The cold air brushed across my face, making me shiver. The gathering in the main hall was loud and rowdy, yet it filled my heart with joy. A warm arm wrapped around me, and I leaned into the comforting heat. “My beloved princess,” his voice was rough but familiar, “I’m grateful to finally have you as mine and mine alone.”
My face scrunched up as his tone turned sinister. Before I could react, he grabbed my arm and shoved me to the ground. Pain shot through me as my back hit the cold concrete, and my arm throbbed with the promise of an impending bruise. “What are you doing?!” I cried, my voice trembling. My hand reached out instinctively, but he slapped it away, unsheathing his sword.
“I won’t let you love anyone else,” he snarled, his words laced with madness. “The only way to ensure that,, is to end your life so you’ll belong to me forever.” A twisted grin crossed his face as the blade inched closer to my throat. My body froze, paralyzed with fear.
“Please,” I whispered, my voice breaking as tears blurred my vision.
He tilted his head, the evil grin widening. “I love you, Kira. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your courtly duties after you’re gone.”
A strangled scream erupted from my throat as I bolted upright in bed, my body drenched in sweat. My heart pounded aggressively in my chest, and I gasped for air, my hands clutching my light blue bedding. The remnants of the nightmare clung to me, vivid and unrelenting.
“My Lady!” Fennie burst through the door, rushing to my side. Her soft, fair-skinned hand reached for my forehead. “Are you alright, my lady?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.
“I’m fine,” I exhaled, reaching out to hold her hand. Her concerned expression didn’t falter, and I managed a half-smile in an attempt to reassure her. “Just a nightmare.”
I pushed back the covers, determined to shake off the lingering dread. Fennie stepped back slightly but remained close. “Well, let’s take your mind off it. I’ve got some juicy gossip to share,” she said, her tone lightening. A mischievous glint lit up her eyes as she hurried to the vanity, picking up a brush. “I heard Prince Malachi was caught sneaking out again last night. Your father assigned him a personal guard this time.”
My brow arched, and a small smile tugged at my lips. “Kai’s in trouble again? You’d think he’d be better at sneaking around by now,” I teased, trying to distract myself from the uneasy feeling that lingered. Fennie stifled a laugh as she ran the brush through my silky, black hair, which shimmered faintly with a metallic tint. We went through the usual morning routine, settling on a sea-blue dress accented with light gold frills. Once dressed, I gave Fennie a small smile and made my way to the dark oak couch by the window, letting the warm sunlight wash over me. For a moment, I felt calm, though the nightmare still gnawed at the edges of my mind.
“Could you fetch Captain Valehart for me, please?” I asked softly, leaning back into the couch.
Fennie nodded, her expression still tinged with concern, and hurried off. Left alone, I couldn’t help but replay the nightmare in my mind. “What was that?” I murmured, shaking my head. “It felt too real to be just a dream. Who even was that?” The unanswered questions swirled in my thoughts until a knock at the door pulled me back to the present.
“Come in,” I called, trying to sound composed.
The door creaked open, and a familiar voice filled the room. “Princess Kira, you called for me?” Soren’s tone was soft yet steady, instantly putting me at ease. I turned to face him, gesturing for him to sit. “Come, sit,” I said with a small smile. He took the seat across from me, his posture upright and formal. The royal purple of his uniform, embroidered with silver edges, gleamed in the sunlight.
“Soren, I heard my brother got caught sneaking out again. Who’s his new guard?” I asked, curiosity piquing as I leaned forward slightly. Soren’s short, dark brown hair shifted as he tilted his head, his gold-hazel eyes meeting mine with a soft gaze. “You have no need to worry, Lady Kira,” he replied with a reassuring smile. “The Prince is in good hands. The new guard is someone he’s well acquainted with, someone who has been in the castle for a long time.”
I leaned even closer, excitement bubbling up. “Who is it?!”
Soren’s smile turned playful. “I think I’ll leave that for you to find out on your own.”
I gasped, mock outrage coloring my tone. “How dare you!” His deep laugh filled the room, and despite myself, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Shall we go find out, Princess Kira?” he asked, standing and offering his hand to me. My heart fluttered as his warm eyes met mine. I took his hand, and he helped me up before escorting me to the door. I quickly released his hand and opened the door to step into the hallway. The silence struck me immediately. It was eerily quiet, the usual bustle of the castle noticeably absent.
