Chapter Text
Callisto has heard numerous tales of the marks. He even witnessed them for himself on his mother’s skin a handful of times. They were a testament to the irrefutable binding of two souls.
Soulmarks left by your soulmate, a connection which mere mortals had no say in.
Even if his Father was a careful man who rarely engaged in any type of physical activity, sometimes bruises could not be avoided, be it by some feat of clumsiness or carelessness. Even his Mother left her imprints on his Father.
The, at the time young, Crown Prince knew little to nothing about the meaning of the colored marks. Only later, when curiosity had gotten the better of him, did he scurry off to his Mother’s side to inquire about the oddity of the temporary sparks of color that appeared on people’s skin. He did take notice of the servants around his palace that sported similar marks that looked like bruises, yet the color and shade was different for each of them.
His mother, sweet woman that she was, had smiled at his naïve curiosity that was trademark for children his age. The Empress had sat him down and explained a tale that began long before any of them had walked the earth. “The marks you’re referring to, are called soulmarks.”
“Soulmarks?” He parroted back, interest sparkling in his bright red eyes even as he chewed on the words.
“Yes, my dear. They are a gift from the gods. It is said that almost everyone has them. They are left behind by your soulmate each time they get a bruise or injury.” The Empress kept stroking the young Prince’s golden hair affectionately.
Callisto’s face scrunched up in confusion and slight distaste. “Why bruises?”
Weren’t bruises bad? Why would someone want to associate their soulmate with bruises of all things?
She’d laughed in mirth, patiently weaving an explanation, her motherly nature bringing forth a sense of peacefulness. “Because, while injuries are not pleasant, they are a continuous reminder that your soulmate is living, maybe not right by your side, but somewhere out there waiting for you to find them…or they might very well be the ones to seek you out.”
He nodded absentmindedly, his attention seemed to have darted somewhere else after the Empress finished answering his question.
“So…not everyone has a soulmate?” Despite his young age, Callisto had heard of the term ‘soulmate’ time and time again, he knew what those were. Maybe, if he understood that correctly, and he was pretty confident about it.
“It is said that the ones that will pave a malicious path, will be stripped of such privilege,” her green eyes gazed almost wistfully out the window for the briefest of moments, seemingly having remembered something—a ghost of the past.
“But mother, does that mean that they don’t have a soulmate at all? Who gets to decide that?” The little Prince huffed, displeased with such injustice.
“Hmm, people say it’s written in the stars, and the divine have many means to figure out fate,” she smiled, booping his nose lightly. Her son already had an idea on his morals regarding right and wrong, she feared he was growing up too fast.
An unreadable expression adorned his face, and Eleanor was convinced that he knew too much for his own good. “Callisto, my dear, you needn’t worry about such things. Even if you haven’t had any soulmarks yet, I’m sure they will come soon.”
He was silent for a few moments, his eyes fixated on the untouched pastries on the table. “What if they don’t appear? What if I don’t have a soulmate?” He muttered.
The Empress clucked her tongue. “Don’t have such glum thoughts. I know there’s someone out there for you, I’m sure of it.” Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat. There was surely someone who’d make her son happy, who would support him no matter what. Someone who’d be worthy of his love, as her son had a lot of love to give.
She could only hope he found his person soon enough. Eleanor knew her health had started worsening. However for the time being, no one besides the royal doctors and the Emperor had to know about it. Not even Callisto.
“Is Father your soulmate?” He found himself asking on impulse. His question startled the Empress from her inner musings. “Ah, yes. His Majesty is indeed my soulmate.” Despite a revelation that was meant to be happy, her smile looked somewhat forced, and for the first time, Callisto noticed the lightest fatigue in his Mother’s usually bright eyes.
“So the golden marks are Father’s doing?” Once more he inquired about her and her husband’s relationship, and Eleanor was quite glad her son still referred to the Emperor as a father figure. “Indeed. The color of the soulmarks and their combination differs for each pair.”
Callisto remained quiet after that, pondering on the possibility of soulmates, thinking about all the things adults did, like kissing and such, later imagining a grown up version of himself with a girl in those instances. ‘Yuck, gross,’ he chased the thought away like it bit him, vigorously shaking his head.
The next person that had to deal with the Crown Prince’s inquiries was the Baroness, none other than his nanny.
“Pardon?” The woman asked, startled by such a request. “Does the little Prince want to know about my soulmate?” Confusion was still present on her face, even as she repeated his earlier words.
He nodded, eyes staring into hers with determination, it was a little unnerving if she dared say. The Prince was too much sometimes, it was amusing.
“Well, yes. I too have a soulmate, Your Highness.” The royal nanny smiled warmly.
He nodded and moved on with the next question from the imaginary list he’d made up during his earlier etiquette lesson, instead of paying attention to his stuffy tutor. “What colors are your marks?”
Well, wasn’t the Prince curious. The Baroness patted his head in an old show of affection of hers. “Mine and my husband’s are yellow and pink. Those are the colors of our families’ respective houses.”
“So the two of you are together?” He pursed his lips, fiddling with one of the medals that adorned his uniform.
“Yes, Your Highness. We’ve been together for many years.” A manicured finger went to her chin in remembrance, tapping a couple of times.
“If the little Prince wishes, I could tell the story of how we met—” the Baroness barely had the chance to finish her offer, promising a story time, before the Crown Prince ran away, but not before yelling out a rushed ‘thanks.’
She sighed, rubbing her temples. The little heir was truly something.
Instances like those kept on repeating, as Callisto went around the Empress’ palace asking any and all servants about their soulmarks.
It was their understanding that the Crown Prince liked the idea of soulmates very much. They regarded him affectionately whenever they were met with his curious questions.
The future bride of the Crown Prince, and consequently Crown Princess, will be a lucky lady. All of them secretly agreed to welcome her with open arms, if only she made their adored Prince happy.
The elation felt in that moment will be forever ingrained into Callisto’s mind.
It was a normal sunny autumn day, just like any other, yet what set it apart from the others was an almost unnoticeable mauve mark—gravitating towards a deep pink, that appeared on his knee.
It would’ve gone unnoticed as it did for most of the day, until his eyes landed onto his knee. He hadn’t quite registered what it was.
His mind, as logical as it could be at the age of six, ran over the events of the day as well as the previous one, where he did not recall getting injured in any type of way, much less suffering said injury on his left knee. It did not hurt even as his fingers applied pressure to the spot, nor did it disappear as he tried to rub it away.
His head turned and looked up at his nanny who was in the midst of scrubbing a softly scented shampoo into his hair.
