Chapter 17-18

Chapter 17: Seeds Beneath the Surface

The wind howled softly across the rugged path, whipping through the trees and scattering leaves down the narrow mountain trail. A lone rider galloped through the dusky forest, amber eyes sharp beneath her hood.

As she reached the base of a rocky slope, she slowed her horse and dismounted. Her gaze swept across the quiet mountainside, scanning for signs of movement. Satisfied she was alone, the girl walked to a seemingly unremarkable section of stone and pressed her gloved fingers against a jagged mark on the surface.

Click.

With a low rumble, a portion of the rock wall shifted, revealing a hidden passage just wide enough for one person. She slipped inside quickly and sealed the entrance behind her.

The stone tunnel beyond was cool and dim, lit by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. The girl moved swiftly, the echo of her boots muffled by the moss-carpeted floor.

At the heart of the hidden stronghold, she stopped before a large chamber guarded by twin iron doors. They creaked open slowly as she approached, revealing a richly furnished hall, its stone walls draped with velvet and lined with gleaming relics of a fallen house.

And seated on a carved wooden throne beneath a banner of pale roses… was Lily Solenne.

Her hair was long and silken, cascading in soft waves like strands of moonlit rose gold. Her eyes—pale as a soft blooming blush—held the delicate gleam of innocence, a light that did not reach their depths. She wore a flowing gown of ivory and lilac, elegant and ethereal, like a noble daughter from a painting… but her smile was the kind that watched knives dance behind curtains.

The girl dropped to one knee. "My lady."

Lily looked up from her book, folding it gently shut. "You're back early, Jane."

Jane rose and pulled down her hood, revealing her sharp features and flushed cheeks from the long ride. "I observed the princess and her brothers today… as planned. They were in the capital, disguised."

Lily tilted her head, intrigued. "Disguised? All three?"

Jane nodded. "Along with the knight… Lucien Virell."

At that, something flickered in Lily's eyes.

"I expected her to be neglected," Jane continued, her voice steady. "But… that's not what I saw. Her brothers were protective. Attentive. Especially the Second Prince. And the knight—he gave her his cloak without hesitation."

Lily's lips parted slightly in surprise. "Protective?" she echoed softly.

She leaned back in her seat, brows furrowing just a little. "Interesting… I thought she was their weakest link. A forgotten child… sheltered, maybe even resented."

Jane said nothing, but her expression was grim.

Lily, however, did not frown. She blinked once, calmly… then let out a soft laugh.

"Well," she said with a shrug of her delicate shoulders, "so she's loved. That just makes it more fun, doesn't it?"

She rose from her seat, the gauzy layers of her dress trailing behind her like morning mist. "Let them pamper her. Let her believe she's special."

Turning to Jane, her tone cooled slightly. "Keep watching her. Every move. Every conversation. Report anything unusual."

"Yes, my lady."

As Jane exited the chamber, the iron doors slowly shutting behind her, Lily turned back to the velvet-draped window and touched the cool stone sill.

"She may be cherished now…" she murmured to herself, "…but the moment I shine, they'll look at me with awe. With wonder. They'll forget she ever existed."

A small, serene smile curved her lips as she gazed out into the dark forest beyond.

"After all, even the brightest candle means nothing in daylight."

And with that, she turned, her rose-colored hair fluttering behind her as she walked deeper into the shadows of her hidden lair.

---

The palace didn't change overnight—but something in its rhythm had shifted.

More guards appeared near the eastern wing. Their armor was polished, their eyes sharper. The patrols around the garden increased, and unfamiliar maids were subtly dismissed. No one said anything directly to the princess… but Tia noticed.

She noticed when Kaelen checked every doorway before letting her pass.

She noticed when Lucien's usual shadowy distance drew closer, like he was always in reach of her hand.

She noticed when her mother's eyes lingered on her for just a moment longer during breakfast.

And she noticed the tension that hung over the palace like fog, even on the sunniest of days.

