The journey to the palace was a surreal experience for Leon, his heart pounding with each step toward the home he'd been exiled from for so long. Beside him, Zia walked in thoughtful silence, her sharp gaze flickering over the palace walls as they came into view.
Eldralore's royal palace was a sprawling, ancient structure set against the rugged mountains and lush, cascading forests. As they approached, the guards at the main gate stiffened, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons before realizing who was in front of them.
"It's the prince…" one guard whispered, the disbelief in his voice almost tangible.
Leon felt a swell of emotion rise within him—joy, relief, and an unexpected hint of nervousness. He had never expected to step foot here again, and the reality of his return felt almost overwhelming.
Zia nudged him gently, her smirk unmistakable. "So, Prince Charming, are we going to stand here and stare, or are we actually going inside?"
He shot her a look, a hint of amusement lighting his eyes. "After you, Thief of Silver and Souls."
They moved through the gates together, the royal guard quickly falling into step behind them. Their journey was quiet, each step resonating through the grand hallways that seemed to stretch on forever. Everything looked familiar, yet different—larger, perhaps, or maybe just more imposing than Leon remembered.
The palace staff, upon recognizing him, hurried to line the corridors, their faces a mix of awe and anxiety. Word spread quickly; everyone seemed eager to see the long-lost prince, and whispers filled the palace like a rising tide. Zia could feel the energy buzzing in the air as she walked beside Leon, her usual nonchalance tempered with a hint of curiosity about the place that had once been his entire world.
Finally, they arrived at the throne room, its massive doors looming before them like a silent challenge. Leon took a deep breath, his hand tightening around Zia's. She gave him a reassuring squeeze, her gaze steady and encouraging.
"I'm with you," she said softly, and he felt a warmth in her words, a strength that grounded him.
Pushing open the doors, Leon stepped into the throne room. The grandeur of the space was breathtaking—the marble floors gleamed beneath intricate tapestries, and towering pillars led up to the raised dais where the throne sat, carved from ancient stone and adorned with royal insignia.
At the far end of the room, seated in a second, smaller throne beside his father's, was Lady Isolde. Her gaze locked onto Leon, a mix of surprise and something deeper in her expression—perhaps pride. She rose gracefully as they approached, her voice carrying across the hall.
"Prince Leon," she greeted, her voice calm but firm. "Eldralore's prodigal son returns at last."
Leon hesitated, unsure of how to respond. It was one thing to be back, and quite another to stand before the woman who had once been his closest ally, the one person who had known him best. She had changed, though, grown sharper, wiser, as if the palace had molded her into something resilient and formidable.
"Lady Isolde," he replied, inclining his head. "Thank you for holding the kingdom together in my absence."
Isolde's gaze softened slightly, and she inclined her head in return. "The kingdom has waited for this day, Your Highness. You are a part of this realm, no matter how far you strayed."
Beside him, Zia shifted slightly, her eyes scanning the room with a calculating look. She could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on Leon, as though the palace itself was assessing him. She could only imagine what it had been like for him to grow up here, under such scrutiny, carrying the weight of these expectations.
As if sensing her thoughts, Isolde's gaze drifted to Zia. "And this must be the infamous thief who brought him back," she observed, a glint of approval in her eyes. "I must say, I never thought a master thief would be one of Eldralore's saviors."
Zia flashed a smile, her usual confidence returning. "I aim to surprise."
Isolde's lips twitched into a faint smile before she turned her attention back to Leon. "The council has been waiting for your return, Leon. There will be a meeting soon to discuss the kingdom's future—and your place in it. I trust you are prepared?"
Leon nodded, a steady resolve settling over him. "I am."
Before the conversation could continue, a figure entered the throne room—a tall, imposing man with a regal bearing and a crown upon his head. King Cedric, Leon's father, strode toward them, his face etched with a mixture of sternness and disbelief.
"Leon," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "I never thought I'd see the day my son would return."
Leon inclined his head, his gaze steady. "Father."
The king's gaze softened slightly as he regarded his son. "You've been through much, Leon. The kingdom will hear of your journey, but for now… welcome home."
As the king's gaze shifted to Zia, he raised an eyebrow. "And who is this?"
Zia dipped into a mock curtsy, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Zia Renaud, Your Majesty. A simple thief with a knack for finding lost princes."
A flicker of amusement crossed the king's face. "A thief, you say? It seems my son has chosen an unusual companion."
Leon, sensing his father's reservations, spoke up. "Zia saved my life, Father. And she's earned the respect of the kingdom. Without her, I wouldn't be here."
The king studied Zia for a moment longer, his gaze thoughtful. Finally, he nodded. "Then you are welcome in Eldralore, Zia."
As they continued to speak, Leon felt an odd sense of calm settle over him. For so long, he had been lost, adrift in his curse, with no hope of returning to the life he once knew. But standing here, surrounded by those who mattered most to him, he felt a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years.
As the meeting concluded, Leon took Zia's hand, guiding her through the palace to his old quarters. The room was a mixture of lavish and austere, with high ceilings, plush tapestries, and a large window overlooking the kingdom. Zia gazed around, her expression unreadable as she took it all in.
"So this is where the prince once lived," she said, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Not bad."
Leon chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. "It's a little more than I need, I suppose."
Zia stepped toward the window, looking out at the kingdom sprawling below. "You're really back. Are you ready for this?"
Leon moved beside her, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "I wouldn't be here without you, Zia. I… owe you more than I can ever repay."
She glanced at him, a rare tenderness in her expression. "You don't owe me anything, Leon. You fought your way out of that curse on your own. I just… helped a bit."
Leon hesitated, his hand brushing hers. "Maybe. But I'd like you to stay. At least until things settle."
Zia's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "I suppose I could stick around a little while longer. Someone has to keep an eye on you, after all."
They stood there, side by side, watching the sun set over Eldralore.