“What is this?” He inquired, eyes full of innocent curiosity, forefinger pointing at the splotch of color occupying his knee.
His nanny hummed in confusion, gaze traveling to where he was pointing. And then she saw it. There it was, a telltale sign of a soul tied to that of their Prince’s amidst the water full of bubbles.
“My goodness! Your Highness has a soulmark!” She could barely contain her excitement as she proclaimed the great news to the rest of the servants who were mingling in the washroom, preparing the Prince’s clothes or gathering different products that were to be added to the bath.
It was not long before the others joined in, with many expressing their congratulations and joy for their future ruler, whereas Callisto merely sat still and wide-eyed.
It took him a moment to grasp what all of it meant, and when he managed to wrap his mind around the notion, his buoyant laugh filled the room.
“I have a soulmate!” He’d proclaimed then, arms rising high as if they made to reach the stars, splashing water around carelessly.
It’s been one of the happiest days since his birth. His mother had been so delighted to hear the news afterwards. She picked him up, and twirled him around, their laughter mingling together as they celebrated, the maids and guards on duty watching them fondly from close by.
With a warm hand she brushed his hair back, pressing a firm, loving kiss on the top of his head. “What did I tell you, my little Prince? You were bound to have a soulmate. I knew you did.” She booped his nose teasingly like it was habitual of her, and he giggled as always.
Once the rush had died down and his eyelids grew heavy, his mother pulled the covers up to his chest. Once more, Eleanor combed her hand through his hair, relishing in its softness and placing a goodnight kiss on his forehead. “You will receive so much love, for you have a lot to give.”
The Baroness held the candle that provided a dim light with steady hands. She hadn’t stopped smiling since the news broke out. Seeing the people she became so determined to serve with the utmost devotion so happy brought peace to her heart and soul. The very heart that was aching as she watched the Empress weaken every day.
Even so, it was heartwarming to witness such an eventful occasion, especially to the boy who she loved like her own son—whom she took care of as if he were her own.
The two women left the room quietly after the little Prince’s breathing evened out into light snores, signaling that he was fast asleep, smiles still on their faces that were bound to last for more days to come.
Nothing could have prepared him for this. His eyes empty, shining with unshed tears he stubbornly refused to let out as he gazed down at the coffin that held his Mother’s limp figure.
Despite knowing months in advance of his mother’s condition worsening drastically, Callisto still hoped and prayed for her recovery, as did many of the people that served them.
Some of the best physicians and doctors had been summoned to cure her, yet it was all for naught, no degree of expertise in the medical field could mend a broken heart. The Empress perished despite all the efforts spent.
The cacophony of grief came in the form of sorrowful cries of the different people who held the late Empress in high regards, or the ones who served right underneath her since the very beginning. He pretended not to hear, it would hurt less that way.
With her, Eleanor unknowingly took her son’s faith in love. For how could he believe in such a flimsy thing after his poor mother passed away because of it? A look at his Father and he turned his head away, preferring to gaze again at the coffin that held all his misery like Pandora’s box.
Callisto hadn’t seen the man in months. He’d hoped the Emperor would show up to his mother’s palace at least once. He didn’t.
A sudden hand on his shoulder almost had him jump out of his skin. Hesitantly looking up, Callisto gazed upon the tall figure of his Father like an ant would at a giant. For the first time, he felt truly small in the palace.
He turned away immediately when the older man turned his sights on him.
“Your Mother is at peace, she shall forever rest on these sacred grounds, for that we have to be grateful. But never forget that she’s always with us, watching over you, child.” Even as his words came out awkward with a clumsy attempt at comfort, they held a certain sincerity to them. The Emperor meant well, but Callisto couldn’t find it in himself to regard him kindly after said man hadn’t been present by his sickly wife’s bedside, despite the two of them being tied together beyond marriage. Did it seriously mean so little to him? Had he ever cared at all?
It was then that Callisto understood the cruelty of reality—even if two people were soulmates, it didn’t mean there would necessarily be love. Never had he felt so lied to, or cheated out of something that was supposedly his.
His innocence made itself scarce from that day forward.
The Crown Prince let the tears fall only once he was in the security of his chambers, having brushed off the concerns of his servants and Nanny.
He cried into his pillow until he couldn’t stay awake any longer, passing out by exhaustion, dreaming of easier times when everything was alright.
In the darkest of times, he reminisced on what his mother used to say about soul bonds. ‘Your soulmate will be there for you when you need it the most.’
And she was right. As a veil of sadness washed over him again like salty waves on a shore, a sensation warm sensation tickled the palm of his hands.
Peeling off the wet gloves that served as a replacement for tissues, he gazed down at his outstretched hands. Surely enough, the faint mauve he’d learned to appreciate more and more colored the skin of his palms in the form of faint scratches.
A small smile made its way onto his face. His soulmate appeared to have scraped her hands, probably by falling.
Callisto hoped it didn’t hurt too bad.
His soulmate was either very clumsy, or she just knew whenever he was in need of a reminder that he was in fact not alone, because the timing of the marks was always impeccable.
She could be both, he had a hunch she was clever.
Callisto learned slowly but surely to despise hunting tournaments after the time he’d faced off with a bear and assassins sent for him by his wicked Step Mother. “More like step monster,” he mumbled under his breath.
The keepsake his late mother left him had been left tarnished to his sadness. He hated her.
That very same evil woman who hadn’t let him see his brother for the first years of his life, and it was right during that accursed festival that the two of them crossed paths for the first time. He still remembered the acerbic glare the new Queen had regarded him with.
The Second Prince looked oddly frail and weak for his age as he scurried off to hide behind his Mother’s skirts.
Compared to his brother Theodore, Callisto was already climbing trees and engaging in numerous (dangerous) physical activities by the time he was five.
After managing to escape the clutches of the wild bear, and the assassins’ arrows, Callisto couldn’t stand to look at his younger brother. Because from a wicked harpy, surely her child must follow suit, right?
He found himself to be proven wrong when, once, by day, when he was out in the gardens hiding away from the world in his secret spot behind hedges and trees.
The gentle tapping of a finger on his shoulder brought him out of his musings. He came face to face with his brother who looked to be on the verge of fleeing.
“And what do you want?” Callisto spat, a hostile instinct making him regard the younger child flippantly.
Theodore gulped, shuffling his feet while fidgeting with the edge of his tie with one hand, as he held the other behind his back. Callisto eyed him suspiciously, but otherwise made no further remarks.
“Well? Are you going to talk, or did you just come here to bother me?” He huffed, rising to his full height, which wasn’t much, but compared to that of his brother’s it was considerably more.
