Chapter 1: The Weight of the Crown

The shimmering holographic banners floated above the grand hall of the palace, casting a soft blue glow over the gathering below. Nobles from every corner of the kingdom were assembled, dressed in sleek attire that reflected their wealth and status. Sera stood at the center of it all, her crown resting heavy on her head. The metallic band pressed uncomfortably against her temples, but the physical discomfort was nothing compared to the weight she felt inside.

Her father, King Atticus Valen, stood beside her, a picture of regal perfection. His sharp gaze scanned the crowd, assessing every face, every conversation, as though he were calculating the best move in a game of chess. The king was always playing a game, always planning the next move. Sera, however, didn't want to be a part of it.

"Your speech, Sera," her mother's voice cut through her thoughts. Queen Elara was seated in her ornate chair, her eyes gleaming with pride—and expectation. Everything about this night had been meticulously planned, down to Sera's holographic gown, which shimmered and shifted with every step, creating the illusion of flowing water.

Sera stepped forward, and the room fell silent. She could feel the eyes of the kingdom on her, awaiting her words. A small drone hovered near her head, projecting her image across the hall for all to see.

She cleared her throat, her voice steady despite the turmoil beneath. "My people," she began, the words rehearsed and sterile, "we stand at the brink of a new era. The advancements of our kingdom have brought prosperity, safety, and order. We are a beacon of progress, a shining example of what the future holds."

The crowd responded with polite applause, but Sera's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She hated the lies. The prosperity wasn't for everyone; the safety came at a cost—one her father was willing to pay without a second thought.

As she continued her speech, her mind wandered to Jax Thorne, her only real escape from this gilded cage. She wondered what he would say if he were here now, watching her play the part of the obedient princess. He'd probably mock her, then remind her that the common people outside the palace walls didn't care about this ceremony. They were too busy surviving under the watchful eyes of the drones that patrolled every street, too scared to speak out against the surveillance that had become a part of daily life.

Sera finished her speech to more applause, but the sound echoed hollowly in her ears. She offered a practiced smile and stepped back, her role in the ceremony complete. Her father gave her a curt nod of approval, but she could see the calculation behind his eyes. He expected more from her, always more.

As the gathering moved into the reception phase, Sera slipped away from the crowd. The palace was vast, but she knew the hidden passages better than anyone. She made her way through the labyrinth of corridors until she reached her favorite spot—a small balcony overlooking the city.

From here, the capital stretched out before her, a gleaming metropolis of towering buildings and flashing lights. The city was beautiful, in a way, but it was also a prison. Every street was monitored, every citizen tracked by the royal AI systems her mother had designed.

Her wristband buzzed softly, and a hologram flickered to life in front of her. It was Jax.

"Your Highness," he teased, his smirk making her smile despite herself.

"Don't start," she muttered, leaning against the balcony's edge. "I've had enough formality for one night."

"How's the grand life of a princess?" he asked, though his voice carried a hint of concern. Jax knew what these events did to her.

"Exhausting," she admitted. "And suffocating."

Jax's image leaned forward slightly, his expression turning serious. "I've got something to show you. Meet me at the usual spot."

Sera's heart quickened. The "usual spot" was in the underground tech district, far from the eyes of the palace. It was dangerous, and she knew she shouldn't go, but the thrill of breaking free, even for a little while, was too tempting.

"I'll be there," she said, and the hologram blinked off.