"The Prince's Imaginary Friend"

Chapter 1 -"The Prince who practiced smiling".

The mirror refused to co-operate.

Prince Elias of Velar stood before it for the third time in that morning, back painfully straight, chin lifted just so, as the servants fussed around him like anxious pigeons. Someone pinned a gemstone brooch to his collar. Someone else powdered the bridge of his nose. A third person adjusted the fall of his ceremonial cape and muttered "Don't slouch, Your Highness, You will wrinkle the enchantments." He smiled at his reflection. It looked like a man about to be executed.

"Again", murmured his tutor Master, Avert pacing behind him with hands -clasped severity that could have frightened a ghost. "Your smile should inspire loyalty, not pity."

Elias obeyed. Lips up, eyes Soft, posture royal.

"That one," Avert said." Hold it. Breathe. Do not blink." Elias held it. And held it. His cheeks began to tremble. The mirror image looked increasingly deranged - a politely terrified young man in too much gold.

Finally, he exhaled." Perhaps," he said carefully," we might accept that the kingdom shall have to be inspired by....my inner qualities?"

"Your inner qualities,"said Avert,"Are anxiety and apology."

There was no argument there. Avert gestured to the hourglass on the mantel." Ten minutes, Highness. The court awaits. Today you call forth your guardian. You cannot afford to look like you need protection from the audience."

Yes, Master Avert."

As the attendants filed out,Elias caught his own gaze in the mirror again. For a moment, the room seemed too bright - gold banners, marble walls, everything shining but cold. He wished he could breathe.

He remembered dimly, the stories he used to love as a child - about heroes who went on adventure,who didn't have to worry about sitting properly or making the right expression for the nobles. He'd once imagined having friend like that - someone who'd pull him out of his own head .

The memory stirred,faint and far away.Then it was gona ,like a candle snuffed before it could take.

Avert cleared his throat,"Your Highness?"

"Just thinking."

"Don't.It spoils the expression."

Elias forced the smile again.

When the bells of the High Hall tolled, the sound vibrated through the palace stone like the hum of a spell begin wound too tight. Elias followed Avert through the corridor lined with portraits of ancestors - stern faces down as if judging whether he deserved to join them.

As the end of the hall,the great doors waited, carved with the royal sigil of the phoneix - and the circle of summoning where his life was about to change.

He hesitated.

"Master Avert," he murmured. This guardian I'm meant to Summon - "

"Yes, Sire?"

" It... it will be someone of my bloodline, yes? A noble spirit?"

"In theory." Avert's tone made "theory" sound like a warning.

" The spell calls forth the reflection of the king's truest nature."

Elias palms dampened. "Ah . How encouraging."

Avert frowned. "You doubts yourself."

"Frequently."

"Don't."

Elias smiled again,the same brittle smile as before "I'll try".

He stepped forward toward the massive doors.