ce Of Sec

she tried to push the frustration aside, it clung to her like a shadow. After finishing the last bite, she rose quietly, her footsteps echoing in the

golden light over the sprawling castle. Nyxoria was already out, her spirited mare

her way. Penelope was known for her mischief, and no one wanted to be caught in her path. Despite t

rful legs back in a perfectly aimed kick that narrowly missed his shield. Another gua

e younger guards that had joined newly ex

replied, shaking his head. "She's as stubborn as he

, her laughter ringing out as the wind whipped through her hair. For her, this was freedom, a moment where

ar-panic, dodging Penelope's antics and muttering about whose

Nyxoria pulled Penelope to a halt, the horse snorting in protest as they turned to fac

d, feigning innocence as she dismount

ething important last night

ying to recall. "Oh," she said, drawing the word out dramatic

stance radiating disapproval. "Don't play games with me, Ny

irk. "Oh, that? I thought you were joki

r humor. "This is no small matter, Nyxoria. The fact that the Emperor hasn't come h

he straightened, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Do you r

er of respect, and power. He rules with an iron fist, Nyxoria. Those who defy him

round as she considered his words. She hated

ly, her voice quiet bu

one softening. "You're doing

d. Penelope snorted softly, as if understanding her sign

meeting with the Emperor. She quickly shed her riding clothes and stepped into the adjoini

selected a pair of sleek, dark brown l

yet comfortable fabric. The tunic was sleeveless, allowing her free

dagger sheath on one side. She completed the look with bracers on her wrists, intri

erfect for both riding and combat. She tied her hair back into a loose braid, l

rce and regal-a warrior ready to face whatever came her way. "Let's see if the Emperor i

was wearing a beautiful purple gown and her pink hair w

asa looked radiant in her flowing purple gown, her long pink hair cascading over her shoulders

Nasa said, her voice dripping with mock

you're always so predictable," she

trapped to Nyxoria's side. "Must you carry the da

replied simply, with n

gant prance, her coat gleaming in the sunlight. Nyxoria mounte

a dramatic roll of her eyes. With a nudge to Penelope, she rod

ck him. His eyes widened, and he muttered under his breat

ned to a nearby guard and

, and took off after Nyxoria and P

★

o the throne room, the silence between th

n, her tone casual but

, though his focus

aid last night," Nasa continued, glanc

at did

g for me," she said, her voice quieter n

his brows furrowing as he consid

confirmed, her ton

ke that," he admitted. "But what I meant is this: you're a princess, Nasaria. Everything you have-your title, your

rbed his words. She looked straight ahead, her expression unreada

d for a moment longer, staring at the ornate doors. Without another word, Nasa turned to leave, her thoughts swirling like a storm

read across his face as he watched his daughter push the

nt of darkness, a shadow passing over them that betrayed deeper thoughts. The smile remained, but it seemed a

rstand everything one day, my dear," he murmured, his voice low and laced with something unspoken. The f