As I peer into the mirror that hangs within my chamber, the image reflected back at me is both familiar and strange. My face has grown sharper over the years, a strong jawline and high cheekbones that carry the legacy of my lineage. At nearly nineteen, I stand at 1.87 meters towering over most of my family. Long, dark hair, streaked with silver, falls in waves past my shoulders, a strange yet natural mark of my heritage. My eyes, a deep obsidian, reveal a faint yet striking ring of silver a distinct trait of the Balam clan, born of powers that my forefathers wielded for centuries.
Today, I wear the formal attire of my station, an ivory tunic lined in silver, bearing the Imperial Family's crest. A mighty quetzal-like creature, wings spread in full splendor, graces the fabric in hues of silver and sky blue, a black shield and crown emblazoned across my chest. My cloak drapes over my shoulders, settling around me with an air of quiet authority.
"Your Highness, the car is ready," says Zazil, my faithful valet and companion since I was a child. His voice is calm, steady as always a grounding presence. He's been at my side, always one step behind, ensuring my path is clear.
"Thank you, Zazil." I glance once more in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my tunic. Today feels different. In my reflection, I see not just a prince but a reminder of the duty I bear to protect what is mine.
The city is already buzzing as we settle into the car. A classic design, reminiscent of the models from the European cities I remember from Earth smooth, elegant curves, but equipped with the comfort and modern technology of our age. Noíl and Kuk join me in the back, and Zazil sits in the front seat, keeping a watchful eye as we make our way through the heart of the capital.
As we roll through the streets, I take in the scenery a modern empire wrapped in ancient tradition. Towering concrete skyscrapers line the skyline, bathed in the soft glow of electric lights. The roads are crowded, bustling with life, yet so many elements reflect a timeless strength. Carved into the sides of official buildings, intricate ancient runes pulse with supernatural power, keeping these structures as fortified as any stone wall. The palaces and government buildings, however, have always held a certain reverence, adorned with silver and obsidian. Our history is carved into their walls, marked in every stone and symbol.
"So similar to the cities I knew back then," I murmur, almost to myself.
Kuk, ever sharp, glances at me. "Are you thinking of…Dream again, my Prince?"
"Yes," I reply, surprised at my own candidness.
"I remember cities in my dreams like this though they didn't have such a blend of old and new. Here, we have modern streets but ancient traditions. But here, supernatural powers fill that role. And our aristocratic clans…well, they are feudal remnants in this otherwise modern age."
Noíl looks out at the city. "I can't imagine a world without the supernatural, my Prince. Here, the power we wield defines us."
"Yes, here we are shaped by it," I reply.
"No gods or symbols, only the strength of one's own potential."
In Earth's history, power was often drawn from invisible deities, empires built and crushed in the name of gods and kings. Here on Graeca, power is wielded by individuals, determined by their rank and ability. In Viatori, it is the Emperor himself who commands loyalty, and his strength alone keeps the empire intact. And that responsibility, inevitably, will fall to me as well.
The streets give way to more open space, where the view of the city unfolds before us. I can see the massive Imperial Palace in the distance, its spires cutting through the sky. This city, the heart of our empire, has seen nearly six centuries of history. There was a time, centuries ago, when we were unmatched, with four Emperors and a line of warriors on the brink of achieving the title of Great Emperor. We ruled over lands that stretched beyond these borders, holding fast to our traditions even as foreign armies threatened to consume us.
But our strength was tested as the waves of foreign powers swept across the continent of Nohek (America). They came as conquerors, empires from across the seas, seeking new territories to claim. My ancestors defended these lands against an alliance of four to six kingdoms, facing invasions that nearly shattered us. Unlike other nations on Nohek that fell under foreign rule, Viatori stood firm.
Even as our strength waned, we clung to our ways, preserving our heritage against impossible odds. Today, though our influence has dwindled in comparison to other empires, we remain a society of pride and tradition.
As we pass through the denser districts, I sense the changes rippling beneath the surface. With every turn, I see more signs of dissent, of opportunists lurking in the corners of our empire. The influence of the Yankeae Republic is spreading here, their ideals of self-governance whispering through the city, stirring discontent.
Some would see Viatori abandon its traditions, turn from our ways in favor of their republican systems. They see a chance to replace our structure with one that serves their own ambitions.
But I will not let that happen.
Zazil looks back, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
"You look troubled, Your Highness."
"Just thinking," I reply. "The Empire has always endured, but now it feels, vulnerable."
Kuk leans forward, his usual intensity softened.
"That's why you have us, my Prince. And your people. Viatori will stand as long as we do."
A faint smile touches my lips. Kuk and Noíl two individuals of rare potential. Through my visualization ability, I saw their strength long before they realized it. Kuk, whose power could one day rival the best warriors of our time, and Noíl, who holds the gift of insight beyond what most can comprehend. I had seen their hidden talents, cultivated them, and drawn them close, knowing that I would need them in the days to come.
I turn to them both, my voice firm.
"Yes, we will stand. But we must be prepared. The world is shifting, and we cannot afford to be caught unaware."
As the car glides through the streets, I find myself reassured by their presence. Zazil, ever watchful, has guided me through the years, helping me shape my path. And now, as I near the age of nineteen, I feel that path calling me, demanding more than I have ever given. The opening of Ikal is fast approaching a new world, a new challenge, and with it, a new chance to secure the future of Viatori. The power of our empire may have faded in the eyes of others, but I will see it rise again.
This city, this empire, is mine to protect. And as I gaze upon its familiar streets, I feel the weight of that duty settling upon me, heavier than any crown.