The Grand Hall of Sylvaris Palace was brighter than usual that night.
Hundreds of candles burned beneath the enormous crystal chandeliers, their light spilling across the polished marble floor and reflecting from the golden pillars that stretched toward the vaulted ceiling.
Long tables filled the hall, covered with silver plates, crystal goblets, roasted meats, fruits and countless dishes prepared for the celebration.
Nobles had gathered from every corner of the kingdom.
Some wore deep crimson robes embroidered with golden threads.
Others dressed in dark blue coats decorated with silver ornaments, while a few wore elaborate dresses covered in jewels that caught the candlelight whenever they moved.
Their conversations filled the hall with laughter and clinking glasses.
At the far end of the hall stood the royal throne.
King Leontinus Sylvaris sat upon it.
He was a tall man with a broad, powerful build, his posture straight even while seated.
His golden hair fell neatly around his shoulders, each strand catching the light like polished gold.
His face was calm.
There was no need for him to raise his voice to command attention.
The quiet authority surrounding him was enough to make those nearby instinctively straighten their backs.
The king lifted a silver spoon.
Clink.
He tapped the rim of his crystal goblet.
Clink.
A third time.
Clink.
The laughter slowly faded.
One conversation after another came to an end until the Grand Hall fell silent.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward the throne.
King Leontinus rose.
His gaze swept across the hall before he spoke, each word clear and firm.
“Noble officials, knights, nobles, and honored guests, I extend my deepest gratitude for your presence at this meaningful celebration.” His voice carried effortlessly through the enormous hall.
“Today is a special day for my son, Roman Sylvaris, as he celebrates his seventeenth birthday. Your presence not only brings life to this palace, but also stands as a symbol of your loyalty to the Kingdom of Sylvaris.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
“So, enjoy the feast, the wine, and the entertainment that I have prepared for all of you.” He raised his goblet.
“May the gods continue to bless Sylvaris.” The hall erupted into applause.
Crystal glasses were raised.
Nobles exchanged smiles.
Music began to fill the hall once more.
Yet among the countless guests, one figure suddenly rose from his seat.
A young man.
His body swayed.
One hand covered his eye while the other reached blindly toward the table beside him.
His fingers brushed against an empty chair before finally finding its edge.
A silver cup slipped from the table.
Clang.
It struck the marble floor and rolled across the hall.
The music stopped.
Whispers spread among the nobles.
“Who is that?”
“Is that the Crown Prince?”
“What happened to him?”
The young man did not respond.
He continued forward.
His steps were uneven, each one becoming heavier than the last.
His white-golden hair fell messily around his face, contrasting sharply against his pale skin.
A black blindfold covered his eyes, its edges decorated with delicate golden patterns that marked his royal status.
Despite his young age, there was something strangely solemn about him.
His breathing became heavier.
He reached the center of the hall.
His knees nearly gave way.
“It hurts…” His fingers curled into his hair.
“It hurts…” His shoulders trembled.
A few nobles instinctively stepped back.
No one moved forward.
“Your Highness!” Alaric rushed from the side of the hall and caught the young prince by the shoulder before he could fall.
“What has happened to you?” Javier’s body stiffened.
His hand remained pressed tightly against his eye.
“My eyes…” His breathing became ragged.
“They hurt…” Alaric’s expression changed.
“Your Highness?”
Javier suddenly grabbed his own hair.
“IT HURTS!”
His voice echoed against the towering walls.
“ARHH! IT HURTS!”
He bent forward as though something inside his head had suddenly torn apart.
“MY EYES!”
His scream silenced the entire hall.
“ARHHHH!”
Several nobles recoiled.
Others exchanged frightened glances.
Yet no one dared approach the Crown Prince.
Javier’s fingers trembled.
“Make it stop…”His voice became weaker.
“Please…” His body finally lost its strength.
Alaric tightened his grip around him.
“Your Highness!”
Javier’s consciousness slowly faded.
The last thing he heard was the distant sound of people shouting his name.
Then darkness took him.
Inside the Horse Carriage
“AARHH!”
Javier jolted awake.
His upper body shot upright inside the carriage.
His hand immediately went to his face.
His fingers pressed against the black blindfold covering his eyes as he struggled to catch his breath.
The carriage continued moving beneath him, its wheels striking the uneven road outside.
Clatter.
Clatter.
Cold sweat ran down his forehead.
His chest rose and fell rapidly.
For several seconds, Javier remained completely still.
The dream had felt real.
Far too real.
The pain still lingered behind his eyes, spreading slowly through his temples and into the back of his head.
His fingers tightened around the edge of his blindfold.
Alaric suddenly came to a halt.
“Lord Javier!” The sound of hurried footsteps came from outside.
Several guards immediately surrounded the carriage.
“Lord Javier! Are you alright?” Javier lowered his hand.
He sat quietly for a moment, listening to the anxious voices outside.
His breathing gradually slowed.
“I’m fine.” The guards remained silent.
Javier reached up and touched the blindfold again.
The pain.
He lowered his hand onto his lap.
“It seems I still cannot forget what happened that night.” His voice was quiet.
Javier leaned back against the carriage seat.
“I’m fine.
Continue our journey to the City of Srivi.” “Yes, Lord Javier.” Alaric moved away.
A moment later, the carriage began moving again.
The rhythmic sound of the wheels returned.
Clatter.
Clatter.
Javier remained motionless.
The darkness behind his blindfold was the same as always.
He had never seen the world.
He had never seen the palace.
He had never seen his own face.
Yet the pain from that dream remained vivid in his mind.
His fingers slowly curled against his palm.
Why do I feel such pain?
He swallowed.
When I have never even seen this world…