Layna and Lucas were running at full speed, their quick steps resounding in the outer corridors of the palace. The servants they met bowed, surprised to see the princess and the young prince running like this without an escort, but neither dared to stop them.

  They crossed the gardens, where the bushes cut into arabesques drew corridors of greenery. Brightly colored flowers opened under the caresses of the sun, and the water jets of the fountains fell back in sparkling arcs. Lucas, panting but radiant, felt his heart beating to the rhythm of this improvised race.

  " This way !" Layna said, without slowing down.

  They passed through the large main doors of the palace and crossed the main alley. The thick red carpet muffled their hurried steps here and there. Finely sculpted white columns rose to the ceiling, giving the aisle a solemn majesty.

  Layna and Lucas quickly climbed the main stairs, and Layna suddenly turned left, pulling Lucas toward a small staircase. They climbed quickly, their footsteps echoing against the marble, their breathing uneven, but excitement shining clearly in their eyes

  They went up one floor, then a second, then a third, and finally they reached the fourth floor. They ran through the corridors of the fourth floor and stopped in front of a large, light-colored wooden door decorated with golden patterns. Layna quickly glanced behind her to make sure no one was following them, then gently pushed the handle.

  "Quick, come in !" She whispered with a mischievous smile.

  Lucas slipped behind her, and as soon as he entered the room, his eyes went wide.

  The room they had just entered breathed refinement. High midnight blue curtains framed the large windows, and a gold-embroidered carpet covered the floor. On the right, an elegant dark wooden desk still carried some carefully stored documents, and behind it stretched a library with shelves filled with books. Closer to them, several sofas arranged in a circle surrounded a finely worked coffee table. Everything in this place exuded the authority and comfort of a royal salon.

  "This is our parents' living room," Layna explained in a tone that was both proud and mischievous.

  " Wait until you see the view. It's incredible."

  She approached the large bay window that led to a balcony and pulled the doors. A fresh breeze immediately entered, carrying with it the perfumes of the royal garden.

  Lucas timidly advanced, and his eyes lit up.

  The balcony stretched like a private terrace, paved with light stones. A small round table was installed there, surrounded by elegant chairs, as if ready to welcome the king and queen for tea in peace. Potted plants and the decorated balustrade give the place a charm that is both intimate and majestic.

  But it was the sight that grabbed Lucas' attention.

  In front of him, Grinrelis stretched out as far as the eye could see. Two secondary palaces stood proudly before them, their towers rushing towards the sky. Further on, the roofs of the capital twinkled under the sun, and on the horizon, we could guess the line of the hills that closed the plain.

  Lucas approached the railings, breathless, as if hypnotized.

  "... It's beautiful..." he whispered.

  Layna, who was watching him, went into her parents' living room and came back to his side, something in her hand. It was a small brass telescope, finely crafted. She handed it to her brother, a knowing smile on her lips.

  "Here, look over there. You will understand why I took you here," she said while pointing her finger towards the West.

  Lucas, intrigued, took the telescope, and approached the railing. Then he slid the telescope between two pillars, and brought it to his eye.

  A cool breeze blew lightly on the balcony, lifting Lucas' white locks. His eyes widened as soon as he saw, below, the training ground reserved for the royal guards.

  There, under the bright sun, dozens of men in light armor competed in pairs, sword in hand.

  The shock of the blades filled the air, punctuated by the serious orders of a captain who supervised the fighting. Dust rose under their steps, and each of their movements was precise, powerful, controlled.

  Lucas leaned against the stone railing, fascinated. His gaze followed every movement, every parade, every thrust.

  "... It's incredible..." he whispered, without realizing it.

  At his side, Layna looked at him with a tender smile. She knew this look perfectly.

  "Do you like what you see, Lucas? She asked softly.

  "Yes... it's beautiful. I feel like the sword is dancing in their hands," he replied with stars in his eyes.

  A slight smile appeared on Layna's lips. She put a hand on her brother's shoulder.

  "Then remember that moment. You will soon have to choose your favorite weapon, and in four years you will spend your awakening ceremony," she says calmly.

  Lucas looked down for a moment. His heart was beating fast. Then his gaze was fixed again on the guards who wielded the sword with power and grace.

  Unconsciously, he put his little hand towards his heart. In his child's mind, the conviction was clear: he had fallen in love with the sword.

  Layna understood his silence. She smiled, her red eyes shining like two flames.

  "You fell in love with the sword, didn't you? "

  "It's not surprising. The love of the blade flows in our veins, Lucas. It is the legacy of our blood. "

  They stayed there for a moment, contemplating the duels that continued below.

  Then, slowly, Layna turned to her brother. Her expression softened, turning more tender. She took out a small object from the pocket of her training outfit.

  "Here, Lucas. I wanted to give you that," she said tenderly.

  Lucas looked up and saw a silver necklace, simple but elegant, adorned with a pendant set with a finely crafted blue stone.

  "What is...? "

  Layna put the necklace around his neck, and closed it tenderly.

