A nine year old Ezekiel, tiptoed his way along the hallway.

His light footsteps made no noise on the carpet, even his breaths were almost inconspicuous. It was late at night, way past the time he was supposed to have fallen asleep. However, he didn't feel drowsy at all. He was sure just a glass of warm milk would help him fall asleep soon.

The only trouble was that he had no idea where the kitchen was located.
He walked along the semi dark hallways for a while, stopping in front of a large wooden door. He placed his ear on the surface, trying to listen for noises. However, there was silence on the other side. He placed his hand on the door and gently opened it, peering inside curiously.

His heart lurched painfully at the scene in front of him.

It was a massive room. A four-poster bed on his right. A large window on the opposite side and a massive bookshelf on his left. The room was furnished ornately. Rustic chandeliers and busts scattered around in what Zeke judged was distaste.

There was a large, cosy couch in front of him. His dad lay on it, his eyes closed. Evelyn lay on his chest, her face turned away from Zeke, her dark hair tumbling on her back. On the floor in front of the couch, Ezra sat, his back propped on the couch as he dozed away. Meredith sat on his left, her head resting on his shoulder, her eyes shut. Elijah was lying on his back on the floor, fast asleep.

Zeke felt his heart closing up as he took a step towards them, careful not to make any noise. He saw that under Evie's head, a hardcover book lay open. He could see some scattered letters on it and a colourful illustration that made no sense to him. He gazed helplessly at the alien letters.

He turned on his heel and slowly walked away, his heart-wrenching. He no longer felt like looking for the kitchen and trudged his feet slowly back to his room.

He sat on the floor near his bed, jealousy ripping his insides. He was grateful for everything that his father did for him, but at the end of the day, he was still the royal family's dirty little secret.

He sat quietly, swaying to and fro. Trying hard to not burst into tears. He hated crying.

There was a gentle knock on the door and his eyes snapped towards it. He wondered who it could be at this time and called out, "Who is it?"

A soft voice answered. "Evie. Can I come in?"

Zeke stared in shock, gulping as he answered in affirmative.

The door opened and a drowsy Evelyn walked in, giving him a bright smile. "I saw you leaving our room. I thought you could use some help trying to sleep."

Zeke gaped open-mouthed at her. He silently wondered if she had come to tease him.

She walked over and sat in front of him. He noticed that she held the same book she had fallen asleep within her room. She placed the book on the floor between them and smiled. "Would you like to read a story? It's our favourite."

Zeke stared at the book, his face feeling hot. "I...I can't read."

"Oh," Evie exclaimed, quickly getting over herself as she said. "That's fine."

Zeke didn't say anything, averting her eyes. "What...what does it say?"

Evie smiled genially. "Little Socks Adventure Boots. It's about this boy who defeats evil gnomes and fairies."

Zeke blinked at her, giggling softly. "That's a funny name."

Evie snickered. "I think it is supposed to increase our interest in it. Would you like me to read it to you?"

Zeke gazed at her, an unexplained feeling in her heart. He wasn't used to kindness.
"Okay."

Evelyn launched into the story of how the protagonist, by the name of Jelly got a new pair of socks. Ruining them on the first day. A hilarious array of events ensued and Zeke found himself laughing with his little sister.

"I wish you didn't have to go, Zeke," Evelyn said softly, her eyes sad.

Zeke gazed at her. "It's okay. Aunt Lisette is nice to me...plus.." he took a deep breath. "I don't like how Andreas treats my dad. I hope it'll be better when I'm gone."

Ezekiel wasn't looking forward to staying away from his dad, however, he knew him remaining at the palace was something almost everyone disapproved. 

He bit his tongue as soon as he spoke, waiting for the rebuke.

"Grandpa can be strict sometimes," Evie said. "But...he is really nice. At least to us."

He spoke quickly, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

She grinned. "But yes, sometimes he is really grumpy."

"Will you visit me there?" Zeke asked, hating the blossoming hope in his chest. "At aunt's?"

Evie's eyes shone. "Yes! Aunt, Mer and I always have a lot of fun. You should join us!"

Zeke grinned at her. "I would love that," She yawned as Zeke continued. "You should go to sleep. Thank you."

She smiled and nodded. "Of course. Goodnight Zeke."

She got to her feet and flashing him a last bright smile, walking away.

Zeke leaned back on the foot of the bed, his guilt increasing. He tried hard to refrain from the poisonous envy dripping in his heart. Next week, he would be leaving the Evimerian palace and living at Aunt Lisette's. A part of him was relieved that he wouldn't have to endure snide remarks from Andreas anymore.

But that part of him was heavily overpowered by the bitterness in his heart when he saw his half-siblings with their parents. Surrounded by everything they ever needed. Revered. Loved. Wanted.

While he still remained, a dirty secret.

The second instalment, Embark, is out now! It's a bigger rollercoaster of emotions, friendship, and massive dangers as Zeke discovers his powers. My personal favourite in the series XD

Also, thank you for giving Zeke a chance. Thank you for reading so far. My heart feels full.

If you did enjoy, please consider voting! It helps the algorithm and it helps other readers to discover my work and also provides a massive encouragement to the writer who puts their heart and soul into their work.

Thank you again. I hope you continue this journey with Zeke.

Because things are about to unhinge.