Callisto scrutinized the boy with a careful look, he didn’t seem keen on talking.
‘Whatever.’ Rolling his eyes, he decided to leave after the prolonged awkward silence drew on for more than it would’ve been liked. Yes, it was his spot, had been since he could remember, but if his brother wanted it for the moment, he could have it for all he cared. ‘It’s no use if he goes and cries to that witch.’
As he made to leave, a tug on his cape stopped him. Looking back in bewilderment, Callisto met Theodore’s startled gaze. “B—brother Callisto, wait!”
So the little pipsqueak could talk, and even managed to use some irking words. “‘Brother’ you say, huh?” He decided to ignore altogether the informal use of his name.
Theodore flinched back a little, but despite that, he didn’t let go of his cape, and nodded. “Don't go, I…” his voice grew progressively quieter towards the end.
“Huh?” Callisto tilted his head to the side in confusion.
Again, the little boy mumbled something incomprehensible.
“You have to speak up if you want me to hear you.” He was growing more irritated by the second. Did he really follow him all the way to get on his nerves?
“Here!” Unable to say anything else and feeling his brother’s growing annoyance, Theodore pushed something into his chest. Thankfully Callisto reacted fast enough to grasp the object before it fell to the ground.
A broach was laying in his palm. It wasn’t anything too fancy or grand, it was merely a simple golden pin with what seemed to be a red beryl in its center, yet its modest appearance made it look quite pretty.
Callisto looked quizzically from the broach to his brother. “What’s this?”
“It’s a gift! I know your birthday passed already, but I still wanted to give you this.” His younger brother was avoiding his gaze, looking everywhere but at him.
“How’d you get it?” He was sure the Queen would never allow her son to give him a present, much less to be the one to procure it for him.
His questions and demeanor appeared to have intimidated Theodore further, but the little boy was oddly persistent—just like those stupid bugs that would buzz around undisturbed during the warmer seasons. “I—I got it for my birthday, but it reminded me of you, so I wanted you to have it.”
Callisto fell quiet after that. The broach didn’t have a speck of mana in it, rendering it harmless, and Theodor seemed sincere enough about his words. He was also quite surprised to learn that his younger brother had been thoughtful enough to get him something, even if it was a ‘reused’ gift. He knew instantly that the Queen didn’t have the faintest clue about any of this. She’d sooner die of self-inflicted asphyxiation than have her son give him some form of kindness.
With a sigh, he unclasped the opening of the broach and pinned it on the left side of his uniform, which was unadorned for the moment. “The Crown Prince gratefully accepts your gift, Second Prince Theodore Regulus.” Despite being basic etiquette for how he received gifts, Callisto managed to turn it playful.
He could’ve sworn Theodore almost jolted out of his body when he called out his full name and title. Callisto couldn’t help but snort at the sight.
“Call me brother…just that will do,” he squeaked out embarrassedly, his face slowly becoming as red as a tomato.
“Very well then. I thank you for your gift, brother.” He almost laughed when Theodore snapped his head in his direction with eyes as wide as plates, it didn’t matter that he’d laced the word in sarcasm.
The kid didn’t seem to have any bad intention, however it didn’t mean he’d let his guard down just yet. It would also get the little imp to leave faster so he could have his place all to himself again.
“Well? What are you waiting for? Run along now.” Whatever little warmth managed to gather between them, was dispersed when Callisto shooed him away.
As his cold demeanor returned like a persevering snow storm, Theodore flinched, and with a hurried ‘goodbye,’ he scrambled away.
He thought that it would be the end of it, however from that day onward, Callisto took notice of how his brother would follow him around more, like little ducklings would trail their mother; he’d also supposedly pop out of nowhere when he least expected it.
He wouldn’t have minded as much if only the imp hadn’t scared the living daylight out of him a handful of times.
It was as if the little gremlin started to take their encounter in the gardens as an invitation to keep on pestering him.
Callisto hadn’t been thrilled in the slightest at the beginning. He’d try to evade the pesky Second Prince, but each time he attempted to put some distance between them, it all seemed to have the opposite effect.
Despite his previous impression of the younger boy, Callisto grew to like the presence of his brother.
The kid was just…too much at times. His frail and gracile body hid an overly energetic personality that under normal circumstances would be associated with little children that had too much sugar flowing through their systems.
He knew it was not the case since the Queen would feed him nothing but bland, sad dishes but by no means cheap (what a waste of money), that were heavily controlled to avoid tempering with Theodore’s appearance. Such a cruel woman—Callisto knew there was a good reason he hadn’t given up on the idea of spitting in her drink. Someday, he told himself.
Speaking of, Callisto learned to pity his younger brother. The kid had nothing that was truly his own, it seemed like everything was planned out for him before he was even born.
He began to empathize with his brother even more as he gradually saw how, he too, experienced the utter disappointment of having absent parents. The Emperor was the same as always—the man wasn’t that bad, he actually gave them a leisurely time—however he remained severely lacking in the emotional department, possessing the sentimental awareness of a rock.
Callisto recalled how in the past he used to envy Theodore, because the boy still had a mother, however now he understood that the Queen simply paraded as a good parent, and behind closed doors it was a different story. She was controlling, scornful and held a foreign sense of vindictiveness against anyone and everyone who dared to defy her word. Evil hag. He couldn’t understand why his father had chosen her out of all the mistresses he could’ve picked. As the saying goes: ‘desperate times call for desperate measures.’ On second thought, no one else probably wanted him.
His hate for the woman grew exponentially when once, he’d stumbled upon a scene purely by accident—a scene never meant for his eyes, or that of a child for the matter.
The previously faint voices grew louder as he approached the royal greenhouse. “But mother—” his brother’s usual shy voice was now far from calm, it was agitated and oh so desperate.
“Do not argue further Theodore. You will listen to me and do as I say. You are forbidden from stepping foot outside the palace’s grounds during this year’s festival.”
Ah, there it was, of course it was that witch, for who else would be able to distress Theodore so?
“But I have never been to a festival! Not even the one on my birthday!” It was an unusual sight, truly. Callisto did not expect for his impressionable brother to insist in such a way, especially with his mother who could manipulate him without even trying.
He peeked around the corner, a secretive glimpse so as to not alert anyone of his presence. The stubborn glint in Theodore’s eyes had Callisto blink dumbly. He watched on even as the servants remained unmoving like this was an everyday sight for them, observing the scene with what seemed to be hidden sympathy to avoid attracting the Queen’s wrath.
