Moonlight was pouring in when Daniel opened his eyes. He felt refreshed, no headache pulsing in his head, no pain radiating in his body. He moved his arms and was relieved that it didn’t cost him any amount of pain. He was healed.
He sat up in bed and waited for his sight to not be as blurry. He rubbed his eyes and his vision got somewhat better; in turn, he got out of bed and stumbled. His legs gave out, making him fall to the floor. Haven’t used my legs in goodness knows how long he thought. I’m like a baby deer.
When he was certain that he wouldn’t fall on his face again, he slowly walked out of the wing. The hallway was empty as usual, but as he made his way to the throne room, he noticed that the guards that were usually posted at the doors were gone too. What the hell?
“They’re all outside in the castle grounds,” came a voice from the side of him.
Daniel turned around and saw a young man leaned up against the wall, cutting off pieces of an apple. He had white hair and pure white eyes. His very appearance was creepy to say the least, yet there was something about him entirely that Daniel didn’t like. It could’ve been his aura, but his presence alone made him extremely uncomfortable.
“Who are you?” Daniel asked sternly.
The white eyed young man got off the wall and nonchalantly made his way to him, his expression blank and his eyes never leaving Daniel’s. “I am someone who you don’t want to get in my way of claiming that which belongs to me.”
“And what is it you claim?”
“Princess Anya.”
Daniel smirked, not backing down from his advances. “Sorry to tell you this, but so am I.”
“What is your name?” The young man threw his apple to the side, wiping his blade on the bottom of his shirt.
“My name is Daniel. And yours?”
“Prince Alane of Emberlight. I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield.” He outstretched his hand, waiting for Daniel to shake it. A year goes by fast. Hope you’re ready to win your lady’s hand when the time comes.”
Daniel reached out and shook, never leaving Alane’s eyes. “Likewise,” he muttered.
With Alane gone, Daniel proceeded to go out of the castle. If what he was saying was true, Princess Anya would be down there.
Indeed they were. After a couple of minutes of remembering his way, laughter and kids screaming joyously filled his ears. He leaned over the wall and could see the King and Queen by the gate talking to what he assumed was another King and Queen.
He slowly made his way downstairs and was immediately embraced by the Princess; he had not seen her coming but could smell the sweet succulent smell of strawberry filling his nostrils.
“I’ve missed you,” she told him as she buried her face in his chest.
“I’ve…missed you too,” Daniel replied, struggling to breathe. “You…do you mind letting me breathe? I feel like you’re about to crack my rib.”
“Oh, yes sorry.” She let him go and backed away a couple of meters.
Daniel, as per usual, lost his breath in seeing Anya’s disappearance. She had on a long blue dress that dragged to the ground and, like the rest of the dresses that he saw her in, hugged her curves at just the right angle. On her head was a slick headband that was adorned with emerald stones around the front. “You look stunning Your Grace.”
The Princess slightly bowed. “Thank you.”
King Erek and Queen Guinevere appeared from between them, Daniel lowering his gaze out of respect. “Your Majesties.”
King Erek put his hand on his shoulder. “It’s good to see you out of bed and walking around again.”
“It’s a great feeling to be alive.”
“Daniel,” the Queen said softly, making him look up. “There is someone we’d like to introduce you to.” She turned to face the King and Queen to her side. “This is King Liolias and Queen Amelia of Rolbrook.”
The one known as King Liolias grabbed his hand and shook it without warning. “It is so good to meet you, Daniel! How are you enjoying Varin?”
“I love it a lot Your Majesty,” Daniel replied. When the King had let go of his hand, he could feel static running up and down his arm.
“That’s good! That’s good!” King Liolias said exuberantly. “I look forward to seeing you in the arena soon.”
“Aye!” King Erek agreed, ushering King Liolias along.
The Princess grabbed his hand and teleported quickly out of Varin, towards their usual place.