Chapter Twenty-Six – The Festival of Flame and Sky

The streets of Cael'Balar shimmered in vibrant color. Silk banners snapped in the breeze, their threads laced with golden dust. Floating lanterns painted the skies in hues of crimson and sapphire. Drums echoed through the marble corridors, and children in copper masks darted between food stalls shaped like lotus flowers and lion heads.

Kael stood atop the Great Balcony of the Observatory Tower, watching his kingdom move like a living tapestry. His golden mantle fluttered in the wind, and the insignia of his free nation—a stylized phoenix—glowed faintly on the breastplate beneath.

"They came," he muttered to himself, amused.

Below, ships had docked from across the known world. Envoys from the northern isles, delegates from the twin deserts, and even the mysterious Black Scholars of the Eastern Vale had sent representatives. But the centerpiece was the entourage of the Eastern Empire—the vast, impenetrable power Kael had once fled.

At the front of their retinue, mounted on a white-gold stag, rode Princess Vireya.

She wore armor shaped like petals, soft and sharp all at once. Her long dark braid was woven with silver feathers. And as her stag slowed before the tower gates, she looked up—straight at Kael.

He felt it again. That strange calm she carried, as if war itself bowed to her will.

Later, amidst the festival fireworks, Kael found her wandering the glowing gardens alone, hands clasped behind her back.

"You're late," he said from behind a tree.

"I arrived exactly when I meant to," Vireya replied, a ghost of a smile touching her lips.

"Stole that line from an old priest?"

"Borrowed. He wasn't using it anymore."

He walked beside her in silence for a few paces.

"I didn't expect you to come," Kael admitted.

"I didn't come for your crown," she replied softly. "I came to see the man foolish enough to wear it."

He laughed. "And what do you see?"

"I see a man walking a tightrope over fire... smiling like it's a stage trick."

Kael looked at her, truly looked. "If I fall, would you catch me?"

Vireya paused. "I don't know. But I would jump with you."

Their eyes met in the lanternlight. Neither moved. Neither spoke. But the space between them grew warmer, denser—charged with something unsaid.

Suddenly, a parade of dancers burst into the garden path, laughing and throwing scented petals. Kael and Vireya stepped aside as the celebration swirled around them.

"Come," she said, offering her hand. "If we're to be part of this kingdom, we should dance like its people."

Kael hesitated—then took her hand.

And for a moment, under the flame-lit sky, the Free King danced with the daughter of his enemies.

Seriyah stood just beyond the glow of the festival, arms crossed, her expression unreadable as she watched Kael and Vireya.

A young steward noticed her silence. "Lady Seriyah? You don't seem to be enjoying the festivities."

She forced a smile. "I find some dances... distracting."

Later, near the temple fountain, Seriyah found herself alone with Vireya, both having wandered into the quieter part of the gardens.

"You dance well for a warrior," Seriyah said, coolly.

"And you watch well for a friend," Vireya replied without venom.

A long silence. Then a sigh from Seriyah.

"He's reckless. Prone to trust the wrong people."

Vireya nodded. "And still, people follow him. Even you."

Seriyah hesitated. Then nodded slowly. "Yes. Even me."

They shared a long look—tense, but not hostile.

Vireya smirked faintly. "Perhaps we're both here for the same reason."

Seriyah raised a brow. "To protect him?"

"No," Vireya said. "To make sure he survives himself."

A soft chuckle escaped Seriyah's lips. "You're more dangerous than you look."

Vireya smiled. "Likewise."

As the fireworks cracked overhead, Seriyah extended a hand.

"Shall we call this… a diplomatic truce?"

Vireya shook it firmly. "Until one of us kills the other."

They both laughed.

Unseen, in the shadow of a gargoyle spire, a pair of violet eyes watched them.

And smiled.

To be continued...