Tell the truth

Ali decided to tell the truth.

„Out!” He shouted. „Outside. I want to go outside! I'm sick of staying locked up in here! There's a party downtown and I'll be attending it, whether you like it or not!”

„Sorry, young sire. But I must protest against it, your father wouldn't be too happy about it, especially if you get hurt.” The Labrador explained, sounding worried.

„I won't get hurt, I'm not that weak! Father is worrying too much, I'll be fine!” Ali revolted, trying multiple times to free his arm from the Labrador's grasp.

„I won't allow that, I'm afraid. It's not my call, and I will have to inform your father about this.” The Labrador pulled him closer. „Please return to the library.” He said like he was asking, but didn't actually give Ali much choice. He forcefully pulled Ali back to him, then pushed him back inside the library, where he made sure to lock the door this time.

Ali banged on the door in protest, depending to be let out, but the Labrador did not listen. Instead he walked away to tell the king of his son's behaviour, Ali heard him walk away, which made him bang on the door even harder. Eventually he couldn't hear the Labrador anymore, meaning he was screaming and making noise for no-one, as he knew that nobody would dare to interact with him when his main guard is away. Ali backed away from the door worried.

Great, just great, Ali thought. All he wanted is some free time away from the castle, and now his father is going to scold him for it. He'll probably force a two hour lecture on him, then make him memorize a random book from start to finish, only for him to never ask about it. Worse of all, he'll miss the party.

Ali looked around the empty library, it felt quieter than usual. He still wishes to leave the castle, but with the main door locked, there weren't many places he could leave through, especially when his father could come in any second now. As his saddened eyes wandered around the room, his eyes stopped at an open window. The library was at the almost top of the castle, there was no possible way to get down from such highs without going splat. But as he stared down the window, Ali saw that another window a level down was also open. He wondered if he could somehow reach it and escape the library, but that would be dangerous, very dangerous, one wrong foot and he'll become a doggy pancake in the court's backyard.