The soft morning light filtered into the room, casting gentle shadows across the walls. Louis, though only three years old in appearance, had long since grown accustomed to waking early, his mind already sharp and ready for the day's lessons.
"Louis," his mother's voice called, soft yet firm, from the doorway. "It's time. Appoline is waiting for you in the study."
Louis sat up in bed, his large, thoughtful eyes already focused on the day ahead. He may have been a child on the outside, but his mind was fully mature, still carrying the fresh memories of a life as a king. Magic, he knew, was simply another form of power—something to be understood and mastered, just like the armies he once commanded.
Without a word, he slipped out of bed and dressed quickly, his movements precise. By the time he reached the study, Appoline was already there, patiently waiting. She stood by a table cluttered with various magical tools, enchanted objects, and books, but it was Louis's entrance that caught her attention.
He was just a child, yet the presence he carried—quiet, composed, and with an air of command—was far more than she had expected. His gaze was intense, as though he were surveying the room for a deeper understanding, not just a simple greeting.
"Good morning, Louis," Appoline said, her voice steady, but tinged with curiosity.
Louis met her gaze and gave a small nod, his tone calm and deliberate. "Good morning. Shall we begin?"
Appoline was momentarily taken aback. The calm authority in his voice was nothing like a typical three-year-old's. She had sensed from their brief interactions that his mind was far beyond his years. Still, it was a shock to hear such maturity coming from someone so small.
"Of course," she said, regaining her composure. "Let's see what you can do. Show me your magic."
Louis didn't hesitate. His sharp mind was already calculating, already searching for the most efficient way to demonstrate his abilities. He glanced around the room, his eyes narrowing slightly as they settled on a small, ornate chair in the corner. Without a word, he raised his hand, and the chair lifted off the ground, hovering in the air.
Appoline's eyes widened in surprise. She had expected competence, of course, but this—this was far beyond what she had anticipated. There was no fumbling, no hesitation. Louis moved with the precision and control of someone who had studied magic for years, not a mere child.
"Well," Appoline said, her voice faltering slightly as she tried to regain control of the situation. "That was... impressive."
Louis lowered the chair, his expression unchanged. "Thank you," he said, his voice as measured as before. "But isn't that a bit too simple?"
Appoline blinked, momentarily thrown off by his question. "Too simple? For a child your age, that's extraordinary."
Louis didn't respond directly. He was already thinking ahead, already assessing what else he could show her. He was no longer just a child in that room. He was a king, a ruler, and he had the focus and discipline of someone far older than his years.
"Do you want to see something more advanced?" Louis asked. His words were calm, but there was an edge of quiet authority in them.
Appoline hesitated for a moment. "I think we should start with the basics," she replied. "It's important that you learn to feel the magic first. Magic isn't just something you control with your will; it's something you must learn to understand."
Louis nodded, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration. "Understood."
Appoline smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Good. Now, close your eyes, Louis, and listen carefully. Magic is all around us. You need to feel it, sense it. It's in the air, the ground, the people. Take a moment and feel it. Don't force it, just let it come to you."
Louis closed his eyes. He didn't need to be told twice. He had spent countless nights studying magic, reading everything he could get his hands on. He understood the theory, the importance of focusing not just on the power, but on its source.
At first, he felt nothing but a faint buzzing in his mind—memories of a world he once ruled, a world that had long since disappeared. But then, gradually, a soft warmth began to pulse through the air, like a distant, rhythmic heartbeat. It was subtle at first, almost imperceptible, but it was there. The magic was alive, surrounding him, and he could feel it.
"I feel it," Louis said, his voice soft but certain. "It's like a presence. A warmth."
Appoline's eyes widened, impressed. He had only just started, and already, he could sense it. But there was a caution in her heart. He had skipped steps she had intended for him. He had moved too fast. His intellect was a gift, but it could also be a curse if not handled with care.
"You're talented, Louis," Appoline said, her voice growing serious. "But you need to slow down. Magic isn't just about power—it's about control. You've already skipped steps. You showed me advanced magic without first understanding the basics. You must learn how to channel magic before you can manipulate it."
Louis, though only three years old, seemed unfazed. His mind was already processing everything she had said. "I understand," he replied. "I want to learn the correct way."
Appoline nodded, impressed by his maturity. "Very well. The next step is learning to focus the magic. You have the potential to do great things, Louis. But first, you must control it, not let it control you."
She guided him through the first steps of focus—how to direct the magic not just with his hand, but with his mind, how to feel its flow and gently shape it. Louis listened intently, every word sinking deeper than the last. He might have been a child in body, but his mind—a king's mind—was already set on mastery.