The following morning, the Eldorian royal palace was abuzz with a low, anxious hum. The air was thick with whispered conjectures and furtive glances from courtiers. News of the Stonehaven royals' unexpected arrival and the palpable tension from the previous night's meeting had spread through the staff like wildfire. Anya, confined to her lavish yet gilded suite, found herself pacing. Astarion was still asleep in the adjoining nursery, guarded by two Eldorian royal nannies who appeared utterly bewildered by their charge's platinum blonde hair and ruby-red eyes.
Sarah, her ever-resourceful manager, managed to gain entry, a small victory in a battle against giants. Exhausted, she clutched her phone tightly to her ear. "It's a global sensation, Anya," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Your concert footage, the grainy photos of Rio… Every news outlet is running with it. 'Runaway Princess Returns with Secret Heir of Rival Kingdom!' 'Pop Star's Royal Baby Bombshell!' It's unprecedented." She gestured vaguely. "Stonehaven's media is portraying it as a joyous reunification, a testament to enduring love across borders. Eldoria's, however, is more cautious. There's a lot of talk about 'implications' and 'unforeseen challenges.'"
Anya sank onto a plush chaise lounge. "And Sebastian?"
"He's been engaged in high-level talks with his parents since dawn, I hear," Sarah replied. "The Emperor and Empress of Stonehaven are reportedly delighted by Rio. They're making a grand public display of embracing him. It's a shrewd political move, portraying them as the benevolent force in this situation." He paused, his gaze filled with concern as he looked at her. "Anya, what are you planning to tell him, about the past decade, about his son's life?"
Anya closed her eyes, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. The life she had lived as a musician felt like a distant memory, unlike her role as Princess Lyra, the royal chess piece. The decade-long struggle, late-night songwriting sessions in cramped apartments, and small gigs in smoky clubs had gradually built her empire, all while she secretly raised a child. "Everything," she said, opening her eyes. "He deserves to know everything. And Rio deserves to truly know his father, not just as a distant unknown figure."
As if summoned by her thoughts, a gentle knock preceded the opening of the door. Queen Isabella entered, her expression a blend of apprehension and newfound resolve. Behind her stood Arthur and Gabriel.
"Lily," the Queen said, "it's almost time for the meeting. But first… Sebastian has requested a private moment with you. And… with Rio. Before the formal discussions begin."
Anya's heart leaped with excitement. This was a private moment, a chance to have the first truly honest conversation they'd had in a decade. Unburdened by the weight of statecraft or the scrutiny of the public, they could finally speak freely.
She discovered Sebastian in a small, tranquil room next to Astarion's nursery. He stood by the window, his back to her, but the moment she entered, he turned. His usually intense ruby eyes were now clouded with an emotion Anya recognized as raw vulnerability.
"Lily," he breathed, his voice husky. He took a hesitant step forward, then stopped, his gaze falling to the little boy who had just toddled out from the nursery, drawn by his mother's voice.
Astarion, his platinum blonde hair shining, stopped dead. He saw Sebastian, a tall, imposing stranger with eyes just like his own. His curious gaze fixed on the Crown Prince of Stonehaven, who was now kneeling, slowly, hesitantly, reaching out a hand.
"Hello, Rio," Sebastian said, his voice surprisingly gentle, almost awestruck. "I'm… I'm Sebastian. Your father."
Astarion glanced from Sebastian to Anya, then back to the man with his piercing eyes. A small, hesitant smile graced his lips, and he cautiously stepped forward.
Anya felt tears well up in her eyes. This wasn't the reunion she had envisioned, not in a million years. It was chaotic, public, and filled with potential danger. However, in this quiet moment, witnessing her son take his first step towards his father, she felt a profound sense of hope. Despite the crowns and kingdoms demanding their allegiance, she knew that somehow, they would find their way. The true family, built on love and truth, was finally beginning to take shape, even as the storm of two empires raged around them.
The moment Astarion took that hesitant step towards Sebastian, the world outside the room vanished. The whispers of the palace, the looming Privy Council, and the centuries-old rivalry between Eldoria and Stonehaven all faded away in the face of this singular, profound connection. Sebastian, still kneeling, his strong hands trembling slightly, mirrored Astarion's tentative movement.
