The carriage began to slow, the rhythmic rumble of wheels softening as the cobblestones changed to polished brick.

  ?Aelira blinked her eyes open. She had passed out somewhere between Zaek’s maniacal laughter and the endless dark road.

  ?“Oh, you awake? Just in time. Look ahead.”

  ?Zaek’s voice drifted down from the driver’s seat.

  ?Aelira rubbed the sleep from her eyes and peered out the window.

  ?She gasped.

  ?Ahead of them, rising from the plains like a mountain of stone and light, was Aeliron.

  ?It was a fortress city, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to scrape the sky. Inside, piercing the clouds, stood the Imperial Palace—a colossal structure of white marble and gold spires.

  ?As they approached the main gate, the view was swallowed by the massive walls. Instead, they faced an impressive arch spanning a flowing river, with boats gliding beneath it like silent swans.

  ?A long queue of merchants and travelers waited for inspection.

  ?But their carriage didn't stop.

  ?The gate guards took one look at the crest on the door—and the wild-haired man driving it—and snapped into sharp salutes.

  ?“Clear the way! Hero Zaek is passing through!”

  ?The carriage swept past the line, entering the city without a pause.

  ?Inside, towering buildings lined the streets, painted in soft pastels of cream, rose, and azure. Gilded signs caught the sunlight, flashing like beacons.

  ?It was crowded. More people than Aelira had ever seen in her life. Merchants hawked their wares, nobles in bright silks brushed past commoners, and children darted through alleys, laughing.

  ?Aelira pressed her face to the glass, her silver eyes wide.

  ?“This is the Outer District,” Zaek called down. “Where the common folk live. Look how happy they are.”

  ?And they were. There was a vibrancy here, a pulse of life that Isenvale lacked.

  ?“This is the happiness that peace brings,” Zaek said, his voice softer now. “You remember what I said? We don’t bring prosperity. But we bring the peace that allows it to grow.”

  ?Aelira clutched the wooden necklace hidden under her shirt.

  ?Peace...

  ?“But shouldn’t peace bring prosperity?” she asked.

  ?“Not always.” Zaek sighed. “The Empire hasn’t seen true light since the Golden Age, five hundred years ago. Since then, it’s been war after war. Survival. Only recently have we entered a period of silence.”

  ?Aelira frowned. Five hundred years of war?

  ?“When you fight for survival that long,” Zaek continued, “the world twists. That’s what creates people like Clara. Desperate people doing desperate things. But here? In the capital?” He scoffed. “They live in a bubble. Safe. Sheltered. Oblivious.”

  ?Aelira fell silent.

  ?She thought of the hungry look in Clara’s eyes. The weariness of the people in Kirsk. And now, the laughter of the people here.

  ?It’s unfair.

  ?“Too much for your little head?” Zaek teased gently. “Don’t worry. Stop sulking and enjoy the view. You have to tell Lassandra all about it later.”

  ?Aelira nodded, pushing the heavy thoughts aside. For now.

  ?They passed through a second gate.

  ?Here, the atmosphere shifted. The noise faded. The crowds vanished, replaced by elegant carriages and patrols of gleaming knights.

  ?The buildings became grand estates, hidden behind wrought-iron fences and blooming gardens.

  ?“The Noble District,” Zaek announced. “Fancy, right?”

  ?It was. Some of these houses rivaled the Viremont mansion in sheer opulence.

  ?Finally, they reached the heart of the city.

  ?The Inner Gate.

  ?Six heavily armored guards stood before massive iron doors, holding silver halberds.

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  ?One guard stepped forward, halting the carriage.

  ?“Hero Zaek—it is an honor,” he said, his voice respectful but firm. “Pardon me, but I must see your permit.”

  ?“Here.” Zaek tossed a crumpled piece of parchment down.

  ?The guard smoothed it out, checked the seal, and nodded. He turned to his men.

  ?“Open the gate! Welcome back, Hero Zaek!”

  ?Creak...

  ?The iron doors groaned open.

  ?Inside was a different world entirely.

  ?Perfectly trimmed hedges lined roads made of red brick. Statues of ancient emperors stood among crystalline fountains. Birdsong filled the pristine air.

  ?This was the Royal Sector. Untouched. Immaculate. Silent.

  ?The carriage halted in a circular plaza dominated by a magnificent fountain depicting the First Emperor raising his sword.

  ?“Okay, hop down,” Zaek said, offering a hand.

  ?Aelira stepped out. Her breath caught in her throat.

  ?Before her stood the Imperial Palace.

  ?It was blindingly white, adorned with gold that shimmered in the sun. It was more beautiful—and more intimidating—than anything she had ever imagined.

  ?“Master Zaek!”

  ?A thin man in formal blue robes hurried toward them. His gray hair was slicked back, and his sharp features were set in a mask of anxious respect.

  ?“...Yo, Heinz! Been a while!” Zaek greeted him casually. “First things first—we lost our drivers. Get someone to stable these beasts.”

  ?Heinz blinked, eyeing the snorting Nightmares. “Lost your drivers...? I am intrigued, but... certainly.”

  ?He snapped his fingers, and servants rushed to take the reins.

  ?“And may I ask, sir, who this young lady is?”

  ?Heinz’s gaze fell on Aelira. It was heavy, assessing.

  ?Aelira shrank back.

  ?“She’s my disciple,” Zaek said, nudging her forward. “Go on. Don’t be shy.”

  ?“Aelira. Aelira Viremont,” she stammered, attempting a clumsy curtsy.

  ?Heinz’s expression softened instantly. He bowed deeply.

