Chapter 12: The City of Kings
The first glimpse of Kadia stole their breath away.
From the rolling hills that bordered the main road, the capital city of Velmora stretched across the landscape in a breathtaking display of majesty and grandeur. The golden light of the afternoon sun bathed its towering buildings, their ancient stonework gleaming like polished marble. The city, built upon a series of terraces, cascaded down toward the sea in a perfect harmony of structure and nature.
At the heart of Kadia stood the Celestial Palace of Astraea, its grand spires piercing the sky, shimmering like a jewel. Crafted from luminous white stone embedded with veins of gold, it seemed to defy time itself, a structure fit for the divine. Below the palace, luxurious villas and bustling marketplaces sprawled across the city, interconnected by arched bridges and paved avenues lined with radiant mosaics.
The trees of Kadia were unlike any seen in other parts of Velmora. Rich hues of deep red, azure blue, and pale gold adorned the cityscape, their blossoms dancing in the breeze. Among them, one tree stood above the rest—The Amaryllis Tree, its enormous trunk supporting cascading leaves of crimson and gold, a symbol of the city's eternal prosperity.
Cassia, despite her many visits to Kadia, felt awe settle in her chest. The sight of the city, regal and untamed, made her feel both small and invincible all at once.
"Even after all these years," Selene murmured, her gaze lingering on the Celestial Palace, "it still manages to make me feel like a wanderer in a dream."
Lucius remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the massive city gates ahead.
...
The entrance to Kadia was a marvel in itself—two towering obsidian gates adorned with celestial engravings of Velmora's history. The guards stationed at the gates were clad in Kadian Steel, their armor glinting in the fading light.
As they neared the checkpoint, Cassia reached into her satchel, pulling out her pass. She wasn't the only one. One by one, the group presented their Passes of Birth, smooth ivory plaques embossed with a sigil unique to their home cities.
Kadia's pass system was strict, ensuring order and security:
1. The Citizen Pass – Given at birth, this pass allowed unrestricted travel within one's own kingdom. Those on horseback or traveling on foot were permitted entry without a search. However, if a citizen arrived by carriage or cart, the guards had the right to inspect their belongings.
2. The Omoran Pass – Reserved for officials, academic scholars, merchants, and those who ensured the smooth function of Omora. Holders of this pass were subject to thorough searches before entering a city or kingdom.
3. The Imperial Pass – The rarest of all, granted by the Emperor himself. It allowed unrestricted travel across all of Omora, with no inspections or delays. Only nobility and high-ranking officials carried it.
Lucius handed over his Omoran Pass, and the guards scrutinized it briefly before stepping aside.
Cassia, on the other hand, merely flashed her Citizen Pass and rode through without pause.
As the gates groaned open, welcoming them into the heart of the city, Cassia exhaled slowly. The familiar scents of Kadia—sea air mingled with fragrant spices and the crisp scent of parchment—filled her lungs.
They had arrived.
...
Their first stop was the Obsidian Fortress, a grand palace designated for Drakhelm nobility visiting Kadia. The fortress, constructed from dark volcanic stone, stood as a stark contrast to the luminous city around it. With arched doorways, towering spires, and intricate carvings of warriors locked in battle, it embodied the might of Ironclad Hold.
As soon as they entered, servants led them to their respective chambers. Cassia barely had time to freshen up before a summons arrived—they were to meet the Emperor at once.
She exchanged glances with Lucius, who seemed utterly unfazed.
"He wastes no time," Castor muttered under his breath.
"Nor should we," Lucius replied, already striding toward the exit.
...
If Kadia was the heart of Velmora, the Celestial Palace of Astraea was its soul.
Cassia walked through the palace doors, her eyes drawn to the golden murals that lined the entrance hall. They depicted the rise of Velmora, the formation of the four great sectors, and the unity of its people under the emperor's rule.
Seated upon a raised dais, flanked by high-ranking officials and nobility, was the Emperor of Velmora. His presence was as commanding as the city itself. His dark eyes, sharp and knowing, landed on Cassia, and the warmth in them was immediate.
"Ah, my little Cassia," he said, a fond smile gracing his lips. "You have grown into quite the warrior."
Cassia bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."
The emperor's gaze flickered toward Lucius. "And you—Lucius Vilmora, Guild Master of the Golden Concord."
Cassia's head snapped toward Lucius. Guild Master?
A flicker of amusement danced in Lucius' eyes, but he said nothing.
Cassia's mind raced. The Golden Concord—the most powerful merchant guild in all of Omora. Its influence stretched across every major city, controlling trade, negotiations, and supply routes. And Lucius… was its leader?
Her gaze darted between him and the Emperor. As she studied their features, something stirred in the back of her mind. There were similarities—the sharp angles of their faces, the way they held themselves with effortless authority.
But Lucius' hair and eyes were different from the Emperor's. And the Empress…
No. She dismissed the thought. It's just a coincidence.
The conversation shifted as the Empress spoke.
"Guild Master Lucius," she addressed him smoothly. "I have heard much of the Golden Concord's recent ventures. Tell me, is it true that your guild has acquired a rare shipment of Moonlight Silks?"
Lucius nodded. "It is true, Your Majesty. The shipment arrived from the Eastern Isles just last week."
The Empress' eyes gleamed with interest. "Then I shall expect a personal selection to be delivered to the palace."
Lucius inclined his head. "Of course."
The meeting concluded with formalities, and soon, the Emperor dismissed them.
...
As they walked back to the Obsidian Fortress, Cassia kept stealing glances at Lucius.
Finally, she blurted out, "You never told me you were Guild Master of the Golden Concord."
Lucius, unfazed, simply glanced at her. "You never asked."
Cassia scoffed. "That's not something one just keeps quiet about!"
It was then that she noticed it—the emblem fastened to his cloak.
A golden scale over a silver coin—the unmistakable symbol of the Golden Concord. A symbol of prosperity and balance.
Cassia shook her head, exasperated. "I suppose next you'll tell me you also control half the trade routes in Omora."
Lucius smirked. "Not half. But a significant portion."
Cassia exhaled, realizing just how little she knew about the man she was traveling with.
And, perhaps, just how dangerous he truly was.
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