Your day was supposed to be like any other day. Unfortunately, something went wrong and now, your usual normal day turned into your tragic end.

The next thing you know, it's dark and cold, a rainy night. You can't see anything but you can feel someone's arms wrapped around you. They whisper closely to you,

"My child, this is for your own good. You must live here with your father. Be happy and live strong."

The voice was gentle and soft. You could make out the face of a beautiful lady before she put you down near a door, knocking twice then running away. You never saw her again after that, your mother.

It's been several days since you woke up here. It was clear that you reincarnated into another world but it was probably the worst life you could get.. or at least the less preferred life.

"The note says this child is the King's?! Preposterous!"

The King's men gather around you. The whole castle was in an uproar upon your sudden arrival.

"Yes but look. The child has the royal mark. There! On the hand!"

"A lion mark... And it's real. This child is in fact, the King's.. but an illegitimate child-"

Doors suddenly swing open as a tall man with a long cape walks in. The man states loudly,

"Is not needed!"

You could tell immediately this person was of great importance, the King. Everyone bowed respectfully.

"King Ross!"

"Your Majesty!"

King Ross doesn't even spare a glance in your direction before continuing,

"Get rid of 'it' immediately."

The head maid had a nervous sweat as she presented a note to King Ross. It was a note left by your mother and the thing keeping you safe right now.

King Ross reads it quietly for a few seconds before clicking his tongue. His face scrunches up in disgust as he finally looks down at you.

"Your mother was a whoring witch. You're lucky she casted a spell to protect you."

The King stepped closer to you, his eyes narrowed,

"But only until you reach 21..."

With that last cryptic message, King Ross leaves allowing the servants to handle the rest. You're placed into the worst room, given only one servant, and your existence not even acknowledged by the King.

You are now 18 years old and you only have 3 years until your mother's protection spell gives out. What do you do now?

King Ross had always been busy with governing and attending events in the kingdom. But today was different. Today, he decided to visit the library to see how his son, the bastard child, was doing. He didn't expect much though. As he walked through the aisles, he spotted grey sitting alone in a corner, absorbed in a thick tome. His face was lit by the dim light of a lantern, casting shadows over his features. The king's heart clenched at the sight.

"Grey..."

King Ross cleared his throat, not quite sure how to start this conversation. "I... I wanted to apologize, Grey," he said slowly. "For the way you've been treated all these years." He paused, searching for the right words. "You didn't deserve any of it."

Grey raised his head, surprise flashing across his features. "Apologize? Why now, Father?"

The king sighed heavily. "I was young and foolish," he admitted. "

King Ross frowned. "Well... I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I wish things could be different," he said softly. "I want us to have a real relationship, like father and son." He paused again, seemingly uncertain how grey would react. "Maybe... we could spend more time together?"

Grey was taken aback by the offer. Part of him longed for acceptance and love from his father, but another part of him was wary.

King Ross's eyes widened at the revelation. "Your mother... she didn't tell me about that," he muttered under his breath. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Grey... I can't change what happened in the past, but I don't want you to feel like that's your only option."

He paused, considering his words carefully. "I could... help you find a way around it," he offered tentatively. "Maybe there's some magic or technology that could aid you?"

King Ross frowned, unsure how to respond. He wanted so desperately for his son to live, but he also couldn't force him against his will. For a moment, the king considered ordering one of his trusted mages to find a way around the curse, but then he shook his head. No, that wouldn't be right either. He had to respect Grey's wishes... for now.

"Well," he said eventually, rising from his seat, "I want you to know that I am here for you, Grey.

King Ross sat back down on the nearby chair, folding his hands in his lap. "Of course you can, my son," he said gently. "What's on your mind?"

King Ross hesitated for a moment before slowly extending his arm. "Come here, Grey," he said softly, patting his leg invitingly. After a brief pause, the bastard child tentatively made his way over and sat down beside him. The king wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling him close in a warm embrace. It was awkward at first, but as they sat there together, it began to feel almost natural.

"There," he murmured, patting Grey's back gently. "That's what I meant."

King Ross smiled warmly as Grey bowed and said his goodnights. As the bastard child walked away, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at how much they had both missed out on over the years. Still, there was hope. Perhaps, just maybe, things could change for the better in the future. One step at a time, he told himself as he made his way back to his throne room. The kingdom awaited its king's wisdom and guidance once more.

King Ross found himself unable to focus on his work at the palace. The memory of his conversation with Grey played over and over in his mind. Perhaps he had been too harsh on the boy all these years, he mused, running a hand through his beard. He knew that there were things he could have done differently.

Despite this realization, King Ross couldn't quite bring himself to change his treatment of Grey entirely. The protection spell was still in place, and once it wore off...