It was the day after and Justin couldn’t help but think about the previous night. Brian had been very rude to him, but that didn’t stop him from thinking about the man in a strange way. Even though the guard chief had said some awful things to him and offended him greatly, there was still an element of excitement that prevailed. “Justin?” “Ahhhh!” the prince screamed. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t hear Daphne coming. “I’m sorry. Did I scare you?” the girl asked innocently and a little amused. “Doesn’t matter. I guess you didn’t come in my room to scare me, did you?” Justin answered, annoyed at his friend for laughing at him. “Sorry,” Daphne replied, trying not to laugh. “You’re right. I don’t have good news… I’m leaving.” “You’re leaving?” Justin asked, incredulously. “That’s what I said.” “Oh my God, that’s the best news I’ve received in these days.” “Stop mocking me, this is a serious issue… my grandmother is dying.” Daphne revealed with tears in her eyes. “Oh my God Daphne. I-I-I didn’t know,” Justin answered, seriously embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” he said taking her in his arms. “Me too, Jus.” “So, you’re going back to the Desert’s Kingdom?” Justin asked. “Yes, we don’t have a choice. Even if that place gives me the shivers.” “I’m sure the place is not so bad, you’re exaggerating as usual.” “Justin, not every kingdom is like yours.” “I know that, but I can’t even imagine a place such as you described Desert’s Kingdom, with people who die of starvation everyday and everything else.” “That’s because you’re the prince of the most prosperous kingdom of the whole planet.” “But if Desert’s Kingdom is so bad, why do people stay there? Why don’t they move away?” “They haven’t the means, Justin. If they can’t buy bread, how can they buy a spaceship?” “But that’s what you did, right?” “Not exactly; we came here secretly. We’re lucky that your mother took us in and gave my mother a position as a lady’s companion. The majority of people don’t have this kind of luck.” “Oh my God, Daph. I still can’t imagine a place like your kingdom. I don’t want you to go back there.” “Don’t worry. I won’t be away for long.” “Will you be back in time for my birthday?” “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss my best friend’s birthday.” **************************************** Justin was having difficulty sleeping, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Fuck, he couldn’t believe Daphne was leaving too. He wished she would stay and he wished his parents had stayed. I so miss them and I know I’m going to miss Daphne too, he thought to himself. Of course, they’ll be back. My parents told me they left on business, everything was alright… but still. I could read it in their eyes. I have this feeling that things are going to change and not for the best. I don’t want things to change. Why can’t things stay the way they are forever? he said to himself. Justin’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock on his door. “Your Highness, may we come in?” It was one of his servants. “Come in. What do you want, Emmett?” “Your Highness, there’s someone who wishes to speak with you,” Emmett said, not able to look the prince in the eyes. “Who is he? What’s his name and why can’t he wait until tomorrow?” “The man’s name is Michael Novotny and he says that he has to tell you something very urgent.” “But have you told him that my parents are away and I don’t have anything to do with their business?” Justin asked trying pass on the responsibilities. “We told him that your Highness, but Mr. Novotny says that the important issue has nothing to do with your parents,” Emmett answered politely. “Okay, then I guess I have no choice… Ted, go down and tell Mr. Novotny I’ll see him in an hour. Meanwhile, Emmett you’ll help me to dress.” ****************** After an hour, Justin, as promised, went down to meet Michael Novotny. He was a short and thin man, with dark hair and eyes. He wasn’t bad looking, but he wasn’t Justin’s type. The man was dressed in black pants and shirt, just like Brian and he had a small wound to the leg. “Are you Michael Novotny? My servants told me you wanted to speak with me,” Justin said, using his royal tone. “That’s right, your Highness, I’m here to speak with you about someone you know,” Mr. Novotny answered, without wasting any time with formalities. “And who’s this person that’s so important you had to wake me up in the middle of the night?” “Your guard chief, Brian Kinney.”