It seemed that Theodore could be very determined whenever he really wished for something. “Mother please! If you could just—“
“You will not go to the festival!” The Queen’s sudden shrill command had even him jolting in surprise. “I forbid it!” She hissed, eyebrows furrowing.
Theodore was back to being the scaredy child everyone knew him as. The corners of his mouth were wavering even as he visibly bit down on his bottom lip to stop the frown from coming. His usually curious blue eyes were now glassy filled with sadness, fear and unshed tears that threatened to spill out at any moment.
The evil woman did not waver from such a sight, instead she seemed even more resolute on proving her point. With quick steps, she closed the distance between them.
When her arm shot out, Callisto had to swallow a gasp, afraid she’d hit Theodore, but instead she grabbed ahold of the child’s jaw, her hand angling the boy’s face just high enough so he would have no choice but to look into the Queen’s eyes. “Do not ever ask me such a frivolous thing ever again. You are an Imperial Prince, not some simpleton ready to charade as a pauper. I do not care if it’s ’fun’ or entertaining. You will not stoop down to such lowly things, to tarnish your image in such a way only for an evening.”
Her hurtful words did not stop even as a tear finally slid down the child’s face in silent defeat. “Your life is not meant for time-wasting activities like these. You shan’t engage in this tomfoolery.”
She let his face go, rising to her full height again. “What a foolish request. All for some cheap and pathetic festivities.”
The woman was as proud as she was wicked. With a motion that could only be described as mechanical, she turned and walked away from the scene, her features sliding back into an indifferent mask, not even bothering with the mess she’d made, the child she’d left broken in her ruthless wake.
Callisto stayed hidden until the last servant left, leaving the little Prince crying to himself.
Callisto watched on a little longer, trying to make sense of what he’d just witnessed. It was truly unbelievable how cruel the Queen could be to her own child after she’d been so protective of him. He’d figured at last that Theodore was now merely a pawn in a bigger play for the crown and absolute power. Callisto vowed to never let her put her claws on the crown, even if it meant turning her own son against her.
He finally stepped out of his hiding, threading carefully towards his younger brother, who was now shaking, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees where his face remained hidden and sobs were muffled.
Callisto kneeled down and placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
Theodore startled from his weeping. For a moment he’d hoped that his mother had come back to console him, maybe she’d realized how much seeing the festival meant to him, maybe she’d allow him to finally go even if he had to be supervised by a dozen knights. His hopes were crushed when he gazed into red eyes, ruby red, not the icy blue of his mother’s.
“Brother Callisto?” He sniffled, wiping at his nose and eyes in a poor attempt to dry the tears despite their stubborn descent.
A revelation that should’ve been obvious came to him, and he finally understood. Theodore was lonely. Although the boy still had his mother, he did not receive her love and care.
Even if Callisto lost his mother due to illness, he wasn’t by any means lonely. The bossy know-it-all that will accompany him as his aide was indeed quite annoying, however Callisto found a friend in Cedrick. The same went for the men in the army that he will lead one day. Though no older than ten, the soldiers treated him as a capable equal, maybe they saw potential in him.
His red eyes flickered back to Theodore. He had not stopped shaking like a leaf.
Callisto didn’t know what came over him, but in that moment he felt like he had to stop his brother’s tears.
Before even processing what he was doing, Callisto pulled Theodore in a hug, pushing his head into his shoulder.
The younger Prince froze for a second, but his shock melted away immediately, and soon enough he was returning the gesture, burying his face deeper into his older brother’s comforting embrace, crying out the last of his sadness.
He said nothing as he held Theodore tightly, words were not needed. In that moment, Callisto decided to protect the child that looked so helpless, like he wished he’d been protected. Each was the last of the caring family they had, they could work on preserving that.
When Theodore finally calmed down to mere sniffles, Callisto spoke for the first time since he’d come out of hiding. “Let’s go to the festival.” He said, voice solemn.
Theodore was visibly shaken by it. “But mother said—“
“What she doesn’t know won’t kill her. You’ll just have to keep it a secret,” Callisto’s lips curled upwards into a teasing grin.
Theodore seemed to ponder on his options. If he didn’t go, then he would be obeying his mother’s will, and consequently miss out on something he wished since he could remember; on the other hand, if he went, he’d get to experience all the simple yet joyful activities like stall games and various types of food that the festival had to offer.
Theodore thought about it, he did not like how his mother treated him, he did not like how he was always reprimanded for something that other children his age got to do, why could they but he couldn’t? He was an imperial Prince, so why couldn’t he?
Callisto was still smiling at him, and it gave him a reassuring feeling. He trusted his brother.
“So? Will you stay locked up in your room like a crybaby, or will you come with me to the festival?” The Crown Prince teased, mischief sparkling in his gaze.
“I’m not a crybaby!” Theodore stomped his foot, in childish fashion, which made Callisto’s grin widen, “really now?”
“Yes! I’ll go to the festival!” He puffed his cheeks, while staring up at him.
“Well then, you better get ready. I’ll come and get you when the sun sets.” And with that Callisto left to do his own preparations for the evening, leaving his brother slightly confused yet excited for their upcoming secret outing.
As the last of the sun’s light was shimmering just over the horizon, hurrying away as the first stars of the night’s sky blinked back to life, with the evening star already greeting the people with its bright presence, Callisto remained true to his word.
The two brothers dressed up with inconspicuous garments that mimicked the ones commoners and mercenaries wore, with their neutral and muted colors. Nodding to each other, they set off into the center of the capital where the heart’s festival already burned bright with laughter and joy.
The two managed to avoid the guards standing watch without a hitch, it helped that Callisto was an expert when it came to the art of sneaking out, and for that reason Theodore followed his instructions without much of a protest, however it didn’t mean that he wasn’t left confused by it. “Brother, why do I have to take my sleeping garments with me?”
Callisto threw a glance at the satchel Theodore was carrying, with the aforementioned clothes inside. “Just a form of precaution.” A boyish grin appeared on his face as they ducked under yet another thick shrub, which would be the last obstacle before they were out of the palace’s territory.
As soon as they were on safer grounds for them to stand without the worry of being spotted, they took off into a run towards their intended destination, with their journey being full of laughter as they looked forward to the evening’s many events.
Theodore’s eyes became so wide, Callisto could’ve sworn they were seconds away from popping out of their sockets, he doesn’t remember ever seeing his little brother so happy.
“So? What do you think? Does it live up to your imagination, pipsqueak?” Callisto playfully nudged Theodore with a light shove of his shoulder.
The younger boy turned to him in wonder, completely disregarding the playful nickname that usually had him stomping his feet in defiance. “It’s even better! It’s so magical!” His hand fisted up to his chest, bumping up in a display of childish excitement, blue eyes sparkling in awe.
