Eve of Noah - I

A commotion stirred within the palace. When it became evident that Prince Liam had skipped his meals for two consecutive days, Edwin grew increasingly concerned. On the second day, when Liam failed to respond for hours, Edwin was left with no choice but to inform Queen Isabella. The risk of delaying the matter any further was too great — he knew the consequences could be severe if something went wrong.

Respectful of Liam's privacy and his newformed resolve, Edwin refrained from opening the door himself and instead waited for a response. When Liam finally opened the door, he explained that he was suffering from a headache. Queen Isabella, though relieved that nothing serious had happened, made it clear that such behavior was unacceptable. Skipping meals was not an option, no matter the reason.

Though she forgave him, Liam was punished. For a week, he was forbidden from attending the Arcanum, a consequence that weighed heavily on him.

Later that day, Edwin approached Liam with a heavy heart, apologizing for his actions.

"I'm sorry, Master Liam. I had to inform the queen. You didn't respond for hours, and I couldn't risk anything happening to you."

Liam, though weary, offered a faint smile. "It's alright, Edwin. I understand. You did what you had to do."

The incident was kept strictly confidential, with no word of it spreading to the rest of the royal family or court. However, Liam's punishment meant he couldn't attend the Arcanum, which complicated matters. His younger sister, Cecily, began visiting him in his chambers instead.

Each time Cecily questioned why he wasn't at the Arcanum, Liam would make an excuse. "Just taking some time to rest," he'd say, or, "The recommended books are nothing special this time." Cecily, innocent and trusting, accepted his words without suspicion, though she couldn't help but notice how tired he looked.

The days rolled by., and the Imperial Palace stirred with excitement as preparations for the Eve of Noah began in earnest. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the palace walls, while the halls buzzed with the anticipation of celebration.

Servants draped shimmering banners, polished the grand chandeliers, and laid out the finest silks and gold-threaded carpets. The dark night, soon to be marked by a new moon, would transform the palace into a radiant beacon of light and splendor.

The occasion was the beginning of the Ninth Month of Noah. Every month in the Ironhelm calendar bore the name of one of the first thirteen kings, those who had laid the foundation of the empire.

Tradition demanded that the first midnight of the month be celebrated in their honor, with grand ceremonies and festivities that brought together nobles, scholars, and other distinguished figures from across the kingdom.

Though many would attend, some members of the royal family were notably absent. King Elijah would not be present, and the twelve princes were likewise excused.

The princesses had taken leave from their studies at the Royal Institute to attend, while Cecily, still too young for such commitments, had been present in the palace all along.

Liam, watching the flurry of activity from his chamber window, felt the weight of the night press upon him. He was no stranger to noble gatherings, but tonight was different. Nobles of considerable power and mastery would be present, and their scrutiny was sharp. If he attended this event and failed to hide his realm, particularly from those who were three realm above, Heart Frailty would crumble instantly. Such a failure would be disastrous — afterall he was now a first-blaze Apprentice.

He closed his eyes, blocking out the distant chatter of servants and the golden hues of the sunset. The only thing that mattered now was preparation.

Over the days of his punishment, Liam had been forced to pause his training with the Stormcaller's Guide. Without the book in hand to verify the technique's finer details, he hadn't dared to practice lightning arts recklessly. Books from the Arcanum's restricted section were strictly confined to its halls, and Liam couldn't risk drawing attention by borrowing one without permission.

Instead, he turned his focus inward. Heart Frailty, a mystic art he had committed to memory, became his point of mastery. While his progress over the past week had been significant, Liam wasn't satisfied. He had honed it enough to obscure his presence from those of the Specialist realm, but tonight demanded more. He needed to raise his threshold.

Sitting cross-legged in the center of his chamber, Liam steadied his breath. He allowed his breaths to grow shallow, inching closer to the point where his chest barely moved. The familiar strain tugged at him. He resisted the mana-rich air of the palace, which seemed heavier tonight. His mana heart pulsed faintly, agitated by the refusal to draw in energy.

Liam pressed on. As his heart slowed, his body retaliated, sending sharp pulses of mana through his veins. He harnessed this surge, guiding it outward to cool his temperature, until his body's defiance began to wane. The mana flame flickered faintly, its brightness dimming slightly under his control.

This time, however, the flame shifted hue — from citrine to crimson red. He pushed further, seeking to stablise it at the ninth-blaze Initiate. His mind steadied, and he focused on the flame, deliberately reducing the flow of mana feeding it. 

Minutes turned to hours. He repeated the process again and again, he had to solidify his control.

Midnight was approaching, a sharp knock sounded at the door.

Liam opened his eyes. The crimson glow of his mana flame was weak, barely discernible, mimicking the power of a ninth-blaze initiate. He exhaled slowly as he rose to his feet. He approached the door, and as he opened it, Edwin stood there, his expression apologetic yet tinged with urgency, flanked by Mara and Trisha.

"Master Liam," Edwin began, bowing slightly, "the Queen has granted you permission to join the event."

Liam nodded, his composure calm, though a flicker of satisfaction glimmered in his eyes. He had anticipated this and prepared for it. 

"She has aslso decided to lift the remainder of your punishment."

"Thank you, Edwin," Liam said evenly, his tone betraying none of the anticipation he felt. He had counted on his mother's leniency

Liam stepped aside, letting them enter. Mara carried a neatly folded ceremonial outfit in her arms, while Trisha followed with a small case containing accessories and grooming tools.

