THE REBIRTH OF THE FALLEN PRINCE

In a land untouched by war and strife, there exists a kingdom known as Draktharion. It is a realm of breathtaking beauty, where rolling emerald hills meet sparkling rivers, and the skies are painted in vibrant hues of blue and gold. Ancient forests encircle the kingdom, their towering trees home to mystical creatures and songs of the wind. Villages dot the landscape, their cobblestone streets bustling with life, and the air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked bread.

At the heart of Draktharion lies the grand capital, Solvaris, a city built upon a hill. Its gleaming white walls and majestic spires reflect the sunlight, creating an aura of divine radiance. The city is a hub of culture and trade, its markets overflowing with goods from all corners of the world. Towering above all is the Ivory Citadel, the royal palace of Draktharion, a masterpiece of architecture adorned with intricate carvings, crystal-clear fountains, and lush gardens.

King Hiroto Yamazaki is the ruler of Draktharion, a man beloved by his people for his kind heart and unwavering sense of justice. His warm smile and gentle demeanor inspire trust and loyalty, and he governs the kingdom with wisdom and fairness. King Hiroto is a devoted husband to Queen Seraphina Yamazaki, a graceful and compassionate woman whose presence brings light to the palace. Together, they have two children who are as different as day and night.

Elanora is the youngest child of the Yamazaki family. She is a striking beauty with long, flowing blonde hair that shimmers like sunlight and piercing black eyes that exude confidence. Her elegant appearance is matched by her proud and sometimes arrogant demeanor. Elanora holds herself in high regard, often believing she deserves more than her lot in life. Recently married to a nobleman from another kingdom, she harbors deep resentment toward her brother, as her husband cannot ascend to the throne of Draktharion. This perceived slight has strained her relationship with Riku, despite his enduring love for her.

The elder son and heir to the throne, Riku Yamazaki, is the epitome of kindness and humility. With his warm blue eyes and unkempt raven-black hair, he carries an approachable charm that endears him to everyone, regardless of their rank. Riku is playful and often clumsy, much to the amusement of the court, but his heart is pure, and his intentions are noble. Though he struggles with formal education and prefers to spend his time among the people, he has an innate ability to connect with others. His selfless nature and love for his sister remain steadfast, despite her growing hostility toward him.

While Riku's playful and carefree personality often leads to minor mishaps, the people of Draktharion believe in him wholeheartedly. They see in him a reflection of King Hiroto's benevolence and the potential to become a ruler unlike any other. The citizens admire his humility, kindness, and ability to bridge the gap between royalty and commoners. To them, Riku represents hope, and they await the day he ascends the throne with great anticipation.

Riku Yamazaki's POV

The clashing of swords echoed through the training grounds as I lunged forward, swinging my blade with determination. My opponent, Master Kaien, parried effortlessly and spun away, his movements a blur of precision. Before I could recover, his blade tapped my shoulder lightly—a clear indication of my defeat.

I stumbled backward, my legs giving out as I landed flat on the ground.

"Yup... I'm no match at all," I muttered, staring up at the clear blue sky.

Master Kaien chuckled, extending a hand to help me up. "You're getting better, young prince."

I grabbed his hand and let him pull me to my feet, brushing off the dust. "Thanks, but let's be honest—'getting better' just means I'm slightly less terrible. I still don't even know how to swing this thing properly." I gestured to the sword in my hand with a sheepish grin.

Master Kaien threw his head back and laughed. "You have a point there. But considering it's only been six days since you started training, I'd say you're making progress."

"Six days, huh? Then I'm practically a swordsmanship prodigy!" I joked, and we both burst out laughing.

To me, Kaien wasn't just a teacher—he was a friend, someone who didn't treat me like a prince but as a person.

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted our laughter. "Still training, huh?"

I turned around to see my father and mother approaching. My father, King Hiroto Yamazaki, had a calm and regal presence, while my mother, Queen Seraphina, radiated kindness. Normally, my sister Elanora would accompany them, but ever since her marriage, she had been different—distant and cold.

"Yes, Father," I replied, waving my hand enthusiastically.

