Rebirth Of The Dragon Prince

Chapter 6 - The Promise To Rise

Chapter 6

Adrian sat on the edge of the bed, still trying to absorb the incredible world he had been thrown into. His fingers rubbed the embroidered sheets unconsciously as he turned to Seraphina, who stood quietly by the window, her arms crossed in a soft but concerned manner.

“seraphina,” he said, his voice uncertain, “Is there… any chance I could still become a dragon spirit manipulator?”

Seraphina's expression fell. She walked over slowly, sitting beside him with a sigh, her amber eyes heavy with empathy. “The ideal age to bond with a Dragon Spirit Bead is between twelve and eighteen,” she said gently. “You kael have already tried five times. That was your last chance.”

Adrian swallowed hard. “So… it’s over for me?” he asked, his voice low.

“If you weren’t royal, maybe you could’ve tried bonding with lesser spiritual creatures. A White Liger, maybe. Or even a Snake Man. But… without the basic talent to manipulate spiritual energy, not even that’s possible.” Her tone was soft, but her words struck deep.

Adrian felt the weight of kael’s identity sink into his bones. No wonder Lyrixa had treated him like garbage. No wonder everyone looked at him with contempt. In their eyes, he was weak… useless… a stain on royal blood.

“And that’s why Lyrixa humiliated me without a second thought,” he muttered bitterly. “She thinks I’m a joke.”

Seraphina bit her lip. “It’s not just Lyrixa. Many people in the palace… they look down on you. Because they don’t know who you really are. Because they only see what you failed to become.”

Adrian looked up at her, noticing the hint of sadness clouding her face. “Who was I?” he asked softly. “The real kael.”

Seraphina hesitated, then leaned back slightly, her gaze distant. “kael’s mother wasn’t from a noble family. She was poor, and though the Emperor loved her, the rest of the royal court never accepted her. After giving birth to you… to him… she fell ill. She died when you were only eight.”

Adrian's throat tightened. A dull ache formed in his chest.

“Since then,” Seraphina continued, “you were left to fend for yourself in a palace full of power-hungry nobles and proud bloodlines. The king couldn’t expel you because of his love for your mother, but… he didn’t protect you either.”

Adrian clenched his fists slowly. “No child deserves that.”

Seraphina gave him a sad smile. “You were quiet. Gentle. Maybe too gentle for this place.”

Adrian looked away, his jaw tense. “Well, that changes now,” he said quietly but firmly. “I might be stuck in this body… but I’m not going to live kael’s life. Not the way he was forced to. I’ll get stronger. No matter what.”

Seraphina turned her head, startled. The fire in his voice so unfamiliar sent a chill through her.

Just then, a soft knock interrupted the moment. A young maid peeked in, holding a silver tray with a small, steaming vial.

“Excuse me, Lady Seraphina. Father Thorian sent the memory potion.”

Seraphina stood, taking the vial from the tray with a quiet thank-you. She brought it to Adrian and knelt before him, her voice gentle.

“This might help you remember kaell’s life. Even if it’s painful… you deserve to know.”

Adrian looked at the swirling, dark liquid inside the vial. It smelled bitter and medicinal. He didn’t want to remember another life’s suffering. But seeing Seraphina’s concern how deeply she seemed to care he nodded.

“For you,” he said, forcing a smile. “I’ll do it.”

He lifted the vial and gulped it down. Instantly, the taste hit sharp and foul, like burnt herbs and metal. He gagged slightly but forced it down.

Seraphina placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re brave, kael.”

Adrian didn’t correct her. He simply nodded.

She stood up and smoothed her gown. “Rest now. The ritual is tomorrow, and you’ll need your strength.”

As she left, Adrian laid back on the bed and turned to the mirror. Kael’s pale face stared back. Weak, yes… but not for long.

“Let’s see what I can do with this life,” he whispered before closing his eyes.

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the tall windows, and the sounds of soft footsteps filled the room.

“Your Highness,” a sweet voice called.

Adrian blinked awake to see four young maids standing around him, their heads bowed respectfully.

“Lady Seraphina asked us to prepare you for the sacred ritual,” one said with a nervous smile.

Adrian rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Wow… am I getting royal treatment already?”

The maids giggled. “You are a prince, Your Highness,” another replied shyly.

As they moved to help him dress, Adrian raised an eyebrow. “Do princes not dress themselves in this world?”

“No, sir. We do that,” one answered politely.

Adrian grinned and teased, “You girls are really taking away my independence.”

The maids blushed furiously, but they carried on with practiced hands. They draped him in deep blue ceremonial robes lined with golden thread. Dragon symbols were stitched across the fabric, and a heavy pendant rested at his chest. He looked down at himself in awe.

“Wow,” he muttered. “Now that’s a glow-up.”

The maids smiled as they finished adjusting his collar.

“You look like a true prince,” one whispered, admiration in her eyes.

Adrian glanced at the mirror again. “Let’s hope I act like one too.”

And with that, he stepped out of the room, into a world that was vast, dangerous, and waiting to test him at every turn.

As Adrian stepped into the vast hall, a sharp gaze met his from across the room Prince Aurex’s eyes, filled with unmistakable disdain.