"Princess Leah… Princess Leah…"
The young woman slowly lifted her gaze.
"Aren't you ready yet? It's getting late," a voice burst in, bright and impatient. "Today is a big day for your brother. Come on, be ready!"
A young woman rushed toward her. She was beautiful in an effortless way, with warm brown, wavy hair tumbling over her shoulders. Gold and silver jewelry glimmered at her ears and wrists, delicate chains catching the morning light. Her face was round and lively, always on the verge of a smile.
Leah turned toward her, her eyes thoughtful.
"Yeah, yeah… I'll be ready, Thalia."
Thalia stopped short and studied her friend. "What's wrong, darling?" she asked softly, stepping closer. She gently took Leah's palm and lifted it, concern creasing her brow. "You seem a little off."
"Nothing," Leah replied quickly.
Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Oh no. I know my friend. There is definitely something wrong. You can share anything with me."
Leah hesitated, then withdrew her hand. "I think I have to meet my father now."
Thalia groaned dramatically. "Now? Can you meet him later?" Her eyes sparkled. "Dress up quickly. I don't want to miss Prince Damion's tournament. I really want to see him fight our greatest general, Ser Arthur Dungen."
A faint blush crept across Thalia's cheeks.
"I won't take much time," Leah said calmly. "I'll be on time."
Thalia sighed in defeat. "Fine. My father Garron is in the King's Court with your father. I'll inform Mauris, Frauner, and my little brother Hentry to meet you at the court gate."
"Okay," Leah smiled. "I promise I won't be late."
"See you later." Thalia turned and walked away, her steps light and quick.
Leah remained still for a moment.Then she turned toward her chamber.She approached her closet, where a beautiful, shimmering dress hung, soft white fabric embroidered with silver threads, fit for a princess meant to be admired. She looked at it… and then turned away.
Her steps carried her to the far corner of the room.
There rested a large wooden box, heavy and old. Its surface was carved with lion motifs: claws, flowing manes, and roaring faces etched deep into the wood. Time had darkened it, but the craftsmanship remained proud.
Leah knelt and gently opened it.
Inside lay steel.
She lifted a bracelet-like hand armor and wrapped it around her forearms, the metal hugging her skin as if it belonged there. Knee guards followed, strapped firmly around her legs. Then she secured a semi-armor over her chest, above her waist: light, flexible, built for movement rather than display. A skirt-like armor was tied at her hips, its layered plates whispering softly as they settled.She slid armored footwear onto her feet, the soles firm and steady. Finally, she tied her hair back: tight, practical, ready.
From the box, she took a long object wrapped in worn leather. Slowly, she untied the knots. A sword emerged, its sheath dark and simple, its balance unmistakable.
Leah drew the blade.
The steel sang. She stepped forward and swung. The sword cut through the air in smooth arcs: clean, controlled. She pivoted on her heel, rotating her body into a perfect circle, the blade following like an extension of her arm. She shifted stances, fluid and precise, executing a series of elegant strikes: high, low, spinning once more before ending in a poised guard.Not a single movement was wasted.
Satisfied, she slid the sword back into its cover and secured it across her back. Leah straightened.
Then she walked out of the room: confident, unhesitating.
Two guards fell into step behind her as she made her way toward the King's Court. Along the corridors, noblewomen paused, their eyes widening as they caught sight of the armored princess moving with such purpose.She climbed the long, wide stone steps leading to the court.At the gate stood the twins.
Mauris grinned the moment he saw her. He wore black armor polished to a dull sheen, a sword hanging at his side. Medium in height, short-haired, and broad-shouldered, he looked every bit the loyal knight.
"Princess," he said warmly. "You look stunning."
Leah smiled in return.
On the other side, Frauner stood in a black robe, a red headband tied across his forehead. His medium-length hair was neatly bound, his expression calm and sharp. He nodded lightly.
"Mauris, move," Frauner said dryly. "The princess has serious business to discuss with His Majesty."
He gently pushed Mauris aside.
Mauris stumbled a step, then regained his balance and shoved Frauner back. "Hey!"
"Stop it, you two!" Thalia's voice cut in.
She arrived with her little brother Hentry: a teenage boy in a slightly shiny green robe, energy spilling from him. Laughing, Hentry tossed a small ball toward Frauner, who caught it effortlessly with one hand.
"I'll speak with my father and return," Leah said. "Please wait a little."
She walked toward the entrance.
Two lion statues stood guard on either side of the massive doors, stone eyes forever watchful. Two guards flanked them.
One stepped forward and announced loudly, "Your Majesty, the princess requests permission to enter."
"Yes," came the voice from within. "She may come."
Leah entered.
The echo of metal-shod footsteps rang through the vast hall.
King Alric Grimfort of Clan Grimfort sat upon a throne of dark granite, fused to the floor itself. Iron bands clenched its sides, and the high back rose like a fortress wall. The armrests were carved into blunt towers, scarred by time and war: a throne less of luxury and more of unbreakable rule.
The king was broad-shouldered and immovable, his face hardened by years of command, his eyes steady and unyielding.Beside him stood his brother, Garron Grimfort: leaner, scarred, restless. Armored like a veteran warrior, his hand hovered near his blade, his gaze sharp with battle-honed instinct.
The king's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Leah.
Garron smiled gently.
Leah bowed deeply. "Majesty. Uncle Garron."
She straightened and spoke with calm certainty.
"Majesty," she said, "I wish to fight Ser Arthur Dungen"
The hall seemed to still.
"to prove my skills before the people in the arena."
Silence followed.
Steel, at last, had stepped into the light.