Xias: a beautiful, flourishing kingdom ruled by a noble family. Warriors. They built this land on blood and dreams.
The heir to all this: the youngest son, a boy held in high hopes as his brother was a lost cause to the family due to his intent of marrying a commoner.
There was a fatal flaw in this plan, however. The prince was too cold, too calculating, too controlling. He often complained about the weaknesses of their allies, hissing between his teeth that it would be better to just conquer them to ensure security.
Of course, as the story goes, that all changed one winter's night.
"Please. I only ask for shelter, dear prince. It'll only be one night." The adolescent sneered at the bunch of poorly supported flesh and bone before him.
Weakness is something to never show.
"Away, hag. We've no room for you here." The old woman pleaded with the boy, but he did not listen and cast her out once more.
"Then, I'm afraid you leave me no choice." All signs of decrepitness and age melted away as the woman pulled back her hood to reveal flowing chestnut locks and soft green eyes brimming with tears.
"You...but, bruder...does he..."
"I'm so sorry."
A bright light enveloped the castle, leaving only a rose and a glowing mirror in its wake.