His reaction stole another laugh from Callisto, who in return only ruffled up his hair teasingly. “C’mon, there’s a lot to see and too little time for us to waste it with pointless chit chat!”
Taking his brother’s hand in his, Callisto made way deeper into the festival, pushing through the crowd towards their many intended stops.
Time went by quickly as they went sightseeing around, observing as many tried out stall games that required more than just luck.
Eventually they stopped to get some treats at a stall that sold sweets. Theodore munched happily on a chocolate filled beignet that he’d never gotten to try (courtesy of that harpy), while Callisto had an apple strudel, which he hadn’t eaten in a while. The stall vendor had regarded them with skepticism at first, but when Callisto presented him the money, the older man gladly gave them what they’d ordered.
He didn’t know how, but the two of them got closer. The majority of the time Theodore rambled on about little things that sent his brain into a tizzy, and Callisto listened on, chiming in occasionally to offer his thoughts and point of view. In a way it was liberating, and he’d started to feel that maybe his family, or what remained of it, was still worth something and it wasn’t just him trying to make excuses like he did with his father what felt like so long ago.
“Brother, will you teach me how to sword fight?” Theodore asked, looking at him expectantly. His question took him by surprise, making his steps halt in the middle of the street. “What?”
“You know, sword fighting! I always see you training and it looks fun!” The fact that he could spend more time with his older brother was an added bonus.
Callisto gave his brother a skeptical onceover. “I could, but you’ll need to grow up first.”
“But I’m already grown up! I’m taller than I was last year! I’m five, I’m basically an adult!” He huffed, stomping his foot like he always did whenever he was about to throw a little tantrum.
Callisto couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of his throat. That was the funniest thing he’d heard the little Prince say.
Theodore cheeks puffed up in indignation, as if his brother’s laugh had offended him greatly. “Stop laughing! I am old enough!”
His little brother’s annoyance did nothing but spur his laughter further. “Sure pipsqueak!” He ruffled the younger boy’s hair.
“I’ll tell you what. When you grow this tall,” he raised his hand up to his own head, showing the intended height, “I’ll teach you how to wield a sword.”
“Really?!” Theodore asked incredulously.
“Of course, but only after you grow taller,” Callisto knew it would be a while before that happened, so it seemed like a fitting condition to impose. He couldn’t help but smile when Theodore cheered and started bouncing around happily, doing what seemed to be a victory dance.
“Don’t go too far,” Callisto warned, taking notice of the influx of people that built up over the course of the night. He made his way towards where his brother was going, reaching a hand to catch him, yet the little boy didn’t seem to notice his increasing panic.
Just as he was about to grab onto Theodore’s cape, the space in front of him closed and Callisto bumped into a pair of legs, the impact making him tumble backwards and onto his back. Looking up, he was met with a gaze that was far from kind. "Watch it brat!” The grouchy man regarded him sternly as he moved along the crowds. ‘What a brute.’
He got to his feet again, and began looking around frantically for a mop of sandy blond hair.
He ran around looking for his little brother, who was no doubt scared beyond belief. The thought of the little child curled up into a corner, crying and shaking like a leaf like he’d done earlier that day, strengthened Callisto’s resolve to find him.
Spotting some imperial knights on the sidelines, keeping watch of things, he tried to remain as hidden as possible.
He scurried around, calling for his brother. Callisto checked every alley, every street, yet he found nothing. Maybe his brother had gotten out of the festival’s territory, and had gravitated towards the outskirts in hopes of avoiding getting swept up by the crowds.
Even as he managed to exit the festival’s grounds, the cheers and music could still be heard.
Callisto walked around scanning his surroundings. The lights were dimmer and streets left vacant for the most part. He frowned when he passed a few people slumbering in various alleys or sidewalks. Some of them he easily recognized as the occasional drunkards, however others were part of the common folk who looked to have lost their homes, or didn’t have a home in the first place.
He saw as women with their children strolled about, no doubt having been left alone after the war broke out not long ago, and the men got called to serve in battle.
A pang of guilt twisted in his chest at the thought. Callisto knew it was not his fault, yet he couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. He decided that he wanted to be a good ruler. No one should suffer the loss of their loved ones.
He was brought out of his inner musings when he heard a couple of voices not too far away. The closer he got, the voices became easier to discern. They were children, a girl and a boy.
“—don’t worry we’ll find your brother,” he heard the girl, her promise was soft and reassuring. “Promise?” That—that voice. His heart leaped into his throat as the first embers of hope ignited again.
“Pinky promise! You know, I’m one of the most trustworthy around here!” Callisto had to admit, he hadn’t heard any child be so buoyant, not even his brother who was still very much oblivious to many things.
“Theodore!” His sprint came to a halt right at the alley’s entrance, eyes frantically scanning the two unsuspecting children. When he confirmed for himself that his brother was there, Callisto wasted no time and gathered the younger boy into a hug. Theodore stiffened for a second, the sudden embrace took him by surprise, but it was momentary and he returned the gesture, burying his face into his brother’s chest like he’d done earlier that day.
“Are you hurt?” He broke the hug, holding Theodore by the shoulders, red eyes scanning him over for any injuries.
Theodore shook his head, “no, I’m alright.” He smiled, happy that he wasn’t lost anymore.
Callisto sighed out in relief, ruffling his brother’s hair. He turned to the girl, “thank you for having remained by my brother’s side until I found him. Apologies if he bothered you,” he kicked himself mentally as soon as the words were out of his mouth. Kids around the slums did not possess any kind of formal speech, and he stood out like a sore thumb with his mannerisms. The plan was to remain undetected, it seems like he had blown his cover.
“It was no problem, he’s quite the chatterbox. We had fun,” she giggled, and for the first time, Callisto actually took in the girl’s appearance. Dark pink curls flowed around her with each movement, he’d never seen hair like that before. Her eye color resembled the one he’d seen in paintings of the sea, a blue that took onto a green hue. And while tattered and stitched in many places, her clothes didn’t look so bad.
Her expression conveyed happiness and amusement, even if he had barely met her, Callisto knew that she was a very happy child despite not having many possessions or the same conditions as children born into noble households, yet it mattered not, he could only describe her as carefree. She was the prettiest girl Callisto had ever seen.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” She smirked, and had obviously caught him staring stupidly. What she said was also confirmation that they’d been found out.
“You wouldn’t believe me even if I said we were,” Callisto frowned, admitting silent defeat. Apparently his resignation was amusing, for she laughed, “not really, kids around here aren’t as well-mannered as the two of you. Not to mention your clothes, they might be a good replica of the common folk’s clothes, but the quality is unmistakably high.” She pointed out each little element that made their disguise crumble.
