Loyalty

- I don't know, I don't know anymore...He admitted sincerely. But you must have understood that we tried everything. Without result, as you could see for yourself. Some actions even had the disastrous consequence of making things worse. So, who knows, no prophecy or magic announces it, nor anything else, we are all aware of it, but perhaps a mortal could succeed where the rest of us have failed. Perhaps you would be found for us this mythical being belonging to the firmaments of power.

- But my family will worry about me if I don't come home...I tried to protest stupidly again even though I already knew what I would choose, that I wouldn't abandon them.

- Don't worry about that. We'll make sure to alter the minds of your family and friends just right when you return home. They will feel no fear or pain. And this, no matter what the outcome of your efforts. But it all depends on your choice of course, whether you stay to help us or not.

I looked at the emperor's subjects present. They all waited for my answer, which surprised me, although in desperation they should not expect so much from a stranger, and even more so that this stranger was none other than a fragile girl without magic. But when I met his eyes, so light blue, different in everything from his, the choice was made. I doubted that it could even be called a choice anymore. I would feel even more cursed than his people if I were to disappoint such a look, such a being, the purity flows from his pupils and reaches without preamble those who contemplate them thus.

- Yes, I stay.

- Thank you.

Then by magic, he disappeared, leaving me emptied of all my emotions. I don't know if my choice was right or if I could change anything. But what would have hurt me even more was to disappoint such a fabulous being. I turned to one of the wise men.

- I would have been unable to say no.

- It is our daily heartbreak, admitted the wise men with a bright and amused smile, so much our sovereign is dear to us. He has never at any time underestimated the work of others, no matter how little, and his growing wisdom is guiding his people towards an evolution that continues to shine. Just when you think it is increasingly unthinkable to reach a new stage, he still manages to exceed our expectations.

So much respect and tenderness mixed in the voice of the elder. I was impressed.

- Tell me more about this cursed prince...

The two wise men looked at each other for a moment, then began to share what they knew.

- There was a fabulous being, ruler of a distant city known as Ozeon. His only fault, if any, was that he fell in love with another ruler. And in the magical world, this is absolutely forbidden. In order to preserve the sovereign descendants of each nation, the law forbidding romantic relationships between heads of state was voted by a majority of all kingdoms. But obviously, it passed outra. This emperor knew no limits or restrictions in everything. He took the queen Reina and gave birth to a son. A child as uncontrollable and prodigious as himself. Many people, for fear of their power and nature, denied the existence of this forbidden fruit, and passed it off as a myth. Now no one believes in it anymore. And anyway, the few people who have had the chance to see it cannot claim to know its true face, because in its true flesh it shows itself to the world only by dressing in stolen and veiled appearance. Therefore no people believe in his ability, let alone his desire to help us. Except for our beloved sovereign. For reasons that escape us, he believes. Even more so recently, to the point of shaking us with his irrepressible strength of conviction.

- And you will follow him despite everything.

- Without any hesitation, no matter what else he will believe in, they affirmed with certainty. For he carries within him the life of our people. And madness or not, for better or for worse. And in fact we have the duty to support him in carrying the hope of all those people lost in the abyss of perdition.

- We have lived protected by our imperishable magic all our lives, but now that it has reached such a limit, we do not know how to react or how to live with it.

- Very well," said the girl, straightening up to show her determination to accomplish the mission to which she had dedicated herself. Since the only way to eradicate this evil is to find this legendary son, then we would seek him out beyond this realm of light.

- We wish it with all our heart, young human.

- I am eighteen years old, you know!

- And I am one thousand eight years old.

- Ah! One can never win with you. I laughed. I understand now the attitude of your sovereign. I will leave in search of this extraordinary greatness that you fear so much tomorrow morning.

- Thank you dear human.

I bowed my head. I was led to my room.

A splendor of silk, marble, crystal, and comfort. The restful magic in there helped me regain my strength and get ready for the unprecedented and priceless quest I was about to begin at dawn.