The Prince and His Fool : A Royal Mischief

" The Grand Meeting"

The sun hung lazily over the grand kingdom of Navenia, casting golden light through the towering spires of the royal palace. Inside, Prince Vaelion lay on his bed, resting after an uneventful morning, when a knock echoed through his chambers.

"Your Highness," a royal servant announced. "The king has summoned you."

Vaelion sighed. His father rarely called for him unless it was something bothersome. Dragging himself up, he adjusted his attire and made his way to the king’s study hall.

---

(Inside the King’s Study)

As Vaelion stepped into the grand chamber, his gaze immediately landed on an unfamiliar figure standing behind his father’s chair. The boy, no older than sixteen, peered at him curiously, a mischievous glint in his bright eyes.

Vaelion frowned. "Father, what is this about?" His voice was calm but held a note of impatience. "And who is that behind you?"

King Zephyr chuckled. "Ah, straight to the point, as always." He gestured for the boy to step forward. "This is Zenny. From today onward, he will be your personal attendant."

Zenny grinned and extended a hand. "Hello, Your Highness! Nice to meet yah!" His voice was light and playful, his posture relaxed despite the prince’s cold stare.

Vaelion glanced at Zenny’s outstretched hand but ignored it, instead turning his sharp gaze back to his father. "Do I look like I need a babysitter?" His tone was laced with irritation. "No—scratch that. Why does it seem like I’m the one being forced to babysit him?"

Zenny gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Hey! That’s so mean!" he whined, pouting.

King Zephyr chuckled again, but his tone turned firm. "This is not up for debate. He’ll be keeping an eye on you, and he will report to me about your daily activities."

Vaelion clenched his jaw, realizing he had no say in the matter. Meanwhile, Zenny was practically beaming with excitement.

---

(In the Palace Hallways)

As Vaelion strode back to his chambers, he noticed Zenny trailing behind him like a lost puppy.

The prince stopped abruptly. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice edged with annoyance.

Zenny gave him a wide grin. "Following you, of course! Just in case you need anything."

Vaelion exhaled sharply. "I don’t need anything. Go somewhere else."

"Can’t do that!" Zenny chirped. "The king told me to stay close to you."

Vaelion’s eyebrow twitched. "Listen, if you want to stay in this palace, you’d better obey my orders, not just my father’s."

Zenny shrugged. "Nope! King's orders take priority."

Vaelion’s eye twitched further. "I said—"

Before he could finish, Zenny dramatically covered his ears. "Blah, blah, blah! I’m not listening! Hahaha!"

The prince’s patience snapped. With a flick of his wrist, sharp icicles materialized, floating menacingly in the air. "You annoying brat! If you don’t leave now, I’ll make you!"

Zenny’s eyes widened before he turned on his heels and bolted down the hallway. "Aaaah! Princy’s lost it!!"

What followed was a ridiculous cat-and-mouse chase through the palace, the sound of Zenny’s laughter and Vaelion’s threats echoing through the halls.

---

(Later That Evening)

After hours of rest, Vaelion stirred awake, stretching his limbs. Just as he sat up, a face suddenly appeared inches from his own.

"Good morning, princy~!"

Vaelion recoiled. "You!?"

Zenny grinned, holding up a tray of food. "Brought you dinner! You must be hungry."

Vaelion narrowed his eyes but took the tray, realizing he hadn’t eaten all day. He ate in silence, while Zenny watched him with an amused expression.

Once he finished, Vaelion sighed. "I suppose I have no choice but to tolerate you."

Zenny’s eyes sparkled. "So you don’t hate me anymore?"

Vaelion scoffed. "I still hate you. But if you insist on following me, you’ll follow one rule: do not cause me any trouble."