Callisto raised a brow, “you say all that, and yet your speech is pretty formal. How do I know you’re not pretending as well?” He knew she wasn’t, but egged her on nonetheless.
She crossed her arms around her chest in pride. “That is not the case, you’re just bluffing. And can’t a kid read? I think it’s fun.”
“You know how to read?” He asked skeptically. His question looked to have offended her, because she pinned him with a displeased glare. “Why of course! Who do you take me for? I’m the most knowledgeable person you’ll find around here.”
The lack of certainty was pretty obvious as he gave her a dubious once-over. “Right, and I’m the Emperor,” she had no way of knowing it wasn’t a complete lie, and seemed to miss the way Theodore tensed subtly at his side since she was too busy giggling by herself at his mocking statement. “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Your Majesty.” She gave a clumsy curtsy.
“Well, we had a pleasant conversation, but we have to take our leave. Thank you again for your help. Let’s go Theo,” he took his brother’s hand and tugged him along.
They managed to make it just out of the alley when they stopped in their tracks. Callisto noticed two things; first, he didn’t know where they were, in his earlier frenzy he hadn’t paid any attention to where he was going.
Second, the girl didn’t seem fazed by his dismissal in the slightest, and didn’t even bother to bid them farewell. Instead she stared at him, as if she knew something they didn’t. It was almost as if she was expecting it. But of course she did. She was a sly one, people from the slums were often like that.
“Let me guess, you haven’t got a clue of where you are,” a cheshire-like grin formed onto her face.
Callisto rolled his eyes, already predicting she was in for a coin or two, he didn’t really blame her. He began rummaging through his pockets for his coin satchel. She raised a brow at that, “what are you doing?”
“Well, obviously I have to pay up if I want your help.” He kept on searching, and when he found what he was looking for, Callisto fished out the tiny satchel and waved it around a little, making the coins inside clinch together.
“But of course you’d think that. People like you don’t really believe in kindness.” She seemed almost melancholic.
Callisto blinked a few times, exchanging a glance with Theodore. “So, you don’t want…money?”
“Don’t misunderstand. While I could use some gold coins, I’m not going to abandon children out in the middle of the street just because,” she shrugged, truth to be told she had no use for his coins, but he didn’t need to know that.
‘You are also a child,’ he thought to himself, but said nothing otherwise.
“Yet you still want something, don’t you?” The assessment proved to be correct when she nodded. “What is it?” He asked, deciding that the sooner he was over with it, the better.
She tapped her chin with her finger a few times as if deep in thought, yet he was aware that she already knew what she wanted and was only putting up a show. After giving them a scrutinizing look, she smiled, “I’ll tell you once we reach our destination.”
“Ah, why am I not surprised?” He muttered, but she’d still heard, and giggled.
She skipped ahead of them and twirled, her hair flowing around her prettily. “Where do you want to go?”
“Uh, the Main District, please,” Theodore said once he noticed his brother failed to answer her question and instead was once more staring at the girl.
“So you are of noble blood. I know a rich boy when I see one, hehe,” covering her mouth, she chortled to herself. “Follow me.” And just like that, she began guiding them towards their intended destination.
During the road back, they talked about various things, conversations which were mostly entertained by Theodore and the girl.
“What’s your name?” Callisto found himself asking suddenly. She turned her head in his direction without halting. “You may call me Penny.”
He knew it wasn’t her actual name, but that would have to suffice since she was so adamant about keeping up with the mysterious facade.
“What about you? I already know your brother’s name is Theodore, but what’s yours?”
When did he—ah, right. He’d called Theodore by his full name when he’d found him, and there was no guarantee he hadn’t already told her prior to that.
Since she hadn’t given her full name, neither should he, “you may call me Calli.”
He was surprised when she snorted and burst into a fit of giggles. Callisto felt oddly offended. “What now? Is laughing in people’s faces a rude habit of yours?”
Penny shook her head. “You’re pretty funny for a snob.”
“Did you just call me a snob?” He nudged his brother lightly when he too began to laugh.
“Because you are! I think it’s hilarious!” She kept on teasing him. “And you’re as rude as ever.” Grumbling he rolled his eyes.
Her gaze turned to him, and Callisto looked away. “You know, you’re really pretty,” she hummed, as if in contemplation.
“What?” It was true that there were more graceful ways to react to what she’d said, yet it’s not everyday you get called pretty, especially by the prettiest girl you’ve ever met. That was Callisto’s predicament.
“It’s true, I really like your hair! Oh, and your eyes too, they remind me of the roses in the garden—“ she stopped before she could expose anything about herself. It helped that he was too wrapped up into his own thoughts to notice her slip up.
Theodore’s gaze shifted from his brother to the girl who was playing guide.
Older kids were odd, was he going to be like that too when he grew up? After that they fell quiet, and Theodore was rarely like that, at least around his brother. He could barely stand the silence so he asked the first thing that popped into his mind. “Penny, do you have a soulmate?”
Callisto frowned, “Theo, you’re not supposed to ask such personal things to people you barely know!” He reprimanded lightly.
However Penny didn’t seem to have taken it the wrong way. “Of course I have a soulmate! I rarely get marks, but they’re golden in color! On the other hand, I think I might’ve scared him a little…I’m pretty clumsy.”
She twirled between her fingers a little braid that was hidden by the rest of her curls, and he’d find it a reoccurring habit of hers for the duration of the night. “I’ve always wondered about the color of the marks I give him. Perhaps they’re the same color as my hair, or green like my eyes. Either way, I’ll make sure to ask him once we meet!” The girl went onto a little rant that looked to be a fragment of her multiple thoughts on the matter. It was clear she dreamed about such things pretty often.
“Do you have a soulmate?” She inquired back, the question more directed towards Callisto than Theodore from the way she was looking at him.
“Why would I tell you about something like that?” He huffed.
“Have you ever heard of ‘small talk’? Besides, I’m curious to know if a snob like you has a soulmate too.”
“I am not a snob, and I do have a soulmate, thank you very much.” Were they getting closer to their stop? Callisto just wanted to go home.
“What color are your marks?” She pressed on, now falling in step right beside him.
“That’s none of your business,” he turned his face away from hers when she got too close for comfort. ‘ What a weird girl .’
She pouted when he did not give an answer, and instead gravitated towards the younger of the trio who had instigated it all. “What about you, Theo? What color do you have?”
