Journey Through The Three Kingdoms - I

In the cool evening air of the First Night of Noah, the three princesses stood poised at the polished stone path of the enchanted Iron Palace gates — Cassandra, Evaline, and Elaine. The golden glow of the palace lanterns bathed them in warm light, highlighting the elegance of their regal attire. Behind them, their mothers — Queen Isabella, Queen Seraphina, and Queen Elara — watched in quiet anticipation.

Tonight, they, along with Prince Liam, were set to depart from the palace for Arthur Royal Institute. However, one presence was notably absent.

"Where is Liam?" Evaline snapped, glancing around impatiently. "We're leaving soon."

Elaine sighed. "She was sulking all morning. I doubt he got through to her."

Evaline crossed her arms, leaning against the carriage frame. "She shut herself in her room this afternoon and wouldn't open the door for anyone. Not even for Queen Mother."

Cassandra shook her head. "Not surprising. She's stubborn when she wants to be."

Isabella exhaled softly, her gaze drifting toward the palace. "Liam stood outside her door for hours," she murmured. "He didn't leave, last time I checked."

Seraphina's brows lifted slightly. "He's still waiting?"

Before anyone could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Liam emerged, his expression calm, as he approached.

Elara studied him closely. "How did it go?"

Liam exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "I tried," he said simply. "She wouldn't answer."

Cassandra sighed, shaking her head. "I tried to console her earlier, but she wouldn't listen. She just buried herself in her pillows and refused to speak."

Evaline huffed. "We told her it was important, that we have to go — but she still insists on throwing a tantrum. It's not as if we're leaving forever."

Elaine crossed her arms. "She's acting like a child."

Liam, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke. "You have to understand, sister. Cecily will be all alone now, with only our mothers. Before, she at least had me around, even if we didn't speak often."

Listening to his words, the sisters exchanged glances, their expressions softened.

Isabella glanced at her children, her gaze lingering on each of them before she spoke to Liam. "Liam, you're stepping into a new chapter of your lives. The institute will test you, but it will also shape you into the person you're meant to be."

"Girls, support him and each other and do not forget — who you are." Isabella gave a warning look.

Evaline smirked. "Of course, Queen Mother. But I doubt he will need much help."

Elaine rolled her eyes. "Confidence is one thing, arrogance is another."

Cassandra chuckled. "And yet, you both have plenty of both."

Before the conversation could continue, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. Butler Edwin arrived, bowing deeply before addressing the queens. "Your Majesties, the skyway has been secured. We are ready for departure at your command."

Isabella turned to Liam, noting the concern in his eyes. She could see the weight of his thoughts — the uncertainty of leaving, the worry for Cecily, the unspoken words he wanted to say. Placing a hand gently on his shoulder, she reassured him, "I will speak with Cecily, Liam. She will understand in time."

Queen Elara nodded in agreement. "We will make sure she is well."

Liam let out a quiet breath, nodding. It wasn't a perfect answer, but it was enough for now.

Isabella then turned to Edwin. "Bring the carriage."

Edwin bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."

Moments later, a distant, high-pitched shriek pierced the night air, followed by a deep, resonant roar. The sound echoed across the palace grounds as the wind stirred.

Liam looked up. In the sky above, the outline of a grand flying carriage emerged from the darkness, its form gradually becoming visible as it broke free from its concealed state. Moments ago, it had been nothing more than a shadow against the night, hidden beneath a veil of magic that distorted light around it. Now, as it drew closer, the soft golden glow of its interior lanterns flickered through its frosted windows, illuminating its elegant frame.

Beneath the carriage, a trail of glittering frozen ice stretched out like an ethereal bridge, crackling softly as it formed and dissolved beneath the wheels. The enchanted path left behind a faint mist, swirling in the air before vanishing into nothingness.

At the front, harnessed in silver chains engraved with runes, soared a pair of magnificent creatures — winged beasts with sleek, feathered bodies and sharp, ivory beaks that gleamed under the lantern light. Their plumage shimmered with hues of silver and deep blue, shifting like liquid metal with every beat of their powerful wings. Skyvails were creatures of myth, rarely seen outside of royal affairs, their presence only adding to the spectacle of the arrival.

The grand enchanted gates of the palace opened soundlessly, parting like veils of mist. As if guided by unseen hands, the carriage descended smoothly onto the waiting pathway below. Its intricate frame gleamed under the moonlight, casting shifting patterns upon the polished stone.

From the side, Edwin approached Queen Isabella and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, they are ready."

A quiet breath passed between them. Isabella nodded. Beside her, Seraphina glanced toward the carriage, her expression unreadable, while Elara, though composed, could not completely mask the sadness in her eyes.

The moment had arrived.

Isabella and Seraphina embraced their children tightly, their warmth lingering even as they pulled away. Liam, standing at the edge of the group, turned for one final glance at the towering palace. A thought drifted through his mind—Cecily. He had expected to see her before leaving, but she was nowhere in sight.

Then, a sharp cry split the night.

"Brother!"

A blur of motion—small, desperate, and fast. Cecily came running, her footsteps hurried and uneven, her nightgown billowing behind her.

Liam kneeled slightly before she crashed into him, wrapping her arms around him, trembling.

Her sobs were loud, unrestrained, and filled with the weight of childish grief. Her small fists clutched at his tunic, her face buried against him. Warm tears soaked into the fabric, and with them — snot. A lot of it.

