Kiraihhh

In a world where loyalty is a fragile illusion and power corrupts even the noblest of hearts, a fallen knight awakens in the body of the very prince whose kingdom he helped destroy.

Caelan, a commoner-turned-knight, devoted his life to the kingdom of Elaris—until betrayal by the man he loved, Khalid Caelum, shattered it all. Stabbed and left to die, Caelan reincarnates as Flynn Winterbell, the estranged crown prince of a rival nation. Haunted by his past life, Flynn must now navigate court politics, half-brothers with hidden motives, and the dangerous game of power—all while the man who betrayed him, now a duke, reappears at his side.

But the embers of love refuse to die. As Flynn grapples with his lingering feelings and a truth buried beneath crowns and lies, a greater threat looms—one that ties kingdoms, memories, and destiny together.

Can Flynn uncover the secrets of his death and forge a new path, or will history repeat itself?

Beneath the crown

‎No guards, no advisors only Flynn and the man who claimed to know Caelan Lorne. The flickering torches along the stone walls cast long shadows, and for the first time in years, Flynn felt the weight of his two lives press together in the same space.

‎The man was old too old for a soldier. His cloak was moth-eaten, the Elarian crest barely visible through the grime. His breathing rasped, uneven. Yet when his gaze met Flynn's, something in his posture straightened, sharpened.

‎"Your Highness," the man rasped, bowing with stiff limbs. "Or… should I say, Caelan."

‎Flynn's chest tightened. "You're mistaken."

‎The old man gave a dry chuckle. "I served under Caelan Lorne for nearly two decades. I know the fire behind those eyes. You can hide it from your court, from your allies even from that traitorous dog you now call duke but not from me."

‎Flynn said nothing, but he did not deny it.

‎The man stepped closer, eyes blazing. "He betrayed us, my prince. He betrayed you. Khalid Caelum was no mere turncoat he conspired with Elaris' enemies long before the capital fell. The moment your back was turned, he struck."

‎Flynn's voice was low. "I know he killed me."

‎"No," the man hissed. "You only think he did. But you must understand Khalid wasn't acting alone. There were letters… meetings held in secret with Winterbell envoys. I saw one with my own eyes, five months before the siege. He offered up Elaris for something."

‎"For what?" Flynn asked, fists clenched.

‎The man leaned in, his voice now a whisper. "Power. A title. He wanted to become something greater than a soldier. Greater than a prince. He offered your kingdom for the chance to rise."

‎Flynn stepped back. His world, already unstable, now tilted further.

‎The traveler continued. "But here is the truth you must face: whatever he promised, whoever he made a deal with… it's not over. I escaped a prison camp far east of here. I saw his men cloaked in black, bearing no crest. Moving in the dark, gathering weapons, gathering followers."

‎Flynn's voice trembled. "You mean he's planning something again?"

‎Before Flynn could respond, the doors burst open Lucian stormed in, sword half-drawn. "Flynn! Enemy scouts spotted near the northern ridge. Khalid has requested your presence at the war room."

‎Flynn stared at the traveler, who gave him one last look.

‎"You wear a crown now," he said. "But beneath it, your kingdom is crumbling and the dagger was planted by the one who claims to protect it."

‎Flynn turned toward Lucian, mind racing. "Seal this man in the east wing. No one speaks to him but me."

‎"As you wish," Lucian replied, though suspicion flickered in his eyes.

‎As the old man was led away, Flynn stood in the empty throne room, pulse racing. He knew now.

‎The real war was not just on the borders it had already slipped past the gates.

‎And Khalid… Khalid may not yet know Flynn's truth.

‎But soon, Flynn would learn all of his.

The Traveler's Truth