Master Kaien bowed respectfully to them. "Your Majesties, I'll be nearby if you need me."

Father nodded, and Master Kaien walked over to the weapon table, leaving me alone with my parents.

As they approached, I grinned at them. "So, did you come to see me embarrass myself? Because if so, you missed the best part—I just fell flat on my back."

Mother chuckled softly, but Father shook his head with an amused smile. "We came to see how your training is progressing."

"Progressing? Let's just say the sword's still winning." I scratched the back of my head, trying to appear nonchalant, but my curiosity got the better of me. "By the way... why isn't Elanora with you? She hasn't been herself lately. Ever since she got married, it's like she's a completely different person."

At my question, my parents exchanged a quick glance, their smiles faltering for a moment. Mother looked away, pretending to admire the nearby flowers, while Father cleared his throat.

"Riku," he said, his tone shifting slightly, "how's your grip on the sword? Are you finding it more comfortable?"

I raised an eyebrow, recognizing the deliberate change of subject. "Oh, come on, Father. You can't just dodge the question like that! I mean, you dodging this topic is almost as bad as me dodging Master Kaien's strikes—and that's saying something."

"Riku," Mother said gently, her smile returning, "sometimes people change, and it takes time for them to find their way again."

"Find their way?" I repeated, tilting my head. "Well, if Elanora's lost, I'll just have to drag her back. I am her big brother, after all."

Father chuckled at my playful tone. "If only it were that simple. But for now, focus on your training. A king must be strong, and swordsmanship is an important skill."

I sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll keep training. But don't blame me if I end up being better at falling than fighting!"

Father laughed heartily, and even Mother couldn't suppress a giggle.

As they turned to leave, I called out after them. "Hey, next time, bring Elanora along. Maybe seeing her clumsy brother in action will remind her how fun life can be."

Father smiled over his shoulder. "We'll see, Riku. We'll see."

With that, they left, and I returned to the training grounds, determined to prove myself—if not as a swordsman, then as the brother and future king my family and kingdom believed in.

Training was over, and my stomach was leading a rebellion against me. The growling was so loud, I was convinced it might scare off the palace guards. As I walked through the quiet halls of the Ivory Citadel, the thought of freshly baked bread and a steaming bowl of stew was the only thing keeping me upright.

But then, I saw her.

Elanora.

My sister was walking ahead of me, her golden hair cascading down her back like sunlight spilling over silk. She was always so elegant, so composed, but lately, she had been... different. Distant.

Without thinking, I broke into a jog, catching up to her. "Elanora!" I called out, my voice echoing in the hallway.

She paused for a moment but didn't turn to face me.

"Hey!" I said, a grin spreading across my face as I reached her side. "You didn't come to watch my training today. I mean, you missed a real spectacle—I fell flat on my back, and Master Kaien had the nerve to call it 'progress.'"

Still, she said nothing, her expression unreadable.

"Elanora," I continued, my tone softening, "why don't you talk to me anymore? Why didn't you come to see me train? And... why have you changed so much?"

For a brief second, I thought she might answer, but instead, she brushed past me as though I wasn't even there.

I blinked, my grin faltering. "Okay, ouch. That was cold—even for you," I muttered under my breath.

But just as I was about to let her go, something caught my eye. In her hand, partially hidden by the folds of her dress, was a knife. A small, sharp blade that gleamed faintly in the light.

I froze.

"Elanora," I said cautiously, taking a step closer, "what's with the knife? Are you planning to carve a roast, or...?" I trailed off, my voice laced with an awkward laugh, trying to keep the mood light.

She didn't respond. She didn't even look at me. Instead, she quickened her pace and disappeared around the corner.

I stood there for a moment, my thoughts racing.

Why was she carrying a knife? Was it just a random thing? Maybe she needed it for something practical... or maybe... no. No, it wasn't like her to do something reckless.

"Relax, Riku," I told myself, shaking my head. "You're overthinking it. Probably just a coincidence."

But even as I tried to dismiss it, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up my spine.

I sighed and rubbed my stomach as it growled loudly again, pulling me back to reality. "Alright, stomach, I get it. Food first, worrying later," I muttered, heading toward the dining hall.