"Prince Liam, you'll look elegant," Mara said warmly.

Trisha gave him a bright smile as she began unpacking the case. "The Queen wants you to make an impression tonight," she added.

As Mara and Trisha worked quickly to ready him, Liam kept his focus. He adjusted his breathing, his mind still on the delicate balance of his mana flame. His outward composure remained poised, but beneath the surface, his resolve burned bright. 

As he readied himself for the night, Liam was confident. His mastery over Heart Frailty had reached a level where he could obscure his true realm from even ascendants four realms above him.

Once he was dressed and prepared, Liam turned to Edwin, who stood quietly.

"Edwin," Liam began, his voice casual yet probing, "What's the menu for tonight's event?"

Edwin paused for a moment, ensuring the answer was appropriate before speaking. "The menu is a grand selection of the kingdom's finest dishes — roasted venison, honeyed breads, delicate pastries, and the best wines from the harvest of Duke Beckett's southern vineyards."

"And what of my sisters? Who else is attending?"

"Princess Cecily is already in attendance, of course. The others—Princess Cassandra, Princess Elaine, and Princess Evaline — they are on their way — will arrive shortly before midnight. The event is a celebration for the Month of Noah's, so all nobles are expected to be present."

Liam nodded, but his true curiosity was yet to be satisfied. "And the guests… Anyone of notable realm?"

Edwin gave a polite bow, answering carefully. "No Grandmasters or Archmages will be in attendance, Master Liam, as my King will not be present tonight. However, many influential figures will be. Dukes Beckett, Duchesses Maria, along with other high-ranking nobles, are expected. They will certainly be there to make alliances with the royal family and perhaps seek to gain favor."

Liam's mind sharpened, he was relieved as he processed the information. While no one above Master realm was present, the high-ranking Ascendant nobility could still prove to be a challenge. His attention would need to remain razor-focused. Even if their mana could not directly threaten him, their political maneuvering could. He would need to be careful.

"Thank you, Edwin," Liam said, he turned to look at his reflection one last time. "I'll be there before midnight."

As Edwin, Mara, and Trisha closed the door behind them and made their way out, Liam took a deep breath, centering himself. His gaze moved toward the grand view from his balcony, where the grand hall below shimmered with lanterns and torches. The event was about to begin.

Liam steadied his Heart Frailty once again, making sure the delicate balance of his mana flame was in place. He couldn't afford any slip-ups tonight.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned and walked toward the door. Edwin was there to accompany him as he opened it, leading the way toward the grand hall.

As they made their way down the long hallway, a familiar voice called out.

"Brother!"

Liam looked over and saw Cecily approaching, her attire matching the grandeur of the occasion. Her dress sparkled faintly in the dim light, and she moved with a grace that belied her age. There was a quiet confidence in her stride — almost like she was already embracing her role in the world, just like him.

"I didn't think I'd find you before the event began," Cecily said with a playful smile. "Are you nervous?"

Liam gave a small, confident smile of his own. "Not at all. But I'll admit, there are a lot of eyes tonight."

"You look ready for it," Cecily complimented, her voice laced with admiration. "You're looking just like Father."

Liam chuckled lightly. "I suppose so. Though I'd say I'm still a long way from his appeal."

Cecily smirked. "You're definitely closer than most realize."

Liam glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "You seem to be implying something."

"Oh, nothing," Cecily said, her grin widening. "But… you wouldn't be looking for any girls tonight, would you?"

Liam blinked, taken aback. "Why would I do that?"

Cecily let out a soft laugh. "So, Queen mother didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Liam asked, confusion creeping in.

Cecily leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Well, many of the nobility have come tonight with… special interest. The kind that's not all about alliances or politics."

Liam's brow furrowed as the realization slowly dawned on him. "Special interest?" he repeated, his voice shifting to something more serious.

"Mmhm…" Cecily gave him a teasing glance. "After the Rite, let's just say, you're a topic of interest… among certain circles."

Liam knitted his brows together, his mind racing. "You're saying some of them are… eyeing me?"

Cecily raised an eyebrow. "Well, perhaps. The younger nobles—especially the ones from influential families — have noticed."

Liam furrowed his brow, not quite understanding. "You're not being clear. What do you mean?"

"Nothing," Cecily chuckled, clearly enjoying his confusion.

"Hey, wait—" Liam started, but Cecily quickly turned and began walking away, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Liam hesitated for a moment before chasing after her. He caught up with her in the corridor, gripping her arm gently to stop her.

"Tell me," he spoke, his voice serious.

Cecily's grin widened, but she leaned in, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "You'll see."

Before he could respond, he saw that they reached the grand hall corridor, where the noise of the gathering began to grow louder. They both quickly adjusted their tone, the playful tension evaporating as they entered the more formal space.

Liam exhaled, shifting his focus back to the night ahead.

The large doors loomed ahead, and as Liam entered the space, he saw many familiar faces — faces he had seen during the Rite, those who had observed him, measured him.

But tonight, Liam was different. Tonight, he was not the uncertain prince standing on the edge of the abyss. He was confident, poised. His mastery over Heart Frailty had given him a confidence, to hide his true power from all but the most observant of eyes.

With a final glance at his sister, Liam stepped into the hall. He had the air of someone who was not just part of the royal family, but someone who belonged at the very center of it.