Long before sorrow and war darkened the halls of Aurelion, the palace gardens had once been a sanctuary of laughter.
The Kingdom of Aurelion was famed for its silver towers, its vast libraries, and the unmatched beauty of its royal bloodline. Yet among all the treasures of the realm, none was spoken of more fondly than the sight of the two children who wandered the rose gardens each morning.
Princess Maria Valerienne a 7 year old , was a vision even in childhood. Her hair shone like strands of living ruby beneath the sun, soft curls cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes were a bright, clear blue mystical that mirrored the sea beyond the palace cliffs, the whole kingdom was mesmerisedby those blue pearls. Her skin carried starlight glow, untouched by hardship, and her smile possessed a warmth capable of melting even the sternest noble.
Beside her walked Prince Cassian Dravenhart , a 8 year old, heir to the northern duchy. Where Maria resembled sunlight, Cassian seemed carved from shadow. His hair was as dark as midnight and fell loosely across his brow, and his eyes, sharp and bright, held a deep shade of green that glimmered like emeralds beneath forest light.
Together they formed a strange yet beautiful contrast.
The servants often whispered that the gods themselves must have crafted them as a pair.
One morning, Maria ran through the rose paths, her small shoes brushing against the dew-covered grass.
"Cassian, you promised you would wait!"
The boy leaned lazily against a marble fountain, watching her approach with amused patience.
"A princess ought not chase a man so desperately," he said with exaggerated dignity.
Maria placed her hands on her hips.
"And a prince ought not abandon his future bride in the garden."
Cassian laughed softly, stepping closer.
"You are hardly a bride. At present you resemble a furious little kitten."
She grabbed a fallen branch and pointed it toward him like a sword.
"Then defend yourself."
Their childish duel lasted only moments before Maria stumbled upon the edge of her dress.
Cassian caught her by the wrist before she could fall.
For a brief moment the two children stood close enough to hear each other breathe.
Maria looked up at him.
"Cassian… will you truly remain beside me when we grow older?"
His playful expression faded, replaced by something rare and sincere.
"I swear it," he said quietly. "No matter what path fate forces us upon, I will never abandon you."
The wind stirred the roses around them, scattering petals like crimson snow.
Neither child realized that fate had already begun sharpening its blade.
For beyond Aurelion's borders, a dark nation had begun rising from the shadows.
The Kingdom of Noctyra.
A land ruled not merely by kings, but by mages whose beauty rivaled angels and whose power rivaled demons.