Chapter 1 – Haunting Memories
A huge man entered the royal court, a long sword strapped to his back, and the severed head of a giant monster gripped in one hand.
He stepped forward and bowed.
"I have completed the task you assigned me, Father," Kaelen Drakemor said.
The king's hands clenched the arms of the throne. Fury twisted his face as he stood.
"Don't call me father in front of everyone," King Eldric Drakemor snapped. "It's already shameful enough that you bear my surname with that filthy name of yours."
The court fell into a wave of murmurs and low whispers at the king's outburst.
Kaelen remained unfazed. "I have done my task. When will I receive the promised reward?"
The king's face darkened further. "Asking for a reward? Of course, you would—how fitting for a beast like you. You'll get it later. Now leave. I can't stand the sight of your ugly face anymore."
Kaelen turned and walked away, silent as ever.
As he stepped past the court's stunned audience, murmurs rose. Gasps followed. His face came into full view—the left side burned, a deep scar slashing across the eye like a mark of fate.
The Ugly Prince had shown his face once more.
"Hello, big brother," came a mocking voice. "As ugly as always."
Kaelen glanced at his younger brother, Nyric Drakemor, but said nothing.
"I suppose Father's upset again... because you survived," Nyric continued with a smirk. "Why don't you cover that hideous face with a mask? A royal shouldn't look like a monster."
Kaelen still didn't answer. He turned away and kept walking. Nyric scoffed and entered the throne room.
[World Background – Draventhall Empire]
The Draventhall Empire is one of the most powerful nations in the known world, sharing its borders with Ignareth and Vyreldor. Legends say the empire descends from dragons—its first emperor once slew a dragon and drank its blood, gaining immense strength and vitality.
Eldric Drakemor is the fifth emperor, known for both his genius as a strategist and his fearsome warrior abilities. Although allied with its neighbors, Draventhall often faces monster attacks that terrorize its people.
Kaelen walked alone to the palace garden and sat under the shade of a tree—a rare moment of calm.
Until—
"Please let me go, I have to do laundry!" a young maid pleaded.
"Yeah, yeah, you can go... after a little stop in the storage room," a soldier leered.
"Please, Sir Knight, give me the way," she begged again.
"Come on, you're just a maid. Let me help you relax a little." He grabbed her wrist tightly.
"Help! Someone, please!"
Kaelen appeared behind them. The soldier looked up—and hesitated—but Kaelen walked right past without a word.
In that brief moment, the maid broke free and ran.
"Wait! Where are you going?!"
Annoyed, the soldier grabbed Kaelen by the shoulder.
"Hey! Because of you, I missed my chance. Who's going to take responsibility?"
Kaelen turned slowly, his eyes blazing. A wave of pressure and rage rolled off him.
The soldier's face turned pale. He staggered back. "W-What kind of beastly aura is this? How can someone so wild be a prince?"
Kaelen ignored him and kept walking—heading to a small, isolated cabin at the edge of the palace grounds. Inside, he laid his sword in the corner and collapsed onto a small bed.
[Flashback]
A warm chamber. A young Kaelen, only five years old, sat beside his mother, Queen Seralyth Drakemor—his face still sweet and innocent.
"Kaelen, my child," she said softly, "you have a younger brother now."
"Younger brother? Mom, can I play with him?"
Seralyth smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Kaelen, listen carefully. Your mother doesn't hold much power in the palace... but you do. You are the First Prince. So remember—you must survive, no matter what."
"Yes, Mom. I'll listen to everything you say!"
Not long after, the second queen, Lady Theryn, gave birth to a boy, Nyric, the Second Prince.
That same night, assassins attacked Theryn's chamber. The royal guards arrived in time and saved them.
"Your Majesty!" Lady Theryn cried, "It was Seralyth! She sent the assassins to kill my son!"
"Lady Theryn, I understand your fear," King Eldric said cautiously, "but don't accuse without proof."
"She wants her son to be heir! She's dangerous!"
The chamber doors opened. Queen Seralyth entered gracefully, calm and chilling.
"If I had planned the attack," she said coldly, "it would have succeeded. You would be wailing over a corpse, not whining to the king."
Everyone in the room stood to bow.
"Lady Seralyth," the king warned, "watch your words. Nyric bears royal blood, too."
"You lost the right to command me the day you chose to bed other women," she replied.
She left without another word.
Later that day...
"Mom, why are you sad?" Kaelen asked in their private chamber.
"Nothing, my child. Just a small argument with your father."
"Did Father shout at you?"
Suddenly, the door slammed shut from the outside. Glass shattered—the balcony windows exploded inward. Bottles hurled in, and fire spread instantly.
"Kaelen!" Seralyth grabbed him. "The door! Try to open it!"
Locked.
She looked to the window, but the flames were already rising too fast.
"You must live," she whispered, voice trembling. "You must survive. You are the only one who deserves power."
Kaelen cried. "I'm scared, Mom! Please!"
"Don't be scared. I'll protect you."
A flaming wardrobe crashed down. She shielded Kaelen with her own body.
Moments later, soldiers burst in with the king behind them.
"What... What is this?!" Eldric gasped.
"My Lord," the guard said, "Lady Seralyth is gone. Prince Kaelen—he's badly burned. We're taking him to the physician."
The king's face contorted. He dropped to his knees, shouting and weeping.
"Find who did this!" he roared.
"Yes, my Lord!"
[Present]
Kaelen jolted awake. His shirt was soaked in sweat. Breathing heavily.
"Mom... why did you leave me behind?"
Chapter 2 soon ..
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