Tomorrow would be the day. The landing on Earth.
Prior was beside herself with anticipation.
When she had first seen Earth from closer range just a few days ago, she had been deeply moved.
That small blue-green jewel in the black ocean of space.
She could hardly wait to admire Earth's landscapes. Everything would surely feel completely different from Saturn.
Especially Tingdao, with its karst landscape—something she had read a great deal about by now. In photos and videos, everything looked so idyllic and harmonious.
Saturn had karst mountains as well, but there everything was steep and jagged. In Tingdao, the formations looked like waves flowing gently across the land.
So soft.
Still, Prior had to focus. After all, this was not a sightseeing trip—they were on a political mission.
What a shame.
The past few days had been filled with discussions and calculations.
At least Prior was relieved that she didn't have to conduct any major talks—that was entirely Evlina's responsibility. And how calmly she handled it all!
Of course, Prior knew Evlina was nervous too—but she never showed it.
Prior sat at the conference table, gazing out through the panoramic window while taking a satisfied bite of an apple.
She glanced back at her tablet. She still had an hour before their final meeting prior to arrival.
A Cheqi game was open on the screen. The AI opponent had cornered her once again. Its foresters and trees had hemmed her in.
Should she play the fox and jump two spaces forward? She could take one of the foresters—but no, the opponent's eagle was waiting. The fox would be lost next.
Her gaze shifted to one of her donkeys.
The donkeys—capable of so much, except moving diagonally backward.
Prior took another bite of her apple.
Why had anyone ever made that ridiculous rule? She stared at the board, thinking hard. Then she remembered a new rule she had recently learned. Normally, a donkey could not strike diagonally backward—but if an opposing donkey stood diagonally behind it, it could be captured as an exception.
And yes—there it was. The white AI donkey was positioned perfectly.
She thought the move through, then set the apple down beside her on the table.
If she captured the white donkey, she could take the eagle straight ahead on the next turn. To prevent that, the AI would have to move its eagle—clearing the path for the fox.
Prior clapped her hands and laughed, then executed the move.
Everything went exactly as planned. She won the game.
What a wonderful start to the day.
Talina entered the room. "Everything ready?" she asked, casting a mildly critical glance at Prior.
Not everyone understood how Prior could lose herself so completely in different things. For Talina—the other attendant to Princess Evlina—it was incomprehensible. She was the type who always had herself under control and completed every task quickly and meticulously.
"Yes, I've prepared everything. Just give me five more minutes," Prior replied.
Talina sat down beside her. She was several years older than Prior.
She sighed and placed her tablet on the table.
Shortly after, Evlina entered the room.
Prior and Talina moved to stand, but Evlina immediately gestured for them to remain seated and took a seat opposite them.
"So, my dears," she asked with a smile, "are we ready for tomorrow?"
"I can't wait to see the mountains," Prior replied.
Talina shook her head. "Our dreamer, as always."
Evlina laughed. "It's good to be positive. All right—then we'll stick to our plan. First, we observe and try to understand Tingdao's true intentions."
"Exactly," Prior said. "At the beginning, it's best to simply make contacts and listen. While you're with the royal family and the High Council, Talina and I can look around and gather impressions."
Evlina nodded. "Yes. At least one of you will need to stay at my side at all times, though. On the first day, we'll remain together everywhere. The rest of the crew may stay with the ship or attend to other matters. After that, we'll plan each day individually and decide how to divide ourselves."
"Good idea," Talina said. "I'll speak with the captain and the scientists later and remind them of the instructions."
Besides Prior, Evlina, and Talina, only the captain and a few scientists were aboard. They were also carrying several vials of Aethereleum—part of the agreement.
"Shall we go over the names of the royal family and the members of the High Council once more?" Talina asked.
Evlina shook her head. "I think we've done that often enough. I'll certainly recognize Prince Kashion, his parents, and his sister," she continued with a small giggle, "and if I forget a name, I trust they'll be understanding."
Prior nodded. "Exactly. You'll be introduced properly anyway. Are our outfits settled, or would you like to adjust something?"
Evlina gazed thoughtfully out the window for a moment. "No, I think we'll keep it as planned. I'll wear the light blue dress, and you'll each wear light green. Talina will help me with my hair and makeup tomorrow. Everything else will fall into place. The temperatures should be pleasant as well."
Prior looked at Evlina. The very idea that she might need makeup. Evlina looked perfect even just out of bed. Her appearance the next day would surely be spectacular. Prior was genuinely curious to see how Prince Kashion would react.
So far, their communication had been minimal and always very professional. Seeing one another face to face would be something entirely different.
The three of them continued talking about their expectations and the things they were most looking forward to.
The next day, it finally happened. The day had come.
The spacecraft began its descent.
Now Prior felt her heart racing, nerves fluttering intensely. For her, it was an adventure—but almost a new beginning. Setting foot on Earth felt profoundly special. After all, it was the cradle of humanity. In a way, Prior's past and origins lay here—but she was certain that her future would also be reshaped here. Perhaps she could even begin a new life.
The landing was completed, and the doors opened.
Evlina was the first to disembark, followed by the captain, then Talina, Prior, and the others.
As Prior entered the hangar and drew a breath, she felt something strange. Breathing felt easier—despite her excitement. That must have been the natural Earth atmosphere. On Saturn, everything was artificial, and oxygen levels could fluctuate at times.
They walked a few steps, then stopped behind Princess Evlina.
"Welcome to Earth," said a pleasant, deep voice.
A voice Prior knew from television—one she could always recognize. Prince Kashion's voice. He was praised not only for his good looks, but also for that gentle, distinctive tone.
Prior looked ahead, toward the welcoming party: Prince Kashion, his parents, and several others—surely members of the High Council and scientists.
But Prior could only look at Kashion.
In person, he was even more captivating than on screen.
His face was narrow and slightly oval, his chin slim and gently pointed.
His black eyes were almond-shaped, relatively large, calm and focused; his eyebrows straight with a slight arch, neatly shaped. His nose was straight and slender, his lips rather narrow. His skin appeared smooth and light, with an even complexion.
His short black hair was perfectly styled.
Overall, he radiated a deep sense of calm and elegance. He looked impeccably groomed—almost refined.
His clothing was something else entirely. This style was not worn on Saturn. He looked dignified in it. Prince Kashion wore a robe of very dark anthracite, richly embroidered in subtle colors—surely royal patterns. Beneath it, a white fabric showed.
Prior could hardly look away. He truly was a feast for the eyes.
And yet, there was something more about him—something she couldn't quite put into words. Perhaps a sense of familiarity. She thought about it briefly, then found an explanation: they had spoken about him so much lately, analyzed his speeches so thoroughly, that it was only natural he felt familiar.
That had to be it.
Then she noticed something else—a subtle emotion in his gaze. She smiled faintly. She could see how he looked at Princess Evlina, eyes wide with surprise. It seemed as though words had momentarily failed him.
Yes. Evlina was an extraordinary presence.
Prior could practically feel how excited Prince Kashion was because of her.
She nodded to herself, almost imperceptibly. This was surely a historic moment—the moment two of the most important figures in the galaxy stood face to face, seemingly made for one another.
Prior glanced briefly at Evlina.
And yet—if the two of them truly became a couple, wouldn't such perfection almost be painful to witness?
She could barely suppress a grin.
Then a more serious thought crossed her mind—but she quickly pushed it aside.
Where was her own missing puzzle piece? And could she still find it?