Episode 3: The Dream That Broke at Dawn

Julian walked away from Queen Isabella's chamber with tears burning in his eyes.

Outside, rain poured heavily from the dark sky.

Cold drops soaked his clothes as he wandered through the palace corridors, unable to think clearly.

His heart felt shattered.

Suddenly, he saw Martha running toward him. "Prince Julian!" she cried.

The moment he saw the fear on her face, his body began to tremble.

His vision blurred. The truth. His mother's confession.

Isabella's words to Adrian.

Everything crashed into him at once.

Before Martha could reach him, Julian collapsed onto the cold marble floor.

The guards rushed him to his chamber.

Royal physicians were immediately summoned.

After examining him, the chief physician sighed.

"The prince has suffered a severe emotional shock.

His body has simply given up from the pain." Julian did not wake up for three days.

On the fourth day, he slowly opened his eyes.

Warm sunlight filtered through the curtains.

And there, sitting beside him, was Queen Celeste.

For the first time in his life, she smiled at him gently.

"My prince," she whispered.

She stroked his hair. She fed him with her own hands.

Then she pulled him into her lap and held him close.

The warmth he had longed for his entire life finally surrounded him.

"Wake up, my prince," she said softly. "I am here." Julian's eyes filled with tears.

This was everything he had ever wanted.

He closed his eyes and rested against her. For the first time in fourteen years, he felt safe.

"Prince Julian..." A familiar voice broke the silence. Julian opened his eyes.

The room was empty. Queen Celeste was gone.

Only Martha sat beside his bed. Confused, Julian looked around. "Where is Mother?"

Martha lowered her head. Silence filled the room.

Then the memories returned.

The confession. The rain. The corridor. The truth.

Julian's face turned pale. Martha's eyes filled with tears.

"Queen Celeste passed away three days ago."

The words shattered him.

Julian clutched his chest. His breathing became uneven. Tears streamed down his face.

He lowered his head and cried like a lost child.

Just a boy who had finally found his mother only to lose her forever.

Martha sat beside him and gently wiped away his tears. "Please forgive me, Prince." Her voice trembled.

Later, King Edmund arrived. Seeing Julian's condition broke his heart.

He dismissed everyone from the room. For hours, the king sat beside him.

A few hour later, the king took Julian to the royal gardens to lift his spirits.

The bright flowers swayed in the wind. Birds sang from the trees.

There, Julian saw Adrian and Queen Isabella walking toward him.

Adrian smiled warmly. For a moment, Julian felt a small spark of happiness.

Even though Julian's world had fallen apart.

There, Adrian approached with Queen Isabella.

Adrian smiled gently.

"I'm glad you're awake."

For the first time in days, Julian managed a small smile.

Perhaps...

Perhaps things could still become better.

Years passed.

The two princes trained side by side.

They mastered swordsmanship.

Horse riding, Military strategy. , Royal law, Leadership.

Julian became calm, wise, and fearless.

Adrian became courageous, noble, and respected.

Together, they became the pride of Valoria.

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