Two years had passed since our sixth birthday, and now, at the age of eight, we still weren't quite old enough for the grand celebrations that noble society reserved for those who had reached the esteemed age of ten.
Truth be told, I didn't mind. A quiet day with those I cared about suited me well enough. Celia, however, was far less philosophical about the matter. She had read one too many stories of grand galas filled with glittering chandeliers, swirling dresses, and noble guests, and she was thoroughly disappointed that we wouldn't be having one of our own just yet.
"And remind me again why I'm braiding your hair?" I grumbled good-naturedly, weaving the silver strands together as Celia swung her legs, looking entirely too pleased.
"Because I'm your older sister," she giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"At this rate, aren't you the younger one?" I muttered under my breath, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Her laughter, light and carefree, was infectious.
The mood shifted subtly when Mother entered the room. Her presence, always commanding, carried an air of urgency that immediately drew our attention. "Celia, Lance," she said, her tone composed but with a sharp undercurrent. "We have a guest arriving shortly."
"A guest?" Celia echoed, curiosity lighting her eyes as I finished tying the braid and stood up.
"Yes," Mother nodded, a subtle crease forming between her brows. "Edwin Ardenfall, the heir to the Archdukedom of Ardenfall, will be staying with us for a time. His family has sent him here for protection due to… tensions at the western border."
Her words settled over us like a heavy quilt. Edwin Ardenfall was not just any guest; he was the future of one of the most powerful noble families in Killion, rivaled only by our own. His sudden arrival meant that something serious was brewing.
I glanced at Mother, noting the flicker of worry behind her composed exterior. Ardenfall lay to the west, beyond the reach of Killion's central power, positioned against the formidable empire of Antalus. Tensions were a constant reality at that border, but this sounded like more than the usual border skirmishes.
"If the Archduke feels the need to send his heir across the empire, the threat must be grave," I said, more to myself than anyone else.
Mother's eyes met mine, a brief glimmer of pride breaking through her concern. "Yes," she said. "It is indeed serious. Remember, Edwin's standing is higher than yours, so you must show him the proper respect. But that doesn't mean you can't be friends," she added, her tone softening. "Alright?"
Celia nodded eagerly, already caught up in the excitement of meeting someone new. I mirrored her nod but felt a weight settle in my chest. I understood that this visit was more than a simple play date. The very stability of the empire felt like it was shifting.
A question tugged at me, and I voiced it before I could think better of it. "Why didn't he go to the Imperial Palace?"
Mother's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "The Archduke and I have been friends since we were children. He wanted Edwin to be somewhere warm and familiar, away from the cold politics of the court. The Imperial Palace is safe, yes, but it isn't a place for a child, especially not now."
The answer made sense. While the Imperial family had grown stronger in recent years, the palace was still a place where intrigue thrived and alliances shifted like sand. Edwin, though trained and undoubtedly sharp, was still only eight. Here, he would find a haven free from whispers and plots—at least for a time.
When we reached the grand entrance of the estate, a line of knights stood at attention, their black armor gleaming like onyx in the sunlight. These were not mere soldiers—they were the Black Lion Knights, legendary protectors of the Archdukedom of Ardenfall. They moved with a silent, intimidating grace, their eyes sharp and unyielding. Each one was a testament to the power that Ardenfall wielded.
Between them stood a young boy, no taller than me, with dark, sleek hair and golden eyes that seemed to see everything. He carried himself with a composed dignity, shoulders squared, chin lifted—not the stance of a typical child, but that of someone who knew the weight of expectation.
"Welcome, Lord Edwin," Mother said, inclining her head slightly, a rare gesture of respect that made both Celia and me straighten.
Edwin returned the gesture with a slight bow, graceful and practiced. "Thank you, Grand Duchess," he said, his voice polite, steady. "Your hospitality is deeply appreciated."
Mother's smile softened as she introduced us. "These are my children, Lancelot and Celia."
Celia, as was her way, stepped forward first. "It's wonderful to meet you, Edwin! We'll show you all the best places—there's a garden, a library, even a training hall."
A flicker of surprise crossed Edwin's face, followed by a tentative smile. "Thank you, Lady Celia. I'd like that."
I stepped forward next, meeting his gaze with a steady nod. "Welcome, Edwin. You'll find this place safe and… hospitable."
A glint of understanding flashed in his golden eyes, and the corners of his mouth quirked up. "I can see that," he said, casting a glance at the knights flanking him.
As we led him into the estate, I noticed the seamless way the Black Lion Knights followed—silent, imposing shadows. Their discipline was impressive, a constant reminder of the power that accompanied Edwin wherever he went.
Once inside, where the light from the high windows painted the walls in warm patterns, Edwin's formal posture relaxed slightly. His gaze swept over the hall, taking in the intricate carvings and polished stone. "Your home is impressive," he remarked, his tone sincere.
"Thank you," I replied. "We're glad to have you here, especially with what's happening at the border."
His eyes darkened for a moment, the weight of worry surfacing before he masked it again. "Yes," he said quietly. "My father thought it best I be elsewhere… just in case."
Celia's bright energy dimmed, the seriousness of his words seeping into her. But ever the optimist, she placed a hand on Edwin's arm and offered a reassuring smile. "You're safe here, Edwin. And we'll make sure you enjoy your time with us."
A hint of warmth softened his eyes as he looked at her, a genuine smile breaking through his stoic exterior. "Thank you, Lady Celia. That means more than you know."
We guided Edwin through the estate, showing him the garden where the late summer flowers bloomed and the breeze carried the soft scent of lilac and mint. The training hall stood open, the dummies and weapons glinting under shafts of sunlight, promising challenges and shared lessons in the days to come.
As the afternoon light waned and shadows lengthened, we sat under the sprawling branches of an old oak, the first hints of stars pricking the sky. Celia, ever the storyteller, launched into a tale about our latest sparring matches, embellishing wildly enough to make Edwin's smile grow wider.
I watched them, a quiet contentment settling over me. For a moment, the worry over the border, the politics of the empire, and even the pressure of expectations felt distant. We were three children, sharing a moment of peace under a sky that seemed to stretch forever.