---

That afternoon, in the open courtyard where the soldiers trained, Tia stood before Aina Vermundt, her hands clenched at her sides.

"I want to train harder," she said.

Aina blinked. "You already train with me twice a week."

"I want it daily."

Aina studied her. "Did something happen?"

"No." Tia hesitated. "Yes. But no one will tell me."

Aina didn't push. She nodded once. "Then we begin tomorrow. Dawn."

Tia smiled faintly. "I'll be ready."

---

The next morning, under the pink-and-gold blush of early sunlight, Tia arrived at the training ground in a simple tunic and boots, her hair braided back.

Aina waited, arms folded, already in motion.

They started with basic sword drills—slashes, footwork, quick turns. Tia's movements were clumsy at first, unused to the intensity, but her focus never wavered.

"Again," Aina said. "This time don't look at the blade. Look at me."

Their wooden swords clacked in rhythm. Tia's arms burned, her breath short, but she pushed forward with stubborn determination.

By the fourth day, her balance had improved. By the seventh, she was dodging more than stumbling.

Kaelen, passing by once, leaned on the railing and grinned. "Look at you. Scaring off suitors with a sword now, huh?"

Tia stuck her tongue out and aimed a playful jab at him. Aina blocked it mid-air and arched a brow. "Focus."

---

That evening, Tia was called to the Empress's private greenhouse—a place filled with herbs, vines, and quiet secrets.

Seraphina sat at a long wooden table covered in labeled jars, delicate plants, and silver tools.

Tia tilted her head. "Are we making perfume?"

Her mother smiled faintly. "Not quite."

She held up a tiny glass vial filled with a pale purple liquid. "This is called Silent Bloom. A drop of it can paralyze the throat. It smells like lavender but tastes like nothing."

Tia blinked. "You're teaching me… poison?"

"I'm teaching you to recognize it," Seraphina corrected gently. "And, if needed, to use it."

Tia hesitated. "Is that... proper for a princess?"

"It's necessary for a future queen," Seraphina said, her voice warm but firm. "The world is not always kind. If someone ever tries to hurt you again, I don't want you to be frightened. I want you to be ready."

Tia sat beside her, carefully lifting a jar of dried petals.

"Let's begin, then."

---

Days passed. Mornings became drills with Aina. Evenings were spent labeling venoms and learning countermeasures. And slowly, without even realizing it, Libertia Ardentis began to change.

Not into someone colder.

Not into someone cruel.

But into someone who knew her light needed armor.

---

One month.

It had been one month since the fateful day the royal family awoke with the weight of a forgotten tragedy and the rare gift of another chance.

And in that time, everything had begun to shift.

---

Tia's laughter still rang across the palace corridors, her warm presence unchanged—but there was a new edge to her steps, a sharpened discipline beneath the sunshine.

Her training with Aina had progressed at a surprising pace. The princess who once tripped on her own sword hilt was now quick-footed, steady, and fiercely determined.

In the evenings, she sat beside the Empress, learning about poisons and antidotes with remarkable precision. Seraphina had been quietly impressed.

"She learns faster than I ever did," she admitted to Kael one night. "And she remembers every plant's scent after a single lesson."

Kael had only smiled proudly. "She has your instincts. And your stubborn streak."

---

Now, as autumn deepened, the time came for their annual temple pilgrimage—a royal tradition of blessings and offerings at the Mountain Shrine of Solaria.

A tradition… and a memory.

It was on this very visit, in the old timeline, that Lily Solenne had "saved" the Empress from a rigged accident and won a place in the royal heart.

But this time… the family would not offer her that opening.

This time, they had rewritten the script.

---

The royal convoy was larger than usual. While the Emperor and Empress rode in a ceremonial carriage, the siblings were accompanied by several trusted guards—and three very important additions:

Lucien Virell, ever silent and alert, now officially serving as Tia's shadow on all external visits.

