Disclaimer: While I believe that all characters and ideas expressed here are products of destiny and do not belong to one person or group more than any other part of reality, I relent that the following characters and ideas may be the legally pre-existing intellectual property of Kubo Tite.
Memories of a Prince
Chapter 1: Adjusting to Complications
The sky in front of him was hazy. Although he was more than used to it, the incessant heat still irritated him on occasion. Still, watching the endless red sands blur in and out of focus was helping him relax and meditate at the moment.
He sat in a stereotypical folding chair, a simple affair that one would expect in an advanced military camp's officers tent, not the private quarters of a royal palace. He had been sitting there, occasionally drinking from the pitcher of water and glass that had been provided to him by a servant before he had gone into seclusion… 6 hours ago.
He had retired to his quarters earlier than usual this day, and the sun was already setting on the palace, he realized. 'Soon', he thought, 'I will be able to watch these sands no longer'. One way or the other that was true, and even though the darkness was fine for meditation, it did not fascinate him as the shifting sands did.
"I wonder why", he thought once again, as he had been doing all afternoon, "I wonder why I felt obligated to take this job…I've already ruled out recognition, glory, and wealth… maybe this is the problem… I have too much time to think… I probably feel listless in the epoch of peace that has surrounded my lands…"
He took another glass of water.
"After all, it wasn't until I heard about the rebellion that I became truly interested…" his thoughts were cut short by a knocking on the door.
"My apologies, Master, but we never received your decision, and most of the castle is in the process of retiring," came the voice from the hall.
"Come in Mahad. You know that I wouldn't chastise you for doing your duties."
"Yes, Master. So have you come to a decision?"
"Yes…I think I will meet will the soutaichou tomorrow. Inform the appropriate people."
"Very well master."
"Oh, and Mahad… you're coming with me. I don't want you to miss the beginning"
"As you wish, master." And with that the servant left.
'Yes… tomorrow will be perfect. The sooner I set things in motion, the sooner I can start doing this job and all that it entails', were his last thoughts before blowing out the candles.