GRAND MEETING..... ARRIVAL OF KINGS

The sun had only just begun to rise above the ancient spires of Lumisgrave, casting golden beams across the dew-covered stones of the capital. But even before daylight fully claimed the sky, the Royal Capital was alive.

The banners of Lumisgrave fluttered proudly in every direction — deep crimson and royal gold stitched with the emblem of the Three Suns and the Guardian Spear — hung from rooftops, watchtowers, market arches, and the grand palace balconies. Soldiers stood posted at every corner, clad in their ceremonial armor, spears gleaming, faces firm, alert.

The air trembled with anticipation.

Drummers began to beat slow, rhythmic thuds from the Western Gates, and the city stirred with awe. Civilians stood behind enchanted barricades, watching the wide cobblestone road that led from the outer gates toward the Royal Assembly Court, where a meeting of unprecedented weight was about to take place.

Today, the Kings and Queens of the Six Realms had arrived — summoned by King Farhan — not for war or treaty, but for something stranger, darker, and unknown.

---

Late Morning:

A horn blast echoed from the northern tower. The first royal caravan had crossed into Lumisgrave's inner circle.

A white stallion-drawn carriage, covered in a velvet cloak of midnight blue and silver threads, bore the standard of Altheria — a silver tree with a crown of frost. The glass doors opened with soft clicks as Queen Margrith stepped out, clad in flowing blue robes layered with armor made of Altherian ice-steel. Her silver crown shimmered in the morning sun, and her emerald eyes showed no fear — only deep curiosity.

A crowd murmured as she passed. Even children knew the tales of Altheria's queen who tamed the Wyrm of Skyreach. Behind her, her knights followed silently on armored horses, frost mist trailing from their hooves.

Next, the banners of Thornevale rippled across the breeze. A black carriage edged in gold spikes, pulled by obsidian stallions, creaked ominously as King Vange Cob emerged. Broad-shouldered and clad in a thorn-crimson cloak, his golden eye patch and stern face spoke of endless battles. His voice, deep and commanding, echoed across the walkway:

> "Lumisgrave... it's been too long."

Then came the procession from Cael'Lorien — horses of silver hair, decorated with glowing lanterns and wind chimes, their hooves making almost no sound. A peaceful, melodic wind blew as King Sung Kimchi stepped down with a serene smile. Clad in embroidered robes of leaf green and ocean mist, he bowed to the cityfolk and offered a small wave to the crowd. His aura was calm — unnerving in its precision — like a blade inside silk.

> "May harmony walk with us through whatever storm awaits," he whispered, hands joined.

A roar of cheers followed the majestic arrival of King Musib of Varneth, a desert realm. His sand-golden cloak blew behind him as he stood atop a lion-drawn chariot, muscles rippling beneath gilded armor. His skin bore the etched markings of his ancestors, and his presence brought warmth, charisma, and strength. As he entered the capital, his voice bellowed in joy:

> "The sun rises with us today, Farhan! Let us see what fate dares challenge the kings of this world!"

Lumisgrave boomed with cheers. Trumpets rang. Bells tolled from the towers. Yet—

Two carriages never arrived.

-

The people whispered as the final horn sounded, signaling the closing of the royal road.

> "Where is Queen Maria of Kaivelle?"

"Did anyone see King Mamba's flag?"

The absence was loud.

King Farhan, standing atop the palace's Sunfire Stairs, his royal robe glowing in the morning light, did not show disappointment. But in his heart, he had noticed. He had expected it. King Mamba, ruler of Eshalorn, had always been a distant, cautious man — bound by secrets. And Queen Maria… her silence in the face of the recent demonic incursions was troubling.

Farhan lifted one hand, and the horns fell silent.

He descended the steps with regal grace, golden sash trailing behind, and offered his hand to Queen Margrith first.

> "You honor this city with your presence, Lady of Frost."

She nodded, offering a soft smile. "The frost does not bow easily… but today, it has melted."

He turned next to King Vange Cob.

> "The thorns of Thornevale guard many secrets. I hope today, they bloom with truth."

Vange let out a grunt. "I came for answers. You better have them."

To King Sung Kimchi, he offered both hands.

> "The whispers of Cael'Lorien reach us as dreams. Let them speak freely today."

The gentle king smiled. "Let them. The world is shifting."

And to King Musib, Farhan gave a warrior's clasp.

> "Your fire warms even Lumisgrave, brother."

Musib grinned. "Then let it burn the shadows we face."

---

As the royals passed into the palace court, the full beauty of Lumisgrave unveiled itself.

The marble walkways were sprinkled with white and crimson petals

Floating lanterns of sun-crystal hovered, glowing gently

Guards in ceremonial armor stood in rows — swords sheathed, heads bowed

Echelon banners fluttered on the palace ramparts: Omega, Alpha, Mythic, Apex, Zenith

From balconies, the citizens watched in silence. The Council of Surge, the People's Forum, and the Council of Veins were all gathered in designated marble terraces.

The air shimmered faintly — magical security veils pulsing gently to ensure no disturbance.