My Prince

Prologue

310 Years Ago

Vos actions sont exactement vos réflexions, et les réflexions apportent les réactions.

Your actions are exactly your reflections, and reflections bring the reactions.

The tall windows of the royal chamber reflected a young man who seemed carved from both fire and shadow. Somerzex John Howard, the crown prince, stood before the gilded mirror, his dark brown hair falling in thick, slightly wavy strands that caught the flicker of candlelight. His electric blue eyes, inherited from his father, blazed with a mix of defiance and sorrow, piercing through the reflection as if challenging the world to understand him.

His jaw was strong and sculpted, lips slightly curved, hinting at both mischief and melancholy. Broad shoulders, a lean frame, and a natural elegance made him stand out in any crowd. Even the way he crossed his arms exuded power and authority, though his restless fingers betrayed the storm inside.

“My prince, you cannot use your magic in court,” Frank said cautiously, bowing slightly. “The king has forbidden it.”

Somerzex turned sharply, his gaze locking onto Frank’s. “Father wants me to stop something that flows in my veins. Tell me, Frank—how does one stop what is part of their blood?” His voice was low, edged with fire, yet there was an ache beneath it that only he could feel.

“My lord, the court—”

“Enough.” He cut him off, eyes flashing like lightning. “I do not care what they whisper behind silk curtains. I was born this way.” His reflection stared back at him—prince and magician entwined in one.

Frank swallowed. “You are the crown prince. The future king. If anyone discovers… your true nature, they will kill you.”

Somerzex’s chest rose with anger. “How dare you speak of my death? Am I not still your prince?”

Frank bowed deeper. “Forgive me, my lord. I only wish to protect you. The court awaits.”

Somerzex’s lips curved in a faint, almost sad smile. One day, he will understand why I resist…

The royal court buzzed like a hive. Nobles from every allied kingdom sat in anticipation, their silks shimmering under the chandeliers. Somerzex strode in, tall, graceful, the epitome of a young king, and took his place beside his father. His presence alone seemed to pull every gaze, whispers floating like silk threads through the air.

King Ralph cleared his throat, smiling with forced cheer. “Gentlemen, we gather today for a joyous occasion. I announce the engagement of our crown prince, Somerzex John Howard, to Lady Hazel of Gardenia.”

Applause erupted. Somerzex froze, jaw tightening. He hadn’t been consulted. His mother’s gaze met his, soft and sorrowful, yet resolute.

After the court dispersed, he sought her out. “Mother, you know I cannot marry her.”

“You are the future king,” she said softly. “A king must marry.”

“Do you not see? I cannot reveal what I am. Do you wish me to live a lie forever?” His fingers brushed the mirror’s frame, tracing the lines that had reflected his childhood. His dark hair framed his face, but the electric blue of his eyes burned like storms beneath calm skies.

“I know your condition,” Diana said, voice gentle. “And I cannot change it. All I can do is protect you.”

Anger and despair coiled in his chest. “All my life, you hid my truth, and now you bind me to someone who must never know it!”

She stepped forward, wrapping him in her arms. “We do this to keep the kingdom strong.”

“All I wanted,” he whispered into her shoulder, “was a normal life.”

She said nothing.

When he left, she turned to the mirror, tears glistening in her eyes. “I am sorry, my son. For the truth I cannot give you.”

The forest called to him. Moonlight spilled through the ancient trees, glinting like silver on his hair. He sat against a massive trunk, eyes scanning the stars as if they held answers.

“You all are the same,” he whispered. “Free to be yourselves… unlike me.”

A soft rustle drew his attention. A small, elegant brown cat emerged, golden eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Well,” he said softly, lifting her into his lap, “at least you get to be what you are.”

“Meow,” she replied, as if amused by his melancholy.

He laughed faintly, a sound of both sadness and relief. She stayed when he tried to walk away.

“Fine,” he sighed, lifting her gently. “You win.”

