Prince Kael of Valtoria had always been taught to despise the Eldridians, to see them as inferior and weak. But as he stood in the grand hall of the neutral kingdom of Calonia, he couldn't help but notice the Eldridian princess, Lyra. Her fiery spirit and determination intrigued him, and he found himself drawn to her despite his better judgment.
As they began to speak, Kael was struck by Lyra's intelligence and passion. She was not the timid, weak-willed princess he had expected, but a strong and capable leader. He found himself wanting to know more about her, to understand what drove her and what she desired.
But their conversation was cut short by the arrival of Kael's mother, Queen Ariana of Valtoria. Her cold, calculating gaze swept the room, and Kael knew she had come to ensure he did not stray from the path she had laid out for him.
"Kael, it is time we took our leave," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "We have more important matters to attend to."
Kael nodded reluctantly, knowing better than to disobey his mother. But as he turned to leave, he caught Lyra's eye, and for a moment, they shared a connection that went beyond the animosity between their kingdoms.
"I will see you again, Princess," he said, his voice low and urgent. "And next time, we will not be so easily parted."
Lyra's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. Kael knew in that moment that he would do whatever it took to make that promise a reality.