The world around him was eerily silent, almost unnervingly so. The only sound that broke the stillness were the occasional, melodic chirps of distant birds. The wind, gentle and caressing, made the velvety curtains dance softly, allowing the rays of sunlight to pierce through the window and bathe the grand room in a warm glow. Every corner and turn within this space led to luxurious, priceless decor. There was no doubt about it; this was the room of The Reign Volks.
"My head... damn it!" A faint groan of pain escaped his lips, barely audible. "What on earth is happening?" Reign muttered, his hand instinctively pressing against his throbbing temple. His eyes scanned the room, confusion etched across his features. "Well... this certainly seems to be my room." He spoke more clearly now, his voice carrying slightly louder than before.
Click. The sudden noise caused Reign to snap his head toward the sound, wincing in discomfort from the abrupt motion. A butler appeared by his side, bowing respectfully. "My lord," the butler said, his voice calm and professional as he poured water into a glass placed on the desk beside Reign's bed. "Please, my lord, drink this. It will ease your head."
Reign accepted the glass with a quiet nod and drank deeply, as though he hadn't had water in days. His thirst was insatiable. "What happened to me?" he asked, handing the empty glass back to the butler, who took it with a respectful bow.
The butler kept his gaze low, showing deference to the heir. "I am afraid all I know is that you suddenly fainted, my lord, and were unconscious for nearly three hours." He paused, still speaking with reverence. "That is all I can tell you, my lord."
"Who brought me here?" Reign's voice was steady, though his mind still struggled to grasp the situation, his surroundings feeling surreal.
"Sir Cyrus, my lord." the butler replied, his tone betraying no hint of emotion beyond his usual professionalism.
At the mention of that name, Reign's heart fluttered with a thousand butterflies. Yes, his heart. Most people would describe such sensations as being in their stomach, but not Reign. His butterflies took flight directly in his chest.
"Where is he now?" Reign asked, his tone softer now, the excitement in his voice barely restrained.
"I'm not certain, my lord. Sir Cyrus mentioned he would be in the royal garden. He requested to be informed once you awoke." The butler's eyes flicked upward briefly, noticing the way his lord's face lit up with a subtle glow.
"You're dismissed," Reign said, his tone dismissive but still carrying a touch of warmth. The butler bowed and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him
......................
"You lucky bastard," a voice suddenly echoed through the otherwise silent room.
Reign stood before the grand mirror, his reflection staring back at him. His damp hair, beads of water cascading down his chiseled chest, glistening in the light. A towel hung loosely around his waist, barely concealing his sculpted form. He let his gaze drift over his body, studying the familiar features—his striking eyes, the sculpted nose, full lips, and flawless skin unmarred by battle scars.
He ran a hand down his face, his fingers trailing along his neck and over his chest, as though trying to convince himself that what he was seeing was real. "Hmm... haha... hahahaha..." Laughter, tinged with hysteria, filled the air as Reign's mind struggled to accept the gravity of the situation. "You're telling me... I've come back in time?" His voice was tinged with confusion and disbelief. "What kind of sick joke is this?" His anger flared, and he slammed his fist into the vanity, the force echoing through the room.
Reign splashed water onto his face, trying to steady his breathing and regain control. "Get it together, Reign," he whispered to himself. He needed to stay calm, to understand what had happened, to figure out how he could make the most of this second chance.
After dressing in fresh clothes, he stood before the mirror one final time. "Good luck," he muttered to his reflection, before heading toward the royal garden.
As he stepped into the vast garden, Reign's eyes darted from one corner to another, searching for the one person who meant everything to him. "Where are you, beautiful?" he murmured, his heart pounding in anticipation, filled with those butterflies once again.
"Come here, kitty," a soft voice called out, and Reign's heart skipped a beat. That voice—he had heard it before, just before losing consciousness—but his dramatic nature made him savor the moment.
"Kitty!!" the familiar voice shouted joyfully, his voice carrying across the garden. He followed the voice to a quiet alcove beside a small pond. There, he found his beloved, Sir Cyrus, cradling a tiny kitten in his arms. The kitten purred softly as Cyrus spoke to it. "Bad kitty. I'm trying to help you feel better."............
"Bad puppy, I'm trying to make you feel better,".
"Cyrus!" Reign called out, rushing to his beloved and enveloping him in a tight embrace.
"What brings you here, my lord?" Cyrus asked, amusement dancing in his eyes as he stroked the pup's fur, while the other "puppy" clung to him with warmth.
"I told you not to call me that. It's not nice, Sir Mister Wizard Cyrus!" Reign teased, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Oh, or should I say Mister Dark Magician Cyrus?" he giggled, thoroughly enjoying the amused annoyance on his beloved's face.
"Mr. Future Duke," Cyrus said dryly, rolling his eyes as he lightly elbowed Reign, as though trying to scold him. "Ow!" Reign winced, clutching his side dramatically, and watched as Cyrus's face contorted with worry. "Did I hurt you, my love?" Cyrus asked, his voice full of concern as he sought to catch a glimpse of Reign's expression.
"Just kidding," Reign laughed heartily, his playful nature shining through. "Got you, Mr. Nerdy Wizard." He burst out in loud, carefree laughter, the tension easing between them.
"Stupid," Cyrus muttered under his breath, a fond smile playing on his lips as he admired Reign.
"Reign? ... Reign!?" A voice, louder and more insistent, jolted Reign from his thoughts. He looked around in confusion, taking in the familiar scene. "How are you feeling, Reign?" Cyrus asked, concern in his eyes as he held the baby kitten close.
"I'm alright, Cyrus. Thank you for your concern," Reign replied, his heart racing at the sight of the man he adored. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions.
"I'm glad you're okay," Cyrus said softly, smiling at Reign before continuing, "But I'm still so confused... about everything you said earlier."
Reign sighed, knowing this moment was inevitable. He looked at Cyrus, his heart swelling with sincerity. "Everything I said, I meant it. From the bottom of my heart."
He met Cyrus's gaze, his voice steady and filled with truth. "If you're still unsure about the throne, I can assure you that no amount of riches or power would matter if I couldn't share them with you. I am not the power-hungry Reign anymore. I'm just yours—only yours. I assure you; I will break this engagement off without causing you troubles."
Reign smiled warmly, his eyes soft and full of love. "I'm serious, Cyrus. You are all I desire."
Suddenly, Cyrus wrapped him in a tight embrace, burying his face in Reign's chest. "Thank you," Cyrus whispered, though his voice broke with emotion.
The two of them lingered in the embrace, a moment of peace between them. Reign gently tilted Cyrus's head back, swiping the tears from his eyes, and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "I love you," Reign murmured, feeling Cyrus's timid whisper in response. "I love you too." Reign chuckled softly, the warmth of the moment filling him with contentment. There was nothing he wanted more than to pull Cyrus close and share the kiss that had been weighing on his heart for so long.
"My lord!?" A voice broke the moment, causing both men to jump apart, startled and flustered. They quickly separated, each feeling a rush of panic and worry................
To be continued. End of Chapter 3