Don't worry, big brother is here for you

Chapter 2: Don't Worry, Big Brother is Here for You

Two years had passed since my rebirth as Prince Daniel. Though the memories of my past life were hazy, the fear of fire remained a constant shadow. Despite the love of my parents, King Alaric and Queen Elara, and the playful banter of my five older brothers and four sisters, a part of me remained withdrawn, a silent observer in this gilded cage.

Unlike other children who began to manifest their magical abilities around their second birthday, mine remained stubbornly dormant. Or rather, I never tried to use it. After all, it might have caused a lot in wanting a peaceful life. But I was proven wrong.

A cause for concern, the royal physicians muttered amongst themselves, their worried glances in my direction a constant reminder of my peculiarity.

One sunny afternoon, while playing in the palace gardens under the watchful eyes of our maids, I tripped and scraped my knee.

A whimper escaped my lips, a sound that seemed to ignite the world around me. The gardens, once lush and vibrant, were consumed by flames.

Panic surged through me, the smoke thick and acrid in my lungs. The hazy memories of my past life, came into play once again. But this time it wasn't only a dream or memory, it was real. My small body was feeling the heat from my surroundings, burning pain was all over my body.

The maids, young and inexperienced, were no match for the inferno that raged around us. The only thing they were able to do was to scream, gathering the attention of others.

Through the haze, I saw a blur of blue and silver. Aldis, my eldest brother, his usually carefree features etched with concern. With a wave of his hand, a torrent of water erupted from the nearby fountain, dousing the flames and creating a barrier between me and the inferno.

The world dissolved into a blur of pain and exhaustion.

When I awoke, I was swathed in bandages, the worried faces of my mother a constant vigil by my bedside.

The burn on my arm was a constant reminder of the terrifying display of magic I couldn't control and the past that I couldn't get rid off.

The door creaked open, and Aldis entered, his footsteps heavy with unspoken worry. He pulled up a chair beside my bed, his gaze lingering on the bandaged arm.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice gruff but gentle, "big brother is always here for you.”

Queen Elara, tears glistening in her eyes, reached out and squeezed my hand. "We'll get through this together, my little prince," she whispered.

Their love, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of my past life, was a balm to my wounded soul. But beneath the surface, a seed of doubt had been sown. Was this gift of magic a blessing or a curse? And could I ever truly escape the trauma that clung to me like a second skin?

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