Chapter 25: A Chance Meeting

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The golden light of the evening bathed the Dragon Continent in warmth, illuminating the lush hills and towering mountains that stretched out beyond the horizon. Alen stood outside the palace, gazing out at the peaceful scene before him. The weight of his recent birthday ceremony had started to settle, and with it came the quiet realization that his role as the **Saint of Dragons** would only grow more complicated with time.

His six years of life had been full of rigorous training, responsibilities, and quiet reflection. The ceremony had been a grand event, drawing nobles and lords from across the continent, all eager to secure their place beside the young dragon heir. But for Alen, it had felt like just another step on the path laid before him—an unavoidable part of the journey toward something much greater.

Yet today felt different. Today, the palace grounds seemed quieter, as if the entire continent was taking a breath after the celebration.

"Prince Alen," a voice interrupted his thoughts.

Alen turned, his golden eyes falling on a young girl approaching him. She was about his age, perhaps a year younger, with long silver hair that gleamed in the morning light and bright sapphire eyes full of curiosity. Her noble attire was simple but elegant, a sign of high status without the usual pomp that surrounded most nobility.

The girl hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward with more confidence. "It's an honor to meet you," she said with a polite bow. "I'm **Selene**, daughter of **Duke Arthan**."

Alen nodded slightly, recognizing the name. Duke Arthan was one of the most powerful nobles on the **Dragon Continent**, known for his wisdom and influence. Alen had heard of him, but this was his first time meeting the duke's daughter.

"You must have traveled far," Alen said, his tone neutral, though polite.

Selene smiled softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Yes, but it was worth it. I've... heard a lot about you."

Alen raised an eyebrow slightly, though he didn't respond immediately. People often said that—they had heard stories of him, his abilities, his position. But Selene didn't seem to be here for the same reasons as the others. She wasn't pushing for favor or attempting to manipulate the conversation toward politics. There was something genuine in her eyes, though Alen remained cautious.

"I hope the journey wasn't too difficult," Alen said, keeping the conversation light. He could sense Selene's nervousness, though she seemed to be trying her best to remain composed.

"It was fine," Selene replied, her voice more confident now. "I've always enjoyed traveling, and the **Dragon Continent** is beautiful this time of year."

Alen nodded again, glancing around the quiet palace grounds. "It is."

There was a brief pause between them, the silence not awkward but rather a moment of quiet observation. Alen wasn't one for small talk, and it seemed that Selene was gathering her thoughts, trying to find something meaningful to say.

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"I've been looking forward to meeting you," Selene said after a moment, her voice softer now, more sincere. "Not just because of who you are, but because... well, I've always admired you from afar."

Alen blinked, the admission catching him off guard. Admiration was something he was used to, but not in such a straightforward, personal way. Most people admired his status or his strength, but Selene's words felt more personal, more genuine.

"You don't know me," Alen said plainly, though without any sharpness in his voice. It was a simple statement of fact.

Selene laughed softly, the sound light and unassuming. "I know. I suppose it sounds strange, but I've always admired the way you carry yourself. The stories may have been about your achievements, but it's your calmness, your... presence that has always stood out to me."

Alen studied her for a moment, his golden eyes unreadable. There was something different about her, something he hadn't seen in the other nobles who had flocked to him after the ceremony. She wasn't trying to impress him with flattery or status. She seemed... honest.

"I see," he said simply, not quite sure how to respond. He had spent most of his life focused on training, on cultivating his abilities, on understanding the weight of the role he would one day fully assume. Friendships had been secondary, and the idea of admiration, especially from someone his own age, was foreign to him.

"I'm not trying to sound foolish," Selene added quickly, her sapphire eyes meeting his. "I just... thought it would be nice to meet you properly. Away from the ceremony and all the formalities."

Alen's expression softened slightly. He understood the feeling. The ceremony had been filled with expectations and political maneuvering. This, by contrast, felt more... normal.

"We can walk, if you like," Alen offered, gesturing toward the palace gardens. "There's no need for formalities here."

Selene's smile brightened, and she nodded eagerly. "I'd like that."

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The two children walked in silence for a few moments, the sound of their footsteps soft against the stone paths. The palace gardens were lush and quiet, the air filled with the scent of flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Alen felt more at ease here, away from the eyes of the court, where he could simply exist without the constant weight of expectations.

"Your home must be quite different from this," Alen said after a while, breaking the silence.

Selene nodded, glancing around the gardens. "It is. Our estate is large, but it's not as... grand as this. My father prefers simplicity. But I've always loved the idea of being here, in the heart of the Dragon Continent."

Alen tilted his head slightly. "Why's that?"

Selene thought for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Because it feels like the center of everything. The history, the legacy... it's all here. And you... you're a part of that legacy."

Alen glanced at her, his expression still neutral but curious. He wasn't used to hearing people talk about him as a part of something larger, even though he knew it to be true. The weight of his role as the **Saint of Dragons** was ever-present, but hearing someone his age speak of it so naturally was... different.

"Do you ever feel the weight of it all?" Selene asked suddenly, her voice quiet but curious. "Of being who you are?"

Alen didn't answer immediately. He had always been aware of the burden of his status, but he rarely thought of it in those terms. It was simply a part of who he was, something he had grown into over the years.

"Sometimes," he admitted finally, his voice low. "But it's not something I let control me."

Selene nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "I admire that."

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Their conversation flowed easily after that, with Selene asking about the palace, the gardens, and the world around them. She was curious, eager to learn, but never pushy. Alen found that he didn't mind answering her questions, even if they were simple. It was refreshing to speak with someone who wasn't trying to gain something from him, someone who was simply interested in the person he was.

As they walked, Alen felt a sense of ease settling over him. Selene's presence wasn't overwhelming, nor was it demanding. She was genuine in her interest, and though they were practically strangers, there was a sense that they could become something more—friends, perhaps, in time.

By the time they returned to the palace, the air between them was lighter, more comfortable.

"Thank you for the walk," Selene said, her sapphire eyes shining with warmth. "I hope... I hope we can do this again sometime."

Alen nodded, his golden eyes meeting hers. "Perhaps we will."

As she smiled and turned to leave, Alen watched her go, his thoughts quiet but steady. Selene was still a stranger in many ways, but something about her felt different. She wasn't like the others—there was no ambition, no hidden agenda. Just honesty.

And for now, that was enough.

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