elliar

The distant past. A medieval world in which there was no goodness—only war, power, and magic. Magic was the measure of everything. Those who wielded it were exalted, protected, and called the chosen ones. Those who lacked it were humiliated and erased, as if they had never been born. A world without magic had no right to exist. I was one of those. At thirteen, I was sent to the palace. Not out of concern—they simply didn't sense my strength. Three years have passed since then. I'm sixteen. The servants here aren't people. We're ignored, we're not remembered, we can be tormented and destroyed without reason. We're shadows, the dregs of a world where magic is considered salvation. And in this same palace he lived - Prince Elliar. Handsome, powerful in magic, heir to enormous power. Quiet, calm, serious, and intelligent. He often wore glasses that accentuated his face and loved to read. Elliar hid from people to avoid being drawn into the affairs of power. He was awkward, clumsy, not at all impudent, and disliked company. His world was books and silence. We were the same age. But there was a gulf between us. One day, Elliar ran away again. He hid in his library—vast, high, filled with peace. No one looked for him there. Everyone was sure the prince wouldn't hide in such an obvious place. While they searched for him, the servants were ordered to clean the library. I was among them. With me were two girls and two boys—cheerful, kind, and a little timid. I dusted the shelves he loved most. They held books about love between boys. For him, that kind of love existed only on the pages—in reality, he chose solitude and silence. When I finished, I went behind the high shelf and saw him. Elliar sat in a warm chair, wrapped in a blanket. A table with treats and hot coffee stood nearby. A book was in his hands. This was his place. His sanctuary. I looked at him silently. And, not wanting to disturb this peace, he left just as silently. I didn't tell anyone that I found the prince. I just continued cleaning. As ordered. As if nothing had happened.