“Prince Javier, it is time to wake up,”

Huh? Prince?

With a groggy murmur, I shifted, the softness of the bed enveloping me like a comforting cocoon. Reality began to seep back into my consciousness, the events of the previous night flooding my mind with a disorienting rush. Right: I had died and was now in a new world, sleeping in a room that probably cost more than I ever made in my life.

 Slowly, I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I glanced around the room. The morning light filtered through the ornate windows, casting a warm glow upon the chamber. 

“Prince Javier,” the voice came again, gentle yet insistent. I turned to see another unknown man standing at the foot of the bed, his red eyes and red hair greeting me with a bright smile. His presence was a stark contrast to Darian's, exuding warmth and kindness as he approached me with a graceful stride. He wore attire similar to Darian's, though adorned with intricate embroidery that hinted at his station. 

"Good morning, Your Highness," he said, his voice carrying a hint of formality as he approached. "I am Rael, one of the head servants here at the palace. I have been assigned to oversee your needs."

“Um… why are you calling me Prince?” I asked slowly, rubbing the sleep that had yet to leave my eyes. When I looked back up to Rael, he was still smiling, but it was more amused than before.

“Did Darian not tell you? I suppose he decided that his Majesty would tell you himself,” Rael chuckled, and I frowned at his playful attitude. Noticing my annoyance, he quickly composed himself and cleared his throat.

"My apologies, Your Highness. Allow me to explain," Rael began, his tone becoming more formal as he gestured to the clothing that was laid over one of the couches. "You were summoned by his Imperial Majesty, Kozani Chaol Shadowsoul Ath'tal, to become his heir and rule the Empire of Ikeapis."

I blinked, the haze of sleep slowly dissipating as Rael's words sunk in. My heart quickened its pace, the gravity of the situation washing over me like a cold wave. Becoming a prince? Rule an Empire? It all sounded like a fantastical tale spun from the pages of a storybook, but this whole situation felt that way. I had died and been reborn in a fantasy world; being the heir to a demon king was on par with these kinds of stories.

"His heir?" I echoed, disbelief lacing my words.

Rael nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring the weight of the revelation. "Yes, Prince Javier. His Majesty will explain more once you join him for breakfast in the Grand Hall."

“I… alright,” I replied, my mind still spinning with disbelief. Rael gave me a reassuring smile before gracefully exiting the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, my feet sinking into the carpet.

As I approached the couch where my new attire lay, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The clothes were rich and opulent, far grander than anything I had ever worn. Each piece seemed to whisper tales of royalty and power, a stark reminder of the role I was apparently destined to fulfill. I began to dress, the unfamiliar garments feeling both constricting and empowering all at once. Once fully attired, I took a moment to study myself in the ornate mirror nearby. 

I glanced at the tie that had been given to me and I slowly pulled the silver strands back, wrapping it around my hair. I had no idea how to tie the band to look elegant, but I did my best, frowning as I saw the messiness of my hair. Would it be too much to ask to cut it shorter? I always preferred shorter hair, since it was easier to care for, but for now, I sighed, walking to the bedroom door. 

“I’m ready,” I called out and Rael reentered the room as I straightened my posture, adjusting to the weight of the princely attire. His gaze flickered briefly to my attempt at tying back my hair, a faint smile playing on his lips as he approached.

"Ah, Your Highness, you look every bit the part of a prince," Rael commented, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and approval. "However, may I be so bold as to offer my assistance with your hair?"

Rael's offer caught me off guard, my heart skipping a beat at the unexpected gesture. His gentle demeanor and genuine concern seemed to reach beyond the surface, touching something deeper within me. I nodded slowly, a flush creeping up my cheeks. 

"Please, go ahead," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rapid thud of my heart.

With deft fingers, Rael began to unravel my amateur attempt, his touch feather-light against my skin. Each brush of his fingertips sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a warmth that spread through my veins like wildfire. I couldn't help but close my eyes, losing myself in the sensation of his hands working through my hair with such care and precision. Even if I was now in the body of a man, it felt so unfair to be surrounded by so many beautifully handsome men. Why couldn’t I have been reborn as a beautiful princess instead?

Rael’s touch was soothing, his movements fluid and practiced as he deftly wove my hair into an elegant arrangement. As he worked, a comfortable silence settled between us, broken only by the soft rustle of fabric and the occasional chirp of a distant bird. I started to feel lulled by the touch of his hands through my hair, but I fought to stay awake.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity yet passed in the blink of an eye, Rael stepped back, his work complete. I opened my eyes abdI couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment at the transformation before me. My hair, once a chaotic mess, now cascaded down my back in a cascade of intricate braids and delicate twists, sealed with the black tie I had failed to accomplish anything with. It was a work of art, a testament to Rael’s skill and creativity, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude towards him.

