Eternium

Chapter 1 Maximus

In a kingdom filled with grand castles, rolling green hills, and bustling cities, there lived a prince named Maximus. Though he was surrounded by luxury and predictability, Maximus found himself longing for adventure. He craved the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of discovering new places, and the exhilaration of facing new challenges.

Maximus was a striking young man with a tall, lean build and broad shoulders, evidence of the many hours he spent training in the castle's courtyard. His eyes were a piercing blue like jadeite gems, always filled with curiosity and a hint of mischief. His dark, wavy hair fell effortlessly, framing a chiseled jawline and a face marked by a confident, yet gentle smile.

He was known for his intelligence and wit, easily engaging in stimulating conversations with the kingdom's scholars and advisors. Despite his privileged upbringing, Maximus possessed a humble nature, treating everyone he encountered with kindness and respect. His natural charisma endeared him to all who met him, and he was often the center of attention at royal gatherings.

Maximus had a strong moral compass, instilled in him by his father, the king. He was always eager to help others, to stand up for justice, and to defend the vulnerable. It was this sense of duty and compassion that fueled his desire for adventure, for he believed that his destiny lay beyond the castle walls, in the wide, unexplored world beyond.

As the days passed, Maximus found it increasingly difficult to ignore the call of adventure that whispered in his heart. He knew that, in order to truly discover who he was meant to be, he would need to leave the comfort and familiarity of his royal life and embark on a journey that would change him forever.

Maximus stretched and yawned as he woke up more from his slumber. As he looked up, a team of servants rushed forward, eager to attend to their prince. They swiftly began to undress him, and Maximus felt a sense of suffocation wash over him. The lavish and ornate royal attire was carefully selected for him, but Maximus detested the feeling of being so restricted.

He stood still as the servants dressed him, his mind already filled with dread for the day ahead. The thought of attending yet another stuffy diplomatic meeting, where he would be expected to be on his best behavior, it is a suffocating feeling. Maximus longed for adventure and excitement, not the monotony of his royal life.

A figure rushed into Maximus's chambers, panting and out of breath. He was a skinny man, adorned with a comical amount of jewelry that jangled with each step he took.

"Maximus! You must hurry!" the man exclaimed. "The king is waiting for you in the grand hall. Quickly, we mustn't keep him waiting!"

Maximus raised an eyebrow at the man's flustered state but quickly started walking, sensing the urgency in the man's voice. "Calm down, what's the matter?"

"The king is waiting for you, Maximus," the man explained. "He wants to see you in the grand hall at once!"

Maximus nodded, quickly finishing getting dressed with the help of the attentive servants. As he fastened the last button on his royal attire, he looked at each of them with a genuine smile. "Thank you for your assistance," he said, his voice warm and appreciative.

With that, he followed the man out of his chambers, their footsteps echoing throughout the lavish castle corridors. As they passed ornate tapestries depicting scenes from the kingdom's rich history and grand marble statues of past rulers, Maximus couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility settle onto his shoulders. The castle's grandeur was a constant reminder of the legacy he was expected to uphold.

He continued to follow the man, making sure to greet the various castle staff members they encountered along the way. From the kitchen staff to the guards, Maximus made an effort to acknowledge and thank each person for their service to the kingdom. His kindness and sincerity were evident, and it was clear that the young prince was held in high regard by all who served him.