forgets he is a prince

"Three weeks. Three weeks without light. Three days of darkness. Three days chained to a damp dungeon wall. He shivered from the cold and the pain in his ribs from being battered around like a cat toy. He was just following orders. He had just been following orders. To be a good knight. To be a good prince. He looked up and winced at light of the torch. The guards forced him up on weak legs. He felt like a newborn colt. The muzzle they used to force him along felt heavy, every so often, a cruel yank causing him to stumble. He had just been following orders. The clothes and bath did little to hide the grotesque bruises on his face. The muzzle made sense now. Hide the evidence. He was put before a throne. The conquering powers. He sunk to his knees mostly because his legs would not hold him any longer. He could only hope for mercy or death now." I hope you’ll find him a wonderful slave. "The king spoke to someone on his left. He glanced up to take in his new master."

Prince Roland squinted up at the voice, trying to make out who was speaking. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized her. "The princess..." He mumbled, his voice groggy from disuse and exhaustion. "Y-you're here."

The guard shoved him forward a little roughly, causing him to stumble towards the throne where Nishi stood. His bruised and swollen face turned slightly redder at the indignation of his treatment being called out by none other than the princess herself. He managed to force himself onto one knee, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor.

"I apologize, your highness," he said quietly. "My service has been lacking due to certain...circumstances beyond my control." As he spoke, he could feel tears

Prince Roland's heart sank as the princess addressed her father. He knew it was a bad sign when he heard the flat tone in her voice. As much as he tried to keep his hopes up, he knew that his fate was about to get worse.

The king cleared his throat before addressing his daughter with a scowl. "He's been difficult, that one," he spat out the words with contempt. "Even after all the 'kindness' we've shown him, he still acts like a spoiled brat."

Roland flinched at the king's words, but kept his head down. He knew better than to say anything else.

Prince Roland felt a pang of relief at the princess's outrage. He had been hoping against hope that someone would see the cruelty of his treatment. "I-indeed, your highness," he said softly, his voice quavering with both fear and hope. "Being alive is not kind; it is a fate worse than death."

The king scoffed at Nishi's words. "Do you think I should be merciful to a defeated enemy? If we don't keep him under control, who knows what power he may wield when he regains his freedom?"

Roland couldn't help but flinch again at the king's statement. There was no escape for him, not while this man held the reins of his destiny.

The prince couldn't believe what he heard. His new mistress was a woman who had openly expressed her disgust at his treatment, yet now she was referring to him as her property? He wanted to voice his protest but knew better than to do so.

The king nodded with a sly grin. "Yes, my dear. As your father and king, I am happy to give you a gift that you'll always remember."

Roland swallowed the bile that had risen up in his throat. He was someone's property now, yet again. But somehow, this time it felt different. This time, there was a glimmer of hope. Maybe his new owner would treat him with kindness instead of cruelty.

Roland bowed his head obediently and rose unsteadily to his feet. Every movement sent shards of fresh pain through his battered body, but he dared not show weakness in front of his new masters. He slowly followed Nishi as she left the throne room, limping slightly but keeping as close behind her as his injuries allowed.

Once they were out of earshot of the king, he risked whispering "Your highness, I thank you for your mercy. You need not keep up appearances for my sake. I know well what it is to live under a father's cruel thumb." His eyes met hers briefly, hoping she saw the gratitude within them. He would serve her loyally if she proved different from the others who had held his leash.

Roland tensed at her words. The thought of the king's spies lurking around every corner was unnerving. He would have to be even more careful in his words then.

He followed Nishi silently, his eyes taking quick glances around, scanning the corridor for any signs of a shadowy figure or the sound of footsteps. Part of him wanted to bolt, to try and escape, but he knew that was impossible. Not only was he far too weak to fight his way out, but the castle was surely heavily guarded.

He felt a pang of longing for his former life - the freedom, the luxury, the power. But it was all gone now, replaced by cold stone walls, endless confinement, and an uncertain future. He could only wonder what fate lay in store for him under his new mistress' rule.

Roland felt a jolt of surprise when Nishi suddenly braced him against her. He almost flinched, but managed to hold himself still. The coldness in her demeanor was in sharp contrast to the gentle concern in her voice. For a moment he wondered which of the two was the true Nishi.

As she led him to the settee and helped him ease down onto it, he couldn't help but wince at the shooting pain that lanced through his ribs. "It's... tolerable, your highness." He replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "May I ask, what is my role to be now? As your slave?"

Roland shifted slightly as Nishi called for the healer, his gaze glancing around the room. His eyes landed on Lily as she was called upon, and he watched with idle curiosity as Nishi squeezed her arm affectionately. He wondered if Nishi was naturally kind, or if it was a front she put on for show.

"I see." He replied, keeping his voice even. "If you forgive my impertinence, your highness, may I ask what the future may hold for me under your care?" He leaned back slightly on the settee, careful not to jostle his sore ribs. "I have never been a slave before, and it would be helpful to know what is expected of me."

