I ran toward the horse — its eyes were gentle, and its coat was a deep, gleaming black.
"You've chosen the perfect horse for me!" I said with excitement.
Well said, his tone calm but teasing "you think this horse is as gentle as it looks. But no one takes him — he doesn't let anyone ride him. Do you know why he's still here?" He smirked slightly. "Because he's perfect for people like you.
"Really?" I asked curiously.
"Yes," he replied.
"But look at his eyes," I said softly. "Do they look dangerous to you?"
"If you trust him that much, then touch him," Well challenged.
I stepped closer and gently touched the horse's muzzle. To my surprise, it licked my face — as if it already knew me. I smiled and stroked him lovingly.
"How is that even possible?" Well muttered under his breath. "This horse listens to no one."
"You really don't know how to joke, Master Well," I laughed. "Look how happy he is!"
The horse lowered his head and nudged me as if inviting me to climb on.
"He's wonderful," I said, beaming with joy.
"Well then, ride for a while," he said. "After that, your training begins — the same as yesterday."
"What? Again? I could barely move yesterday! I couldn't even touch you once," I pouted.
After a short ride, my training began. The entire day passed in pain and exhaustion. By evening, I could barely stand.
"That's enough for today," Well said firmly. "It's night. Eat something, then rest."
"Finally," I sighed in relief. "This day is over."
After dinner, I went to bed — only to find Well sitting on a chair beside me.
"Are you… sleeping with me tonight?" I asked playfully.
"No," he replied flatly. "I was assigned to watch over you. I can't leave you alone."
I lay down while he sat quietly, reading a book. After a while, I got up and took a few steps forward — and immediately, he rose too.
"Why are you following me?" I asked, half irritated.
"I told you — I'm responsible for you," he said.
My cheeks turned red. "I'm just going to freshen up. Do you really need to follow me even there?"
Well hesitated, "I'm sorry. Go ahead."
When I returned, I saw his eyes were moist, yet he was still awake. I sat down on my bed, but no matter how much I tried, sleep wouldn't come.
"I can't sleep," I said softly.
"Close your eyes for a while," he suggested. "You'll fall asleep soon."
"I've been awake for hours," I said, my voice trembling. "When I can't sleep, I feel so… broken. Sleep is as necessary as food or water — and now it's gone from me." Tears rolled down my cheeks.
Well looked at me, surprised. "You're crying?"
"Yes," I admitted, wiping my face. "Can you… do the same thing ? Like I did yesterday?"
"What? I don't know how to do that," he said, embarrassed. "Just sleep quietly."
"Please," I pleaded gently. "You're like an elder brother to me. I just… miss Prince Phils' care and affection."
Well hesitated, then stood up and sat beside me on the bed. Slowly, he placed my head on his lap. He said nothing — his face flushed red with shyness — but his hand rested softly on my head, gently stroking my hair.
"Can I tell you something?" I whispered.
"Yes," he said quietly.
"Promise you won't tell anyone?"
"I promise."
"When I was little," I began, "I had no one. I was sitting alone at a crossroads, hungry, cold, and lost. Then a woman came by with her son. While she was busy buying something, the little boy ran up to me with a piece of bread. He handed it to me and patted my head. His mother called him back before she could see what he'd done. From that day on, I began to a big brother. Brothers are… special."
Well was silent for a long moment. Then he said softly, "I don't know what to say. But now, you have brothers — Prince Sam, Commander Phils… and me too."
I smiled faintly.
"Well," he continued, "I should tell you something too — I don't have any stone. You don't need to be afraid of me. I can't read minds."
I chuckled. "Who said I was afraid of you? So you really don't have a stone? Then we're officially siblings now."
I smiled as sleep finally claimed me, while Well, still sitting beside me, dozed off as well.
But suddenly, I woke up.
There was a blue energy floating near the doorway — glowing, beautiful, almost alive. It called me silently, drawing me outside. The guards were asleep, and I couldn't speak a word. I followed it quietly as it shimmered and turned into vapor, drifting toward the open field.
A doorway of light appeared before me. I stepped through.
Moonlight bathed a garden filled with flowers. A calm waterfall sparkled nearby, and everything was silent — too silent.
"Where… am I?" I whispered.
Then a voice spoke behind me, deep and mysterious. "Child, pick one flower from this garden — whichever you like. But only one."
"Why?" I asked. "They all look so beautiful together. Why pluck just one? And who are you? Where am I?"
"I cannot tell you who I am," the voice said, "but the flower you choose will reveal your truth — who stands with you, and who never will. It will show you your reality — who will protect you… and who will not."