Back in the castle, King Ralph frowned at the cat. “Bringing forest creatures into the royal halls now?”

Somerzex’s lips curved into a teasing, almost tragic smile. “At least this choice was mine. Good night, my king.”

Later, alone, he named her Sparkles. Her golden eyes reflected the flickering candlelight as he snapped his fingers, igniting nearby candles effortlessly.

“I know it’s dangerous,” he whispered, “witches are hunted, burned… but this is who I am.”

Sparkles rubbed against his leg. “I like you too,” he murmured, a faint smile touching his lips.

The ballroom glittered with celebration. Lady Hazel stood poised, elegant in a sapphire gown, but distant, like a character in a painting.

Their conversation fell flat. Worlds apart.

Then—the chandelier cracked, plummeting toward them. Gasps filled the room.

Somerzex’s hand rose instinctively. Mid-air, the chandelier froze. Silence. Fear. Awe

********

"I told you not to use your powers," said the king, his voice sharp with anger, eyes narrowing as he glared at Somerzex.

"Father, I saved her—and my own life," Somerzex replied, crossing his arms, trying to keep his anger and fear in check. His jaw was tight, his piercing blue eyes flashing with intensity.

The door opened suddenly, and Frank rushed in, his face pale and tense.

"My lord," he said, bowing slightly, "the townspeople—they’re outside! They want to take the prince!" His voice trembled with fear.

"What? No, it can’t be!" exclaimed the queen, her hands clutching her gown as a wave of panic crossed her face.

"I won’t let anything happen to my son," she said, her voice trembling but resolute.

"Diana, step aside. I have to go outside," said the king, his tone commanding, but worry flickering in his eyes.

"No, my lord, you cannot. The people are hungry for blood," Frank warned, urgency plain in his voice.

"Frank, don’t forget I am still the king," Ralph snapped, anger rising in his chest.

"My lord, you can’t handle it—the truth is already out," the queen said softly, sadness threading her words.

"Diana… no!" the king shouted, disbelief written across his face.

"This is the only way," she said calmly, her gaze steady.

"I have a way to keep our son safe," she continued, a small, reassuring smile on her lips.

"What way?" asked King Ralph, heart pounding in anticipation.

Diana turned toward the mirror. Just then, a small voice broke the tension.

"Meow."

"Sparkles!" cried Somerzex, recognising the familiar cat, his expression softening for a moment.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, lifting her into his arms.

Diana’s expression softened, a small smile touching her lips as she reached out and took Sparkles from him.

"Long time no see," she whispered. The cat seemed ready to speak, but she silenced him with a gentle look.

"Listen carefully, I don’t have much time, Julius. You need to go with my son," she said urgently.

Somerzex frowned in confusion. "Mother, it’s Sparkles, not Julius… and why are you talking to a cat like that?"

Both Diana and the king smiled knowingly.

"He will tell you everything soon," she said gently. "Now, do as I say—come here and hold Julius in your arms. I have to cast a spell."

Somerzex felt his heart race, panic rising in his chest. "You… and magic, mother? How… how can you do magic?" he stammered, disbelief etched on his face.

"Julius… not now," she said sharply to the cat.

"Mother… what’s happening?" he asked, voice tight with fear. But she didn’t answer. Gently, she pushed him in front of the mirror and began the incantation.

"Into the mirror I cast you

Only to be out when it shall be

The sacrifice has been made for you

Let it be, so mote it be"

Somerzex felt an odd heaviness, as though invisible hands were pulling him. His body stiffened, limbs trembling. The silvered surface of the mirror shimmered and swirled, reflecting shapes both beautiful and terrifying.

Fear gripped him. He tried to cry out, to reach for something solid, but the world around him twisted, stretched, and dissolved. Frank’s worried face appeared, distant and ghostly. His mother’s calm visage blurred into brilliant light.

A sudden lurch overtook him, as if he were falling upward. His hands grasped at empty air.

And then… darkness.