It was a bright summer morning, and the village was alive with activity. Birds chirped from the rooftops while farmers worked their land and guards patrolled the gates of Castle and village with rhythmics footsteps, nearby, a group of children played happily, their giggles, shouts of joy and laughter blending with the morning warm air.

In the middle of the morning rush, a sixteen-year-old boy was running and laughing with his friends.

He armed with suspicious confidence and Zero survival instincts , he had already stolen three dumplings . His friends had stolen five each. Well balance is important. They were mid-chew, whispering victory when his fun was cut short and a strong hand suddenly grabbed him by the collar.

He turned to find his father standing there-the village’s sternest leader and king’s most trusted commander.

The commander gave his son a look that was stern yet full of love. He reached out and pinched his son's ear, marking him wince.

“Ah-!”

“Matthias, you little brat,” he grumbled. “You actually dared to steal all those dumplings with your friends?”

“How many times have I told you not to steal food while it’s still cooking?”

“Ow- papa . I didn’t steal . I was …emotionally supporting the dumplings. I swear.”

Matthias winched, trying not to smile his way out of it.

Lucien sighed. A tired, fond sigh.

“And your emotional support required your friends too?”

Matthias glanced behind him. His friends suddenly looked away, pretending they hadn’t heard a word and not involved in this matter.

Lucien shifted his gaze toward them, giving the group a playful glare that made them stand up a little straighter.

One of them coughed. “ uh ..we were just …passing by.”

“yes”, another added quickly, nodding . “very long hallway. Accidently led to kitchen.”

Lucien looked them calmly. Very calmly.

“Interesting,” he said. “Because last I checked, my kitchen doesn’t serve breakfast to ghost.”

Silence

" Well, my little mouse, your mother is furious, you better go home with me right now and apologize to my dear wife before things get worse.”

Matthias whispered dramatically, though he couldn’t quite hide his giggles.

“Papa , I’m Sorry! The smell was so good that none of us could help ourselves.”

Lucien raised his eyebrow. “Oh so now you’re brave?”

Matthias sighed dramatically. “Only when dumplings are involved.”

Lucien finally released his son ear and pointed towards the kitchen.

“Go. Apologize to your mother. Properly. With words. And maybe tears , if you feel inspired.”

Matthias groaned. “She is going to look at me, Papa.”

Lucien nodded seriously. “Yes. That look is worse than any punishment.”

Behind one of his friend whispered, “I told you this was a bad idea.”

Another whispered back, “you said that after the fifth dumpling.”

Matthias turned around sharply. “you all promised me loyalty! Let’s go together and apolo-”

They instantly shook their heads.

“Loyalty?”

“No idea what that is.”

“We don’t even know your name.”

“Yes who are you even huh!?”

Matthias mouth hang open in shock and betrayal.

Lucien crossed his arms, amused despite himself.

“So,” he said, glancing at them, “are you boys planning to apologize too?”

The friends smiled awkwardly, some innocently and then took one step back .

“huh?...ahh..we suddenly remembered something,” one said, “that we are late .”

They all ran unapologetically without any mercy ,not even caring for their friend

Matthias watched them disappear, then muttered, “Traitors.”

Lucien patted his shoulder. “Welcome to life. Son” , a soft chuckle escapes from his lips.

Later both Matthias and Lucien walked back home together, halfway he turned back.

“Papa?”

“Yes?”

“…. The dumplings were really good.”

Lucien smiled with full of love.

“I know little mouse.” He said . “That’s why your mother made them.”

Then they head inside but soon the mood changed as soon as they saw the front door.

His mother was waiting there, her arms crossed and her face set in a look of pure frustration.

To Matthias she was now his terrifying mother about to deliver a good punishment. He began to apologize quickly, his words tumbling out one after another. She remained silent , listening to his excuses without moving an inch.

But to Lucien, she was his loving wife, and he knew her better than anyone. He hide his soft chuckle when he noticed she seemed off. It wasn’t just anger in her eyes, but a flicker of something else. Love. It was love her eyes were filled with pure love despite anger.

Finally, his mother broke her silence with a long, heavy sigh. “I spend all morning preparing a feast for the harvest, only for it to vanish into the bellies of few hungry boys,” she said, her voice tight.

She turned her gaze from her son to her husband, her eyes narrowing. “And you!” she snapped, pointing a finger at her husband. “You are spoiling him for too much! You treat his mischief like a joke, and now his behavior is getting out of hand. If he is to be a man of honor one day, he cannot behave like a common thief in his own village!”

Lucien stepped forward, placing a calming hand on his wife’s shoulder. “He is only a child,” He said softly. “A boy should be allowed at least this much mischief. Come now, my lady, cool your heart and forgive this little mouse.”

He let out a small, knowing smile and places a small peck on her forehead .

“Besides, he will begin his formal training soon. I bet you will miss these silly acts when he is gone all day, so cherish this while you can my love.”

Amara expression finally softened. She let out a long sigh, the anger leaving her shoulders. “ Okay, Okay….I understand,” she murmured. “I have made some porridge. Come both of you sit down and eat.” She said with a soft whisper voice, hiding her soft sweet smile.

The tension in the house dissolved into soft laughter as Amara showered Matthias with affection.

Since losing her loving daughter, her first child, who had been only a month old when she passed. Matthias had become her entire world. She missed her baby girl every day, but she learned to hide her grief behind a smile. If only she knew how often Lucien cried too in secret, hiding his sorrow where no one could witness. Every tears carried the memory of her pale face and cold body.

Day soon turned into night. The family was sitting together for dinner when a sudden, heavy pounding echoed at the door. A messenger burst in, gasping for air and drenched in sweat and blood.

“Commander!” he shouted, struggling to catch his breath.

“There is an emergency. The North has attacked the front border. The king requires you urgently.”

– By Kaelith Rose

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