"Good morning, Your Majesty. Your father requests your presence at the breakfast table."
Prince Adam Burchard nodded at Henry, the butler. "I will be right down, Henry. Thank you."
Prince Adam Burchard was the only child of King James Burchard, ruler of the great kingdom of Gavaria. Gavaria was a powerful empire, feared for its dominance in war and conquest. It was a vast, beautiful kingdom by the sea, lying west of Meria.
Adam took his seat at his father's right, opposite his elegant and graceful mother.
"Good morning, darling. How did you sleep? Did you have those dreadful nightmares again?" the queen asked.
Adam had suffered from nightmares since childhood. He often dreamed of a simple life in a quiet town, of a loving family, and a girl he cherished deeply. But every dream, no matter how peaceful it began, ended the same way, his entire family brutally murdered, and his own life cut short. Everything he loved, gone in an instant.
"The dream has been repeating every night, Mother," Adam replied. "But the sleeping potion helped somewhat."
At nineteen, Prince Adam was tall, handsome, and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and deep brown eyes. His striking features and strong physique made him the most sought-after bachelor in the kingdom.
"You know what would help you sleep better, my boy?" the king said with a chuckle. "A woman to warm your bed."
King James shot his wife a sly smile, making her blush.
"Father, please, we are at the table," Adam replied dryly.
"Oh, come now. You're a man. It's time you found a beautiful woman and gave this kingdom heirs."
Adam despised this topic. It wasn't that he opposed marriage, he simply had no interest in the women he had met so far. Still, he believed there was someone out there for him. Someone who would capture his heart at first glance. And he was willing to wait.
"Lady Julia seems quite fond of you," the queen added, sipping her jasmine tea. "Why not try getting to know her? She's beautiful and comes from a fine family."
Lady Julia Boleyn, the youngest of Lord Boleyn's daughters, was sixteen, fair-skinned, with long black hair and emerald eyes. She had grown close to the prince through frequent visits, often bringing him baskets of homemade pastries in hopes of winning his affection.
But Adam only saw her as a friend. He had tried to feel more, but his heart refused.
"She'll be coming to the palace today with her father," King James said. "Why don't you show her around?"
Adam looked up. "Why is Lord Boleyn coming? Is there a meeting I was not informed of?"
"It's nothing important. Just a few negotiations," the king replied.
"But Father, if I am to be king one day, I should be aware of everything that happens in the kingdom. You cannot send me off to entertain Lady Julia while important matters are discussed."
The king sighed. "The meeting concerns an alliance with the kingdom of Meria."
"An alliance?"
"I consulted Ronald the wizard regarding your dreams," King James said, his tone growing serious. "He believes they may be prophetic, visions of a coming war between great kingdoms. A war that could lead to Gavaria's downfall… and your death."
Adam's breath caught. Could that be true?
"Gavaria needs allies if Ronald is right," the king continued. "Meria is nearly as powerful as we are. An alliance would strengthen us greatly."
Adam nodded slowly. "I understand."
"Good," the queen said gently. "Now that you're informed, you can spend the afternoon with Julia."
Adam looked at his mother. He loved her dearly and hated disappointing her. While he had no intention of marrying Julia, he could at least humor her.
"Very well. I will keep Lady Julia company while you attend to your meeting."
"Excellent!" the king beamed. "I'll inform you when they arrive."
Adam finished his meal and stood. "Please excuse me."
Back in his chambers, Adam lay on his bed, his thoughts drifting once more to his dreams…and to her.
The girl with red hair and blue eyes.
Though she was likely just a figment of his imagination, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. His dreams of her felt vivid… real… almost like memories.
He could picture her smile, her laughter, the way her eyes shimmered like the ocean. He felt as though he knew her. As though he loved her.
If Ronald was right, if his dreams were prophecy, then she was real. Somewhere out there.
"The moment I find you…" Adam murmured softly, "I will never let you go."
*
"Your Majesty, Lady Julia has arrived."
"Thank you, Henry. I'll be right down."
Adam descended to greet the Boleyns alongside his parents.
"Your Grace," Julia said with a curtsy, her eyes lighting up.
"Good to see you, Julia," Adam replied politely.
"You've grown into quite a dashing young man," Lord Boleyn added.
"Thank you, Lord Boleyn. It's good to see you in good health."
"Shall we move to the library?" King James suggested. "Let the children spend some time together."
The queen gently patted Adam's back. "Take Julia to the gardens. The flowers are in full bloom."
"Of course, Mother."
Adam offered Julia his arm, which she eagerly accepted.
*
Inside the library, King James and Lord Boleyn sat across from one another at a large teakwood table.
"I suggest we travel to Meria and speak directly with their king," Lord Boleyn said. "Your presence will show the seriousness of our intentions."
"I agree," the king replied. "If these visions are true, we must prepare. With Meria as an ally, we would be nearly untouchable."
"We should send word ahead," Boleyn added. "The journey will take a week with the royal guard."
"Wise," said the king. "Summon the royal council in two days. If I leave the kingdom, preparations must be made. And keep this quiet, we cannot risk enemies exploiting our absence."
*
Meanwhile, Adam and Julia strolled through the castle gardens.
Julia was glowing with happiness, walking hand in hand with the prince among blooming flowers.
Adam, however, was elsewhere, lost in thoughts of alliances, war… and prophecy.
"Oh, the garden is lovely," Julia sighed.
"I suppose it is," Adam replied absentmindedly.
Noticing his lack of attention, Julia stopped walking and released his hand.
"Lady Julia?"
"I can see His Majesty does not wish to spend time with me," she said, pouting. "So I will take my leave."
She waited, expecting him to stop her.
Adam simply nodded. "Very well."
"…Eh?"
He turned and began walking back toward the castle. "Do visit us again, Lady Julia."
With a small wave, he disappeared inside, leaving Julia standing there, stunned.
Was the prince truly uninterested… or simply oblivious?
No… it had to be the latter.
After all, she was beautiful.
And no man could resist her.