“Where is everyone, Captain Valehart?” I asked, unease creeping into my voice.
“Believe it or not, it’s a meeting day,” Soren replied, his tone calm. “King Tharion’s birthday is coming up, so the staff and guards are busy preparing for the banquet.”
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to relax. “That dream must’ve taken more of a toll on me than I thought. I’m sure it meant nothing,” I murmured, mostly to myself. Soren’s reassuring smile helped dispel the lingering unease as we began walking toward my brother’s room. The wide hallways felt strangely empty as our footsteps echoed against the tiled floors. The dark oak and golden accents of the walls seemed almost too still, but Soren stayed close, his presence grounding me. Whatever the day held, I trusted he would keep me safe.
I approached my brother’s room and came to an abrupt stop after hearing a yell through the door. “You can go now,” his soft voice was aggressive and annoyed. I knocked lightly, and the door swung open, startling me. My brother’s bright green eyes glared around before landing on me, his gaze softening.
“Little sister!” His previously grumpy face brightened. “I’m technically older than you by two minutes.” I smirked, watching his face pout. “I’m taller” He grinned, crossing his arms. He held the door open, letting me pass. I peered around the room, my eyes landing on my brother's new guard. I heard soft hellos exchanged between my brother and Soren.
“Sir Roderic!” I exclaimed happily, skipping over to the older man. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”
“I haven’t seen you since you were this tall,” he said, gesturing to his lower torso.
“I heard you were called in to watch Kai because he’s bad at being sneaky,” I teased, aggravating my twin brother.
“His Highness suggested I'd be able to keep a better eye on him, considering he’s been out having unsanctioned duels,” Sir Roderic replied. We both glanced at my brother, watching him hide his face in embarrassment, his blonde hair falling over his fingertips. I giggled, skipping over to him. “It’s okay, Kai,” I said, wrapping my arms around him, feeling at peace.
“Are you getting a new dress for Father’s banquet?”
Malachi smiled and held me softly. “We could match!” Ever since we were young, we’d matched at every public event.
“Hm, I called for the seamstress earlier. She might be meeting me shortly,” I replied. “Would you like to join and see what she can make for you?”
He nodded excitedly, following me as we walked back to my room. The halls were calm, with only a few staff members passing by. After exchanging a few greetings, we arrived just in time to meet the seamstress.
“It’s nice to see you again, Lady Elera,” I said as we stepped into my room.
After a few measurements and some quiet sketching, she turned the page toward me with a smile.
“This,” she said, “a sea-blue gown that fades into aquamarine. Silver thread for waves and shells across the bodice—something that mirrors your magic. Chiffon sleeves, light and sheer. And a scattering of beads to catch the light when you move. A silver tiara with pearls and aquamarine to finish it off.”
I smiled. “It’s beautiful. As always.”
She glanced at my brother, then stepped back, measuring tape in hand.
“For Prince Malachi,” she mused, “a deep blue coat with gold details. A vest to match your gown’s colors. And maybe silver flames at the shoulders to honor his power. A pearl brooch—something to tie you both together.”
We both nodded.
“They’ll be ready before the King’s banquet,” she said, already gathering her tools. “Oh—has your brother Cassian sent for his outfit?”
“He has,” I replied. “Yesterday.”
She paused, then added, “I’ve planned something bold for him—deep crimson velvet, silver stitching like flames and waves both. A nod to his role and his place among you. His vest fades into silver too, just faintly. And a falcon pin at the collar. Suits him, don’t you think?”
After several hours of hanging out with my twin and our personal guards, I decided it was time for some fresh air in the Citadel Garden. It was one of two gardens surrounding the Flame Citadel Castle, which sat at the highest point in the capital of Eleryn’s Reach—a bustling city filled with vendors.
As I stepped into the garden, my body relaxed at the sight of the full moon glaring down at me. The flowers added to the calm, and I felt my worries melt away. I took a seat by the fountain in the middle of the garden, my hand trailing through the cool water. As I pulled my hand out, my magic came to life, and I began to draw a lilac with my water abilities. My power over water was one of my favorites—an ability that couldn’t be easily taken advantage of. But the thought of being used for my other abilities made my heart ache.
Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me, and my water droplets fell to the floor as I turned to see Soren standing there.
“This place sometimes brings bad memories for me,” he sighed, his voice heavy. “I almost lost you. I mean, everyone almost lost you.” He stuttered before flashing a small smile.
“I’m forever indebted to you, Soren,” I said, patting his leg. His face scrunched in a way I couldn’t quite recognize.
That night marked the start of having two personal guards. Back then the evening air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers as I walked through the palace gardens. The distant sounds of the banquet inside barely reached my ears. The warm glow of lanterns flickered ahead, casting shadows on the stone path. I wasn’t supposed to be out here alone, but the weight of the day’s politics had left my mind restless.
I paused by a large fountain, the soft trickle of the water providing a brief reprieve. My hand brushed the cool stone, my thoughts lingering on the troubling look I’d caught in my brother’s eyes earlier. That’s when I noticed the figure approaching from behind. A sudden breath brushed my neck, too close for comfort. I spun around just in time to see a cloaked figure lunging at me, dagger raised. My heart stopped in that moment, terror seizing my body as every movement felt slow and disjointed.
The assassin’s eyes gleamed with malice, and the silver blade flashed in the moonlight. It was too fast—I saw the point of the dagger heading for my throat.
“No—!” My breath hitched, but before I could make a sound, a powerful arm shot from behind me, pulling me into a firm chest and twisting me away from the assassin’s reach.
A flash of purple fabric—Soren.
With a shout, he threw me behind him, blocking my body with his. The assassin didn’t hesitate, thrusting the dagger toward Soren’s side. But in one swift motion, Soren stepped aside, grabbing the assassin’s wrist, twisting it, and forcing the weapon to the ground with a loud thud. His other hand shot out, seizing the man’s throat and lifting him off the ground effortlessly.
“You dare try to kill her?” Soren’s voice was low, dangerous, a stark contrast to the adrenaline rushing through me. I could barely breathe, still in shock, watching the deadly struggle unfold.
“Soren!” I gasped, trembling, unable to look away from the scene.
With a swift movement, Soren slammed the assassin to the ground, pinning him with a knee on his chest. The assassin struggled, but he was no match for Soren’s strength. The purple of his uniform shimmered in the dim light, stark against the blood pooling beneath the assassin’s head. Soren’s eyes met mine, full of intensity, but there was something else there—something softer I couldn’t name. A flicker of recognition, of something deeper. The assassin finally stilled, and Soren stood, towering over him. His gaze never left me, and in that moment, I realized how deeply he’d protected me, how instinctively his body had moved between me and certain death.
“Soren,” I whispered, still shaking, my voice barely audible.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at the assassin one last time before turning to me. His hand reached out, steadying me. “You’re safe now,” he said softly, his voice still firm. I swallowed, struggling to process what had just happened. “I—I don’t understand,” I stammered, my mind racing. “Who was he? Why—?”
“The who doesn’t matter right now,” Soren cut in gently, his expression hardening as he glanced at the assassin. “The why will come later.”
I nodded, but my heart was still pounding. This wasn’t the first time someone had tried to harm me, but it was the first time I’d come so close to death. And it was the first time someone had come so swiftly to my aid—without hesitation. He stepped closer, his eyes scanning me as if checking for any injuries. There was a moment of stillness between us, and I couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth—quiet gratitude mixed with something I couldn’t name.
“You saved me,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
A fleeting smile tugged at the corner of Soren’s lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He didn’t speak right away. After a beat, his voice was almost too low to hear. “I promised I would protect you, Lady Kira. And I will.” That was the moment—when he became my guard. Not just because of a title or duty, but because I saw something deeper in his eyes—a promise made and kept.
As the guards arrived to take the assassin into custody, I remained by Soren’s side. In that moment, I wasn’t just a princess in danger. I was someone who had witnessed something irreversible—the protection of a man who would stop at nothing to keep me safe. My heart pounded in my chest as the memory of that night replayed in my mind. It brought back the terrible feelings from the nightmare I had last night.
“You don't have to worry Princess Kira, I’m here to keep you safe always.” His tone comforting, he stood from the fountain, holding his hand out toward me. “I think it’s time to head in, I believe Fennie must be very worried for you.”