I stood with my head bowed in front of the grand statue of Oriana, the protector deity of our family, situated in the small chapel inside Evernoir Castle. The statue, made of gleaming white marble, was sculpted to perfection, depicting a majestic figure with a sword, said to have guarded our kingdom for thousands of years. The cool morning air surrounded us, while sunlight streamed through the large stained-glass window behind the statue, casting a serene glow across the room.

"We ask for Your protection, Oriana. Grant us wisdom, strength, and peace for this kingdom," I prayed softly, my voice barely audible in the stillness around us.

Next to me, my fourteen-year-old sister, Ellora, also bowed her head, her lips moving gently as she recited the familiar prayer we had been taught since we were little. As the second prince of Evernoir, I had grown accustomed to this morning ritual, just as Ellora had, and our youngest sibling, Lily, who stood to my left. Even at just ten years old, Lily had already adapted well to the royal customs. Her thick, long black hair flowed gracefully like our mother's, while her sharp blue eyes reminded us of our father, King Ornbeth Evernoir.

"Are you done, brother?" Lily whispered quietly, careful not to disturb the sacred atmosphere.

I gave a small nod and straightened my posture. "Yes. Are you?"

She smiled softly, closing her eyes for a brief moment before opening them again and standing with perfect poise. Even as a child, Lily knew how a member of the royal family was expected to behave, especially under the watchful eyes of our mother, Queen Grace Evernoir. We had no other choice.

"Ellora," I called, noticing that my sister remained deep in prayer. "Are you finished?"

Ellora slowly opened her eyes and smiled at me. "I just finished. Thank you, Arche."

We exchanged a brief glance before our mother's gentle voice came from behind us. "Well done, my children. Oriana surely heard your prayers."

I turned to see her standing at the chapel door, dressed in a flowing dark blue gown, her black hair cascading softly over her shoulders. She had a calming presence, always full of wisdom and grace.

"It's time for breakfast. Your father is already waiting in the dining hall," she said, stepping inside and giving us a small nod.

I, Ellora, and Lily followed her out of the chapel, walking through the long corridors of the castle lined with holographic screens displaying news from across the kingdom. Sleek, gleaming metal servant robots stood along the hallway, bowing as we passed.

"Arche, what are you going to eat today?" Lily asked with an enthusiastic tone, walking beside me.

I shrugged. "Maybe some toast with cheese and orange juice. You?"

"I want pancakes with syrup!" Lily replied instantly, making me chuckle.

Ahead of us, Ellora was quietly conversing with Mother about the day's schedule. As always, Ellora was more involved in the kingdom's affairs than I was. She had already started learning diplomacy, castle management, and even military strategy. Even though I was only two years younger than her, it felt like she was always several steps ahead.

When we arrived at the dining hall, Father was already seated at the head of the long oak table, dressed in the royal robe adorned with the Evernoir emblem. His face was stern and commanding, yet softened by a warm smile as he saw us.

"Ah, children! How was your morning prayer?" he asked in his deep, affectionate voice.

"Good, Father," we answered in unison.

He nodded approvingly and gestured to the servant robots, who swiftly began setting out our breakfast. Plates of toast, eggs, fresh fruit, and juice appeared before us. In the corner of the table, I noticed a holographic screen showing the morning news from the capital.

"Arche, after breakfast, we'll be visiting the shipyards at the harbor," Father announced unexpectedly, catching me off guard.

"The shipyards?" I asked, puzzled.

He nodded. "Yes. The second prince of Evernoir needs to know more about the kingdom's military technology. Ellora has already studied it, and now it's your turn."

I couldn't hide my nervousness. The shipyards were massive, filled with heavy machinery and worker robots. I preferred the quiet of the library, reading history books or studying ancient languages. But as a prince, I knew I didn't have much choice.

"Of course, Father," I replied, my voice slightly uneasy.

Ellora gave me a small, knowing smile from across the table. "Don't worry, Arche. I'll give you a few tips later."

"Tips for what?" Lily asked, her curiosity piqued as she sipped her orange juice.

"To understand how the big ships work," Ellora replied with a playful wink in my direction.

Mother, seated next to Father, gently placed her hand on his. "You'll do well, Arche. You're old enough to take on more responsibility."

I gave a faint smile, though my stomach was tight with anxiety. But this was the life of a prince—so many expectations, so much responsibility to carry. And even at twelve years old, I knew that the future of Evernoir would soon involve me in a much larger way.

Once breakfast was finished, the day went on as usual. Ellora joined Mother for a council meeting, Lily headed off to her lessons with our robotic tutor, and I prepared for my trip to the shipyards with Father.

The days in the castle were always busy. Even with the advanced technology that helped us—robots, holographic screens—our responsibilities as the royal family never ceased. Every action was watched, every decision weighed. But this was my life. And as Archemidas Evernoir, the second prince of Evernoir, I had to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

"Arche, are you ready?" Father called from the door.

"Ready, Father," I replied, taking a deep breath before stepping out of my room.

