A rising Phoenix.

The mockery from Alden's words still hung in the air as Kael stood there, holding his basket of fruits in his hands. The golden-haired boy's laughter echoed through the hall.

"An attendant of the palace?" Alden scoffed. "Seems fitting for you. Maybe you can start serving the royal family, huh?"

Kael's grip tightened on the basket, but he held his ground. He wasn't about to let Alden's insults ruin his purpose for being here. But before he could respond, a palace attendant walked by. She smiled politely, her uniform impeccable as she approached Kael.

"Sir, can we help you with your basket?" she asked, her voice warm but tinged with a hint of hesitation. Kael glanced at her, aware that the basket was simple and humble compared to the opulent surroundings. Despite this, he nodded and spoke confidently.

"It's a gift for the princess,"he replied, his voice steady.

The attendant raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the gesture, but still took the basket from Kael's hands. "Very well, sir. If you could please write your name," she said, handing him a scroll and a pen.

Kael took the scroll and inked his name with careful strokes, trying to remember that he belonged here just as much as anyone else. When he finished, he handed it back to her, the attendant giving him a polite nod as she moved on to deliver the gift. Kael could feel Alden's eyes on him, still sneering, but he chose not to give him the satisfaction of a response.

Instead, Kael turned his attention to the refreshments. He was thirsty and tired after the journey, and the music was starting to fill the air in a way that made him feel both nervous and excited.

He hoped to find something warm to drink, as his mother had warned him about the cold air, but when he made his way to the drink table, he realized the offerings were mostly delicate and cold. It was a night for treats and fine dining, not hot drinks.

Disappointed, Kael sighed and walked over to a quieter corner of the hall. He did find an empty seat and sat down. He felt out of place, yet determined. Tonight, he would speak to the princess, clear the misunderstandings, and prove to her that he wasn't the person she thinks he is. .

As he settled into that chair, Kael glanced across the room. His heart raced as he caught sight of the princess again. She was speaking with some of the other guests, her grace unyielding even amidst the crowd. 

She looked stunning in her colorful dress and her gold adorned crown. Her smile was the best thing ever happened to him. 

Do all princesses smile like that ?!....he wondered.

The party was in a full swing, as Kael stood up from his chair and decided to himself standing near the corner. Leaning over one of the wall of the hall trying his best to stay inconspicuous amidst the laughter and chatter of the guests.

The princess, however, moved through the crowd with grace, greeting each guest, her smile warm and inviting. As she approached Kael, he was caught off guard by her presence.

Her eyes radiated with a shimmer of rare beauty. She spoke to him sweetly, her voice calm and welcoming.

"How're....you ?!", asking him how he was enjoying the party.

Kael hesitated for a moment, trying to steady his nerves. "It's... fine," he mumbled, unsure of how to act around her.

She instead smiled gently at him before stepping away, but before she left, she turned back, her eyes locking onto his with a playful glint.

"I'm giving you a chance to speak up, Kael," she said, her tone more serious now. "Only if you volunteer for the challenge."

Kael blinked, his heart raced. With the pair of raised eyebrows, he asked "What challenge?

"You'll find out," she responded quickly with a wink before walking away, leaving Kael to wonder what was going to happen next.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of excited chatter as the crowd gathered at the center of the hall.

Soon enough, the princess was standing at the forefront, addressing the guests. "Two young boys," she announced, "will compete in a fight. A friendly competition, indeed. We'll go to the backyard to watch."

The group cheered in excitement, and Kael, still unsure of what was going on, reluctantly agreed to participate. His mood was dampened but something about the princess's challenge pulled him in.

As they made their way to the backyard, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had never been one to fight, and his mother's warnings about avoiding fights rang in his ears.

Alden, ever the show-off, immediately volunteered to fight as well, stepping up with a smug grin. The tension between him and Kael was palpable as they faced each other at the backyard. The crowd quickly gathered around, eager for the spectacle to begin.

The fight began quickly, and Kael was immediately on the defensive. His wooden sword felt clumsy in his hands, and before he could even react, Alden struck, landing a blow that knocked Kael to the ground. The crowd erupted in laughter, with Alden's mocking voice cutting through the noise.

"You can't even dodge. What a loser," Alden taunted, stepping back with an arrogant smirk on his face.

The laughter of the group echoed in Kael's ears, and even the princess's laughter stung, though she tried to hide it behind her delicate smile. Kael's frustration boiled over. He had never been a fighter, and yet here he was, humiliated in front of everyone. He stood up and watched the crowd with an hawk's eyes.

They were laughing at him, his humiliation clearly portrayed in their eyes. He took a sharp breath and closed his eyes slowly as the mocking voices reached the peak inside his ears, something inside Kael snapped.

With a surge of energy, Kael shot to his feet. The crowd fell silent for a moment as he charged at Alden, fueled by something deep within him that he couldn't quite control. 

He swung his sword with all the strength he had, knocking Alden off balance. With a final, powerful punch, Kael struck Alden in the face, sending him flying backward to the ground.

The group went quiet, shocked by the sudden turn of events. Kael stood over Alden, panting heavily, his anger barely contained. He glanced toward the princess, his gaze hardening as the frustration of the evening boiled inside him.

Without saying a word, Kael turned and walked away, leaving Alden groaning on the ground. Alden was humiliated and defeated. 

Kael's fists were clenched at his sides, and his heart raced with a mixture of anger and regret. He didn't look back, but as he exited the courtyard, the princess's face lingered in his mind.

She was laughing. Laughing at him. She was the same as the crowd's mockery, but why....?!.

How could she.....?!

In the silence that followed. Kael could only think of one thing, tomorrow, he would have to face whatever consequences awaited for what he has done tonight.