We Dream of Aurora

Ch. 1 "The Palace"

Jack's POV:

This morning I woke up... I thought I was dead.
Now I am find myself in another universe? I'm not exactly as disturbed by this as much as I probably should be, however.
Where I am from, flames and earthquakes have brought ruin to my planet already. The place was once very advanced in technology and organized...for the most part.
I lost everything. There was nothing left for me to hold onto besides reoccurring dreams and visions I had of this white wolf.

When I woke up I was shocked of course. I wandered around for awhile... and eventually I found the white wolf. Maybe this time it was real? I am not quite sure. However this place is very similar to my planet. The terrain is very much the same... so the only explanation is that I must be in some sort of alternate reality. The reason why...? I really have no idea.

This guy, King Dyrith, told me this world is called Endille. A vaguely similar name to my planet. A lot of weird things happened in my short time being here, and this king seems to know something about me. So far he hasn't said anything but I don't exactly want to get into any trouble by interrogating him. He did invite me to join him at his palace, and I accepted. It did feel a bit forced, however.

Now I sit here, sharing a carriage with him in such raggedy and soiled clothing. As I stare out the window I catch glimpses of a fairly middle aged looking village.
This place must not have advanced technology like my world did. That's okay though, it is better this way.

"Jack..." King Dyrith began to speak.
"You don't seem that phased given you find yourself in this strange new world."
He crossed his legs and looked at me with suspicion, though I feel I had more reason to be suspicious about the king than the king did with me if I am being honest.
I shrugged, unsure of how I could possibly give him an answer that justified the way I seemed to respond to the ways of this world.

"I couldn't care less about what happens to me anymore." I returned the gaze back to the king and he simply looked away and remained quiet, it almost seemed like he didn't appreciate my response.
Maybe because of his deceased son? Earlier he told me I reminded him of his son who passed away... perhaps he expected me to act like him as well.

The rest of the carriage ride was silent.
After a little while of shuffling my feet around out of boredom, I noticed the castle we were headed to was very close now. It was even bigger in person compared to when I was gazing at it earlier.

The carriage came to a halt eventually and many servants lined up side by side and bowing as King Dyrith got out. When I followed behind, some servants flashed me nasty looks. Perhaps it was because I was in ragged torn clothes and had dark symbol markings on my skin, or perhaps it was because I was standing next to the king.
I am not exactly knowledgeable in manners so maybe it would normally be bold to stand right next to this king. Yet, I really don't care if that is the case. I've never really had respect for those in power in my previous world.
To say the least, of course, this king isn't so bad. He offered me a place to stay and hasn't looked at me with disgust so far.
A few of these servants, however, looked at me as though they've seen a ghost.

"Welcome back, your highness." They all spoke in unison.

One specific older servant approached and began to lead the way into the palace.
A head butler perhaps?
Guards followed behind us as we headed inside.

"Welcome to Shira Palace, Jack."
The king smiled and glanced at me, to which I responded with silence and a nod.

"Mr. Avery, I would like for you to show this young man to the best guest room in the palace." King Dyrith spoke to the older man that had lead us inside.
"By the way— Make sure he is given a bath and neat attire that will fit him nicely."