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Chapter Text

Prince Solon, a young boy of 7, watches with wide-eyed wonder as his father, King Leonis, prepares a beautiful white filly for him to ride. The king helps his son onto the horse's back, a smile of pride on his face. Solon clings tight to the reins, a bit unsure of himself, but also filled with excitement.

King Leonis: "Steady now, Sonny. Just hold onto the reins and keep your seat steady."

Young Prince Solon: "I...I'm scared, papa."

King Leonis: "It's alright to be scared, but remember, courage is about facing your fears. You can do this. Just grip the reins lightly and give a gentle squeeze with your knees. The horse will know what to do."

Young Prince Solon (nervously): "Like this?"

King Leonis (encouragingly): "Yes, that's right. Use a light grip and a gentle squeeze. The horse will respond to your cues. You're doing great."

Prince Solon takes a deep breath and follows his father's instructions, his fingers gripping the reins gently. The white filly whinnies softly, sensing the change in pressure. It starts moving forwards, Solon holding on tight, a mix of fear and excitement on his face.

King Leonis: "That's it! You're doing it, Sonny! Just relax and let the horse take you on a ride."

Young Prince Solon (tentatively): "It's moving faster now. I'm scared I might fall off."

King Leonis (gently): "Don't be. The horse knows you're a beginner and will keep an even pace. You're in control. Just breathe and enjoy the ride."

Prince Solon slowly begins to relax, his fear fading as he realizes he's managing to stay on the horse. A small smile starts to form on his face.

King Leonis (smiling): "Look at you, you're a natural! Just keep your balance and enjoy the feeling of riding."

Young Prince Solon (excitedly): "I love it! Can we go faster, papa?"

King Leonis (chuckling): "Slowly, Sonny. We'll go faster when you're more comfortable. For now, just enjoy the ride."

Prince Solon, now more daring, takes control of the horse, guiding it with the reins and using his legs to signal direction. He feels the wind in his hair and the rush of adrenaline in his veins.

Chapter Text

Prince Solon, no longer the young boy you saw before, stands in the castle courtyard with a stern-looking knight, Sir Cedric. He grips a blunt-edged sword, his gaze fixed on the knight as the older man begins to walk him through the fundamentals of swordplay.

Sir Cedric: "Alright, Prince Solon. We begin with the basics. Assume a fighting stance. Feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced, left foot slightly forward."

Young Solon (nods, a bit nervous): "Like this?"

Sir Cedric (nods, impressed): "Excellent. Now, hold the sword like so. Your grip should be firm but not too tight. You need to feel in control, but not tense."

Sir Cedric: "Good. Now, let's practice a basic lunge. Step forward with your left foot, and extend your sword arm out fully. Keep your body straight and balanced."

Young Solon (following the instructions): "Like this?"

Sir Cedric (corrects him gently): "Almost. Keep your right arm extended too, for balance. You don't want to be top-heavy and off-balance."

Sir Cedric: "Excellent. Now, bring your feet back to the starting position. That's one lunge. Repeat, step-lunge, step-lunge."

Young Solon (practicing diligently): "Step-lunge, step-lunge. Step-lunge, step-lunge."

Sir Cedric: "Alright, let's switch it up. Let's practice a simple parry."

Young Solon (looking a bit uncertain): "What's a parry?"

Sir Cedric (explains): "A parry is a defensive move where you meet your opponent's sword with your own, deflecting their attack away from you. It's a crucial skill, and you need to get used to anticipating your opponent's moves."

*Sir Cedric (watching closely): "Good, very good. But remember, you need to keep your guard up. Always be ready to defend. You can practice this move, but you must also learn how to block your opponent's attacks."

Sir Cedric (demonstrating): "Watch me. I'll strike towards you, and you'll block my attack. Try not to just block, but also look for an opening to counter-attack."

Young Solon (watching intently): "Alright, I'll do my best."

Sir Cedric raises his sword and feints an attack towards Solon. The prince responds by lifting his sword to meet the strike, deflecting it to the side.

Sir Cedric (demonstrating): "Watch me. I'll strike towards you, and you'll block my attack. Try not to just block, but also look for an opening to counter-attack."

