Eric practically had to run in order to keep up with his father, who spoke constantly of shipping and where the kingdom's income came from. But Eric wasn't listening; he was too busy trying to take in everything that was happening around him. His ears were deaf to his father's words as he looked around excitedly, trying to take in everything at once. The sound on the waves lapping against the dock intrigued him, as did the sweet smell that wafted from the bakery and the constant chatter from the sailors and shopkeepers. His father stopped suddenly, causing Eric to run straight into the back of him. David turned his head so quickly Eric was surprised his neck didn't snap.
"Would you pay attention" he boomed, he voice echoing against the side of the ships and hushing the sailors!
"Sorry father" said Eric quietly.
"And speak up, it's time you started acting like a Prince!"
"Sorry father" said Eric again, slightly louder this time so that his voice travelled the long way up to his father. Without another word, the King turned and began talking to a few of the sailors and fishermen about income, ignoring the sullen look on his son's young face. Eric glanced behind him to see the guard following him and his father closely. Their eyes met and Eric tried a friendly smile; one corner of the guards mouth lifted for the briefest second before his face returned to its emotionless state.
Eric sighed and looked out over the vast expanding ocean. The sea had always fascinated him; the steady churning of the waves, the billions of different fish, the sheer size of it and the stories that came from it. Stories of mermaids and pirates, told to him by Carlotta before she put him to bed at night. He often dreamed of the sea, picturing himself the captain of the ship, with mermaids swimming happily alongside. In fact his dreams were the only place Eric truly felt happy, the only place he was free to be a child.
"Eric, keep up" shouted David, upon looking round and finding Eric several meters behind him! Eric ran to his father's side and stood patiently as the fishermen began talk of the shipping methods and income from the neighbouring kingdoms. Eric managed to pay attention for all of two minutes before his mind began to wander. He turned his head inland, towards the centre of town, where shops were beginning to open. In three years, Eric's father had never taken him anywhere but the docks. But, as much as Eric loved the sea, he yearned to venture further into town, to see for himself what it was like and not just hear about it from the maids and servants at the palace. Looking slowly up at him father, Eric could see that he was far more interested in what the fishermen were saying, than looking after him. So, with that in mind, Eric slipped silently away.
Admittedly, Eric felt bad about disobeying his father, and he knew that when his father realised he was gone, he'd be in a huge amount of trouble. But in this moment, he didn't care about being beaten later, he just wanted to meet new people, see new places, and try new things. Because this; was his first real adventure.