"From the moment I opened my eyes, I knew the real reason for my existence, my ultimate goal, my sole purpose as an individual. It was to make her happy.
She was a little Princess, pure and true, and it was my job to protect her, to keep her safe.
Witches, trolls, goblins, it mattered not what manner of monster I faced, I would always fulfill my duty, I would always prevail.
As the little Princess got older, our adventures started getting wilder and more unpredictable, our numbers also growing exponentially. We acquired soldiers, bakers, merchants, jesters, blacksmiths, horses, we acquired an entire kingdom! All revolving around our wonderful Princess.
But on one fateful day, she vanished, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. Our Princess, was gone.
Many offered to go on an expedition to find her, to bring her home, but I refused them all. If anyone was going to save the Princess, if anyone was going to bring her home, then it would be her Prince Charming!
I took the fastest horse, outfitted myself with enchanted armour, got the blessings of our most skilled mages, and then set off on my quest.
The journey was long and arduous, but I did not relent! I travelled through the toughest of terrains, faced monsters, the likes of which I've never encountered before.
It took a lot out of me, physically and mentally, but whenever I felt myself slippping, I remembered my mission, my only reason for existing, my wonderful Princess.
But, despite all my best efforts, all the weeks or even months I spent searching for her, I still failed to find the Princess... Without any other options, I decided to go back to the kingdom, but now it was easier said than done, I couldn't even find my way back.
I was so focused on finding the princess, that I neglected to keep track of my location. I was lost in an ever changing world, completely impossible to truly navigate.
The goal of my journey had shifted, I needed to get back home, to tell them about my journey, to tell them how I failed to find the princess. But now I was failing to even do that, I was completely helpless.
After more months or maybe several years of being lost, I developed the strange ability to talk to my horse, and he had a lot to say to me.
Noble was not an ordinary horse, if anything, I believe he's a man trapped in a horse's body. He's quite intelligent and well spoken for an animal.
Following Noble's lead, we were able to find a path back home, and that made me very happy. With time Noble's words became easier and easier to understand, I wasn't crazy, I was different somehow.
Eventually I learned to speak all forms of beast language, especially those that were trying to kill me. It wasn't very hard actually, it was fun to learn new things.
After a longer and more arduous journey, I finally made it back home, back to our kingdom. But, our home wasn't the way we left it.
Ash, destruction and death reigned supreme, our entire kingdom laid to waste before my eyes. Everyone was gone, with only one castle still standing, but it's in shambles.
They must have been attacked by some kind of monster, so powerful that no one could stop it from destroying the kingdom. That's what I told myself, but it doesn't even matter.
I was not here to protect them, I failed to protect our kingdom. And when my Princess eventually returns, I have no doubt in my mind she'll be disappointed, in her sorry excuse of a Prince Charming."
"Charming! Charming! Charming wake up! Snap out of it! You're not dead, so stop scaring us already! (Toby yells, slapping Charming's face back and forth, doing so over and over again)
Charming quickly grabs Toby's hand, stopping the next slap from landing. He then opens his eyes, staring at the young dreamer.
Prince Charming: Could you please stop doing that please. I'm awake. (Charming tells him, releasing his grip on Toby's hand)
Toby Robinson: You're alive! I'm so happy you're okay! (Toby smiles, helping him stand up)
Prince Charming: What happened? (Charming asks, his memory a little fuzzy)
Toby Robinson: You blacked out on us, went full unconscious mode. We thought you were dead, but turns out you were just recovering from your injuries, and now you're almost fully healed. (Toby explains, with Browny and Noble standing behind him)
Prince Charming: Why did you wake me up then? (Charming asks, still not a hundred percent yet)
Toby Robinson: I wanted to show you something important. Come with me, you're gonna love this. (Toby tells him excitedly, ushering Charming forward)
Prince Charming: May I ask where we're going? I don't have the strength for a walk right now, My Lord. (Charming asks, struggling to keep up with Toby's pace)
"Find the strength, Charming. This is really important. (Noble tells him, his tone serious)
Prince Charming: Alright then, lead and I shall follow. (Charming spoke firmly, now interested in finding out what this is)
The group walks for a few more minutes, reaching their destination at the centre of the grassland domain. Standing on that spot is a fully restored royal castle, the last remnant of Charming's domain, now restored to its former glory.
The large stone keep castle stood like a fortress, and Charming couldn't contain his shocked expression at the marvelous sight.
Prince Charming: How?! (Charming asked, still awestruck by the sight of his castle)
Toby Robinson: It's actually a really fun story, and it all started after Clockwork smashed into the royal castle. My, magic, kept reminding me that I could still rebuild it. But I didn't want to do it back then because it would have cost me a lot of, magical energy. But honestly, Charming. After all that you've done for me, I decided you at least deserved this as a small token of my gratitude. (Toby explains to him)... So, what do you think? (Toby asks, smiling as he awaited Charming's response)
Prince Charming: I think... (Charming pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts, his past flashing before his eyes)... I think its beautiful. (Charming smiles with tears of joy filling his eyes, now able to focus on his future)
Next: The Life Of A Dreamwalker.