The light from the three suns danced around the exquisite marble walls casting reflection on the sole golden chandelier until it glimmered into the mirror, momentarily blinding Zenyph while highlighting his naked body.
His hands instinctively covered his eyes in a futile attempt to shield them. "Wha- It doesn't hurt." exclaimed Zenyph while noticing his emerald eyes taking a white hue and taking on a sharper shape of reptilian eyes.
Curiosity led Zenyph to gaze directly at the blue sun, the one positioned farthest to the right from the red sun, yet closer to the green sun. A bolt of youthful excitement coursed through him, reinforcing the fact that he was in another world.
A bolt of youthful excitement coursed through Zenyph's body, reinforcing the fact that he is in another world.
"This world definitely has magic, how else could I possibly look directly at the sun? Not to mention three suns that give off the same exact light as home."
The reminder of his nudity prompted Zenyph to consider practical matters.
"I should probably take a shower and put on some clothes before finding out more about... everything".
At the opposite end of the room from where Lynette left, Zenyph notices another door. Opening it reveals another room almost as big as his bedroom.
The bathroom was made of what looked to be marble with gold mixed into it, adorned with intricate mosaics depicting dragons, elves, dwarves, humans, angels, vampires and beastkins standing proudly on what seemed to be the carcass of a deformed giant.
Crystal pillars, glowing in different colors, replaced conventional shower heads and faucets. A large stone tub, capable of accommodating five people, stood in the center of the room. Crystal plates embedded into the wall held guest's preferred toiletries and necessities.
A sense of awe washed over Zenyph as he marveled at the opulence. The gold seemed to calm his body, perhaps a result of his newfound dragon nature.
Taking a seat into the bathtub, Zenyph tried looking for ways to turn the bathtub on. After seemingly touching the 5 crystal pillars numerous times, water slowly started to appear out of thin air and fill the tub.
"This is really too slow. Am I using it correctly." muttered Zenyph while the water slowly reached the height of a sponge.
Becoming increasingly frustrated by the agonizingly slow pace of the water, Zenyph decided to touch the crystal pillar again. A brief chaotic electric-like discharge appeared before his hand and the pillar, causing water to instantly filled the tub.
Fatigue overwhelmed Zenyph's mind causing him to fall asleep in the bathtub. As he awoke, a lingering sense of pain filled his head, prompting him to open his eyes and piece together the events.
Looking at his blue horn being reflected in the water and his altered face, he remembered.
"I really... died, didn't I?" said Zenyph as he tenderly caressed his face.
"Why did my soul come here... and in the body of a dragon, nonetheless."
Zenyph's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Your Highness, are you finished yet?" asked Lynette.
"Yes, I'm awake. Come in." said Zenyph.
Lynette entered the bathroom, with a set of clothes in hand, and a plate of food.
"I have brought you some clean clothes and your requested breakfast." said Lynette
"But you never eat breakfast Your Highness." said Lynette
"I don't know what you mean. I always eat breakfast." said Zenyph instinctively.
Lynette's suspicion was immediately thrown out the window when she saw Zenyph's genuine confusion.
"Anyway, let's talk more after I dress up. Can you help me with my clothes?" asked Zenyph.
"Of course. Please wear this robe and I'll assist you with the buttons."
"So, Lynette, do you happen to know where a library or something similar is?" inquired Zenyph.
"Yes, Your Highness, I can certainly show you the way to the royal library. It's right next to the royal study and the royal ballroom. It's quite easy to find if you take a left after passing the royal courtyard."
Lynette gave Zenyph a fake smile, amused by his sudden interest in reading. She was sure that this was some sort of joke, but she didn't want to disobey the prince's request.
Zenyph nodded as he absorbed Lynette's words. He couldn't afford to miss any information that might be useful in figuring out more about this world and himself.
As they walked through the vast halls of the palace, Zenyph noted that the architecture was unlike anything he had ever seen before. The intricate designs and breathtaking murals on the walls were a testament to the master craftsmanship of the builders.
Lynette led Zenyph through a series of winding corridors and staircases before they finally arrived at the library.
Curious about the lack of maids and butlers, Zenyph asked, "Where is everyone? Why is the palace so empty?"
"The palace is never empty. Everyone is always busy with their tasks." responded Lynette.
"Oh, well, um, I didn't see anyone. Isn't that odd?"
"Not really. The palace is huge. There are many rooms and servants that you may not see."
Zenyph was perplexed by Lynette's response, but he didn't want to press further. They continued walking in silence, with Zenyph growing more and more anxious as he realized he was getting deeper into unknown territory.
As Zenyph watched the strange world unfold before him, he found himself relying on his military training to keep himself grounded. The lack of information and unfamiliar surroundings caused anxiety to creep up, but he pushed it down and focused on the task at hand.
He was reminded of his days in the army, where he had learned to observe his surroundings and stay alert. His senses became more attuned to the details around him, and he took note of every little thing that caught his eye. Until a voice that sounded like it came from the walls they just passed called out to him.
"Aqualet?"
A familiar yet unfamiliar voice that inexplicably send shivers down Zenyph's spine.
"Yes?" answer Zenyph without a moment's hesitation as he turned around.
Zenyph's heart skipped a beat as he stared into the beautiful arctic reptilian eyes of the mysterious woman. She had admiral colored wings that flowed down her back, and her skin was smooth and unblemished. Her silver hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she wore a simple silver necklace that rested against her neck.
Her presence was overwhelming, and Zenyph felt himself drawn to her. He wanted to know more about this beautiful creature, but his instincts told him to be cautious.
A familiar yet unfamiliar feeling washed over him. The woman's voice echoed with a mix of recognition and maternal warmth. She seemed to know him, and Zenyph felt an unspoken connection. The realization struck him like a bolt – this stunning woman was his mother.
Caught off guard, Zenyph's heart raced, and uncertainty filled him. As an orphan with no memory of a loving parent, the sudden appearance of his mother left him at a loss for words. He stammered, struggling to comprehend the situation, "Mother, what are you doing here?"
"Mother, what are you doing here?" stammered Zenyph.
"What do you mean, dear?"
The atmosphere hung heavy with unspoken revelations, and Zenyph braced himself for the answers that awaited.