"It's… it's incredible to finally meet you, Rio," Sebastian murmured, his voice thick with emotion that Anya had never heard from him before. He didn't rush or push; he simply waited, his ruby eyes, so identical to Astarion's, shining with a mixture of wonder and regret.
Astarion, usually boisterous and inquisitive, was unusually quiet. He gently poked Sebastian's knee with a small finger and looked up at Anya, a silent question lingering in his gaze.
Anya's voice was soft and choked with unshed tears as she said, "This is your father, Rio. His name is Sebastian."
Astarion's eyes widened in disbelief. "My… my real dad?" he whispered, his innocent face searching Sebastian's for confirmation.
Sebastian nodded profoundly and heartfeltedly. "Yes, Rio... Your real dad. I'm so sorry it took us so long to meet." He extended his hand fully, palm up, an invitation. After a moment of hesitation, Astarion placed his small hand into Sebastian's much larger one. A current, almost palpable, flowed between them. It was a connection of blood, yes, but also of something far deeper—a primal bond asserting itself after a decade of absence.
Anya watched, a bittersweet ache gripping her chest. This was the reunion she had both yearned for and feared. While it was beautiful, it tore at the edges of the carefully constructed life she had built.
"Can you… can you play games?" Astarion asked, his voice still soft, but curiosity finally winning over shyness.
Sebastian's face broke into a genuine, radiant smile—a sight Anya rarely witnessed during their brief, youthful courtship. "I can," he promised, his voice brimming with warmth. "I'm open to any game you like. And if you'd like, I can share stories about Stonehaven and our family there."
The tension in Sebastian's shoulders visibly dissipated, replaced by a paternal tenderness that was utterly disarming. Anya realized that he wasn't merely claiming an heir; he was acknowledging his son.
As Astarion, now more at ease, began to bombard Sebastian with a flurry of questions about castles and swords, Anya stepped back, granting them some space. The Stonehaven Prince, heir to an empire, was completely engrossed in the simple pleasure of meeting his son. He answered each inquiry with genuine interest. Even pulling out a small, intricately carved wooden bird from his pocket, a traditional Stonehaven toy, he presented it to Astarion, whose eyes sparkled with delight.
Anya recognized the significance of this intimate, unscripted moment. It forged a bond that no amount of political maneuvering could truly break. However, as she observed the budding connection between father and son, the weight of her untold past with Sebastian and the impending midday meeting with both royal families weighed heavily on her mind. While the immediate battle for Astarion's well-being appeared to be won, at least in this small, sun-drenched salon, the larger war for his future and hers was still very much at hand.
As Astarion became captivated by the intricate wooden bird, he carefully turned it over in his small hands. Sebastian, his eyes never leaving his son for long, rose from his seat. He approached Anya, his formal attire of a prince unable to conceal the raw emotion in his gaze.
"Lyra," he began, his voice low, "I… I can't understand what you've endured. Raising him alone, hiding it all. Why? Why didn't you confide in me?" The question wasn't accusatory but a heartfelt plea for understanding, tinged with deep regret.
Anya gazed at him, her eyes reflecting the years of longing that had etched themselves into his ruby gaze, strikingly similar to Astarion's. "There was no other option, Tian," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "When I fled, I was escaping a life I loathed, a life that had suffocated me. A few weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant. How could I reveal this to you? You are the Crown Prince of Stonehaven, heir to an empire. I was a runaway princess, practically disowned. What would have become of Rio? He would have been a political hostage, a living symbol of a forbidden union."
She took a deep breath, the decade of carefully guarded secrets finally spilling out. "I wanted him to be free, to be a child, not a pawn. So, I crafted a life for myself as Anya, a life where I could protect him and choose his path. Every decision I made, every song I composed, every tour I embarked on, was for him. My sole aim was to provide him with a normal childhood, as normal as I could make it."
Sebastian reached out, his hand hovering before gently touching her arm. "Lily… I would have cross the heavens and the earth. I would have found you. We could have confronted this together. All these years… I believed I had lost you forever. I mourned for you. And all this time, I had a son I was unaware of." His voice cracked, the pain evident. "A decade of his life, vanished. His first steps, his first words… I missed it all."
Anya felt a fresh wave of guilt, sharp and immediate. She had protected Astarion, yes, but at what cost to his father? "I understand, Tian. And I'm truly sorry. It was never easy. There were countless times I wanted to reach out, especially when he inquired about his father. But I simply couldn't take the risk. Not for him."
He nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to Astarion, who was now thoroughly examining the wooden bird. "He's magnificent, Lyra. More than I ever could have imagined." A faint, almost bitter smile touched his lips. "My parents, on the other hand, are thrilled. Overjoyed. This is a game-changer for Stonehaven, a means to secure the Imperial line and, no doubt, exert significant pressure on Eldoria."
Anya sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. But my parents are furious. They see him as a symbol of betrayal and a threat to Eldoria's sovereignty."
Sebastian's gaze was firm as he met Anya's. "So, what are our options?" he asked. "They're going to try to claim him, both sides. They'll argue over his education, upbringing, and very identity. But he's our son, Lyra. Ours. What do we want for him?"
The question lingered in the air, a shared challenge. While the world might perceive Astarion as a geopolitical asset, for Anya and Sebastian, he was simply their son. In that moment, a fragile truce was formed between the pop star and the prince, a united front against the crowns that sought to control their child's destiny. For a decade, they had kept Rio's existence a secret, but now, thrust into the blinding spotlight of two rival kingdoms, they faced their greatest challenge: fighting for his right to a life of his own, in a world that suddenly desperately needed him to be someone else.
The tranquil haven behind the Salon d'Or, where Anya and Sebastian had shared their raw, emotional reunion, soon gave way to the harsh realities of royal politics. A palace aide, his face a mask of urgency, ushered them towards the Grand Reception Hall, where the formal summit was about to commence. Blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around him, Astarion remained in the Queen's private apartments. Anya had reluctantly agreed to this decision, understanding that his presence would only exacerbate an already volatile situation.
As they entered the Grand Reception Hall, the atmosphere was palpably different from the previous night. The Eldorian and Stonehaven delegations were now formally seated at two long, opposing tables. The air hummed with hushed conversations and the rustle of official documents. King Caspian and Queen Isabella sat at the head of the Eldorian table, their expressions stern. Opposite them sat Emperor Constantine and Empress Astrid, radiating a composed, almost triumphant air.
Sebastian, standing beside his parents with a regal posture, could sense the tension in his jaw. Anya was guided to a seat next to her mother, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon her. This was not just a family gathering; it was a gladiator arena.
King Caspian cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the vast hall. "Your Imperial Majesties and esteemed delegates, we gather here today under extraordinary circumstances. The unexpected return of my daughter, Princess Lyra, has unveiled a revelation of immense significance. A child named Astarion, who is undeniably the son of the Princess Lyra of Eldoria and the Crown Prince Sebastian of Stonehaven."
Emperor Constantine responded promptly and accurately. "Indeed, Your Majesty. This is a joyous revelation for the Imperial House of Stonehaven. Our grandson, a child who carries the ancient bloodline of our empire and is a direct heir to the Imperial Throne, is here to formalize this acknowledgment. We will discuss the immediate transfer of Astarion to Stonehaven, where he can commence his education and upbringing befitting his imperial status."
A collective murmur rose from the Eldorian side of the table, and Anya felt a surge of cold anger. "Transfer?" she interjected, her voice piercing through the murmurs. "He is not an object to be transferred, Your Imperial Majesty. He is my son."
"And our grandson," Empress Astrid countered gently, her eyes holding an unyielding glint. "A child of such unique heritage requires the best of both worlds, Princess Lyra. However, his primary claim is to Stonehaven's future. His education in Imperial history, customs, and traditions is foremost."
King Caspian slammed his hand on the table, his voice reverberating throughout the room. "He is also Eldorian by birth and by his mother's blood! He will not be treated as a mere commodity!"
The debate escalated rapidly, a whirlwind of legal arguments, historical precedents, and thinly veiled threats exchanged between the two sides. The Eldorian delegates emphasized Anya's Eldorian citizenship at the time of Leo's birth, asserting Eldoria's sovereign claim over any child born to its royalty within its borders, regardless of the father. In contrast, the Stonehaven side countered with the undeniable strength of Sebastian's direct paternal lineage and the Imperial law mandating the heir's child be raised within the Empire.
Anya's frustration grew as they discussed Astarion, but her concerns for his well-being as a child were never addressed. She caught Sebastian's eye across the table, and his expression mirrored hers—a mix of determination and exasperation.
