Time: Mid-morning
Age: Elira – 6 years old, Kael – 3 years old
The sun streamed through the tall windows of the palace hall. Servants bustled about, nobles whispered in haughty tones, and the empire went about its business, completely unaware of the quiet children in the western wing.
Elira adjusted her dress and glanced down at Kael, who clutched a small wooden sword she had made for him. Today, she had decided, they would practice outside their room, in the public corridors—but carefully, without anyone noticing.
Kael's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm ready!" he said.
Elira smiled and whispered, "Remember, Kael, stay calm, move slowly, and do exactly as I do. No one must see us using our skills."
Step by step, they moved through the corridor. Elira's small body shifted with practiced agility, balancing quietly on the polished floor. She let Kael mimic her movements, guiding his tiny feet and hands.
A sudden sound of footsteps made her freeze. A servant passed by, not noticing them at all. Kael blinked, his heart pounding, but Elira's calm hand on his shoulder reassured him.
Good, she thought. Practice without detection is just as important as fighting itself.
They reached the empty courtyard. Here, Elira allowed them to move a little faster, testing Kael's reflexes. He stumbled a few times but recovered quickly.
"Elira, what if someone sees us?" Kael asked nervously.
She shook her head. "Then we stop. Always remember—our survival comes first."
Even as she guided him, Elira noticed whispers from the nobles in the distance. A few had caught glimpses of Kael's small, steady movements, though they thought nothing of it. Still, she filed the information away. The empire notices everything, she reminded herself. We must remain unseen.
Later, back in their wing, Kael flopped onto the floor, exhausted but happy. "I did it, Elira! I moved like you!"
Elira smiled, brushing hair from his forehead. "Yes, Kael. You're learning quickly. But remember—strength is useless without patience and kindness. Never forget that."
As she tucked him into bed, Elira's mind wandered. Today had been a small victory, but she knew the empire would eventually test them. People might ignore them now, but every action left a mark, even a small one.
We are ready, she thought. In time, they will see us, but we will be prepared. Magic, skill, and heart… nothing can break us if we are careful.
And somewhere deep in the palace, unseen eyes were beginning to notice the Second Princess—and the quiet boy she protected.