Aina Vermundt, practically attached to the princess at this point, her eyes scanning everything, always two steps ahead.

Celestine Aldervale, invited by Tia herself, who had written her a pretty letter sealed with a wax rose.

Celestine had blushed for hours after receiving it, and the Crown Prince had looked so pleased, he forgot to hide it.

Aina and Kaelen, too, had started to fall into a strange rhythm—he teased, she rolled her eyes, but never truly pushed him away. She still didn't talk much… but she no longer avoided him, either.

They traveled with light conversation and heavy watchfulness. Everyone smiled for the people along the road.

But behind their eyes, they were waiting.

Prepared.

Unforgiving.

---

On the Other Side

Far away, deep within the safehouse nestled beyond the forest, Lily Solenne stood before a long table as her attendants tightened the final straps on her travel cloak.

A smile curled on her lips—sweet, pristine, like spun sugar hiding a sharp edge.

"So," she said softly, eyes gleaming, "they've finally left the palace."

Jane knelt nearby, handing over the latest map.

Lily studied it with calm precision. "Temple route... just like I hoped. How lovely. I didn't even need to push them."

She reached for her pale blue gloves and slid them on delicately. "This is where it begins. The perfect place to meet them. To win their attention."

She stepped toward the mirror, checking the neat fall of her pink hair, her pale rose eyes gleaming like innocence bottled in glass.

"I'll show them I'm the one they've been waiting for. Their blessing. Their miracle."

She thought her debut was fated.

She didn't know…

This family was already waiting.

Not with open arms.

But with sharpened blades.

---

Chapter 18: A Journey Beneath Golden Skies

The morning sun stretched across the sky like golden silk, casting a soft glow over the land of Aetheria. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and the cheerful chirping of birds nestled in branches above. The sky was painted in soft hues of peach and blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily like dreamers with nowhere to be.

The royal procession moved at a leisurely pace along the cobblestone path, their carriages flanked by rows of mounted guards and knights in polished armor. At the very front, the emperor and empress rode together in a regal carriage, its dark wood polished to a mirror shine, adorned with the Ardentis crest. In front of them, elite knights cleared the path, their banners fluttering in rhythm with the horses' steady strides.

Behind them followed the second carriage, where Princess Libertia sat comfortably beside Celestine. Tia leaned against the window, her face lit with wonder as her gaze swept over the vast emerald fields and golden meadows. On horseback to the right of the carriage rode the crown prince, Alaric, his posture straight and his eyes calmly scanning the road ahead. Just behind him was the second prince, Kaelen, who occasionally tapped his gloved fingers against his reins, eyes sharp and alert despite the calm pace.

To the left of the carriage, closest to Tia's window, Lucien Ardent rode in silence, his dark hair slightly tousled by the wind. His cool blue eyes flickered every now and then toward the golden-haired girl beside the window. A little farther behind, Aina rode with the other escorting knights, her black hair tied back neatly, her eyes observant but calm.

Suddenly, Tia poked her head out of the window, her golden hair catching the sunlight like strands of woven light. It fluttered freely in the wind, gleaming like a halo around her face. Her bright green eyes sparkled with delight as she looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "The clouds look like fluffy sheep! Do you think they're having a nap up there?"

Celestine chuckled beside her, and even Alaric's lips twitched in amusement.

Kaelen raised an eyebrow from behind. "Sheep? Really? Are you five?"

Tia turned her head sharply toward him, her eyes narrowing. "Excuse you, I happen to have a vivid imagination. You wouldn't understand—it requires a soul."

Kaelen snorted. "Oh, I have a soul. It's just too mature to see livestock in the sky."

"I'd rather see fluffy sheep than storm clouds like you," Tia shot back, scrunching her nose.

Celestine laughed gently, hiding her smile behind her hand. Aina bit her lip, trying not to grin, while Alaric shook his head with quiet amusement.

