Chapter 3 – Prince Sebastian
The young prince of the empire, despite his young age, exhibited a remarkable and quiet demeanor that belied his youth. He found solace and purpose in honing his skills, dedicating countless hours to perfecting his swordsmanship and mastering the art of horse riding, pursuits that reflected his dedication to becoming a skilled warrior and leader.
In addition to his rigorous physical training, the prince's education encompassed a diverse array of subjects crucial for his future role as an heir of the throne. His daily lessons encompassed not only the expected topics of proper etiquette, politics, and strategies for warfare but also delved deep into the realms of literature and the intricacies of various fighting techniques.
What set him apart was not just his diligence in physical training, but also his voracious appetite for knowledge. Despite his young age, he displayed an exceptional intellect and an insatiable curiosity, often found immersed in books that explored the complexities of politics and governance. Surprisingly well-versed in the art of politics, the prince engaged in adult discussions with maturity that surpassed his years, eagerly contributing his insights and perspectives to meaningful debates about the future of the empire.
Many royals and even the military adore the wisdom and even war techniques coming from the young prince. He also loves to play chess to ease his boredom. Many castle scholars like to challenge him at chess, but most of them lose except his uncle, the military leader of Carthage, Sir Roland Claudio.
Despite the young prince's remarkable excellence and undeniable talent, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering humility and genuine compassion. He maintains deep and meaningful connections with the castle servants, treating each with the same respect and kindness that he extends to nobles and dignitaries.
His interactions with others are characterized by a profound sense of empathy and understanding, as he wholeheartedly embraces the belief in equality for all, irrespective of social standing or background. Driven by his vision of a just and harmonious empire, the prince actively advocates for inclusivity and fairness in every aspect of governance. He champions the rights of every individual, fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation among the diverse inhabitants of the kingdom.
Whether engaging in discussions with peasants or nobles, he listens attentively to their concerns and perspectives, seeking to bridge divides and build bridges of understanding. His admirable character and unwavering commitment to equality have earned him the admiration and respect of all within the castle walls. Many look up to him as a beacon of hope and change, eagerly anticipating the day when his enlightened leadership will guide the kingdom towards a brighter and more equitable future.
However, his father, King Alexander Lamberg, also known as King Alex the Unyielding, evokes fear among his subjects. A ruthless ruler, Alexander governs with an iron fist, considering himself superior to others and viewing his subjects merely as servants. Desiring absolute power, he seeks to expand his reign, though restricted by a longstanding treaty. Alexander's authoritarian rule instills terror, with dissenters meeting dire consequences.
Queen Isabela Lamberg, the king's wife, stood as a beacon of grace and kindness amidst the royal court. Renowned not only for her unparalleled beauty but also for her compassionate and empathetic nature, she was revered by both nobles and commoners alike. Queen Isabela's genuine sincerity and unwavering fairness in her dealings with others earned her widespread admiration and respect throughout the kingdom.
Many attribute the prince's noble character and compassionate spirit to the nurturing influence of his beloved mother. Queen Isabela's unwavering love and guidance shaped the young prince into the compassionate and empathetic leader he would later become. However, tragedy struck the royal family when the queen, after bravely enduring childbirth, tragically passed away. Her untimely departure left a void in the hearts of all who knew her, casting a somber shadow over the kingdom and forever impacting the lives of those she touched with her kindness and grace. Because of this, the king became what he is, a ruthless ruler, and earned the title the "Unyielding".
One evening, the sky darkened as clouds turned gray, accompanied by the sudden roar of thunder and flashes of lightning, heralding the impending rains. Amidst the flurry of activity among the servants, who hurried to light candles and replenish the fireplace with wood, the young prince reclined on his bed engrossed in a book. The tale within the pages recounted the story of a girl clad in a red robe, illuminated solely by a single lamp positioned on the table beside his bed.
As a gust of wind extinguished the candles, leaving him momentarily in darkness, he fumbled to find a match to reignite them. However, before he could do so, the door creaked open, and soft footsteps entered the room. With narrowed eyes, he struck a match and illuminated the stranger before him: a frightened-looking girl adorned in her nightdress, her waist-length hair cascading freely down her back.
"Who are you?" he inquired. "I-I am Madeline," she stammered. Judging by her attire, he surmised, "You must be a servant?" "Yes, I am," she confirmed. Recalling a lively and talkative servant girl he was fond of, he couldn't help but reminisce about her captivating bedtime stories. However, the memory of her tragic fate, arrested and executed for entering his quarters one fateful night, cast a somber shadow over his thoughts. "Servants are not permitted here," he declared, shaking his head to dispel the haunting recollections.
"I'm frightened by the thunder," Madeline confessed. "I can't sleep." "Ah, you're scared of the lightning and thunder," the boy observed. "You can stay if you wish; I don't mind. But remember to leave once the sun rises. It wouldn't be good if others saw you; you'd surely be scolded. I'll light the rest of the candles to dispel your fear of the darkness, alright?"
As he rose to light the candles, Madeline, unfamiliar with the castle's layout and the identity of her companion, gravitated towards the fireplace, where she settled herself. Soon, she succumbed to a deep slumber. Prince Sebastian, noticing the little girl curled up on the floor, descended from his bed and woke the little girl. "Hey, you can sleep on the bed, it is cold there". Madeline, still half-asleep, hopped on the bed to sleep. The prince fetched another blanket from his cabinet and gave it to the girl.
At daybreak, the young prince awakened and scanned his surroundings for his companion. Observing the girl still asleep, he chose not to disturb her deep slumber. Due to her presence in his room, he opted to ready himself for the day independently, forgoing the assistance of the maids. Without delay, he went out to take his breakfast.