The Thief and the Prince – Chapter 1: Liberation

The Thief and the Prince – Chapter 1: Liberation

The moon hung over the kingdom of Althera like a silent witness—cold, bright, and watching everything from above.

Inside the highest tower of the royal palace, Prince Kael sat chained to a stone pillar. His clothes were torn, his lips dry, and his eyes—once sharp and full of fire—now carried the exhaustion of betrayal.

He had been locked away for twelve days.

Twelve days since his uncle, General Varek, had staged a coup.

Twelve days since the guards turned their swords toward their own prince.

Twelve days since Kael’s freedom, throne, and identity were ripped from him.

Tonight, he whispered a silent prayer.

Not for rescue.

For strength.

Because he knew rescue wouldn’t come.

But destiny sometimes chooses the most unexpected heroes.

Far below the tower, inside the shadows of the palace courtyard, a figure moved with the ease of someone who belonged to the darkness. A small frame, fast feet, sharp eyes.

A thief.

Arin, the most notorious street thief of Althera, slipped past a sleeping guard and climbed the tower wall with practiced agility. For years, he had taken only what he needed—bread, coins, sometimes jewelry. But tonight… he had come for something far more dangerous.

He had come for the prince.

Whispers in the city had spread like wildfire:

“The true heir is alive.”

“The prince is imprisoned.”

“No one can save him… unless someone with nothing to lose tries.”

Arin had nothing to lose.

So he climbed.

By the time he reached the window of the tower, his fingers were numb from the cold stone. He peered inside and saw Kael chained, silent, staring at the floor.

Arin exhaled. “Prince Kael?”

Kael’s head snapped up. His eyes widened at the sight of the thin, dusty boy hanging by the window.

“Who are you?” Kael asked.

“Your worst decision,” Arin grinned, swinging inside, “or your only hope. Depends.”

Kael blinked, stunned. “You’re a child.”

“I prefer: professional in training.” Arin kneeled beside the chains.

“You want to get out or stay here and write poetry on the walls?”

A faint smile tugged at Kael’s lips—his first in days.

“Get me out.”

Arin pulled out two thin metal rods from his belt.

“Thought so.”

He began working on the locks. His hands moved fast, confident. Each click echoed in the empty tower.

“You know,” Arin whispered, “the whole kingdom thinks you’re dead.”

“I might as well be,” Kael muttered.

“No. Dead is when you stop fighting.” Arin looked up, meeting his eyes.

“And you don’t look like someone who’s stopped.”

Kael stared at the thief—this stranger risking his life for him. Why?

Arin seemed to sense the unspoken question.

“I’m not doing this for gold,” he said. “Varek burned half the lower district. My people.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “He will pay for everything.”

Arin smirked. “Good. Because revenge is easier with a partner.”

With a final twist, the chain snapped open.

Kael gasped as freedom rushed through his veins. His wrists were bruised, but he stood tall—taller than Arin expected.

“You don’t look like a prince right now,” Arin said, handing him a cloak.

Kael wrapped it around himself. “Then let’s make sure your king never sees me coming.”

Arin motioned toward the window. “We go down the same way I came up.”

Kael looked down—far down. The ground felt impossibly distant.

“Unless,” Arin added, “you want to stay here a bit more?”

Kael gave him a sharp look. “Lead.”

They climbed down the tower carefully, using cracks and ledges. Halfway down, torches flared below—soldiers patrolling.

Arin whispered, “Move when I say. Don’t slip. Don’t breathe too loud.”

Kael whispered back, “You’re giving a prince instructions?”

“Someone has to,” Arin replied.

They reached the last ledge. Arin jumped down first, landing on silent feet. Kael followed—but slipped.

Arin dove forward, catching the prince before he hit the ground.

Kael breathed hard. “You saved me.”

Arin rolled his eyes. “Try not to die before the rebellion starts.”

They darted into the shadows, slipping past guards, crossing broken statues, and finally squeezing through a cracked hole in the palace wall.

Cold night air hit their faces like freedom.

Kael looked at the city below—burning torches, broken homes, sleeping children unaware of their future.

“We’re not safe,” Arin whispered, “but we’re beyond the walls.”

Kael straightened his shoulders.

“For the first time… I am free.”

Arin nodded. “Then Chapter Two begins.”

Kael glanced at him. “What’s Chapter Two?”

Arin smiled—a thief’s smile.

“Taking back your kingdom