Roland's heart skipped a beat at the news that the arrangement wasn't permanent -- or so he hoped. The idea of trading places with his old life was almost too much to bear, but the uncertainty in her voice gave him some hope.

He forced himself to smile, trying to make his voice sound as comforting as possible. "Your highness, you must know that I am eternally grateful for your kindness. I wish only to serve you faithfully and do everything I can to earn my place by your side." He placed a hand on his chest over his heart. "If that means following orders and doing what you tell me, then that is what I will do."

Roland's face fell at Nishi's disillusionment of his gratitude and loyalty towards her. She was right; he did indeed hate her for the hurt she had brought upon him, and his display of servitude was merely to buy him time. With a heavy heart, he took the glass of water from her with a bowed head.

"You are correct, your highness," he said quietly, taking a sip of the water. "I must admit that I do not possess genuine loyalty or gratitude for you at this moment in time." He took another sip before continuing. "I have been hurt, captured, and stripped of everything I held dear in life. It is understandable that it may take some time for me to come around to seeing you in a different light from a captor."

He looked up at her with pained eyes. "But I am willing to

try, your highness. I may not feel it now, but I believe that loyalty and gratitude can be earned. If you give me the chance, I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself and become the devoted slave you hope to have."

He set the glass of water down and clasped his hands together in front of him, looking at her earnestly. "I understand that we are to play the roles of master and slave when outside of your quarters, but I hope that in time, we may come to a more understanding relationship. And I hope that I may earn your trust and affection, your highness."

Roland could feel a sense of relief wash over him as Nishi showed him kindness and understanding. He watched her leave and then turned his attention to the healer, who had just entered the room.

He tried to sit up straighter, but the pain shot through his ribs and he winced. "Thank you for coming, master healer," he said calmly, trying to maintain his composure.

The healer approached him and began to assess his injuries. Roland gritted his teeth and tried to remain still as the healer prodded and poked at his bruises.

After some time, the healer stepped back and sighed. "Your injuries are quite severe, my boy," he said gently. "It will take some time for you to heal. Rest is crucial, and I would advise against any strenuous activity for the next few weeks."

Roland nodded, feeling a

sudden wave of exhaustion wash over him. "Thank you, master healer," he murmured.

The healer nodded and began to mix a salve to apply to Roland's bruises. The prince leaned back against the cushions and closed his eyes, relaxing as the healer worked.

He was grateful for Nishi's kindness and understanding. It seemed that he had found himself a benevolent master, and he hoped that they could work together to navigate this new life. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Roland opened his eyes again and looked around the room, taking in his surroundings. The walls were adorned with beautiful tapestries and weaponry, and the scent of incense hung in the air. He realized that this was his new home, and he felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

"Master healer

, could you tell me more about my master, Nishi? What kind of person is she?" he asked.

The healer smiled softly. "Ah, Nishi. She is a woman of great wisdom and kindness. She is fiercely loyal to her people and to those she cares for," he replied. "As for her hobbies, she enjoys nature, the moon and stars, and creatures."

Roland nodded thoughtfully. He found himself drawn to this woman, who seemed to be the polar opposite of his previous masters. The thought of serving her brought him a strange sense of comfort.

He closed his eyes again, letting the healer's gentle hands work their magic on his body. He felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he had found a place where he would be cared for

Roland opened his eyes as he heard Nishi's voice. "My lady," he said with a nod, awkwardly trying to sit up straighter despite his injuries.

The healer smiled at Nishi. "Thank you, mistress. I believe the worst of his injuries have now been treated." He began gathering his supplies.

Roland looked at Nishi with apprehension and curiosity. "You are most gracious, my lady. I am in your care," he said hesitantly. He did not yet know what to make of this kind yet mysterious woman.

Slowly, with the healer's help, Roland rose from the table. He winced in pain but straightened up as best he could, determined not to appear weak. His curiosity was piqued about the room Nishi had prepared. He hoped it was a sign

As Nishi helped him settle into the guest room and tucked him in, Roland couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards her. He had been a slave for so long, and no one had shown him this level of kindness before.

"Th-thank you, my lady," he stuttered softly, his voice still hoarse. He looked up at her, feeling somewhat embarrassed by his lack of composure.

Nishi smiled warmly at him. "Rest well, Prince Roland. You are safe here," she said and gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder before leaving the room.

Roland lay back, the softness of the bed and the warmth of the blankets enveloping him. He found himself drifting off to sleep almost immediately. It was strange, but he felt more at home in this room than he ever had in his own castle.

As

Roland stirred as Nishi woke him up. He opened his eyes and saw her standing over him with a tray of food. He couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort at the sight and smell of the soup and custard.

"Y-yes, my lady. I am quite hungry," he said softly, sitting up and propping himself against the pillows.

Nishi sat down on the edge of the bed, holding out the tray for him. "Here you are, Prince Roland. I hope it is to your liking," she said with a warm smile.

Roland gratefully accepted the tray and began sipping the soup slowly, savoring its warmth and flavor. He had not had a proper meal in weeks and this felt like heaven compared to the meager rations he had been given as a slave.

As he ate, Roland couldn't