Ep 16. The Gilded Cage

The golden palace of EaYu—The Kingdom of East Yuesai—loomed over its capital, a masterpiece of architecture and ambition. Its domed roofs sparkled under the waning sunlight, while its intricate carvings spoke of ancient glory and resilience. Beyond its fortified walls, the city pulsed with life. The hum of crowded markets, the distant clang of blacksmiths' hammers, and the faint melody of street performers created a symphony that only the heart of a kingdom could produce. In the distance, towering spires of steel and glass reflected a world striving for balance between tradition and progress.

Aaminata stood on the palace balcony, gray eyes fixed on the horizon where the city met the sky. Her hands absently turned a golden ring, an heirloom that anchored her restless thoughts. Taj Alwahm, the crown of illusions, rested lightly upon her head. To the unknowing eye, it was a symbol of royalty, but Aaminata felt the deeper burden of its power—a relic capable of shaping reality itself.

"Do you think this war is what we need, Baba?" Her voice, soft yet resolute, broke the stillness of the air.

From the shadowed arches behind her, King Fula emerged, his royal robes flowing like liquid gold. The patterns etched into his attire mirrored the ornate carvings of the palace walls, a testament to his rule. His gaze softened as it fell upon his daughter, but the weight of the crown he wore matched her own.

"Need for what, Mina?" His voice was steady, but there was weariness in his tone.

"For peace," Aaminata replied, turning to meet his eyes. Her idealism clashed with the shadow of doubt that flickered within them. "For unity. The remaining Xetas states still don't believe in kingdoms like ours. They reject central rule, and there are whispers that our strength is fragile. An illusion."

A faint furrow appeared on Fula's brow, though his expression remained composed. "The Xetas abandoned such unity long ago, Mina. For centuries, they thrived under their alliance, but it was always a delicate balance, built on mistrust and ambition. When one man rose with dreams of unification, their cracks shattered into chaos."

She frowned but said nothing. The name "Veylun" lingered in her mind like a shadow—an ambitious leader who had turned Xetas from a symbol of cooperation into a fractured battleground.

"They weren't always like this," she finally said, her voice quieter now. "For centuries, the alliance worked. The Governing Alliance held them together, gave them strength."

Fula sighed, stepping closer to her. His gaze shifted toward the city, its flickering lights a stark contrast to the growing darkness in the east. "Fifteen years ago, Xetas had a choice—to preserve what they built or gamble it all for power. Veylun offered them a dream of strength, and ten of their states followed him into ruin. Now, Yuesai stands as a kingdom built on ambition, while the remaining Xetas states claw at the remnants of what they once had."

Aaminata tightened her grip on the ring in her hands. "What if we approached the remaining states, Baba? Strengthened our alliance with them... instead of focusing on racing Yuesai to assimulating them out of fear? Together, we could still stand against Yuesai."

Her father's expression darkened. "You're naïve, Mina. The alliance we once had with Xetas is gone. The states left behind are fractured, desperate to survive Yuesai's quest to assimulate them. They no longer desire an alliance—they crave power."

"What do you mean?"

Fula's voice hardened. "They trespass into our ruins, Mina. Even those that feign loyalty to the alliance. They're searching for something, and whatever it is has made them desperate. Desperation breeds betrayal."

Her shoulders slumped, the weight of his words pressing down on her chest. "I just want to do what's right," she said softly.

Fula placed a firm hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. "And that's why you've fought so hard these past years. But war doesn't just require strength—it demands foresight. That's why I've made a decision."

She blinked, confusion flickering across her face. "What decision?"

"You've proven yourself as a warrior, Mina," he said, his tone steady. "But your strength is not just in battle. It's in strategy, in understanding the bigger picture. That's why you will step away from the front lines."

Her eyes widened. "You're pulling me from the war?"

Fula nodded. "You'll begin your studies at L'académie next year. The battlefield will always be there, but you need to see beyond it."

"Baba, I don't—"

"This is not up for debate," Fula said firmly. "You are my daughter and the future of EaYu. My decision is final."

Before Aaminata could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hall. A palace messenger, cloaked in EaYu's royal colors, appeared at the edge of the balcony, bowing deeply before speaking.

"Your Majesty," the messenger said, his voice urgent and breathless. "An urgent report has arrived from the eastern border."

Fula's brows knitted together as he extended his hand. The messenger approached quickly, placing a rolled parchment into the king's palm. The king's eyes scanned the scroll, and Aaminata noticed the subtle tightening of his jaw.

"Summon the council to the throne room immediately," Fula ordered, his tone sharp and unyielding.

The messenger bowed again and retreated without delay.

"Baba?" Aaminata asked, her confusion evident. "What's happening?"

Fula didn't answer. His expression was unreadable as he turned and disappeared into the palace, the scroll still clutched tightly in his hand.

Aaminata stood there, frozen. The sharpness of her father's departure, coupled with the messenger's urgency, left her both anxious and curious. What was so grave that it warranted an emergency council meeting?

Unable to shake the feeling that something monumental was unfolding, she left the balcony and made her way to the library—a place of solace and answers.

The vast room, lined with towering shelves of ancient tomes and maps, felt both comforting and oppressive. She traced her fingers along the spines of books as her mind churned with questions. Whatever news her father had received, it was clearly significant. But why keep her in the dark?

As she settled into one of the room's oversized chairs, the faint sound of voices echoed from the halls beyond. The council was gathering.

Alone in the library, Aaminata's thoughts swirled with unease. Whatever had arrived at the palace, it wasn't just a message—it was the start of something. And she was determined to uncover what it was.