"Daddy! Daddy! Did you see? I did magic!" yelled a small boy, about four, with big ears as he ran toward his father. "I did, Merlin. I'm very proud..." Balinor heafted son into his arms and rested him on his hip. "Are you sure? You don't sound proud." Merlin said sadly.
"I'm very proud, son. Daddy's just...tired." And worried. "Besides, it's time for your nap."
"But I don't want to. I want to practice my magic."
Balinor sighed as he walked down the twisting and turning hall ways to his son's room. "Hush, little one, you need your rest. Do you know why?"
The young prince though for a moment. "No. Why?"
Balinor chuckled, "Remember when I told you how speacil you are?" At Merlin's nod, he continued. "Well, your destiny shines bright, but it will be very challenging...I may not be there to help you. If I don't take good care of you now then how will you know how care for yourself?"
Merlin giggled, as he snuggled into his father's shoulder. "You worry too much, Daddy."
"I know, little one, I know." The king whispered as he petted his son's raven hair, soothing him to sleep.
Balinor was pulled out of his musings when he heard a knock on the door. "Father?"
"Ah, Merlin , come in." The young man came in without his princely clothing on, which didn't surprise Balinor since the boy never wore them, unless forced. "What is it, son?"
"I was looking for one of my rags; I need to show our knights how to clean swords. I think i left it in here...Oh, there it is." The boy grabbed it and started to leave, when he heard a chuckle.
"You'd lose your head if it wasn't attached."
The young prince smiled as he disappeared out the door.
"Merlin?"
"Yes?" His head appeared in the doorway.
"Be careful, son."
Merlin giggled, as he left. "You worry too much, Father."
A smale smiled appeared on the king's lips. "I know, little one, I know."
