A Noble Morning

The soft glow of dawn bathed the Briston Estate in hues of gold and pink. Birds chirped faintly in the sprawling gardens, their melodies blending with the distant rustle of leaves. Inside the grand estate, Khione stirred as a gentle knock echoed on her door.

"Lady Khione, it's morning," came the soft voice of a maid. The door creaked open, and the maid stepped inside, her uniform crisp and neat. She approached the grand canopy bed and leaned down to whisper, "Breakfast is almost ready, my lady."

Khione let out a small groan, burying her face further into the plush pillow. "Five more minutes…"

The maid chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid your parents wouldn't approve, my lady. Besides, the Duke asked for everyone to be prompt today."

Reluctantly, Khione sat up, her silver hair falling in soft waves around her face. The sunlight streaming through the large windows caught the strands, making them shimmer like spun moonlight. She rubbed her eyes and sighed. "Fine, fine. I'm up."

The maid busied herself preparing Khione's attire for the day—a pale blue dress embroidered with silver accents. As the maid helped her into the garment, Khione glanced at herself in the mirror. Her azure eyes, bright and sharp, seemed to carry a quiet confidence.

"Thank you," she said with a small smile once the maid had finished fastening the last of the buttons.

The maid curtsied. "It's always a pleasure, Lady Khione. Enjoy your breakfast."

Khione left her chambers, making her way through the sprawling halls of the estate. The morning light poured in through the high windows, casting long shadows along the marble floors. Her footsteps echoed faintly until she reached the dining hall, where the soft hum of conversation greeted her.

At the long, polished table sat her family. Her father, Duke Lorian Briston, exuded authority even in casual moments, his broad shoulders and stern gaze a constant reminder of the power he wielded. Her mother, Duchess Elara, radiated grace, her every movement deliberate and refined. To the Duke's right sat Cedric, the eldest sibling, his silver hair and piercing gaze a mirror of their father's intensity. Next to him sat Selene, her golden locks catching the morning light, her poise and beauty undeniable.

"Good morning," Khione greeted as she stepped into the room.

"Ah, there she is," her father said, his deep voice carrying a note of warmth. "Come, sit."

Khione slid into the chair next to Selene, who offered her a quick smile.

"Still sleeping in, little sister?" Selene teased, her tone playful.

"I was up late reading," Khione replied smoothly, earning a chuckle from her older brother Cedric.

"Reading? Or plotting your next mischief?" Cedric quipped, raising an eyebrow.

Khione smirked but didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she reached for a piece of bread as the servants began placing platters of food on the table.

As the meal began, Duke Lorian cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Khione, your fifteenth birthday is next week. It's an important milestone."

Khione paused mid-bite, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, Father?"

"We've decided to host a ball in your honor," he said. "It will be a grand affair, with nobles from across the empire in attendance. This is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to establish your presence among the aristocracy."

"A ball?" Khione asked, her tone neutral, though the idea filled her with mild apprehension.

"Don't look so thrilled," Selene teased. "You'll have suitors lining up to dance with you."

Khione rolled her eyes. "Wonderful. That's exactly what I wanted."

The table erupted in light laughter, and for a moment, the atmosphere was filled with familial ease. They continued to talk about the preparations, jesting about Cedric's awkward dancing skills and Selene's ability to charm anyone with a single glance.

As breakfast came to an end, Khione excused herself and made her way to the private training hall. It was one of her favorite places on the estate—a space designed for solitude and focus, lined with weapons and equipment for all forms of combat.

She entered the hall and inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of wood and metal. The morning sun filtered through the high windows, casting long beams of light across the polished floor. Khione removed her slippers and took a seat on the cool ground, beginning her stretches.

Her movements were deliberate and fluid, a routine she had perfected over years of practice. Though she was young, her training had been intense, and she took pride in the discipline it instilled.

After stretching, Khione stood and made her way to the weapon rack. She ran her fingers along the polished handles before selecting a training spear. The weight felt familiar in her hands, and she twirled it experimentally before stepping into the center of the room.

"Always so serious," came a voice from behind her.

Khione turned to see Selene standing at the entrance, her golden hair tied back, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She was dressed casually, but her posture was that of a seasoned fighter.

"What are you doing here?" Khione asked, lowering the spear slightly.

Selene strode forward, her steps confident. "I was bored. Besides, I wanted to see if my little sister has improved."

Khione's lips curled into a smile. "Are you challenging me?"

Selene picked up a wooden sword from the rack, testing its balance before turning to face Khione. "If you're up for it."

Khione's eyes gleamed with excitement as she stepped into a ready stance. "Bring it on."

The two sisters squared off in the center of the hall, the air between them charged with playful energy. Selene moved first, her wooden sword cutting through the air with practiced precision. Khione parried with her spear, the clash of wood echoing in the room.

Though it was a sparring match, the intensity in their movements spoke of their shared determination to push each other to their limits. Laughter and the occasional taunt punctuated the sounds of their duel, filling the hall with life.