Still, as I walked, the image of Elanora with that knife lingered in my mind. She wasn't the same sister I grew up with—the one who used to tease me about my messy hair or laugh at my terrible jokes.

"I don't know what's going on with you, Elanora," I thought, stuffing my hands into my pockets, "but whatever it is, I'll figure it out. You're my sister, and I'm not giving up on you."

With that, I pushed open the doors to the dining hall, the warm aroma of food washing over me. For now, I'd let the stew distract me, but deep down, I knew this wasn't something I could ignore forever.

Dinner time was supposed to be my favorite part of the day. Delicious food, warm conversations, and my family all gathered in one place. But lately, things felt... different.

We all sat around the grand dining table. The chandeliers above cast a soft, golden glow, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the room. Mother and Father were seated at the head, as usual. Elanora sat across from me, her expression unreadable as she quietly poked at her plate.

I shoved a mouthful of mashed potatoes into my mouth, trying not to think too hard about her silence.

"So, Riku," Father began, breaking the quiet. "How was your training today?"

I swallowed hastily, nearly choking in the process. "Training? Oh, it was fantastic!" I said, grinning. "I mean, if you consider getting knocked flat on my back by Master Kaien 'fantastic.'"

Mother chuckled softly. "Well, you've only been training for six days, dear. You'll improve with time."

"That's what everyone keeps saying," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "But honestly, at this rate, I might as well start training to dodge rather than fight."

Father smirked. "Dodging is a valuable skill, too."

"And what about your studies?" Mother chimed in, her tone gentle but expectant.

I winced, scratching the back of my head. "Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Reading, writing, trying not to fall asleep halfway through a lecture..."

Mother raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Riku, your education is important. You'll be king one day, and you'll need to be well-prepared."

"Speaking of the future," she continued, her tone shifting slightly, "have you given any thought to marriage?"

I nearly spit out my drink. "Marriage?! Mother, I'm still learning how to swing a sword without dropping it. Let's not get ahead of ourselves!"

She smiled knowingly. "You're not getting any younger, Riku."

"Technically, none of us are," I shot back with a grin, hoping to dodge the subject.

Mother wasn't amused. "Riku."

Before she could press further, Father cleared his throat. "Seraphina, let the boy breathe. He's still young. There's no need to rush him."

I shot Father a grateful look. "Thank you, Father. At least someone understands."

Father leaned forward, his gaze steady. "But tell me, Riku, how do you feel about being the next king?"

That question hit differently. I sat up straighter, the playful smile fading from my face. "Honestly? I've been thinking about how the kingdom can advance. I want to make life better for everyone—not just the nobles, but the farmers, the merchants, even the kids running around in the streets. If I'm going to be king, I want to make a real difference."

Father nodded, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "A noble goal, Riku. Just remember, being king isn't about doing everything alone. It's about leading others to work together for a greater good."

"Right," I said, scratching my head again. "No pressure or anything."

Then I turned to Elanora, who had been unusually quiet the entire meal. "Speaking of no pressure—Elanora, why aren't you saying anything? You're usually the one talking my ear off at dinner."

Her fork clinked softly against her plate as she stood up abruptly. Without a word, she turned and left the dining room, her golden hair swaying behind her.

I watched her go, my heart sinking.

"It's me, isn't it?" I said, turning back to Mother and Father. "She's upset because of me."

Mother reached over, placing a comforting hand on mine. "Riku, it's not your fault. Elanora is going through her own struggles. Give her time."

Father nodded in agreement. "She'll come around when she's ready. Don't burden yourself with guilt."

I sighed, slumping back in my chair. "Easier said than done."

After finishing dinner, I trudged back to my room. As soon as I stepped inside, I kicked off my boots and flopped onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow.

"Why does everything have to be so complicated?" I muttered to myself.

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling. My mind wouldn't stop racing. I kept replaying Elanora's silence, her distant gaze, the way she walked away without a word.

"Come on, Riku," I thought, "you're overthinking this. She's just in a mood. She'll snap out of it."

But no matter how much I tried to reassure myself, sleep refused to come. I tossed and turned, my thoughts spinning in circles.

