Shadows of the Throne

The air inside the abandoned Skyhaven Theater was thick with dust and tension. The shattered glass from the recent firefight crunched beneath Hiroshi's boots as he stood across from Princess Evelyn.

Her piercing blue eyes locked onto his.

"You saved me," she whispered, her voice a mix of relief and exhaustion.

Hiroshi smirked. "Well, I couldn't let you die before we had a proper conversation, could I?"

The princess let out a soft chuckle, but it faded quickly. Her expression hardened.

"They won't stop coming," she said. "Whoever ordered this attack will send more."

Hiroshi holstered his pistol and adjusted his sleek black suit. "Then we should get moving."

Evelyn hesitated. "Where?"

"My estate," he answered without a second thought. "The Von Drakrion stronghold is the safest place on this continent. No one can touch you there."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to argue—but deep down, she knew he was right.

"Fine," she said. "But once we get there, I need answers."

Hiroshi smiled. "And I need a drink. Let's go."

The Von Drakrion Estate: A Fortress of Power

The ride back to Hiroshi's estate was nothing short of breathtaking.

His hypercar, a sleek, custom-built Aetherion V7, roared through the neon-lit highways at breakneck speed. The vehicle's AI-assisted drive system made navigating the futuristic city seamless, and its tinted windows shielded them from prying eyes.

Inside the car, Evelyn remained silent, watching the passing skyscrapers.

Finally, she turned to Hiroshi. "Your family… they're not just nobility, are they?"

Hiroshi smirked. "We're more than just 'nobility.' The Von Drakrion name isn't just old money—we own nearly 40% of the continent's economy. Industries, trade, technology, military contracts—you name it, we have it."

She exhaled. "That's… a lot of power for one family."

Hiroshi chuckled. "It is. And that's why you're safest with me."

As they approached his estate, the massive, futuristic fortress loomed in the distance. Unlike traditional castles, the Von Drakrion estate was a fusion of modern technology and timeless grandeur. Towering spires of reinforced glass and titanium-alloy structures stood surrounded by sprawling AI-patrolled gardens. Automated defense turrets lined the outer perimeter, and hovering security drones silently watched over the estate.

The moment Hiroshi's car arrived at the gates, the AI-controlled barrier identified him and slid open seamlessly.

Princess Evelyn stared in awe. "This… this is insane."

"Welcome to my home," Hiroshi said with a grin.

Reunion & Revelation

The moment Hiroshi stepped inside, his sister, Rosalyn Von Drakrion, was already waiting for him.

Dressed in an elegant white power suit, she raised an eyebrow as her gaze flickered to Evelyn. "Well, well. A guest?"

"Not just any guest," Hiroshi said, removing his coat. "Meet Princess Evelyn."

Rosalyn's expression didn't change, but her eyes narrowed slightly. "The missing heir to the throne?"

Evelyn straightened, showing no signs of intimidation. "Yes."

Rosalyn exhaled, walking past them toward the grand living hall. "This just got complicated."

Hiroshi and Evelyn followed her inside. The massive hall was lined with holographic panels displaying real-time financial markets, military deployments, and political updates. It was more than just a home—it was the command center of the most powerful family in the kingdom.

Rosalyn took a seat and gestured for them to do the same.

"Let's get to the point," she said, fixing her piercing gaze on Evelyn. "Why are they trying to kill you?"

Evelyn's jaw tightened. "Because… I know something I shouldn't."

Hiroshi leaned forward. "And that is?"

She hesitated, then took a deep breath.

"The Queen isn't my real mother."

Silence filled the room.

Hiroshi and Rosalyn exchanged glances.

Rosalyn was the first to speak. "You're saying… you're not the legitimate heir?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No, I am. But my birth mother was assassinated before she could claim the throne. The current Queen took me in, raising me as her daughter—but she always feared I would uncover the truth. And now, someone powerful has decided I need to die before that truth is exposed."

Hiroshi let out a low whistle. "That's one hell of a secret."

Rosalyn tapped her fingers on the table. "And what do you plan to do about it?"

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists. "I want my throne back. I want justice for my mother. And I need allies powerful enough to stand against the Queen's supporters."

Hiroshi leaned back, considering her words.

Then, he grinned.

"Well, Princess," he said, "you came to the right place."

The First Move

Before they could plan further, a loud alarm blared through the estate.

Rosalyn's AI interface lit up.

"Intrusion detected," the system reported. "Unauthorized vehicles approaching."

Hiroshi's smirk faded. "Looks like we have company."

Rosalyn swiped across the interface, bringing up a live drone feed.

A convoy of black armored vehicles sped toward the estate, heavily armed mercenaries riding in hoverbikes alongside them.

"That's a hit squad," Rosalyn said. "They're coming for Evelyn."

Hiroshi cracked his knuckles. "Then let's welcome them properly."

He turned to Evelyn. "Stay here."

She frowned. "I can fight—"

"I know," he cut in, flashing a charming grin. "But for now, let's see what I can do."

Before she could argue, Hiroshi was already moving.

He reached into a hidden compartment, pulling out a sleek, high-tech rifle. The weapon's AI targeting system activated, scanning the approaching enemies.

Rosalyn, unbothered as ever, leaned back in her chair. "Don't make too much of a mess, dear brother."

"No promises," Hiroshi said.

Then, with the grace of a trained warrior, he disappeared into the night—ready to face the assassins head-on.

End of Chapter 19.