Chapter 10 - Departure
The rain was still falling hard the next morning.
As Antonius made his way toward the waiting carriage, a small figure stepped into his path.
It was Andri.
"Your Highness."
The word came out slightly blurred, as it always did.
Antonius snorted.
"Hmph. Why is it that a servant may remain, yet the Crown Prince is the one being sent away?"
Andri considered the question for a moment.
Then he answered carefully.
"Because Your Highness has far more important duties to fulfill."
"Hmph."
Antonius folded his arms, clearly unconvinced.
"See that you earn the value of that parchment I gave you."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And keep practicing your reading and writing."
"Yes, Your Highness."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Antonius's mouth.
"If you prove useful, I may take you into my service one day."
Andri's face lit up at once.
"Truly, Your Highness?"
Before Antonius could answer, Theodoros approached.
"Your Highness. It's time."
Antonius clicked his tongue and climbed into the carriage.
As the carriage began to move, Andri hurried after it.
"Your Highness!"
His voice carried through the rain.
"Thank you for everything!"
He clenched his small fist.
"I'll work hard! Someday, I shall surely be of use to Your Highness!"
Antonius narrowed his eyes.
"Do not disappoint me, Andri Chaire."
The moment he heard his name, Andri straightened proudly.
"I shall not disappoint you, Your Highness!"