  "It's a gift made by Dayvon. He made three, one for him, for me, and for you. He had planned to send them on your birthday, but they didn't arrive in time."

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  "He said that these necklaces are not ordinary jewelry. He said that once we have awakened our powers, we'll only need to tap the blue stone in the center twice, then it will turn green and we will be able to communicate remotely. He really put his whole heart into making them," she said in a voice that was both calm and gentle.

  Lucas touched the pendant with his fingertips. A gentle warmth seemed to radiate.

  "He really did that for me?" Lucas asked with emotion.

  "Of course. You are his beloved brother. This necklace is a link between the three of us. No matter the distance or time, we will always stay connected," Layna replied.

  The little prince lowered his head, his eyes shining with a new emotion.

  "Thank you, Layna... and thank you to Dayvon. "

  Layna tenderly ruffled his white hair.

  "Always keep it with you. When I leave for the family estate, you will think of us. And I... I can't wait to see you again in six years, when you'll join the academy." she says smiling.

  The silence fell, but this time it was soft, soothing. Brother and sister remained side by side, their eyes fixed on the horizon, as if to engrave this moment in their memories.

  Two years later - Royal Palace - Prince Lucas' apartment:

  The sun had barely crossed the horizon, projecting a soft orange glow through the high windows of the royal palace. The birds were already singing in the gardens, but in the young prince's room, everything was still quiet. Lucas was sleeping soundly, his white hair scattered on the pillow.

  This tranquility was suddenly broken when the door opened with a bang.

  "Happy birthday, Your Highness! "

  A chorus of female voices filled the room. Five maids, followed by Maya, had burst into the room with overflowing enthusiasm. One of them immediately pulled the curtains, letting the morning light invade the room. The prince, surprised, suddenly straightened up in his bed, his eyes still half-closed, dazzled by this sudden clarity.

  "Hhh... what?" He stammered, blinking.

  The maids laughed softly as they surrounded his bed, their arms loaded with ribbons and fabrics prepared for the day. But it was Maya who attracted all the attention: she advanced cautiously, holding in her hands a tray with a small cake decorated with red fruits where a few candles flickered.

  "Happy birthday, Your Highness," she said in a soft and playful voice, her smile illuminating her face.

  The boy's eyes immediately lit up. Still half-asleep a moment ago, he instantly regained his childish energy.

  "Thank you!" He replied, his voice full of sincerity.

  He wanted to reach out to the cake, but Maya arched her brows and shook her head. She gently placed the cake on the small table next to the bed.

  "Not so fast, Your Highness. Before touching your cake, you must first take a shower and get ready. "

  Lucas blinked, surprised.

  "But... isn't it too early? "

  Maya crossed her arms, her tone becoming serious again.

  "Today is not an ordinary day, Your Highness. It's the day of your first public appearance. Several distinguished guests from the kingdom and neighboring realms will come to see you. The king and queen personally insisted on making every effort to ensure that this day is a success. So, you must get up."

  The maids burst out laughing when they saw Lucas' sullen face, but they were immediately active. Two of them prepared a bath of scented water for her toilet, while another opened the cabinets to pick out clothes.

  Lucas let himself be guided, still a little grumpy but unable to hide the smile that kept coming back on his face. Heading towards his shower, he cast discreet glances at the cake placed on the table, his little hands eager to catch it.

  A few moments later, he had finished his shower, and was finally dressed in a light tunic with silver embroidery, his white hair carefully combed, he looked at himself in the mirror. A spark of pride lit up in his eyes.

  "There, perfect," Maya said, adjusting the collar of her outfit herself.

  "Now you can blow out your candles," she said tenderly.

  Lucas immediately sat down on a sofa in the center of his room, his eyes sparkling. Maya brought the cake and placed it on the mini table in front of the sofa where the prince was sitting. As soon as the cake was placed in front of him, Lucas inhaled deeply, then blew with a sharp blow on the flames. The maids applauded softly, and Maya let him savor a first bite of the cake, whose sugary sweetness brought a satisfied smile to his face.

  "Hmmm... delicious !" He said with a happy look.

  Afterwards, they shared a few parts together in a light and joyful atmosphere, until Lucas set his spoon down. Already, his mind was moving towards his usual routine: sword training.

  But before he had time to go, a discreet knock sounded at the door.

  The maids interrupted, and Maya went to open. Two figures stood there: a silver-haired maid accompanied by a royal guard in uniform.

  The servant bowed deeply before speaking in a respectful voice:

  "Your Highness Lucas... Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence in her apartments. "

  Lucas widened his eyes.

  "Mother? "

  The maid nodded.

  "Exactly. Her Majesty wishes to speak with you about important subjects. "

  A smile was drawn on the lips of the young prince. His heart was beating fast: he did not expect such a sudden summons. Maya approached, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  "Go ahead, Your Highness. His Majesty may have wonderful things to offer you. You must not make her wait any longer. "

  The boy nodded, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in his eyes.

  Lucas ended up following the maid and guard through the royal corridors, walking with a calmly air. He knew that this day would not be a day like any other, and that many events could happen.