"WOW!" Grimrose was utterly mesmerized by his visage! Snow-white hair cascaded down his shoulders like freshly fallen winter snow, each strand shimmering with an ethereal luminescence. His dazzling white eyes, practically screaming "divine," radiated an otherworldly brilliance, like twin stars captured in human form. And his face! A masterpiece that could make even the celestial spheres blush with envy! Every angle, every contour was sculpted with an artist's precision, a testament to a beauty beyond mortal comprehension. And that body! Sculpted to absolute perfection! Muscles rippled beneath his porcelain skin, hinting at a strength that belied his delicate features – a warrior's physique concealed beneath an angel's facade. He was in profound awe at just how breathtakingly handsome he was in this world! It was akin to beholding a deity descended to grace the mortal realm, a being of pure aesthetic perfection incarnate. But then, BAM! A realization struck him! An epiphany dawned upon him like a sudden sunrise, illuminating a previously unseen path. "I'm merely 16 and ALREADY this gorgeous?! Does that portend I can become EVEN MORE handsome than this?!" The thought sent a shiver of exhilaration down his spine, a thrill of anticipation for the future. What pinnacles of beauty could he possibly attain? Could he surpass even the legends of the most beautiful gods and goddesses?
Grimrose was engrossed in admiring his physique, tracing the lines of his newly acquired form with a curious hand, lost in a world of self-admiration, a narcissistic exploration of his own divine form, when suddenly a voice pierced through his reverie, shattering the illusion of solitude. "Master, it's time."
'Ah yes, it's time to go to the academy,' he mused, the mundane reality of his responsibilities intruding upon his self-absorbed contemplation.
"Yes, Lia, I'll be there," Grimrose said, his voice a melodious echo in the grand chamber, as he retreated to his room to change, reluctantly tearing himself away from the mirror's captivating reflection.
"Ok master, we'll wait at the entrance," Lia replied, her voice laced with a hint of impatience.
"Yes," Grimrose affirmed, his mind already racing with thoughts of the academy and the challenges that awaited him.
~~~
Grimrose carefully made his way down the stairs, each step on the old wood singing a gentle song. He finally reached the softly lit entrance hall of their beloved family home. Just as he reached for the elegant front door, a burst of energy zoomed right in front of him.
"Broooother!!!" a voice called out with playful glee.
"Oh, Camille," Grimrose sighed, though you could hear the affection dancing in his voice. He knew that voice anywhere – his little sister, Camille, with her dramatic spirit and her big, beautiful heart.
"Bro, please don't go!" Camille pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. She rushed over and wrapped her hands around his arm. Big, glistening tears streamed down her face, catching the soft light from the chandelier. She held onto his coat, her shoulders shaking with sobs. The thought of him leaving was clearly tugging at her heart; she really, really didn't want him to go.
"Sorry, my beautiful sister, I need to go," Grimrose said as he pinched her cheek.
"But brother," Camille said, still crying.
"Camille, it's only 3 years, and I'll be back every month, I promise," Grimrose said as he patted her head.
"Um um um," Camille kept nodding as she wiped her tears away.
"Camille, here's a pinky promise," Grimrose said, showing his pinky to seal their promise.
Camille showed her pinky to seal their promise as someone called, "Prince, it's time to go!"
~~~
Grimrose dipped out, leaving his sis with her maid, still sniffin' and all. He hopped straight into the carriage and there was Lia, his personal maid.
"You called, Prince?"
"C'mere," he said, all casual.
Lia, bless her heart, did what she was told. Girl was head-over-heels for him.
"You know I'm crazy about you, right?" Grimrose said, playin' around, snaking his arm around her.
"I know, Master," Lia sighed, practically melting into his lap, lovin' the hug.
They were totally lost in the moment when the carriage started rollin'.
"Hey, Master, feeling tired? Maybe we should grab some rest. It's a four-hour drive!" Lia suggested gently, nudging his cheek with obvious affection. You could sense her genuine care, and perhaps even a hint of something deeper, carefully concealed beneath her usual cheerfulness.
"Okay," Grimrose responded, his voice a low, comforting rumble. He drew her into a close embrace, holding her securely. Leaning down, he closed his eyes, and their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss. It felt like a silent reassurance of safety and warmth, a small moment of solace amidst the surrounding turmoil.
~~~