Sunshine breaks into the horizon,giving the sky an ethereal crimson-yellow hue. Birds swore down the Kavan valley,mirroring the sky. The army of alpine cottages dotting the mountains are illuminated as though in a fantasy.

Dawn here in Evander is a sight to behold. From the to-be busy markets to the temples and the vast farms, everything feels alive.

This view was further enhanced by the turret window of the magnificent  Evander Castle through which Aura witnessed the several beauties of her dear motherland.  This was the place she called home and she wasn't sorry about it.

Her reverie was broken by a clank of Armor and approaching footsteps which told her that her shift for the night lookout was over. It would be time for army training in a few hours. Time to go get her companions ready.

She exits the tower attic and walks through the large stone corridors as several palace guards bow before her in recognition. Her dorm towards the west wing of the tower was shared by four of her fellow militants. As soon as she reaches her dorm, she is greeted by a half-asleep Keith with drool running down his left cheek. Then  Jude, her blonde tresses Shining in the sunlight followed by Blaze lying by her feet. They had a rough night undoubtedly, but they would have to be ready for training nevertheless.

"Militants!" She commanded, her voice purposely sterned, though she had to bite her cheeks from laughing at the amusing sight in front of her.

Keith wakes up and looks around in utter confusion, while the other two stir ever so slightly. After a moment as though he suddenly recognized his commader-in-chief‌, he stands up and bows down hastily. " Good Morning Militus Aura" he says, wiping his left cheek and running his hands through his hair in an attempt to look somewhat representable.

"It's dawn, Keith. You all were supposed to be up by now.Army training starts soon"

"Pardon. We'll be in the training grounds shortly." Then noticing the skeptical look on Aura's face, he added "Agnes should be in the stables by now"

"Oh Alright." And with one final look at Keith and the others she left.

__________________________

She hated being this stern or harsh to her militants, but she had a role to play and a responsibility to handle in the Army. Being a Commander-in-Chief of the Evander Army was no joke, especially when people constantly underestimated you because of your age. Most people her age , including her friends , were still under training. However, she had the confidence of the upstates and Queen Danika herself had been there during her inauguration. As long as she had thier support, she need not worry about what other people say .

As she approached the main hallway she was greeted by a light breeze. Typical Spring . She turned around a corner which led her to an even wider courtyard with the armoury to her right and the throne room directly in front of her. She chose the path adjacent to the throne room which would lead her to the training grounds. At this point ,she felt two strong arms take hold of her sides and pin her hands behind her back, her cheek touching the cool stone walls of the corridor.

"Miss Aura" said a voice she knew a bit too much. In an instant, she had the intruder pinned to the wall against his back,her elbow resting on the crook of his neck while she used her entire body weight to keep him in place.

Amusement flickered in his translucent blue eyes while Aura secured her position, her hands just shy of the buzz cut of his Golden blonde hair.

"I'd very much prefer the term Militus, Prince Lucasto" she said , a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Well well, Militus it is then" Lucas said in his usual playful tone. "So where are you headed to?"

"Oh , you know Army Training. I was going to see somebody from my troop, that's all."

"Hm I see. Actually I've got to tell you something." His eyes glistened with excitement.

"And what may that be?" Asked Aura, slightly interested as they started walking down the corridor.

"You know the Regal Confederate meeting?" Aura nodded her head. "Hmm. I got elected to be a member of it"

"WHAT? I cannot believe it!!" Aura almost squealed with excitement.

"Yes. Maybe I am not that useless after all." Lucas added with a cheeky grin but the sadness in his eyes gave him away.

"Hey you know I am really happy for you. Atleast I am not the only one with a pain in the ass now." They both laughed and then parted ways.

Being a part of the Regal Confederate was no small feat for Lucas, Aura knew that. Especially after being called several euphemisms for Dumb and Slow by teachers and trainers alike. His younger brother though, Valerio,was elected much earlier. He was skilled no doubt, but he had always been somewhat on the....dark side. He was a total jerk,even when they were kids. Picking at children younger than him and forcing them to actual duels. One of them, Leo got hurt by a sword too. But since Valerio is prince Valerio,