The little boy tugged his sleeve upward to show a tiny circular bruise that was purple. “That’s such a pretty color!” Both of them laughed at that.
“At least your brother knows how to be friendly.” Callisto pretended not to hear her jab and mumbled something under his breath while kicking a pebble.
Hunching down to the younger kid’s level, Penny nodded towards his older brother and Theodore beamed, having understood what she implied. “His color is dark pink!”
“Theo! You weren’t supposed to tell her!” Callisto’s ears reddened.
“And why not? I bet it’s prettier than the color of your ears!”
At that, Callisto slapped his hands over his ears, both to avoid hearing any of the annoying babbling she was doing, and to also hide the traitorous blush that no doubt had started to spread.
From then on, he completely ignored what she had to say, slowing down his steps to remain at least a couple paces behind. He observed his brother and the girl as they talked about the most absurd things, his eyes lingering more on her. Her smile was cute…even if she was completely nuts.
‘Girls are odd.’ He mused, and thought about his own soulmate. Would she be like that too? He shivered inwardly, that would be a challenge for him.
After a while they arrived right at the huge archway that marked the beginning of the noble’s district.
“This is where we part.” She gave a little curtsy that looked too perfect for someone that had grown up without the manners of high society. That thought was soon forgotten when she extended her hand, “I believe we have a deal,” she wriggled her fingers expectantly, obviously waiting for her promised reward.
“What is it that you want?” He arched a brow, expecting anything by that point.
“I’d like that pretty brooch,” she pointed at one of the brooches pinned to his cloak.
‘I knew I shouldn’t have brought these with me.’ It wasn’t important per se, but his nanny would surely ask him about it if she found it was missing. “Why a brooch?”
Penny smiled, “because they’re shiny and it’ll help me remember this day.”
Given his puzzled expression, she explained further. “I’m a collector! Every time something eventful happens, I make sure to take something that will help me remember that time.”
“So you collect things?” Theodore asked in amazement.
“That’s right! I have a box full of little trinkets—I even have a conch in there!” She puffed out her chest, placing her hands on her hips in pride.
“Why would you want to remember tonight?” Callisto inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“Because it’s a festival night, and I met the two of you!” A grin that he began to be accustomed to stretched onto her lips. The sincerity with which she said it made his chest warm, and for the first time that night, he felt like he knew this girl from somewhere, despite never having met her. She felt special, but not in a strange way.
Wordlessly, Callisto fiddled with the brooch. Once unclasped, he held it just out of her reach.
Before she could begin to complain, he spoke. “A deal is a deal, but I’ll give you this brooch only if you give me something in return as well.”
She looked surprised by his request, and took a moment to ponder. Finally, she took the small braid with which she’d played during their way back and undid the ribbon that held it together. It was of a color similar to the one of her eyes, and made of expensive silk—expensive enough that Callisto began to doubt her status as a commoner more.
They exchanged possessions and goodbyes, as it was finally time for the two Princes to depart. She waved at them from where she remained, watching them leave, and Callisto found himself glancing back occasionally.
This time when she smiled, he smiled back.
Her hand remained raised well after the brothers had disappeared into the night. She didn’t even notice when someone tried to catch her attention from a dark corner.
“Penelope! What are you doing?!” The hushed yell got her turning her head towards the new-comer. “What am I doing? What are you doing there? You look like a creep.” She bit back testily.
“I came back for you, you dummy! We have to go! Derrick said that we’ll be in trouble if we stay any longer!” A pink haired boy emerged from the shadows looking slightly peeved.
He took her hand, and the two of them made a mad dash through the crowds who were decreasing in number. “And who were those two?”
“Some random kids that were sneaking out like us. Do you know who they are, Rey?” She asked in between puffs of breath.
“I couldn’t really see them. What did they look like?” He momentarily let go of his sister’s hand as he ducked under someone’s outstretched arm.
“Both of them had blond hair, but one had red eyes and the other blue. The one with blue eyes is Theodore, the other said his name was ‘Calli,’ liar.” It wasn’t as if she hadn’t lied about her own name as well, but it was better to pretend like she truly hadn’t.
Her little explanation made her brother halt in his tracks. His head turned so fast towards her, Penelope was surprised he didn’t get whiplash. “What are you doing? Why did we stop?”
He put his hands onto her shoulders and gave her one of the most serious looks she’d ever seen on him.
She didn’t even know he was capable of such a thing, it worried her a little. “Penelope, are you sure they were exactly like that?”
“What do you mean? Of course they were! Why would I lie?” She harrumphed in indignation.
“No that’s not—look I’ll explain later, right now we have to hurry, otherwise father will catch us and we’ll be grounded for a whole month!”
“But you were the one that sto—“ she let out a shriek as she was dragged away once more.
They ran until they couldn’t feel their legs, stopping only when they met up with the other two accomplices.
“Finally! What took you so long?” The oldest of the four pushed them in an alley just as a couple of guards rounded the corner—guards that sported the Eckhart emblem on their armor. “Reynold, I thought I told you to be quick!”
“Oh shut it Derrick! What was I supposed to do? Grow a pair of wings? Learn teleportation magic?”
Derrick shook his head in exasperation at his brother’s antics. “Whatever—doesn’t matter now. We have to wait until the knights complete their round. Then we’ll move to the next area of the festival.”
Reynold sat on the ground, but not before ruffling his sister’s hair in a way that never failed to annoy her. “Go on, tell them what you saw.”
In return she clucked her tongue, “I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of it. Bet we were late because of you.”
“Oh! What did you see, Penny?” Ivonne shifted her weight from one foot from another, eyeing her sister curiously.
Penelope shrugged, plopping onto the ground next to Reynold. “Nothing much. I ran into a little boy who got lost, and later, his older brother found him again. I could tell they were from a noble household, it’s not like they made a good job at hiding it. Then when they tried to leave, they couldn’t because they didn’t know where they were, so I helped them back to the Main District. I even got a pretty brooch out of it!” She waved said object around.
“Not that—I was talking about their looks! Tell them their names too!” Reynold nudged her impatiently with his shoulder.
She pushed him back with a frown, but complied nonetheless. “Well, they were something. The younger of the two had blond hair and blue eyes, and he was five, his name’s Theodore. The older of the two also had blond hair but his eyes were red, he told me to refer to him as ‘Calli’ but that’s not his real name. I think he was around Reynold’s age.”
Derrick felt his eyes widen more and more with each detail provided, an incredulous look on his face.
“See! I knew it!” Reynold pointed a finger at his older brother, having recognized the meaning behind his expression.
Penelope and Ivonne looked from one brother to the other, “uh…is that supposed to be important? Sure the older one was really pretty, but what else?”