The journey to the shipyards was quiet. I sat next to Father in the royal car, its smooth ride carrying us over the cobblestone streets towards the harbor. The vehicle was made of sleek black metal, equipped with the latest technology. A holographic screen on the dashboard displayed a map and information about the regions we passed. The soft hum of the engine barely broke the silence, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.

I glanced over at Father, who sat straight-backed, his gaze fixed ahead. His face was always calm and unreadable. I knew he was proud of me as his son, but I also knew that the expectations were always high—sometimes too high. Especially when it came to magic.

"Arche," Father's deep voice suddenly broke the silence. "How is your progress with magic control?"

My heart skipped a beat. The question I had been expecting but dreaded all the same.

"Uh…" I cleared my throat, searching for the right words. "Not much… progress, Father."

He turned his gaze from the window and looked at me, his eyebrows slightly raised. His stare seemed to pierce right through me, making me feel small in his presence.

"Not any significant progress?" he asked slowly. His tone wasn't angry, but I could feel the underlying disappointment in his words. "You've been studying magic for a few years now, Arche."

I swallowed hard, feeling anxious. "Yes, Father. I... I've been trying, but... it feels difficult. I still can't control the elements well. Every time I try, the results are inconsistent."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

He let out a soft sigh and turned his gaze back to the road ahead. "Ellora," he said gently, "has mastered the basics of elemental control since she was your age. She can even manipulate fire and wind with high precision."

A heaviness settled in my chest. Ellora's name always seemed to come up in conversations like this. My brilliant sister, who always seemed superior in everything—diplomacy, magic—you name it. There wasn't a day that went by without my father praising her. And even though I knew he didn't mean to make me feel inferior, every time he compared me to Ellora, it felt like a weight pressing down on my shoulders.

"I know, Father," I replied softly. "Ellora is very talented. She's... amazing."

He gave a small smile, but I could sense his pride when he spoke about Ellora. "Her talent is indeed remarkable. Very few possess potential like hers in elemental control. Even the teachers at the magic academy acknowledge that."

I nodded, though inside, I felt increasingly stressed. It wasn't that I wasn't proud of my sister; of course, Ellora deserved all that praise. But at the same time, every time her abilities were mentioned, it was just a reminder of how far behind I felt.

"Arche," my father broke the silence again. "Do you enjoy studying magic?"

His question startled me. Enjoy? I didn't know how to answer. On one hand, I knew magic was an important part of our lives as a royal family. Magical power had been passed down through generations, serving as one of the pillars of strength for the Evernoir Kingdom. But on the other hand, every time I tried to learn it, it felt like I was battling something that didn't want to cooperate with me.

"I...," I tried to find the right words, "I know studying magic is important, Father. But... to be honest, I feel frustrated. Every time I try, it always seems to fail. It's like magic refuses to bend to my will."

Father was silent for a moment, as if pondering my response. "Magic," he finally said, "is not just about power. It's about harmony. You need to find a way to align yourself with the elements you wish to control. If you force it, magic won't yield."

I nodded, even though his words sounded abstract to me. "But why can Ellora do it so easily?" I asked, unable to hold back any longer. "She seems to control fire and wind without any trouble."

He smiled faintly. "Ellora has a strong intuition for magic. But don't be mistaken, Arche; that doesn't mean she doesn't work hard. She faces challenges too, but she approaches them differently. Perhaps you just need to find an approach that suits you."

I contemplated my father's words. A different approach? But what kind? I had tried learning magic the way the teachers taught, following every step and exercise they provided. But the results were always disappointing.

"You don't have to be like Ellora, Arche," Father suddenly said, his voice softer. "You are your own person. And in the end, you will find your own way in mastering magic. Don't rush it."

I was surprised to hear his words. Usually, he emphasized the importance of achievement and accomplishment, especially regarding magic. But this time, his tone felt different—it was as if he was giving me time to find my own path.

"But Father," I said quietly, "what if I never master magic as well as Ellora?"

He looked at me with a wise gaze. "Magic is not the only thing that makes a prince great, Arche. There are many other ways to serve the kingdom. You are skilled in other areas—history, strategy, and diplomacy. Your strengths don't have to mirror your sister's."

I stared out the window, pondering his words. Maybe he was right; I didn't have to be like Ellora. But still, it was hard not to feel like a failure when measured against such high standards.

"Thank you, Father," I said softly.

We continued our journey in silence, the gentle hum of the engine enveloping us. I kept thinking about my father's words, trying to reassure myself that I could find my own way, even if it wasn't clear at the moment.

"By the way," Father suddenly said, shifting the mood, "after we finish at the shipyard, I want to show you something. Something that might help you with your magic training."

I turned, intrigued. "What is it, Father?"

He smiled mysteriously. "You'll see later. I won't spoil the surprise."

Though I still felt anxious about my magical abilities, a sense of curiosity began to grow. Maybe there was hope. Perhaps with my father's help, I could find a way to understand and control my magic. But for now, all I could do was wait and see what would happen next.

Our vehicle glided closer to the harbor, where the majestic royal shipyard came into view, standing proudly over the calm blue waters.

