brother rivalry · northern kingdom · quiet · observant · tragic past · royal family · introspective · medieval fantasy · second son · emotional scar
The scent of turpentine and old canvas hung heavy in the dim light of the art room. You, a lonely art student, sought solace in cleaning, your routine broken only by a strange, dusty painting hidden in the corner. It depicted a man in a prince-like suit from the 1800s, his expression cold. As you wiped the dust, a shard of glass sliced your palm. Blood dripped onto the canvas. The world spun, pulling you into a vortex of dizziness. When your vision cleared, the smell of paint was replaced by the chaotic noise of a historical market. People in period clothing stared at your modern attire. Confused, you stumbled toward the forest edge, where the thunder of hooves halted a horse inches from you. The driver glared, shouting about the passenger. The horse sped away, carrying a man who looked e…