"Great," I groaned, staring at the ceiling. "I'm going to be the first king in history to lose sleep over sibling drama."

Eventually, I closed my eyes, hoping that tomorrow would bring some clarity—or at least a good excuse to skip another lecture.

The night was quiet, but my thoughts weren't. I was still staring at the ceiling, willing sleep to come, when I heard a soft knock at the door.

I groaned and rolled onto my side. "Who's knocking at this hour?"

Dragging myself out of bed, I shuffled to the door and cracked it open. "Who is—"

I froze.

Standing there was Elanora, hugging her pillow tightly against her chest. Her golden hair was loose, cascading around her shoulders, and her dark eyes looked almost... uncertain. It was a look I hadn't seen on her in a long time.

"Elanora?" I asked, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" she asked softly.

I hesitated, confused by her sudden visit, but nodded and stepped aside. "Of course."

She walked in slowly, her eyes darting around my room as if she were seeing it for the first time. She sat on the edge of my bed, still clutching her pillow, while I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms.

"So..." I began, trying to lighten the mood. "What brings my lovely little sister to my room in the middle of the night? Couldn't sleep?"

She looked up at me, her expression unreadable. "I need to ask you for a favor."

I smiled, pushing off the wall and sitting beside her. "A favor? For you? Anything. Name it."

She hesitated, looking down at her hands. Then she whispered, "I want a hug."

I blinked, caught off guard. "A hug? That's it?"

She nodded silently, avoiding my gaze.

"Why so suddenly?" I asked, trying to mask my confusion with a lighthearted tone.

She didn't answer, just stared at the floor.

I sighed, shaking my head. "You're so weird sometimes, you know that?" But I opened my arms. "Come here, then."

She leaned into me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I hugged her back, resting my chin lightly on her head. Her hair smelled faintly of lavender, a scent that reminded me of simpler times when we were just kids, running through the palace halls without a care in the world.

"Hey," I said softly. "What's going on with you? You've been acting so strange lately—"

Suddenly, a sharp, searing pain shot through my stomach.

I gasped, my body stiffening. My arms loosened their hold on her as I stumbled back, clutching my abdomen.

"Elanora?" I choked out, my voice trembling.

She stood before me, her expression twisted into something I couldn't recognize—cold, cruel, and triumphant. Her laughter filled the room, echoing in my ears like a haunting melody.

"Haha... Haha... HAHAHAHA!"

My eyes fell to her hand—the knife. The same knife I'd seen her holding before . Its blade was red, glistening with my blood.

I looked down at myself. My tunic was already soaked, the crimson stain spreading quickly.

"Why..." I stammered, falling to my knees. "Why would you do this?"

Elanora stepped closer, a wicked smile on her lips. "Now you can't become king," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "You'll die, and then we—my husband and I—will take the throne. We'll rule this kingdom, as it should be."

Her words struck harder than the knife.

"This... this is all for that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, her smile widening as she laughed again.

I looked up at her, my vision blurring. Despite the pain, I managed a weak smile. "You know... you could've just asked."

Her laughter faltered for a moment, her brow furrowing. "What?"

I tried to steady myself, clutching my side. "If you wanted the throne so badly... you could've just told me. I... I would've found a way to make you happy."

Her face twisted in rage, and she lunged forward, the blade plunging into my chest. Once. Twice. Three times.

The pain was unimaginable, but it wasn't the physical agony that hurt the most. It was the betrayal, the fact that my own sister—the girl I'd sworn to protect—had done this.

As I fell to the floor, my body growing colder with each passing second, I looked up at her. She stood over me, breathing heavily, her hands trembling.

"Even... even if you kill me..." I whispered, reaching up to touch her face. My bloodstained fingers brushed her cheek. "You're still... my little sister."

Her eyes widened, her expression shifting from rage to something that almost looked like fear.

"Shut up!" she screamed, stabbing me once more.

My strength faded. My hand fell away, and darkness began to creep in at the edges of my vision.

As my world dimmed, I smiled one last time. "I... I love you... Elanora..."

And with that, everything went black.