King Who Fell From Grace

Chapter 1: Light at The End of the Tunnel

POV: Arthur Leywin

The formidable "light at the end of the tunnel." Such a cliche really. Never did I expect that after death I would actually encounter it. Neither did I think that the said light would turn out to be a woman's...

Haa, what has my life been reduced to.

As I came out, I took my first breath of life, and the smell quickly overtook me. Despite having a whole 'nother life before this one and experiencing worse, tears still burst out from the horrid stench that was brought from my birthing.

"There, there little Art. Mama's here." I heard from a gentle voice. I tried opening my eyes, but the lights around me were too strong for my newborn eyes that hadn't adjusted just yet.

"He has your beautiful eyes, dear." A stronger voice said from beside the more gentle one.

"He hasn't even opened his eyes yet, Reynolds. How could you know?" The gentle voice slightly laughed at the rather dumb comment that was surely meant as a compliment.

"It seems your baby is just fine, Mr. and Mrs. Leywin. I do hope I won't need to be called anytime soon, so please just rest with your child now Mrs. Leywin. Make sure they're both well cared for, Mr. Leywin." Another voice said, most likely the Doctor that helped with my mothers conceiving.

I tried opening my eyes once more for my eyes to flutter open and see colors for the first time since my rebirth. Before I heard the door creak and close shut, I managed to see a man with large glasses, white, long hair and beard. I turned my attention to the gentle voice first, since they were right above me.

My mother. She had long, auburn hair that seemed to glow a fiery red when exposed to light. Her eyes were hazel and complimented her bright smile. A smile only a mother could give to her child, one full of love and compassion.

Then, I turned my head slowly to the man I only expected to be my father.

Reynolds, he had short, ash-brown hair that seemed to dull the color of his eyes. His eyes were a shy blue color, and his strong jawline made him out to be a strong, dependable man. But my first impression of him from his interaction with my mother earlier completely erased that image from my mind.

My father, who was first to notice that my eyes were now open, smiled with a goofy grin.

"Hi, little Art! I'm your dada, can you say dada?"

"Dear, he was just born." My mother asked as she shook her head in disappointment, while he chuckled in embarrassment, and I now knew Reynolds was definitely my father.

I was completely overwhelmed by the fact that I had just been born though. I had so many questions regarding my death. How did I die? Who would want to kill me? Did I really die?

There weren't many that could kill me, but there were many that wanted to. I was a king after all, and kings were chosen for their strength at a young age, as intellect could be learned and wisdom would come with experience. But skill and strength at a young age only came to show how much potential they had to protect their nation.

Despite my mind wanting answers, I soon fell asleep in my mother's arms. Curse this weak baby body...

*1 Year Later*

I was currently in front of a thin sheet of metal that we used as a mirror. I examined myself and stared with awe. I seemed to have my mother's fierce auburn hair and my father's blue eyes. But my eyes seemed a more lively color, likely taking it's brighter shade from my mother's contrast, now an azure blue with ocean depth.

I haven't done much in my first week journey, but I have learned that we live on a continent by the name of Dicathen. There are 3 main races that dominate the lands; Dwarves, Elves, and Humans. They are separated by the 3 main kingdoms; Darv, Elenoir, and Sapin.