I squinted as I opened my eyes, slowly adjusting to the sun’s brightness. Though it was partially blocked by the leaves’ shadows, it still stung. I put my hand in front of my eyes as I sat up. Looking around, I saw nothing but the wide open plains. There was only the rustling of leaves above me as the wind blew gently. 
I stood up and not for long, a child’s laughter echoed from afar. From its direction, a kite was thrown into the air. But it plummeted back to the ground. 
I walked towards it, reaching another hill top. There, I saw a family. It was the same family back in the castle from one of my previous dreams. I hid behind a nearby tree to get a closer look. 
A little boy was the one who made the attempts to make the kite fly. His parents sat under a tree behind him. They sat comfortable with another child - a girl, this time. The boy tried once more but it fell short. He hung his head low as he returned to his family, defeated. He dragged the kite behind as he carried a frown. 
“What’s the matter?” the father asked as the boy approached them. 
“The kite… it wouldn’t fly,” he replied, about to cry. 
“Oh, my dear boy,” the father stood and knelt in front of him. “Don’t cry, dear one,” he hugged the child, gently rubbing his back. “There’s no need to cry.” 
“But my kite didn’t fly,” the boy sobbed as they pulled away. “I wanted it to fly.” 
“I know you do. But crying won’t solve anything,” the father replied with a comforting smile. “I’m here and I will help you.” He then wiped away his son’s tears. 
The child nodded, wiping his tears on his own. 
“Now, why don’t we fly a kite?” the father added, encouraging. 
“Before that, how about we have something to eat first?” the mother spoke, causing the two boys to look at her. 
“Your mother is right,” the father looked back to his son. “We need all the strength we can get to make your kite soar into the skies,” he continued with an enthusiastic voice. 
His son finally let out a smile. He took his father’s hand and returned to their picnic spot, joining the mother and daughter. 
♔♔♔ 
To my surprise - and for the better - I wasn’t awakened abruptly. I turned to my window and it was morning already. Time flew too fast yesterday. But thankfully, my dream was a calm one. It still, however, reinforced my theory that these dreams were real. 
It’s impossible for them to be just dreams. It felt all too real. I want answers about them now. But as what others have told me, the answers will come at the right time. 
♔♔♔ 
As I finished my preparations for breakfast, Gonzalo arrived. “Your Highness,” he remarked, his eyes wide open. 
“Good morning, Gonzalo,” I smiled, walking towards him. 
“Good morning, young prince,” he bowed quickly. “You’re up early today. And you seem to be in a good mood,” he continued, confused. 
I nodded as I reached him. “I wouldn’t want to miss breakfast with the family,” I explained, my hands behind me. 
His brows furrowed. His head tilted as he changed from surprised to confused. “You’re going to join the family breakfast, young prince?” 
“Yes, Gonzalo. That sounded like a shock to you,” I smirked. 
“You never voluntarily joined them for morning meals, Your Highness,” he said, baffled. 
“I know that this came as a surprise but I wanted to try things a little different today,” I smiled. “How is my Lady today? Has she recovered?” I asked. 
“I sent one of the servants to check on her before I came here,” he replied, putting his hands behind his back. 
I nodded again as I smiled with satisfaction. “That’s good to know. Now, would you kindly accompany me to the dining hall?” 
“Of course, young prince. Right this way, please.” He then walked ahead of me and I followed him closely. 
♔♔♔ 
When we arrived in the dining hall, my family had already started breakfast. The room was silent. But it didn’t have a hostile atmosphere like most days. 
“Good morning, everyone!” I greeted with my hands up in the air. 
“Robert!” Mother squealed as I entered with Gonzalo. 
I walked to Mother first. “Good morning, Mother,” I kissed her forehead.
“I can’t believe you’re awake during this time of the morning,” she greeted in amazement as I approached her next. 
“Yes, I love you as well, my sister,” I rolled my eyes before I kissed her cheek. I then walked to James. “Good morning, James,” I lent my hand for a shake. 
James stood from his chair and hugged me tightly. His hold on me felt as if he hasn’t seen me in years. “Good morning, son.” 
I gave him a quick tap on his back, acknowledging his warm welcome. I wanted him to hold me like a son. But for the first time in many years since we last hugged, it felt unusual. Even the laugh we shared yesterday still didn’t sit right with me. “Yes, uh, good morning,” I smiled firmly. We pulled away and I sat beside Elizabeth. 
“We are very delighted that you’ve come to join us for breakfast,” James continued as my food was served. 
“This is too early for my usual wake-up. So, I thought having breakfast with the family is the best way to spend the morning,” I smiled casually, preparing myself to eat. 
“And it’s great to have you with us, dear brother,” Elizabeth entered the conversation as she put her hand on mine. 
I returned her gentle grin. “It is wonderful to be with the family during the first part of the day,” I nodded. 
“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” our peaceful talk was disrupted by a horrifying scream. It was loud enough for the whole castle to hear.
Without a moment to lose, we rose from our chairs and headed to the direction of the scream.