A glimmer of sunlight pierced through Elara's curtains as she squinted her eyes. Slowly, she rose from her slumber, casting a glance around her empty room. Her eyes paused on the dress already placed on the mannequin—the end result of an all-nighter pulled by Seraphina.Elara left her bed and walked over to the window, pulling the curtains open. The morning sun bathed her in warmth, her silver hair shimmering in the light. From her elevated position, she could see the procession of royals entering the castle gates—the orcs riding their three-headed, ugly hyenas, and the pixies, a collective ball of light, fluttering in the city square.The door opened abruptly, and Seraphina, still wearing her pajamas and a purple-and-yellow polka-dotted bandana, entered."Oh, you're up, Your Highness," Seraphina said, smiling as she placed a box on Elara's nightstand.Elara raised an eyebrow. "What's in it?"Seraphina hesitated before replying. "I was told by Her Majesty to give you this box.""I'm still mad at you," Elara muttered, "I hate surprises."Seraphina forced a smile, feeling the sting of Elara's coldness. "Your mother had me look through the inventory of jewelry from your predecessors and handpick a few pieces to complement your dress.""Jewelry shopping with my mom now?" Elara scoffed, looking out the window.Seraphina sighed. "Elara... don't even start." She began laying the options out on the dresser. "I'm just doing my job, nothing more, nothing less."Elara inhaled deeply, her shoulders slumping as she exhaled. She turned back to the window. "Before I leave, I need to let you know—your parents would like you to attend breakfast today. Sadly, I have preparations to do for the gala, so I won't be able to join you.""Is preparing for a political gaggle party part of your job too?" Elara muttered under her breath.Seraphina caught the words, her frustration growing. "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. You're expected in thirty minutes. I recommend you freshen up and do your hair, Your Highness. You look dreadful."Elara shot her a surprised glance as Seraphina left, heading toward the event hall.Fifteen minutes later, Elara, wearing a white cotton top and a yellow dress, approached the dining room. The sound of boisterous laughter filtered through the door.She sighed, knowing the Honor Guards were busy working with the Eldorath Military to create an impregnable defense. It left some royals to... well, get their butts—The door swung open. Immediately, her gaze landed on the blonde man rising from his seat. A hand behind his back, green eyes lighting up the room. Elara instinctively took a step back as King Varrick smiled broadly."Your Highness! I can see why you were so infatuated with this man!" King Varrick boomed, his voice full of energy, before laughing as Baron Thorne gave a small bow."Your Majesty, please. The last thing the Princess wants is for me to bring up the past," Baron Thorne said smoothly, a devilish glint in his eye. Elara's fists clenched at the table. "Why don't you come sit next to me?" Thorne added, patting the seat beside him.Just then, Queen Catelyn entered, clearly dealing with a public ceremony emergency. "Sorry, sorry," she said, almost bumping into Elara. "One of the houseworkers had an allergic reaction to shellfish, so I had to send for the doctor." The Queen settled in, glancing at Elara. "And can you not stand there like a statue? You're making our esteemed guest uncomfortable."Queen Catelyn's bright smile returned as she greeted the Baron. "Thorne! How long has it been?""Oh, about five years now," Baron Thorne said with a confident smile. "Spent the last few years at a military academy, and I've changed a lot since then.""Excuse my ignorance, Baron, but I always thought the academy was four years?" the Queen asked."Normally, yes, Your Majesty," Thorne replied with a charming grin. "But thanks to His Majesty's sponsorship, I've had the opportunity to extend my studies and become a Captain in the Eldorath Military's Special Shock Troops, rather than a lowly Lieutenant.""An impressive achievement, Thorne," King Varrick said with a smile. "It's an honor to sponsor someone with such promise."Elara remained silent, her gaze fixed on the table, hands trembling beneath it. As footmen laid out an assortment of breakfast platters, Queen Catelyn gave her daughter a light kick in the shin. Elara winced, glancing at her mother, who motioned with her eyes for Elara to speak."Congratulations... Captain," Elara muttered, barely above a whisper.Baron Thorne chuckled. "So she can speak. Here I thought you lost your voice, Your Highness."Elara balled her fists tighter. Her throat felt tight, but she held back the words she wanted to shout.The conversation shifted as King Varrick and Queen Catelyn began discussing military academy training with the Baron. Elara could feel her frustration bubbling up. She suddenly stood up, causing everyone to look at her."May I be excused?" Elara asked, her voice quieter than usual."The food just got here, though," King Varrick said, his disappointment evident.Elara didn't wait for another word. She ran out of the room, her heart pounding."Apologize for my daughter, she has seen better days." Queen Catelyn mused, her focus returning to Baron Thorne as he gave a reassuring nod."We all have our bad days, your Majesty. Maybe I can make her week a little brighter?"Queen Catelyn would smile."We'll see."Meanwhile, far in the east, the knights found themselves in a barren wasteland. The desert's orange sands stretched endlessly before them, a stark contrast to the lush forests they had just crossed. The shift took the group by surprise, but Malachi remained composed, gently coaxing his horse forward. His eyes scanned the horizon, and his attention dropped to the sand beneath them."Get into a circle and face out," Malachi ordered calmly. The knights followed his command without question.Suddenly, a large caterpillar-like creature burst from the sand, its massive body slamming into the ground with a mighty thud. It rose briefly to observe the group, its many legs twitching in anticipation.."Sir, what was that?" Aedric asked, looking over at Malachi.Rose and Pigsly exchanged uneasy glances, while Aaron drew his blade with a grin."A worthy kill!" Aaron shouted exuberantly, raising his sword.Malachi's eyes narrowed as he studied the creature. "A sandlurker....they feed off of the rare minerals deep in the sands. Or in other words, they are friendly..""Then why are we in a 360, sir?" Pigsly asked, his voice full of confusion."Because wherever there is a sandlurker.." Malachi said, his tone sharp and serious. "There is normally a hunting party nearby."A cloud of dust began to form on the horizon. The sound of orcs laughing and banging their weapons together reached their ears, even from this distance.Malachi drew his lance, encasing it in an icebolt. "Get ready.""We'll need it," Pigsly muttered, his hand tightening around his sword and shield.Rose would take out her rapier, its silver handle glimmering in the sun, while Aedric took out his two blades.