him.
“Hm, five years old?” They were making a record.
“Yes.” He managed to reply, looking at the document they are creating.
“Can he do anything else aside from making ice?”
“Not that we know of.” He automatically replied. He noticed Aaron coming over. He frowned at him.
“I meant to tell you last night, but alas, you were gone when I came home.” It sounded like he’s blaming him. His frown deepened.
“You knew about this?” He gestured at the table.
“They made one for me, too.” He answered, and Philip was stunned.
“Normally, we wouldn’t allow anyone to know, but since he’s a kid, you two will act as his guardian. You will be responsible as to how he will act outside. Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t expose himself to others.” The other counselor spoke for the first time.
Philip managed a sigh, relief flooding him. So, Pyro’s safe.
“He won’t be executed?” He couldn’t help asking. Selene turned sharp eyes on him, glaring.
“No. Your names?”
Before the records were completed, he recalled what Aaron said.
“What can you do?”
Aaron showed him a sheepish smile, before taking out a coin from his purse. He manipulated its movement in the air.
Philip gulped again. He would never have expected.
“Vince and Nate, too.” Aaron confided, but he noticed the glares from the counselors.
“Uhm, I meant their highnesses, the princess, and the prince.” He amended.
“I apologize for my lapse.” He bowed to them, for good measure.
Philip turned to them to watch. Nate already dissolved the ice ball she made, so he hadn’t seen it.
“They made twinkling fires last night. It was so beautiful.” Selene’s tone was wistful.
“Twinkling fires?” He asked, absent-mindedly.
“My lady, can you do the twinkling fires again?” She excitedly called out.
Nate looked over, then around, “Sure.”
She produced just enough and scattered them high up so no one will accidentally be hurt. Vince did, too.
“They’re not as pretty as they were at night.” Selene lamented, staring at them all.
“It’s because it’s already bright during the day.” Vince explained to her.
“Can I keep one in a jar?” Her excited question was a bit…
Nate thought it over. They never tried to do anything else with what they can do, except what they can use them for in a battle.
“Doing that can expose you.” The king concluded and they silently agreed.
“There is that.” Aaron muttered.
“I understand. I apologize.” Selene bowed at the king, who only waived his hand. There is no need for her apology. Children are naturally curious. Her idea would be good for a dark night. He fixed his gaze on one twinkling. They do relax him and he would want one to stare at as he lays on bed at night.
Now that this one is resolved, he could turn his mind towards the other issue.
“Nate and Vince, to the recreation hall. Aaron, you keep an eye on Pyro. You can stay here for now while we use the recreation hall.”
“Yes, your highness.” Aaron immediately answered. Nate walked Pyro over to him.
“Aren’t you cold when you hold that?” Aaron couldn’t help asking Pyro. It was terribly cold, but his hands were tightly holding onto it.
“No.” Pyro replied and he offered the ice mountain to his brother. Philip hesitated. It really is cold. He bent down to talk to him.
“Elder brother couldn’t hold it. It feels cold to me. Why don’t you put it on the floor first if you don’t want to hold it.”
Pyro stared before obeying. It does look like a small mountain.
“Doesn’t it melt?” One of the counselors curiously looked.
“I don’t think so.” Philip replied. The one he had from yesterday didn’t shrink in size.
Now that he thought about it, what happened to that one?
“Where was your ice from last night?” He carefully asked. Pyro doesn’t talk much.
He grinned before poking his ice mountain and it vanished, leaving them with cold air. Selene shivered.
“Wonderful!” A counselor exclaimed.
Apparently, they were writing descriptions on the document. They showed it to Philip. He was asked to add his family details on it and he signed at the bottom. Then, they all sat on chairs as the counselors gave them information and stressed some reminders.
They marveled at learning what happened at the northeast. Aaron heard it for the second time, but he’s still amazed. Their highnesses are admirable.
- Writer
