73 A Weapon of Mass Destruction (1/2)

Haydn Kingscrown was someone that possessed a trait many considered to be unfit for an individual that would one day sit upon the throne.

He was not the smartest of his many siblings.

Neither was he the strongest or most talented of the lot.

Nor was he the bravest or the wisest of the many who sought the crown.

Nevertheless, he ended up winning the title of Crown Prince.

He possessed a twisted idea of what honesty was to point that many detested conversing with him — it was horrendous flaw for someone who would have to one day manage the domestic and international affairs of the North as its head representative.

The man valued the concept of honesty so much, he forbade himself from lying through forbidden, arcane means when he first became a contender.

He self-imposed a particularly severe geas upon himself in an act of passion and resolution on a fateful night — that he could no longer lie, and that breaking or circumventing the geas would lead to his death.

Henceforth, Haydn Kingscrown would live a clean life, unafraid of the temptations brought on by deceit and the evils that followed it. He became someone who could not lie and therefore, could never partake in any form of transgression against the throne, the people, or the law.

Someone who would never be able to scheme against his own subjects, vassals, or empire for his own benefit. He would have to follow the path of justice, reason, and wisdom or remain silent for the rest of his life.

In a single, decisive sweep Haydn had won the race against his fellow siblings for the throne.

For none of Haydn's siblings had the resolve do what he had done to himself — wager his entire life for the sake of the country on a toss of dime.

On that day, it was said that the North found its future king. One that would remain in the service of his people until death.

The Honest Prince had been born... and the day he fell silent would be the day he would no longer be king.

Reed found Hadyn's blunt honesty incredibly irritating as far as he was concerned. He wanted to throw him out of the tree-spire or at the very least, glue his mouth shut with tape. Every that came out the guy's mouth was poison to the ears and a burden on the soul.

”But really, that speech of yours? An absolute masterpiece. Sent shivers down my spine how clear and calm your tone was throughout the entire thing. It was like watching one of the holy saints from the Holy Church give a sermon on peace, love and understanding.”

Haydn leaned over and whispered, ”...So? Who wrote speech? I was hoping you could introduce to me that fellow. I need a good writer like that — someone who can write a speech that can inspire and win over the hearts of the ignorant masses like you did.”

Violett hurriedly interrupted and said, ”Don't take what he says to heart, Reed, he's just can't help himself. Hadyn's special… in a very unique way, you see...”

”What do you mean? As in uniquely irritating or just socially inept beyond comprehension?” said Reed indifferently.

”Well sort of, but it's a little more complicated than that. It'll be easier if I just explain it to you before things get any worse…”

One long and complicated explanation later, Reed finally understood what Violett meant by ”special in a unique way” when she described what Haydn was.

”I can't tell whether you're a genius or an idiot. Either way, I can't deny that you really are something special. Your story belongs in a fairytale an old parable for kids to read before bedtime,” said Reed as he laughed his off at Haydn's expense.

Haydn said, ”Talk about the pot calling the kettle black,” and laughed as well. ”Of all places in the world, a human prince in the East. Not only that, but one that also one that sincerely preached for peace and understanding. Are you sure that you aren't the one that belongs in a fairytale book?”

The pair laughed even harder when they realized that they were both idiots in their own right. It was then and there that a bond between brothers had been formed.