"I bet if a bird flew over and dropped something on you, you'd say it was fairy dust," Kaelen muttered.

"I would!" Tia huffed. "Because unlike some grumpy princes, I choose to see the magic in life!"

Kaelen smirked and looked away, but the faintest curve of a smile lingered at the edge of his mouth. "You're impossible."

"And you're sunshine's enemy," Tia replied sweetly.

Lucien, who had been silent all morning, let his gaze linger on the cheerful princess. Her voice was full of life, her wonder unfiltered, her presence like sunlight breaking through a cold mist. A subtle shift came over his expression—his eyes softened, the corner of his mouth tugging into the faintest smile.

In that moment, beneath the wide blue sky and golden sun, it felt as though even the heavens paused to admire Libertia Ardentis.

---

By noon, the sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over the landscape and warming the backs of the travelers. The royal procession came to a gentle stop beside a crystal-clear waterfall nestled between smooth rocks and clusters of green trees. The sound of rushing water was soft and soothing, like a lullaby woven into nature itself.

The carriages were drawn into the shade, and the maids and helpers quickly began unpacking baskets of food and setting out cloths for a midday meal. The guards fanned out subtly, taking their positions, while the nobles stepped out to stretch their legs.

Tia's eyes sparkled the moment she saw the waterfall. "It's so beautiful!" she gasped, already tugging off her shoes as she wandered closer.

Without needing to speak, her usual group followed: both princes, Celestine, Aina, and Lucien—each keeping a careful eye on her, even as she twirled toward the edge of the shallow stream like a carefree breeze.

Under a large tree nearby, Emperor Kael and Empress Seraphina settled side by side on a thick blanket. The empress's hand rested gently on the emperor's as they watched their daughter fondly, warm pride shining in their eyes.

Tia stepped into the clear water, letting out a delighted squeal as it touched her feet. The stream was shallow and cool, reflecting the glitter of sunlight. "It feels like dancing stars on my toes!" she laughed, twirling.

Kaelen raised a brow. "Only you would romanticize wet feet."

Tia narrowed her eyes at him with mock offense. "Only you could ruin a perfect moment."

Before he could retort, she bent down with a wicked grin and splashed a handful of water right at him.

It hit Kaelen square in the chest. "Oh, it's war," he growled.

Everyone burst into laughter as Kaelen charged into the stream, kicking up water as he tried to retaliate. Tia shrieked and danced away, grabbing Aina's arm for backup.

The peaceful waterfall clearing was suddenly alive with laughter and sparkling sprays of water.

Celestine, ever elegant and composed, flicked her fingers in a quick splash at the Crown Prince. The water hit his sleeve, and Alaric turned to her with raised brows, surprised. "Was that you?"

Celestine gave him an innocent look, though her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Perhaps."

Alaric smirked, and in a rare, playful gesture, he flicked water gently back at her—more a brush than a splash. She laughed softly, ducking behind a rock as if declaring a silent challenge.

Meanwhile, Kaelen turned his attention to Aina, who was standing knee-deep nearby, arms crossed, watching the chaos like a bored soldier.

He grinned. "What? Scared to get wet?"

Her eyes met his coolly. "No."

Then, with terrifying precision, she splashed him so hard that he staggered backward, choking on a surprised breath.

"By the stars—Aina!" he gasped.

She simply blinked. "You provoked me."

Tia was laughing so hard she had to hold onto Lucien's arm for balance. Lucien didn't move or speak—he simply stood quietly by the water's edge, letting her lean on him, his eyes fixed on her with quiet affection.

Tia bent down and tossed another splash at Kaelen—this time in solidarity with Aina.

Lucien smiled faintly, but didn't join in the chaos. His eyes kept drifting toward the forest's edge.

Among all the joy and noise, not everyone had forgotten their vigilance.

In the shadow of a distant tree, a faint glimmer—movement too still to be natural—caught Lucien's attention. He didn't react visibly, but his posture shifted ever so slightly. His gaze met Alaric's, then Kaelen's. The three men exchanged a single, subtle look.

