like this before. The biggest royal ball tha

ed ceilings, while nobles and royals from across the realms floated across the marble floor in silken hues of gold, crimson, and midnight blue. Royalt

rm was a different rhythm-one o

n. An uneasy truce-painted over with pleasantries and wine-was in place. But everyo

as a

remonial sword was belted to his side-not for defense, but tradition. He had always hated these events, but he was never

long here. H

he Champion of Eldoria. The Stormblade. The warrior who had sh

very gaze, but kept his

e music

a hall was opened wide fo

e walk

mand attention. Her gown was a vision of twilight-deep indigo layered with silver constellations that shimmer

er gaze

l f

lcony the night after his victory with Frostborn some years ago. The stranger cloaked in mystery. She had stood

ya

ed, but he s

aze. The faintest flicker of recognition. But it was gone as f

ised a

was the g

irely too composed. Power radiated off him, quiet but unmistakable. Bu

voice broke

ra of House Virelia, hei

miled and walked majestica

-

r became a swirl of color. Alliances were made in whispers and gl

ng. Measuring. His duty tonight was clear-be present,

traight toward him while

ou," Elira said coolly, sto

didn'

should I call you something else? Th

nged. "And you must be the crown jewel of Vire

u don't speak like a m

elf like someone who's see

least I haven't bathed in

d slightly. "You th

people enjoy

is man and wants to

r, positioning themselves with practiced elegance. A ripple of excitement moved through the crow

ady been whispered a

h me

swell of strings. "I suppose you'll pick some noblew

id no

arper now. "You think I'm arrogant. Soft. A pup

id evenly, "that y

arted, a retor

unexpected, his voice like

u dance

unt. It was... something else. A ch

aught off guard by the

at how you win battles, Kael? Catch

as already

f, she placed

ow-Virelia and Eldoria, dancing in a fragile rhythm. Music swelled, and the

t trust you,"

d your trust

like the kind of

m n

smiling faintly. "You fi

low. "I've led enough to kno

d her brow.

now be

air between them electric. It wasn't just a performance any

as closer than before, h

t I expected,"

er are

know me."

cond time you'r

's because

usic

use filling the air-but their eyes rema

speak to him, disappearing into

heart pounding for reas

-

e gardens, the moonlight breaking through glass an

ing wa

a shadow darted behind the pill

th

of sil

ot El

e colder.

, cloaked in Virelian royal colors, a sw

her regards," t

ised hi

bloomed w

nger about diplomacy as