THE PRINCE'S SERVANT

Sitting on the edge of the grand outer wall of Solaria, a young man with delicate green hair gazed at the clear blue sky, savoring the familiar gentle morning breeze. Sometimes, his jade-colored eyes would wander, imagining what it might feel like to experience the fierce winds that whip up the sands of the vast desert. However, he knew that without the magical dome of Niray, those relentless desert sands would invade the sacred walls of the city. Haru, lost in his daydreams of life beyond the dome, failed to notice a green-feathered eagle landing beside him.

I was abruptly pulled from my reverie by a sudden flash of green light at my side. Startled for a moment, I quickly smiled, recognizing that magic anywhere. My father, clad in golden armor adorned with numerous medals on his left chest and wearing a long green cape, stood before me. He soon spoke:

"Haru, I've searched all across the kingdom of Solaria for you. You know today is your first day as the companion knight to Prince Solar Kota. It's important to make a good impression, so don't waste another moment—let's go."

Father and son hurried down the dusty stairs of the grand wall, the imposing and authoritative royal advisor Hayato leading the way. He instructed his son on how he could be invaluable to the prince during his rigorous military training, particularly as a healer. Haru struggled to keep up, carefully lifting the hem of his pink kimono with its golden accents to avoid staining it with the wall's dust.

Though Haru was the son of one of the greatest warriors in all Niray, he was quite different from his father. He was neither tall nor muscular. His green hair was a much lighter shade, and his fair, delicate complexion stood in contrast to his father's tanned, weathered skin. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, Haru let go of the hem of his kimono, only to realize his father's hurried pace had left him behind. He broke into a small, clumsy run to catch up.

The city of Solaria seemed to still be awakening. At its center stood the grand palace of white marble, lavishly adorned with golden details. Towering above the castle was a colossal statue of the Great Mother Goddess, Solaria, her magnificent wings spread wide as she held a golden sun aloft. The palace was also shielded by a magical dome, though smaller and less restrictive than Niray's external one. This dome, conjured by magicians from the neighboring kingdom of Luna, allowed selective entry, further symbolizing the Solar royal family's influence, even over neighboring realms. To many, Solaria was considered the capital of Niray due to its power and prestige.

The city's beauty was undeniable. The streets were paved with golden stones, and the elegant architecture of the houses reflected the city's noble status. As they walked along, Haru couldn't help but admire the grand Solar Battle Academy in the distance. This white marble structure with golden embellishments mirrored the city's style but was significantly larger than its surroundings. Two statues of the Great Mother Goddess, each wielding a sword pointed skyward, flanked the academy's entrance.

Haru marveled at the academy's grandeur, but his thoughts soon turned to anxiety. Turning to his father, he asked nervously:

"What if the prince prefers a soldier over a frail healer like me? Will I be dismissed? I don't want to bring shame to our family or to you."

His father looked at him with a rare, faint smile before replying, "It's a tradition for a member of our family to serve the reigning king as an advisor. It's been this way for generations, and it will be the same for you. If the prince wants a warrior, he'll have plenty, but you will be there to help him in the ways he truly needs. Don't worry."

As they approached the academy gates, the royal guards saluted Hayato and opened the way for them. Hayato addressed the guards:

"This is my son, Haru. He is to assume the role of healer knight to the prince. Assist him with anything he requires from now on."

The guards responded crisply, "Yes, Commander!"

Hayato motioned for Haru to follow, and the young man did so, marveling at his father's authority among the royal guards.

The academy's interior was just as magnificent, with paintings of heroic figures adorning its walls—some of whom Haru recognized from his studies in Solaria's library. Among the portraits was one of his late grandfather standing beside the former king. Noticing Haru's awe, his father commented:

"See, Haru? Our legacy is intertwined with the royal family's."

Haru felt his father was trying to reassure him. Smiling to hide his lingering insecurities, he followed his father into the arena, where the clashing sounds of training swords echoed. The moment they entered, all the young warriors halted their rigorous practice, making way for the imposing royal advisor.

Haru shrank slightly, almost hiding behind his father's green cape as they walked into the massive arena. The high, glimmering gray walls and the black, coal-like floor contrasted with the breathtaking stained-glass depiction of the Goddess Solaria on the ceiling. Sunlight streaming through the glass bathed the arena in golden hues, making the sweat-drenched bodies of the warriors glisten.

At the center of the arena stood a young man of unparalleled strength and confidence. The blond-haired youth, drenched in sweat from his training, exuded a commanding presence. As he turned to face the advisor, Hayato bowed deeply—a sight Haru had never witnessed before.

In that moment, Haru knew without a doubt: this was Prince Solar Kota, the man he would serve for the rest of his life. The prince was shirtless, his toned, muscular body glistening from his morning workout. His pale blond hair dripped with sweat, and his triumphant smile only added to his commanding aura. Haru's eyes met the prince's, and he felt his breath catch. Those eyes were as blue as the sky he had admired earlier that morning.

A whisper from his father snapped Haru out of his daze:

"What are you waiting for? Bow!"

Embarrassed, Haru hastily performed the traditional bow and said:

"Forgive me, Your Highness, Prince Solar Kota."

The tall prince had barely noticed the delicate Haru before, almost hidden behind the advisor. But now, as he took a closer look, Kota realized that this was to be his new personal healer—a tradition of the royal family. However, Haru didn't resemble an ordinary servant. With his delicate features and gentle demeanor, he seemed more like a court maiden.

Unable to ignore Haru's charm, the prince spoke with a polite smile:

"It's an honor to meet you, young man. So, you are my new healer, Haru?"