I walked out of the blinding light into the modern utopia that is Ethera. I'd been here before, but only during royal visits where mom watched me like a hawk. My eyes roamed over the tall imposing buildings with their beautiful, eye-catching lights. I couldn't wait to explore this place, I thought.
Reality soon dealt me a well-timed smack to the face as I was reminded of my rather peculiar situation right now.
Oh right, the orb in my back.
"Welcome to Ethera, gentlemen," Queen Teagan announced, spreading her arms for dramatic flair.
"It keeps looking more beautiful, Your Highness," I quipped while the other knights mumbled acknowledgments of their own.
"Thank you, Lexx. I would have opted for a tour of the capital, but obviously, we have more pressing matters, no?"
I gave a polite nod.
"Alright, gentlemen, Anastasia awaits."
A carriage bearing the Etherean royal insignia landed in front of us. Queen Teagan stepped in first, assisted by one of the two coachmen. I promptly followed, alongside Captain Leon.
I assumed the other knights had been provided with transportation of their own. The carriage swiftly rose in the air and took off for the royal palace.
Soon, I caught a glimpse of its majestic towers, surrounded by beautiful gardens that seemed to stretch for miles. Alongside the castle flowed a magnificent waterfall, its tumbling waters a fitting complement to the splendid sight.
"Your castle never fails to be breathtaking, Your Highness," I commented.
Queen Teagan beamed with pride. "We try our best."
The carriage arrived at a smooth stop right in front of the grand palace doors, where a palace maid opened the door for us.
"Welcome to the royal palace, your Highnesses."
I offered her a nod before stepping out, following Queen Teagan. "Right this way, Lexx. She resides close to the royal library. Lexx, you should remember where that is, right?"
I nodded absentmindedly, carried away by the sights around me. While this wasn't my first time in the Etherean royal palace, it was my first time out of Xeroy in quite some time, and on my terms too. I glanced back at the knights behind me. Well, somewhat.
After quite the trek—unsurprisingly, the palace was enormous—we arrived at the library. It was a grandiose building, giving off a stately feel.
"From what I know of Anastasia..." Queen Teagan continued, "She's probably got her head buried in a book in here somewhere. Quite the curious child, I hear."
She pushed open the huge bronze doors with a sudden gust of wind. I'd forgotten she had an wind affinity. Amplifying her voice with a simple spell, she called out, "Anastasia Coryll."
Her voice echoed through the vast space, reverberating around the gigantic wooden bookshelves. Suddenly, a commotion rose from a corner of the library, accompanied by the sound of books hitting someone's head.
"Ow."
Queen Teagan raised an elegant eyebrow. The shout was followed by the sound of scurrying footsteps. A girl about my age came into view.
Clad in simple, rustic attire, she looked like any other run-of-the-mill Etherean. Her head of disheveled green hair, however, paired with hazel brown eyes, made for a striking combination.
"Hi," she said, looking a bit flustered.
I couldn't help but smile. "Hello."