  ?“Viremont? What a pleasant surprise. I am Heinz, the Royal Steward. A pleasure to meet you, Lady Aelira.” He straightened his sleeves. “His Majesty is waiting. Please follow me.”

  ?Aelira swallowed nervously.

  ?“Don’t worry,” Zaek whispered, leaning down. “They’re not going to eat you. Probably.”

  ?They walked through endless hallways of polished marble.

  ?White and gold carvings adorned the walls, telling the history of the Empire—heroes fighting monsters, kings commanding armies. Even the torches burned with a golden, magical light.

  ?It felt like walking inside a jewel.

  ?Finally, they reached the grand double doors of the Throne Room.

  ?“Well, kid,” Zaek said, stopping. “I go in alone from here. You’ll have to wait.”

  ?“Wait?”

  ?“Yeah. Boring king stuff. I’m sure Heinz will show you the gardens.”

  ?“Yes, of course,” Heinz agreed smoothly.

  ?“See ya!”

  ?Zaek waved lazily and pushed the massive doors open.

  ?BOOM.

  ?They slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing like thunder.

  ?“Well then, Lady Aelira,” Heinz said briskly. “Let us find you a suitable place to wait without boredom.”

  ?He led her to the Royal Gardens.

  ?It was breathtaking. Manicured hedges formed intricate patterns. White lilies and silver roses bloomed around marble fountains. Sapphire-feathered birds flitted through the trees.

  ?Heinz stopped at a shaded marble bench beneath a flowering tree.

  ?“Please wait here, Lady Aelira. Refrain from wandering too far. I will arrange refreshments.”

  ?“T-Thank you,” she whispered.

  ?Heinz bowed and left.

  ?Aelira sat alone.

  ?She waited.

  ?And waited.

  ?A petal drifted into her lap. She brushed it off.

  ?Her eyes wandered to a large hedge maze nearby. The green walls looked mysterious, inviting.

  ?“...Just a short look.”

  ?She hopped off the bench and walked toward the entrance.

  ?The maze was confusing.

  ?Every turn looked the same. Green walls. Gravel paths. Dead ends.

  ?This is not good...

  ?Aelira turned left, then right. Panic started to bubble in her chest.

  ?I thought I wouldn’t be able to get out...

  ?Finally, she found an opening. She stumbled out, gasping in relief.

  ?But when she looked around, she wasn’t where she started.

  ?This was a different garden. Simpler. Quieter. There were no fountains here, just ancient trees and a few wooden benches.

  ?“Where am I now?”

  ?She turned to go back, but the looming green wall of the maze made her hesitate.

  ?I don’t want to go back in there.

  ?Instead, she walked forward, hoping to find someone to ask for directions.

  ?She saw someone sitting on a low tree branch.

  ?A boy.

  ?He looked about her age. He had soft, curly brown hair that swayed in the breeze and large, intense green eyes. He held a book open on his lap, reading with deep focus.

  ?He sensed her presence and looked up.

  ?A polite, almost too-perfect smile appeared on his face.

  ?“May I ask what you are doing here?” he asked. His voice was light, melodic.

  ?Aelira froze. “I... I was waiting. As Mr. Heinz instructed. But I got bored... and I saw the maze...”

  ?She trailed off, feeling guilty.

  ?The boy closed his book with a snap. He hopped down from the branch, dusting off his pristine white uniform.

  ?“What are you talking about... How old are you?”

  ?“Six.”

  ?“Six?” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s the first time I’ve met someone younger than me here. Tell me your name.”

  ?“A-Aelira. Aelira Viremont.”

  ?The boy paused. His eyes scanned her, dissecting her.

  ?“Viremont...” he murmured. Then he sighed, as if disappointed. “Aelira, then.”

  ?His smile remained, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  ?“May I ask why you are here in the Imperial Palace?”

  ?“I—I came with my Sensei,” Aelira explained. “He was summoned by your father—the Emperor.”

  ?“My father?”

  ?The boy touched his cheek thoughtfully. Then, realization dawned in his green eyes.

  ?He looked at her with sudden intensity.

  ?“Are you really the one he chose over me?”

  ?“Chose me?” Aelira blinked. “What does that mean?”

  ?“You don’t know? Zaek Evarard was supposed to be my teacher.”

  ?Aelira stared at him blankly.

  ?The boy sighed, placing a hand on his chest.

  ?“Ah, that’s right. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Louis von Aerium. The Crown Prince of this Empire.”

  ?The Prince...?

  ?Aelira’s mouth fell open. She remembered the dinner conversation. The court asked him to teach Prince Louis.

  ?“Now you understand,” Louis said, his voice sharpening. “He rejected me. And instead... he chose someone like you?”

  ?He looked her up and down with open disdain.

  ?“Is it because of his age? Has he gone senile?”

  ?“Wha—?!” Aelira gasped. “Sensei is not senile!”

  ?“If he doesn’t want to teach me, that’s fine,” Louis cut her off, stepping closer. “He needn’t have bothered picking up a stray instead.”

  ?“Stray?!” Aelira clenched her fists. “I am his disciple!”

  ?“Disciple?” Louis chuckled. It was a cruel sound. “Have you looked in a mirror? You’re trembling. You’re anything but a Hero.”

  ?Aelira’s face burned. Anger flared in her chest, hotter than she had ever felt before.

  ?“I can be a Hero,” she said, meeting his gaze. “No—I will be.”

  ?Louis smirked. He looked down at her small, shaking hands.

  ?“Then let’s prove it.”

  ?“Prove it?”

  ?“That’s right.” Louis drew a wooden practice sword from his belt.

  ?“I, Louis von Aerium, challenge you to a duel.”