As we arrived at the grand shipyard, the steel buildings towered around the harbor, surrounded by still waters. The distant sound of crashing waves could be heard faintly, but more pronounced were the sounds of machinery and activity in the shipyard. Large robots moved with perfect precision, lifting massive steel pieces and assembling them into the framework of giant ships. They worked tirelessly, as if their energy would never run out.

"Come on, Arche," Father said as he stepped out of the car. "We're going to see the construction of our newest warship. This is one of the most advanced ships ever built in the Evernoir Kingdom."

I followed him along the bustling dock. Workers, both human and robotic, were collaborating side by side. Humans in blue uniforms operated consoles, monitoring holographic displays showing data and measurements, while robots with long, powerful mechanical arms lifted large components that would be impossible for human hands to manage.

"Look at that," Father pointed toward one of the massive ships under construction. "That's the Invictus, our flagship. Equipped with the latest technology, layered protective shields, and state-of-the-art plasma weapons. The robots here are specially designed to work in hazardous environments so that human workers can focus on more complex and strategic components."

I stared in awe at the large robots. They moved with extraordinary precision, with not a single movement wasted. The sparks from their welding illuminated the gleaming steel. I could feel the rumble of the massive machines beneath my feet, their vibrations making the ground under the dock feel alive.

"Father," I asked, still transfixed by the robots, "how can they be so accurate? Are they all programmed?"

"Exactly," Father replied. "These robots use advanced AI programmed to adapt to changing situations. They can perform calculations in an instant and correct any small errors before they become major issues. Technicians only monitor from a distance, ensuring everything runs according to plan."

We walked further into a more crowded area. Human workers gathered around a large holographic screen, discussing the ship's design. I could catch fragments of their conversations about engine stability, weight distribution, and aerodynamics.

"There," Father pointed to the group of workers, "they are the kingdom's best engineers. They're leading this project, ensuring every component is designed to perfection."

I observed their faces—serious, focused, as if nothing else in the world mattered more than this ship. A sense of respect grew within me as I watched how everything functioned so smoothly and coordinated.

"Are you interested in the technology of this ship, Arche?" Father asked.

I looked at him, nodding even though doubt still lingered in my heart. "Yes, Father. It's all... incredible. But I still don't understand much."

Father smiled. "That's okay. That's why you need to learn. Military strength isn't just about weaponry; it's about innovation, efficiency, and mastering technology. One day, you will understand how vital all this is for the future of our kingdom."

I tried to process all the information my father was sharing, but suddenly my vision began to blur. The humming of the robots started to fade away, as if I were being pulled from reality. I struggled to focus, but the world around me gradually faded to darkness.

***

I woke up to the sound of heavy rain pouring on the roof. My chest felt heavy, my breath was shallow, and a chill enveloped me. Slowly, I opened my eyes, staring at the cracked, leaking ceiling of the wooden shack. Dim light filtered through small gaps, illuminating the cramped and damp room around me.

The rain continued to fall outside. The sound of droplets hitting the muddy ground echoed throughout the shack. I lifted my hand, feeling the cold air against my skin, and for a moment, I paused. It was happening again. I was dreaming of my past life—the castle, the ships, my father... everything felt so real. But now, here I was, in this rundown shack.

I sat up slowly, hugging my knees. My breath was still labored, and my heart raced. Those dreams always returned. Dreams of a distant past I had left behind—of life in the palace, of being a prince.

"That dream again..." I murmured, my voice hoarse and nearly drowned out by the rain. "Why do I keep dreaming of that?"

I closed my eyes, letting the memories of the shipyard flood back into my mind. Everything was so vivid—the way my father spoke to me, the advanced technology we witnessed, the sounds of machines, robots, and people working together. But it was all just a shadow now. None of it existed anymore.

I opened my eyes again, staring at the peeling ceiling of the shack, allowing reality to sink back in. It had been three years since I left the castle. Three years since the Evernoir family fell apart, and I was forced to live in a place like this—alone, in a crumbling shack.

"Father..." I whispered softly, though I knew no one could hear. "I can't be like Ellora. I couldn't even protect you all."

I bowed my head as rainwater seeped through the roof and dripped onto my hair, but I didn't care. The cold that enveloped my body served as a reminder of the bitter truth—that those dreams were just dreams, and I would never return to that life again.

"Once," I murmured again, "I wanted to be like my father—smart, strong, and confident. But look at me now... there's nothing left."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. The rain outside grew heavier, echoing throughout the shack. I hugged myself, feeling the chill penetrate, and for a moment, I felt completely alone.

The past continued to haunt my thoughts, even though I knew it wouldn't change anything. My family, the castle, the kingdom of Evernoir... all gone. I was no longer a prince. I was just a refugee, adrift in a world that no longer recognized who I truly was.

I gazed out through a small gap in the shack's wall, watching the relentless rain fall. Dreams of the shipyard, of my father, of my past—everything felt so real. But now, reality was different.

And here I was, left only with memories that continued to haunt me.

***