Finally, Emperor Constantine leaned forward, his voice lowering to a dangerously calm tone. "King Caspian, let's be honest. This child represents a potential bridge or a deep chasm. If we acknowledge and nurture him as a shared heir, it could end centuries of animosity. However, if Eldoria refuses to recognize his rightful place as Grand Prince of Stonehaven, it could cause irreparable damage to our already fragile relations." The unspoken threat of conflict loomed ominously in the air.
King Caspian's face hardened, but Anya noticed a flicker of doubt in his eyes. The weight of his kingdom's future and the immense pressure of avoiding war clearly pressed down on him.
The opulent Grand Reception Hall was filled with an unspoken threat from Emperor Constantine, whose word "war" echoed louder than any shouted declaration. King Caspian's initial defiance began to waver under the immense pressure. He was aware of Stonehaven's formidable military might, and while Eldoria was strong, a direct conflict over a child would be catastrophic for both nations and their global reputation. As he glanced at Queen Isabella , who gave him a subtle, almost imperceptible nod, he felt a silent urging towards compromise.
"Very well, Emperor Constantine," King Caspian finally conceded, his voice grudging but firm. "Eldoria acknowledges the undeniable paternal lineage of Prince Astarion to the Imperial House of Stonehaven. And we acknowledge that he is the son of our own Princess Lyra." He paused, his eyes sweeping across the assembled delegations. "However, the child's well-being and his future autonomy must be paramount."
Empress Astrid offered a serene smile. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Our utmost desire is for our grandson's happiness and prosperity."
Sebastian then spoke, his voice clear and resonant, capturing everyone's attention. "Lyra and I have discussed this matter. Astarion, our child, is a unique blend of both our nations. He possesses the blood of both Eldoria and Stonehaven. To compel him to adopt a single identity or deny him the other would be a disservice to him and to the potential for peace between our kingdoms." He gazed directly at his father and then at King Caspian. "Therefore, we propose a distinct solution."
Anya took a deep breath, her heart pounding. This was the compromise they had briefly discussed in the Salon d'Or—a bold, perhaps unprecedented, path.
Sebastian continued, "Astarion will retain his royal and imperial styles and titles from both Eldoria and Stonehaven. He will be formally recognized as both Grand Prince Astarion of Stonehaven and Prince Astarion of Eldoria."
A ripple of astonishment spread through the hall. Such a dual title, publicly acknowledged, was unprecedented in the history of their rivalry.
"However," Anya added, stepping forward slightly and her voice gaining strength, "Rio will be raised outside the direct palace life of both nations for most of his childhood. He will receive an education that encompasses the history, culture, and languages of both Eldoria and Stonehaven, but it will be a neutral education focused on his individual development." She met her father's eyes. "He will not be groomed as an immediate heir for either throne, nor will he be used as a political symbol by either side."
Emperor Constantine's sharp eyes narrowed as he absorbed the proposal. He understood the risks involved, but he also recognized the immense opportunity it presented. A child, immersed in both cultures, had the potential to truly bridge the divide. "And what about his future responsibilities?" he pressed, his voice firm.
Sebastian's voice was firm as he declared, "That choice will be his and his alone. At the age of twenty-one, Astarion would be presented with the full extent of his Eldorian royal birthright and his Stonehaven Imperial responsibilities. He would then make an informed decision about embracing one, both, or neither of his official royal and imperial titles and styles, and the responsibilities that came with them. He would decide the path his life would take."
Silence falls upon the hall, heavy with the gravity of the proposal. It was a radical, almost revolutionary idea. Granting a royal, and potentially imperial, child such autonomy was a stark departure from centuries of tradition. However, it provided a path to immediate conflict resolution, a diplomatic masterpiece born from the desperate yearning of two parents for their son's freedom.
King Caspian looked at his council, their faces a mixture of shock and reluctant consideration. He understood the proposal was fraught with peril, but the alternative—a direct confrontation with Stonehaven over a child—was far worse. This unprecedented agreement could buy them time, foster a fragile peace, and prevent the immediate weaponization of Astarion's existence.
Emperor Constantine leaned back in his chair, a slow, calculated smile spreading across his face. "A bold proposition," he mused, his gaze resting on Anya and Sebastian. "A gamble, perhaps. But one that, under these unique circumstances, could foster a new era. Very well." He turned to King Caspian. "Stonehaven agrees to this… experimental arrangement, provided the terms of Astarion's neutral upbringing and education are meticulously overseen by representatives from both our houses, and that parental access is granted equally to the Crown Prince Sebastian and the Princess Lyra."