“Penelope, I am almost completely certain that you saw the Crown Prince Callisto Regulus, and his brother, the Second Prince Theodore Regulus. Reynold and I met them last time we went with father to the imperial palace. The descriptions of their looks match. And from the way you worded it, I believe they were also mingling around the festival unsupervised.” Derrick rubbed his temple feeling a headache coming. He knew the Crown Prince had no way of recognizing Penelope since she’d been out of high society’s spotlight, but he still worried about their predicament.
Reynold gave a quiet “I knew it!” While Ivonne looked to be deep in thought, no doubt pondering about the possible outcomes as well.
Derrick hoped that the two Princes kept quiet about the whole ordeal. If they pretended like nothing happened, so would they.
“The Crown…Prince?” Penelope parroted back, disbelief etched onto her face. That’s why he stood out like that. Of course he had to be someone important. She looked back down at the brooch, tracing its outline with her fingers. To think he traded one of his golden pins for a measly ribbon…
“The knights are nowhere in sight, now’s our chance,” Derrick cautiously guided them out the alley and into the street once more, and together they made their way home.
One by one they crawled through the dog hole near the training grounds, and once inside they bid each other goodnight as they went back into their rooms, pretending like the night’s events had never happened.
After changing back into her sleepwear, Penelope climbed onto her bed. Her head hit the pillow, and all the exhaustion hit her like a carriage. She fell asleep while looking at the brooch she’d managed to smuggle from none other than the Crown Prince, “so his name is Callisto…a pretty name for a pretty boy.” Her hand clutching the pin tightly even during her sleep.
She was blissfully unaware of the events taking place on the other side of the capital, where said boy was having a big dilemma.
Callisto and Theodore ran as if chased by an angry mob. They hadn’t realized how late it was until they’d passed by a store with a pendulum clock on display.
By some divine miracle and thanks to Callisto’s knowledge about the patrolling shifts, they managed to avoid the guards, and safely made it into the gardens. Once inside Callisto stopped his brother, who compiled but regarded him with confusion. “Remember the satchel I told you to bring along? Now it’s time to use it—change clothes.”
Theodore looked around them a couple of times, “but there’s no one around here.”
Callisto hummed, “exactly, it’s too easy. This is obviously a trap. Trust me.” He gave his brother a reassuring smile.
Theodore returned the gesture and began doing as told. Once in his nightwear, Callisto got down to his level bringing them eye to eye. “When they find you, just tell them you were taking a walk. No one can know about earlier, not even the maids. Understood?”
The younger boy puffed out his cheeks and nodded, clearly having taken the advice as a mission. He brought his hand up to his forehead in a salute.
It was such an innocent thing, Callisto let out a small laugh. “Good night midget,” he said, slugging the satchel onto his shoulder to eliminate any proof. Before he could leave, he felt two arms wrap around his midriff. Surprised, he looked down and found Theodore beaming up at him. “Thank you, brother.”
He found himself wrapping one of his own arms around the boy, while patting his head with his other hand. “Anytime, brother. Good night.” And with that he departed, hearing a faint ‘goodnight’ in return.
Theodore remained hidden for a couple more seconds, and cautiously walked around, as if he’d been doing so the entire night, and got startled when some armed guards seemingly popped out of nowhere.
He yelped, but calmed down once they held up their hands. “Prince Theodore…you’re here.” One of them breathed a sigh of relief.
He brought a finger up to the corner of his lips. “Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” He recalled Callisto saying that his innocence would come in handy if he played his cards right. At the time Theodore hadn’t completely grasped the meaning of his older brother’s words, but now he knew lying was the best solution.
The guard from before started speaking but was interrupted by something, or better yet—someone. “Theodore!” The Queen was by his side in seconds, taking his face in her hands, trying to find a flaw, anything that would indicate him having gone against her orders.
“Where in the heavens have you been?!” If she seemed worried, it all faded away when she raised her voice, features scrunching up in anger and distaste. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere!”
Theodore shuffled his feet, “I was upset about earlier, so I went into the gardens and decided to stay hidden…I’m sorry.” He avoided eye contact, some fear of being caught creeping in.
His mother stared at him for a little before sighing while closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose, now looking tired. “Very well, I shall forgive your behavior this once. But see to it that it doesn’t happen again. If you want to take a walk in the gardens, make sure to bring a couple of knights with you, and notify me beforehand.”
After everything was settled, the Queen ushered her son inside, and everyone involved in his search was dismissed.
During the exchange, someone was watching them. Callisto had never actually left, instead he’d remained hidden and observed the whole scene. Theodore had the potential to be a wonderful liar, the kid wasn’t stupid like everyone made him out to be.
The Queen was too self absorbed and proud to even doubt her own judgment, once her mind was made up it was near impossible to make her take her words back, she’d rather go to extreme lengths to prove she had been right from the beginning.
Never mind that, at least her son was the furthest thing from her. It was very amusing, especially since he knew that if she kept her behavior up, her son would inevitably turn his back to her as years went by. It’s not like Callisto cared, but it would be most gratifying to see the woman be left behind by the one person that cared about her the most. Theodore would see her true colors soon enough.
Later, as he changed back into his sleeping garments, something fell to the ground catching his attention. It was the ribbon he’d gotten from the girl at the festival. Finally giving it a good look, Callisto was even less convinced she was a commoner. The silk of the ribbon was refined indeed, and it had an intricate motif on the back. While not expensive at all for a noble, even of the lowest ranking, it was certainly not something just any commoner could afford on a whim.
Her speech was almost impeccable for someone her age, not to mention that she could read and no doubt write. The ribbon’s material was the last nail in the coffin. She was playing pretend just like him and Theodore, but that begged the question—who was she? And how did she know the streets so well if she was a noble?
Despite being very young, Callisto had already gotten his fair look at most of the nobility's children, none of them looked like her or at least similar. There were no families who had that same hair or eye color. Perhaps an illegitimate child..?
Whatever the case may be, he’d try to find out more about her, possibly with another outing or two in the capital's streets.
Her earlier words echoed in his mind. She said something about being a collector and having a box full of random objects.
Callisto rummaged through his things around the room, and found at last an empty box which had housed one of his newest uniforms. It wasn’t large or too small—perfect.
He put the ribbon inside, closing the lid, hiding the box beneath his bed afterwards. He would find it a better hiding spot when morning came.
As he lay in his bed staring out the window, he smiled. Callisto hoped the two of them could meet again, even if she was still a nosy know-it-all. Perhaps he should take Theodore with him on secret outings more often.