Young Solon (watching intently): "Alright, I'll do my best."

Sir Cedric raises his sword and feints an attack towards Solon. The prince responds by lifting his sword to meet the strike, deflecting it to the side.

Sir Cedric (nods approvingly): "Yes, look for those opportunities. A good fighter is always looking for ways to exploit their opponent's weaknesses. Go ahead, try attacking."

Young Solon, inspired by his success, steps forward and tries to attack Sir Cedric's exposed side. The knight quickly parries the strike, but Solon learns a valuable lesson in being opportunistic.

Chapter Text

Young Prince Solon, now a bit older and slightly more mature, stands on the banks of the royal river. He's just returned from his swordfighting lesson, still wearing his practice outfit, when he hears desperate cries for help.

Child's voice (terrified): "Help! Help, I'm drowning!"

Young Prince Solon (shouting back): "Stay calm! I'm coming!"

Without a second thought, Solon drops his sword and rushes towards the river, stripping off his boots and coat as he runs.

He reaches the edge of the river bank and hesitates for a mere moment, then dives in without a second thought. The water is cold and swift, but Solon propels himself with strong, steady strokes, his focus on the child who is flailing in the water, struggling to keep their head above the surface.

Young Prince Solon (panting as he swims quickly): "I'm coming, hold on!"

The child, terrified and gasping for air, can barely keep their head above the water. They see Solon approaching and reach out a trembling hand towards him, their wide, frightened eyes locked on the prince.

Solon grabs their hand, feeling the child's small, cold fingers clutch onto him tightly. He begins to swim back towards the shore, the panicked child clinging to him as he battles against the current. Solon's breaths come in short gasps, his muscles straining with the effort of fighting the river and keeping the child afloat.

He finally reaches the shore, his body exhausted but his determination intact. He drags himself and the child onto dry land, sitting up and collapsing back onto the grass, gasping for breath. The child, shaken and shivering, looks at Solon with wide, teary eyes, their small chest heaving with ragged breaths.

Solon, feeling the adrenaline slowly draining from his body, manages to crawl closer to the child. He puts a comforting hand on their small shoulder, trying to comfort them. His own voice is tremulous and tired, but there's a hint of satisfaction in it.

Solon: "It's alright... you're safe now. I've got you."

The child is still scared, but the sound of Solon's voice and the gentle touch of his hand seem to calm them a bit. They look up at the prince, their eyes still wide with terror, but there's a hint of gratitude in their gaze. They try to speak, but their teeth chatter from the cold and fright.

Solon quickly realizes the child is freezing, still drenched from being in the river. He sits up, his breathing slowly returning to normal, and looks around for his discarded jacket. He grabs it and drapes it over the child, wrapping them up in it. The child snuggles into the warmth, their trembling beginning to subside.

Solon sits back, feeling a rush of relief flowing through him. He watches as the child's shivering slows, the jacket providing some comfort. He can't help but feel a sense of pride at having saved the child, a small part of him proud of his own courage and resilience. This feeling only grows as the child looks up at him, their eyes now filled with a hint of awe and respect.

Young Prince Solon smiles down at the child, the exhaustion from the rescue slowly being replaced with a sense of accomplishment. He gently pats the child's head, his voice still tired but soft.

Solon : "You're alright now. Just stay warm, okay? We'll get you help soon."

The child nods, still too frightened to speak. Solon scans the river, looking for any sign of help or any witnesses to the ordeal. There doesn't seem to be anyone around, which only highlights the prince's courage in the situation.

Solon turns his gaze back to the child, who is starting to warm up a bit under the jacket. He pulls another part of the coat up, making sure they're completely covered. He's still trying to catch his breath, the adrenaline still pumping, but he can't help but feel a bit older and wiser in the face of such a life-or-death situatiob. He looks at the child again, their eyes meeting his, and a sense of protectiveness washes over him.

He reaches out a hand, gently running it through the child's soaking hair, an act of reassurance and comfort. The child closes their eyes, snuggling into the coat, the fear slowly melting away. Solon can't help but feel a pang of affection for the small, vulnerable figure in front of him. It's a new feeling, an unfamiliar sense of responsibility and care.