King Caspian, faced with no viable alternative that didn't risk bloodshed or further humiliation, swallowed hard. "Eldoria… agrees."
The tension in the Grand Reception Hall, although still present, subtly shifted. The fragile peace brokered there felt less like a triumph and more like the opening gambit of a far more intricate game. The agreement to allow Leo to choose his path at 21 and to raise him in a 'neutral' environment was revolutionary. However, as the Eldorian and Stonehaven delegations dispersed to their respective wings of the palace, the practicalities of such an arrangement immediately began to surface.
The first challenge was to establish a neutral environment. Where would Astarion live? What constituted a truly neutral education when two powerful nations had centuries of history, culture, and even historical biases to impart?
Hours later, Sebastian, Anya, King Caspian, and Emperor Constantine, accompanied by their most trusted advisors, reconvened in a more intimate and less opulent salon. The grand pronouncements had given way to the practicalities of logistics.
"We propose a secure estate in the borderlands," Emperor Constantine suggested, gesturing to a map unrolled on the table. "A previously neutral territory, perhaps one with a history of peaceful exchange between our peoples. It would be equidistant, allowing for fair parental access."
"And who would be responsible for overseeing this estate?" King Caspian replied, his voice tinged with suspicion. "Who would staff it? Eldorian royalists or Stonehaven Imperialists? We cannot afford to be influenced by either party."
"A joint committee," Empress Astrid proposed, her tone reasonable. "Composed of trusted, impartial educators and staff, approved by both our majesties, would be established. They would be sworn to neutrality and solely dedicated to Grand Prince Astarion's well-being and education, free from political influence."
Anya, listening intently, understood the immense challenge of finding truly impartial individuals in such deeply nationalistic societies. Every tutor, guard, and cook could potentially harbor a bias.
Sebastian further emphasized, "His education must encompass a comprehensive curriculum. He must gain a profound understanding of both our histories, languages, and cultures, as well as the broader world. Subjects such as science, arts, and philosophy should be taught, fostering critical thinking rather than blind loyalty."
King Caspian scowled. "Your Imperial Highness, a prince must understand his responsibilities. He cannot be raised in isolation from academic ideals."
Anya retorted, defending Sebastian's point, "He will understand his responsibilities when he chooses them. Until then, he needs to be a child, learning and growing, not groomed for a role he hasn't chosen."
The debate raged on, fierce yet restrained. They delved into every detail, from the precise location of the proposed estate—a centuries-old hunting lodge nestled in a remote, mountainous region historically claimed by neither party but utilized by both for diplomatic meetings—to the composition of the oversight committee, the curriculum design, and, most importantly, the schedule for parental visits.
"Regular and balanced access," Empress Astrid insisted. "He must have equal time with both parents and both sets of grandparents. It's crucial for him to form bonds with his entire family."
This was another potential minefield. Anya had been Astarion's sole parent for a decade. Sharing him, even with Sebastian, would be a monumental adjustment. Moreover, confronting her own parents, who still struggled to reconcile 'Anya' with 'Princess Lyra,' would add another layer of complexity.
As the outlines of the "Neutral Prince Protocol" began to emerge, Anya experienced a flicker of hope. Although it was a complex and fragile framework, it provided Astarion with something truly unique: a childhood of choice.
The following day, a small, highly secure convoy departed from the Eldorian palace. It carried Anya, Sebastian, and a remarkably excited Astarion, who was convinced he was embarking on a grand adventure. Their destination was the isolated lodge, Rio's new temporary home, where he would begin his unprecedented "neutral" upbringing. Eldorian and Stonehaven security personnel, dressed in civilian attire, maintained a tense yet respectful distance from the convoy.
As the palace faded in the rearview mirror, Anya turned to Sebastian. "This is just the beginning, isn't it?"
He gently squeezed her hand. "The very beginning, Lyra. But we're doing it together now." He paused, a new gravity in his voice. "There's still so much to explain, isn't there? About our past, about… everything." His gaze drifted to Astarion, humming happily in his car seat, oblivious to the seismic shift he had brought about in two kingdoms. Anya knew they couldn't run from their past any longer. The time for truth, for both of them, was fast approaching.