A moment later, Alaric gave a slight nod toward the guards stationed around the perimeter. Kaelen's fingers curled at his side, and Lucien tapped the hilt of his sword lightly. None of them said a word.

From her place beside Kael, the Empress noticed the exchange. Her gaze sharpened ever so slightly. The Emperor's fingers flexed beside hers. They knew.

Aina, who had just straightened from nearly drowning Kaelen, caught the subtle signs too. Her body tensed—but like the others, she kept her expression neutral, turning her face toward the sky as though watching the clouds.

They would not give the enemy the satisfaction of knowing they'd been spotted.

Instead, laughter continued. Water splashed. Tia turned to Celestine with a soaked skirt and a beaming smile. The carefree moment was preserved on the surface.

But beneath it all, a silent readiness had returned.

The game had changed. And the royal family was never truly unguarded.

---

The sound of laughter slowly faded as the royal family dried off and the lunch was packed away. The maids moved swiftly, clearing dishes, folding linens, and preparing the carriages once more. The sun was past its peak, casting long shadows that stretched across the grassy meadow as the waterfall gurgled softly behind them.

From the outside, everything seemed as it had been before—calm, dignified, orderly.

The carriages lined up once more in perfect formation. The knights rode in place with ease, their posture relaxed, their expressions mild. But every hand was closer to the hilt of a sword. Every eye that seemed to gaze lazily at the scenery was, in truth, scanning for movement. Listening. Waiting.

Princess Libertia returned to her seat in the carriage with Celestine at her side, her damp hair braided loosely by one of the maids. Her cheeks were still flushed with joy from the earlier water fight, but her laughter had quieted. Her emerald eyes darted out the window more often now, her smile gentler—thoughtful.

Celestine noticed it too. "You feel it as well, don't you?" she murmured softly, barely loud enough for Tia to hear.

Tia nodded once. "It's too... quiet now."

The atmosphere hadn't shifted drastically. It hadn't snapped. But it had cooled. Beneath the stillness of the woods, something watched. Something followed. Neither girl could name it, but the instinct sat heavily in their chests.

Yet no one spoke of it.

The crown prince rode silently at the front, eyes ahead, one hand resting near the blade at his side. Beside him, the second prince had donned his usual smirk again—but the lazy set of his shoulders was calculated. His gaze flicked between the trees and the men riding behind them.

Lucien remained near Tia's window on horseback, his expression unreadable, every breath measured. One could mistake him for calm—but his muscles were coiled beneath his crisp uniform like a drawn bowstring. His hand never strayed far from the dagger hidden at his belt.

Behind them, Aina rode with the other knights. Her eyes scanned the canopy of leaves above them with the silent intensity of a soldier who'd seen too much to trust peaceful roads.

The Emperor and Empress shared only a few words between them, but their eyes missed nothing. Every signal from Alaric, every rotation of the guards, every quiet movement was noticed—and understood.

Far behind the trees, cloaked in shadow and shielded by silence, a group of assassins moved like ghosts across the forest floor.

They did not strike.

Not yet.

Their orders were clear—observe for now. Wait until the royal family was returning from the temple. Wait until their guard was lower, their path more vulnerable. Wait for the signal from her.

From Lily Solenne.

And so, the blades stayed hidden. For now.

But the feeling lingered—unspoken, unshakable.

Something was watching.

Something was waiting.

And though the carriages rolled forward with poise and elegance, the peace that settled over the road was laced with warning.

Even the wind had gone quiet.

As the sun began its slow descent, casting warm amber hues across the stone path, the first glimpse of white marble broke through the trees.

The Temple of Dawn stood ahead—ancient, serene, its tall spires bathed in golden light, surrounded by fields of blooming lilies and the sound of rustling leaves.

The royal family had arrived.

But peace was an illusion.

And danger… had only just begun.

---