The school bell echoed down the stone corridors as students slowly dispersed after another exhausting day for Class E.
Lunin slung his bag over his shoulder. Donald hesitated for a few seconds before approaching him.
Donald: "See you tomorrow…"
Lunin: (slightly bowing his head) "Of course."
The words were short but clear enough. There was still an unresolved distance between them. Neither friendship nor hostility; just a fragile balance between two characters sizing each other up.
A few steps later, Lunin noticed two black-cloaked guards waiting by the school gates. They silently bowed their heads. Without asking, Lunin walked on; they followed him.
As the sun set, the sky turned into a curtain of red and purple.
---
👑 Scene Change: Royal Palace, Main Hall
In the vast hall adorned with gold-trimmed tapestries, only a few flickering candles burned. The palace corridors were filled with whispers.
King Eli entered with heavy steps, hands clasped behind his back. The lines on his face carried the marks of the burden and the flow of information.
King Eli: "Majesty… I have brought the latest reports."
King Valtorion sat on his throne, wearing no armor; just a black velvet robe embroidered in blue. He set aside his goblet and turned to Eli.
Valtorion: "Speak."
King Eli: "Rumors spreading throughout the palace… that Crown Prince Sebastian and Sora Valenhard are betrothed. The source of this information is still unknown."
Valtorion: "Let people talk. Every royal with ears creates their own tale anyway."
Eli bowed and left the room.
---
🌙 Night: Royal Chambers — The Queen's First Appearance
Moonlight streamed through the queen's chamber window. Queen Verdia was brushing her hair in front of the mirror when the door creaked open.
Valtorion entered.
Verdia: (cold and sharp) "It's our 12th year, Valtorion."
Valtorion: "I haven't heard that name from you in a long time… Verdia Valtorion. How noble, how delicate."
Verdia: "Don't deceive yourself. Do you think I'm unaware of the games played in the royal palace? Why do I hear about decisions concerning my son… through rumors?!"
Valtorion: (with a dismissive smirk) "Do you want an answer? Is it so daring to ask me this just because you are his mother?"
Verdia: "All my sons are equally important to me, Valtorion. But I will not sacrifice any of them to your political chessboard."
Valtorion: "Don't worry, my incompetent son is just marrying a good noble girl. What's the problem?"
Verdia: "Forget the past—"
Valtorion: (cutting her off) "Enough. Children! Escort the queen to her chamber."
Two silent servants entered and stood behind the queen. Verdia stood tall, eyes fixed on Valtorion, and left the room.
---
🌌 Night: Lunin's Return
Meanwhile, near the city's outer walls, Lunin's noble guard carriage headed towards the palace's inner areas. Looking out the window, his eyes were lost in the distance.
His inner voice spoke:
> "So much… happening in such a short time. Am I really part of this system now?"
The convoy moved away. The stars seemed to watch over them in the sky.