The Storm Begins

The abandoned Skyhaven Theater still reeked of gunpowder and desperation. Hiroshi stood tall amidst the chaos, his sharp gaze locked onto Princess Evelyn. Her golden hair was disheveled, her dress torn from the skirmish, but her regal aura remained unshaken.

"You saved me," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sirens.

Hiroshi adjusted his sleek black coat, dusting off a few specks of debris. "Couldn't let you die before we had a proper conversation, could I?"

Evelyn let out a soft chuckle before shaking her head. "They'll send more. Whoever ordered this attack won't stop until I'm dead."

Hiroshi's smirk didn't waver. "Then we better make sure they never get the chance. My estate is the safest place on the continent. No one can touch you there."

Despite her initial hesitation, Evelyn nodded. "Alright. But once we arrive, I expect answers."

Hiroshi gestured toward his car, the custom-built Aetherion V7, a hypercar designed for speed and luxury. As they slid into the vehicle, the AI-powered system came to life, its holographic dashboard pulsing with energy.

"Welcome back, Lord Von Drakrion. Initiating secure route to the estate."

The neon-lit highways of the capital stretched ahead as Hiroshi's car roared forward, its engine humming like a beast eager to break free. Evelyn sat in silence, watching the city blur past them.

"Your family… they're more than just nobles, aren't they?" she finally asked.

Hiroshi smirked. "We're not just old money. The Von Drakrion family controls nearly forty percent of the continent's economy. Trade, technology, military contracts—you name it, we own it."

Evelyn exhaled. "That's an unsettling amount of power for one family."

"It is," Hiroshi admitted, gripping the wheel tighter. "And that's exactly why you're safest with me."

The Von Drakrion Stronghold: A Fortress of Power

The Von Drakrion estate was nothing short of breathtaking. Unlike traditional noble castles, this was a citadel of futuristic might. Towering titanium-alloy spires reached into the sky, reinforced glass windows shimmered under the moonlight, and the vast AI-patrolled grounds spread as far as the eye could see.

As the car approached the main gate, the security barriers instantly retracted, granting them passage. Hundreds of drones hovered above the estate, ensuring that not a single unauthorized soul entered uninvited.

Princess Evelyn stepped out of the vehicle, staring in awe. "This… this is beyond anything I expected."

Hiroshi grinned. "Welcome to my home."

The moment they stepped inside, Rosalyn Von Drakrion was waiting. Dressed in an elegant yet imposing white power suit, her piercing gaze analyzed Evelyn with quiet intensity.

"A guest?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hiroshi removed his coat. "Not just any guest. Meet Princess Evelyn."

Rosalyn's eyes sharpened. "The missing heir?"

Evelyn lifted her chin. "Yes."

Rosalyn sighed, walking toward the grand control hall. "This just got complicated. Follow me."

The main hall was a fusion of historical elegance and cutting-edge technology. Holographic panels displayed live data feeds—financial markets, security reports, military activity. Every movement of the world's most powerful players was being tracked within this very room.

Rosalyn took a seat, folding her hands. "Let's not waste time. Why are they trying to kill you?"

Evelyn hesitated before speaking. "Because I know the truth about my lineage. The Queen isn't my real mother."

Silence.

Hiroshi and Rosalyn exchanged glances.

"You mean you're not the legitimate heir?" Rosalyn asked.

"No, I am," Evelyn corrected. "But my birth mother was assassinated before she could claim the throne. The Queen took me in, raising me as her own, but she always feared I'd uncover the truth. Now, someone powerful has decided I need to die before I expose everything."

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

Rosalyn's fingers tapped against the armrest. "And what do you plan to do with this truth?"

Evelyn's fists clenched. "I want my throne back. I want justice for my mother. And I need allies powerful enough to stand against those who oppose me."

Hiroshi leaned back, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, Princess, you came to the right place."

The First Strike

Before another word could be spoken, the estate's alarm blared to life.

Rosalyn's AI interface lit up. "Intrusion detected. Unidentified hostiles approaching."

Hiroshi turned to the holographic feed. A convoy of black armored vehicles was speeding toward the estate. Hoverbikes flanked their sides, mercenaries heavily armed and ready for war.

"That's a full-on hit squad," Rosalyn noted. "They came prepared."

Hiroshi stood, rolling his shoulders. "Then let's give them a proper welcome."

Evelyn stood as well. "I can fight."

Hiroshi smirked. "I know. But let me handle the opening act."

She looked like she wanted to argue, but the confidence in his voice made her pause.

Rosalyn, unbothered, waved her hand. "Just don't turn the estate into rubble."

Hiroshi retrieved his custom-built firearm, a sleek rifle equipped with an AI-assisted targeting system. The weapon pulsed with energy as he activated it.

With a final glance at Evelyn, he flashed a grin. "Stay here. I'll be back before you know it."

Then, with the speed of a predator, Hiroshi disappeared into the night, ready to meet the assassins head-on.

End of Chapter 20.