Chapter Text

Young Prince Solon, now 16, stands before the royal court. He's grown a bit since the last flashback, his face more mature but still holding a hint of boyish charm. Instead of the previous scenes filled with danger and heroism, this scene is one of formality and expectation.

King Leonis, sitting on the throne, addresses Solon with a mix of pride and authority.

King Leonis: "Prince Solon, you are now 16 years old. You have been trained in the arts of governance, combat, and diplomacy. Today, you will make your first appearance before the court, not as a child, but as a young man and future king."

Solon stands tall, his jaw set with determination, his eyes scanning the room. He takes in the various lords and ladies, the weight of their expectations on his shoulders. This is his first public display of responsibility, and he's determined to live up to it. He nods to his father, signaling that he's ready to proceed.

King Leonis motions for one of the royal advisors to approach the throne. The advisor, a wise-looking man with a severe demeanor, bows deeply before the king. He holds a scroll in his hand.

Advisor: "My king, I have reviewed Prince Solon's progress in his studies, and I can confirm that he has a good grasp of the matters of the kingdom. He is well-informed and has shown a promising understanding of diplomacy and governance."

King Leonis nods, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.

King Leonis: "Very good. And what of his combat training?"

Advisor: "Prince Solon has also made great strides in his combat training. He is a skilled swordsman, and his strategic mind is evident in his battle tactics. He also possesses a level of resilience and courage, evident from his training successes and achievements."

King Leonis nods, his gaze shifting from the advisor to Solon. There's a hint of pride in his eyes as he takes in his son's progress. Solon, standing straight and steady, feels a surge of pride in his chest. He's aware of the eyes on him, judging his every move.

Another advisor steps forward, a lady dressed in fine clothes and jewelry. She approaches Solon and hands him a smaller version of the royal seal, signifying his position within the court.

Advisor: "Prince Solon, you have been granted the seal of the crown prince. This seal represents your status and legitimacy as the successor to the throne. May you wear it with honor and uphold the traditions and values of our kingdom."

Solon takes the seal, feeling the weight of the responsibility in his hand. He bows deeply, a mixture of gratitude and determination in his eyes.

Solon: "I will uphold this seal with the utmost honor and responsibility. I promise to work for the betterment of our kingdom and to lead with wisdom and fairness."

King Leonis, seeing the seriousness in Solon's expression, feels a deep satisfaction and a hint of relief. He knows that his son is ready to step up to the role that awaits him.

King Leonis: "I have no doubts about your commitment, Solon. Your training has been thorough, and your spirit strong. In time, you will lead this kingdom to even greater heights."

The advisors and nobles in the room nod in agreement, their gazes still on Solon. There's an air of anticipation as they observe this young man, who will one day take up the mantle of kingship.

Advisor: "Prince Solon, one last thing."

Solon turns his attention to the advisor, his expression a cross between curiosity and determination.

Solon: "Yes, what is it?"

Advisor: "The people of our kingdom, as well as our neighboring kingdoms, are eager to know more about you. Today, we've arranged a small gathering, a more informal event where you can mingle with our guests and showcase your diplomatic skills. This is an opportunity for you to make a positive impression and build relationships that will benefit the kingdom in the future."

Solon's expression doesn't waver, but there's a hint of surprise in his eyes. He had expected this at some point, but hearing it now still makes him aware of the magnitude of his role. He nods, his determination unwavering.

Solon: "Very well. I'm ready."

The advisor nods, satisfied with Solon's response. The room seems to hum with anticipation, as if everyone is aware that this might be a pivotal point in Solon's journey. King Leonis, watching his son from the throne, allows himself a small, proud smile, knowing that his son is up to the challenge.

The advisor bows slightly to Solon and returns to his seat. The king raises his hand to signal the end of the formal session, and the court begins to disperse. Solon stands stoically, his mind already planning his first public appearance as the future king.

As the last of the nobles and advisors exit the throne room, Solon takes a deep breath, the weight of the room still palpable. He feels a mix of excitement and trepidation, the reality of his position settling heavily on his shoulders. He glances towards his father, the king, and sees a look of reassurance on his face. The king nods once, his eyes filled with a quiet pride, signaling that he has faith in his son.