Enchantment

Chapter 1: Unfated Desire

For as long as he remembered, things weren't always like this. There was freedom, the breeze flowing through his fluffy hair, and an abundance of activities to keep him occupied for hours on end. Endless laughter constantly filled his memories, there was her too. His mother always told him how special he was, reminding him to be wary of those who are different. Remember to never judge anyone too quickly. She always said, 

"Never judge anyone too quickly. They are not like you, but that doesn't mean you are anywhere above them. We are all the same. Don't you forget that".

This was all he could remember. For as long as he slept, every deep breath, every time he closed his eyes. Whenever he looked in the mirror, all he saw was her face. Nothing more, nothing less.

Everything was as it should be.

"Your Royal Highness, might we get back to our practice? Unless you would rather do something else, I'm sure her Majesty the Queen wouldn't mind.Hopefully."

Zion quickly returned his attention to his guard, breathing heavily and cold sweat dripping from his forehead. He sighed, "Alas, your right. I'm quite tired, besides I think that I have beaten you quite enough at this game anyway. Don't you think?". He lowered his sword and placed it on the ground. 

"Your highness, might we head off somewhere so that you can-"

"Why sure, that's an idea. Can't be looking like this in front of her majesty, now can I?" Zion jested. Regaining his strength, he stood up and started for the door. Entering the hallway, the lights were dim, dark, but lit enough so he can walk. Going down a hallway, he heard different sounds of commotion. Maids discussing typical gossip they heard from town, other knights placing bets on useless affairs, and servants taking objects in and out of the castle doors. All the sounds told him it was another busy day he managed to avoid it. Finally turning the corner, he arrived at his chamber. 

"Arlo, you can stay positioned here. Allow no one to enter the room unless necessary, not that anyone would anyway. Also please be sure that you get some rest yourself, so don't stand there all night. Understand?"

"Yes, your highness. I shall attend to other matters then. I'll be sure no one disturbs you, sleep well". Arlo lowered his head, then turned around stationing himself at the door entrance. His right hand at the side and his left on his sword. 

When Zion entered his chamber, his bed was made as if it was never touched. Items that were once on the ground are back where they rightfully belonged. Everything had its place, or so he wished. Walking towards his bed, there laid a set of new fresh sleepwear. In other words, a nightgown of sorts. The texture was rough but in a comfortable way, the feel of how leaves turn. All the ways nature seemed to be failing, but at the same time, the way it changes so quickly in the morning too. 

After changing, Zion knew he should retire for the night. It wasn't prince-like to stay awake waiting for something to happen. Or just hoping someone would disturb the neverending loop of his daily life. After 10 years of roaming the cold stone walls, nothing seemed to change. No one gave his existence a second glance. He was going to be crowned one day, the ruler of the Dark Hills. It was his duty now, even though there was a time when he was just an ordinary person. 

The leaves blew outside, and some glided against his balcony window. Sliding his feet on the stone floor, he made his way to the balcony door and opened it. The fresh air, the smell of smoke, food cooking. Everything he once smelled every night when he was younger, was quite comforting to him. He closed his eyes once again and spoke quietly. Only allowing the trees to hear him.

"One day I hope to have that sense of feeling again. I will be free again mother, I can be free once again from this undesired fate that has been placed upon me. Although I'm sure this is what you wanted for me, if so then I shall live it as best as I can. It's all for you and Emma, you both are keeping me on my toes." Zion leaned his head down, his hair falling in front of his eyes, leaves sticking in his hair. As he opened his eyes once more, he saw the clear dark sky. The beautiful stars shined like crystal clear water in a river. Beautiful.

Some time has passed and he knew it was time to retire for the night. After all, the following morning would start the preparations for the upcoming ball in two weeks. Slowly turning, he whispered his peace and closed the crystalized, wooden doors. The moonlight always drifted through, it created a light source in his chamber. 

"I wonder if something eventful will happen as the sun rises tomorrow. Maybe newer people...no. Of course, nothing ever happens here anyway" Zion whispered. He walked to his bed and caved in. Nice and soft, like millions of feathers piled on top of one another. A tad bit too perfect indeed. He closed his eyes, ready for slumber. Ready to enjoy some rest, he imagined his mother again. The only comforting person, besides Emma, that has ever been honest with him. 

As the night crept more onto the kingdom, the wind changed direction, the cries became more silent. The welcome of mysterious visitors was awakened. The memories of the past, present, and future were foretold. Everything was not as it should have been, but the words never changed. Whether he knew it now or never, the future has a way of presenting itself and it always enters unexpectedly. Just like those words, just like those promises. 

Never judge anyone too quickly. They are not like you, but that doesn't mean you are anywhere above them. We are all the same. Don't you forget that.

I promise mother. I promise I shall never forget it.