Liam sighed, gently placing a hand on her head. He stroked her hair, his fingers threading through the soft strands, offering silent comfort.

"You'll be alright, Cecily. It's only a few months before the new year. And I promise, I'll write to you."

But Cecily shook her head violently against him. "No, I ab not —," she choked between sobs. 

Liam wiped at her damp, tear-streaked cheeks with his sleeve, though it did little against the mess she had made.

"I'll be back, sooner than I am leaving." His voice was steady, but he was concerned at the sight of her. "And when I return, I expect you to be stronger, alright?"

Cecily sniffled loudly, her lip trembling. "You will write every week?"

Liam exhaled, then pressed his forehead lightly against hers. "Every week."

She clung to him a little longer, as if memorizing the warmth of his presence, before finally loosening her grip.

As she pulled back, Liam's gaze flickered downward, catching sight of the small star shaped charm tied around her wrist — the same one he had given after his ceremony.

"You're wearing it?" he murmured, brushing his thumb lightly over the charm.

Cecily sniffled, rubbing at her eyes with her sleeve. "Of course I am," she mumbled. "You gave it to me."

A faint smile tugged at Liam's lips. "It suits you."

Queen Isabella smiled at the exchange. "It will pass faster than you think, Cecily. And when it's your turn, you'll be more than ready."

From behind them, the carriage door remained open, waiting.

Cassandra knelt beside one of the Skyvailes, gently offering it a handful of nuts. The creature let out a series of cheerful, warbling noises, its sharp beak clicking excitedly as it pecked at the treat. 

As she stroked its soft plumage, she glanced at Edwin, a playful smile on her lips. "If I were to take a familiar, I think I'd choose him."

Edwin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, with a polite but amused chuckle, he shook his head. "I'm afraid that can't happen, Princess. Even if it is only close to you and simply follow the orders of the carriage driver, It can't be separated from his pair."

Cassandra's gaze flickered toward the other Skyvail, standing a short distance away. Unlike the first, this one remained still, its posture rigid, its sharp eyes watching her with a hint of irritation.

With careful steps, she approached it, extending her hand with more nuts. "And what about you?" she murmured.

The Skyvail didn't move. It simply stared at her, unblinking.

Cassandra sighed. "Figures."

Meanwhile, Liam and the girls had already entered the carriage. Outside, the servants moved efficiently, lifting their respective luggage into another carriage, where the guarding knights of the fleet would ensure its safety.

Edwin stepped away, exchanging places with the designated carriage puller of the royal children's transport. He adjusted his gloves before giving Liam a respectful nod. "I'll be the one taking you there, Master Liam."

Liam gave a simple nod in return.

Before the carriage could move, Isabella stepped forward, placing a firm yet gentle hand on Liam's shoulder. "This will be your first time outside the palace, Liam," she reminded him. "You are no longer just a prince within the castle walls—you will be among nobles, scholars, and instructors who expect discipline and proper conduct."

Liam met her gaze, listening attentively.

"You may not hold a claim to the throne, but your name still carries weight," she continued. "The people of Ironhelm will watch you, as they do all of your brothers and sisters. How you carry yourself will reflect upon the royal family."

Liam nodded. "I understand, Mother."

Isabella turned to Cassandra. "Help him adjust." Her voice softened just a little. "He's the only prince attending the institute, and while our family's status is absolute, there will be those who seek to test him, to push him aside. Do not let them."

Cassandra smirked. "I'd like to see them try."

Isabella sighed. "Cassandra."

Cassandra shrugged. "Alright, alright. I'll look out for him." She cast a glance at Liam. "Though I doubt he'll need my help."

Liam, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "Don't worry, Mother. I promise I won't create conflict."

"They better not, or they'll hear from me."

Mother is no pushover. Anyone who thought otherwise would learn that lesson the hard way, Liam thought to himself 

A little ways off, Seraphina was giving Evaline and Elaine a quiet but firm lesson of her own. "Be mindful of your studies, and do not let yourselves be distracted by frivolities," she instructed. "You are royal daughters of Ironhelm — carry yourselves with grace and intelligence."

Elara, meanwhile, knelt beside Cecily, rubbing small circles on her back as the young girl sniffled against her shoulder. "He will return," she whispered soothingly. "You'll see him again before you even realize how much time has passed."

The carriage finally began to move.

As it rolled forward, the children all turned to the same window, their hands lifting in unison to wave. The queens stood side by side, watching them depart, while Cecily, her face still damp with tears, waved frantically.

"Reach safely, you kids!" Isabella called out.

"We will!" they answered in unison.

Liam leaned slightly forward, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Take care of yourself, Cecily!"

Cecily's voice was lost in the wind, but her arm never stopped moving.

Then, the carriage picked up pace.

Inside the pulling chamber, Edwin exhaled softly. Lifting a hand, he called upon his magic — Mistic Freeze. Ice began to manifest beneath the carriage wheels, a thin crystalline layer forming along the path. However, he was careful not to let it touch the Skyvails.

A shudder passed through the carriage. Then, with a gentle yet unmistakable force, it began to lift. The Skyvailes spread their massive wings, the air rippling beneath them as they beat in perfect synchrony, propelling the carriage higher into the night sky.

The palace grounds shrank below them, the glowing lights of the kingdom stretching far beyond. The wind rushed past, cool and crisp, carrying them forward into the night.