Mirror

Chapter 1: Whispers Beyond the Palace Walls

Beware this is a Dunkjoong ,Phuwinpond and FourthGemini story only!!

The dawn sun rose, casting a pale gold over the Kingdom of Reindale. High within the stone walls of the palace, Prince Joong stood by his window, his gaze fixed on the awakening city below. From the lofty towers, the kingdom looked pristine, a perfect realm of peace and prosperity. But Joong, ever the keen observer, sensed the simmering discontent lurking just beneath the surface. The kingdom wasn't as content as it appeared. A light knock broke his concentration. His twin brother, Pond, stepped into the room, his gentle eyes conveying quiet concern. "You're awake early," Pond remarked softly, stepping up beside Joong to look out over the city. "Thinking about the meeting with the council?" Joong sighed, nodding. "They're nervous. Rumors have been circulating that some of the commoners are unhappy with the taxes and trade restrictions. But none of them seem ready to admit it." Pond nodded, his own thoughts drifting. He knew the palace couldn't ignore the unease much longer. Yet what could he do, a prince bound by expectations and rules? The weight of his title felt stifling, but duty was woven into his soul. Meanwhile, down in the heart of Reindale's bustling market, Dunk was already up, his hands stained with paint as he finished another mural on a blank wall. His work was a colorful escape from the city's greyed tones and often drew a crowd. Today, it was an image of Reindale's commoners—strong, proud, vibrant. Art was Dunk's quiet rebellion, a way of speaking without words. He stood back, observing the faces he'd painted, each one telling a different story of struggle, joy, and resilience. But his musings were interrupted by his friend Gemini, who approached with a playful grin. "Admiring your own work again, Dunk? If I didn't know better, I'd say you fancy yourself a king of colors," Gemini teased, lightly clapping Dunk on the shoulder. Dunk chuckled. "Someone has to bring life to these walls, right? Besides, it's the closest I'll get to royalty." He shook his head, smiling, though his eyes wandered toward the distant palace, wondering what life might be like for those inside. Elsewhere, on the city's edge, Phuwin tended to his shop, methodically arranging herbs and potions with a practiced calm. He rarely socialized; he preferred his work to idle chatter, keeping mostly to himself. But today, a strange energy crackled in the air, as if the city was alive with whispers. He'd heard people talking about a new tax law—a burden that would fall on the common folk's shoulders yet again.

Phuwin's thoughts were interrupted by Pond, who entered the shop with an air of quiet elegance. The prince's soft gaze immediately set Phuwin on edge.

"Your Highness," Phuwin greeted, a hint of frost in his tone.Pond inclined his head in greeting, seemingly undeterred by the herbalist's coolness. "I heard you were the best in Reindale. I hoped you might help me find something for my brother. He seems... troubled lately."

Phuwin looked him over, surprised by the prince's sincerity. "You think some herbs can fix the kingdom's unrest?"

Pond paused, caught off-guard, but a smile softened his expression. "Maybe not. But I believe you're right—sometimes, the real answers are beyond a prince's reach."

As Pond took his leave, Phuwin watched him go, curiosity flickering through his usually guarded expression.

Back in the palace gardens, Fourth found himself sneaking past guards, his excitement barely contained. The city called to him, a world filled with freedom and adventure. Today, he'd head straight for his favorite spot—the physician's quarters, where he'd chat with Gemini, who always seemed to understand his desire for something more than palace walls.

And so, as the morning unfolded, the lives of the three princes and their commoner counterparts began to intersect.