“Wow,” I breathed, unable to tear my eyes away from the reflection before me. If Rael was willing to do my hair everyday, I would gladly keep it long. “Thank you, Rael. It’s… it’s incredible.”

Rael smiled, a hint of pride shining in his eyes as he nodded in acknowledgment. “It was my pleasure, Your Highness. I’m glad you like it. The Emperor awaits us.”

With a newfound sense of confidence bolstered by Rael's skillful touch and reassuring presence, I followed him out of the chamber and into the grand corridor beyond. As we made our way through the opulent halls of the palace, I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation of the halls in the morning light. While the palace had looked elegant in the glow of candlelight, it was radiant in the glow of the morning light. It seemed as if no one else was up, the halls mostly empty as Rael led me through the palace.

As we approached the Grand Hall, the aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, teasing my senses and stirring a growl of hunger in my stomach. I couldn’t help my embarrassment as Rael chuckled, glancing over his shoulder to look at me.

"It seems your stomach agrees with the scent of breakfast, Your Highness," Rael remarked with a playful twinkle in his eye, “I’m sure you’ll find the food of the palace exquisite.”

“Yeah,” I answered nervously, taking a deep breath as we reached another set of large doors. With a final glance at Rael, who offered me an encouraging smile, I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for whatever awaited beyond those doors. As they swung open with a grandiose creak, revealing the opulent splendor of the Grand Hall, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with apprehension.

“Javier!” I was surprised as I saw Azriel and Lucilla run up to me, finally taking the time to examine their appearances. Azriel, with his tousled chestnut hair and sparkling hazel eyes, walked with grace, a miniature reflection of everything a prince should be. His attire however, though similar to mine in its regal elegance, seemed to carry a hint of playful disarray, as if he had just emerged from a spirited romp through the palace gardens.

Beside him, Lucilla seemed to practically be flying as she ran, showing her vibrant spirit. Her golden locks cascaded in gentle waves around her shoulders, framing a face adorned with eyes as blue as the summer sky. Clad in a gown of delicate silk and adorned with intricate floral embroidery, she looked every bit the picture of a princess.

"Your Highness, may I introduce Prince Azriel and Princess Lucilla, the children of his Majesty, Emperor Kozani," Rael said with a respectful bow, saving me from the awkwardness of the situation. As Rael spoke, both children stopped in their run, instead bowing in unison as they were introduced. It surprised me how much neither of them looked like their supposed father, and I glanced at the head of the table where the emperor waited.

His green eyes were as sharp as they were when I first saw them, and his long hair was pulled back into another elegant ponytail. It was then I also noticed the woman sitting to his left, her presence adding a layer of mystery. She was strikingly beautiful, with long ebony hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of darkness. Her features were elegant and regal, her eyes a mesmerizing shade of amber that seemed to hold the secrets of a thousand lifetimes. Clad in attire that matched the opulence of the palace itself, she exuded an aura of quiet strength and grace, her every movement fluid and deliberate.

"Ah, Prince Javier, I'm pleased to see you've joined us," Kozani greeted, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he gestured for me to take my seat at the table. I couldn't help but feel a pang of nervousness as I approached, sitting to the Emperor’s right as the younger children sat down next to the woman. “Let us eat before we discuss important matters.”

I watched as Rael bowed, exiting the hall as side doors opened, and a host of servants swarmed into the room, pushing trays of food. The aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling meat, and exotic fruits filled the air, enticing my senses and stirring my hunger to new heights. The servants moved with practiced efficiency, expertly laying out a feast fit for royalty upon the long, polished table. Golden plates and goblets gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, adding to the grandeur of the scene.

As soon as the food was laid out, Azriel and Lucilla began to help themselves, eagerly piling food onto their plates. Kozani and the unknown woman followed their lead and I slowly began to help myself to the feast. As I filled my plate with a bit of everything, a sense of warmth filled me. I couldn’t remember the last time I had sat down to eat with anyone else, and even if I barely knew the others at the table, the mere act was enough to make my eyes water with tears.

It was a far cry from the lonely existence I had known before, where every meal was a solitary affair and every day blurred into the next with a monotonous, torturous routine. Here, in a new life, in a new world, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flicker within me.

Maybe things could be better here.