Prince Chahaya sits on his desk while staring at the Sapphire necklace. It is hanging as its chain is being twirled around by his right hand. The sun coming from the big window behind him makes the necklace shines as its colour plays, creating differnt shades of blue reflection.

His head flies a few years back.

At that time, Prince Chahaya would always feel unhappy, overshadowed by his smarter and stronger older brother. He would watch Prince Surya studies with his private tutor. Table manner, sword fight, archery, politics, sciences and even negotioation courses. 

Prince Chahaya, on the other hand, would only get horse riding and public service classes in addition to general subjects like math, english, bahasa Indonesia and literatures. It made him feel like his role is only as a complementary asset to Prince Surya's core duties. His only duty was to enhance Prince Surya's light, never for him to shine on his own. 

One day, he was sitting on the little glass pavilion at the pocket park located in at the back of the ship. The park was on the top deck and was surrounded by glass, letting the sunlight to come in and warm the plants. 

"Prince Chahaya, what are you doing here alone, my dear?" a woman's voice made Prince Chahaya lifted his head.

"Lady Nilakandi," said Prince Chahaya as he stood up to give his respect to the King's younger sister.

"So what is bothering you?" Lady Nilakandi asked as the two of them sat on the chair inside the pavilion. 

"Nothing."

"Dear, if you do not tell me what's wrong, I won't be able to help you."

"Well.. You see..."

Lady Nilakandi patiently waited for Prince Chahaya to gather his words.

"You see.. I feel like Father and Mother are unfair to me. They only love Surya. They don't care about me at all." Little Prince Chahaya finally managed to get the things that had been bothering him for years out of his chest. 

Lady Nilakandi smiled as she softly moved Prince Chahaya's chin so that she could see his eyes.

"Prince Chahaya, your parents love you both equally. Prince Surya is treated in a special manner to prepare him for his future duty as the King of the Kingdom of Indonesia. But their love for you is as strong as their love for Prince Surya," She said.

"But how can they love me the same way as they love Surya? Even I don't love myself! I am terrible at everything!" Prince Chahaya was still sulking.

"Prince Chahaya my dear, you are a talented and brave young man. You have something that your brother does not. You just don't know it yet."

"What is that?" he asked.

"It's a secret."

"Why is it a secret?"

"I want you to find it yourself. That way you will be more confident and strong." 

"But.."

However, before Prince Chahaya could finish his sentences, a little girl's voice halted their conversation.

"Prince Chahayaaa! Where are you?" she yelled.

"Oh, that must be my spicy little firecracker, Intan," said Lady Nilakandi.

"Intan, over here!" Lady Nilakandi called her over.

"Mom!" she ran to her mom's embrace.

Then she realized that Prince Chahaya was there too as he was staring at her mother in a way that Princess Intan could not comprehend.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere!" She freed herself from her mother's hug and held Prince Chahaya's hand.

***
Thank you for following Mutiara!
I will try my best to update as often as I can. 

-TamagoTan