The Chaos Family mansion stood in uneasy silence as the royal carriage arrived at its gates.
Golden crests bearing the seal of King Arthur gleamed under the afternoon sun. Knights dismounted first, followed by a royal messenger dressed in white and gold.
Inside the mansion, Jin Chaos frowned as he received the sealed letter.
"…So it has come to this," he muttered.
---
The King's Will
Later that evening, Jin Chaos sat alone in his office, the letter open before him.
> By royal authority, the Chaos Family is to enter a binding alliance with the Crown.
The heir, Luo Chaos, shall be betrothed to the King's younger child of equal age.
The announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
Jin Chaos clenched the parchment.
"An engagement… without even informing the children," he said bitterly.
He knew better than anyone how dangerous it was to refuse a royal decree.
> This is not a request. It is a command.
---
An Unknowing Heir
In the courtyard, Luo practiced controlling his wind magic. Leaves lifted gently around him, responding to his breathing.
"Again…" he whispered.
The wind obeyed.
Yet, for some reason, his chest felt heavy.
Why do I feel like I'm being pushed onto a path I didn't choose?
Unaware of the decision made for him, Luo continued training, thinking only of one thing—
Mei Lin.
Her calm smile. Her confidence. The strange familiarity he couldn't explain.
---
A Queen's Doubt
At the Imperial Castle, Queen Maria confronted King Arthur.
"Arthur," she said sharply, "you didn't consult the Chaos Family—or the children."
King Arthur remained calm. "This marriage secures stability. Two legendary talents cannot remain unbound."
Maria's eyes narrowed. "You're using children as chains."
"Better chains than weapons pointed at the throne," he replied coldly.
The Queen turned away, deeply unsettled.
---
Echoes in the Lin Family Lands
Far from the capital, Mei Lin stood atop a hill overlooking Lin territory.
People bowed when they saw her now.
Merchants greeted her respectfully. Guards straightened in her presence.
The Lin Family's reputation had been restored, and its people believed in her.
Yet, despite the warmth around her, Mei Lin felt an inexplicable chill.
She placed a hand over her chest.
"…Why do I feel like something important is slipping away?"
Luna howled softly beside her, sensing the disturbance.
---
Unseen Threads of Fate
That night, the Head Priestess knelt in silent prayer.
"Two legendary children… pulled apart by power and ambition."
She opened her eyes.
"If fate is cruel, then destiny will resist."