Exactly one year after Ezra's death, an official commemoration was held at the castle and fortress of Argos. On this solemn occasion, everyone was required to wear mourning colors—purple and black. Flags were at half-mast, and any colorful tapestries were covered to avoid giving the impression of taking the event lightly. The servants observed the strictest silence. Guards and militia in their official uniforms were stationed on the large entrance staircase of the castle and in the foyer.All the mourners gathered at the cemetery: servants, soldiers, subjects. Ezra was known for being a very violent and volatile monarch, but as magnanimous as he was irritable. Decorations and arrangements were kept to a minimum. The fine features and slightly pointed ears were a common trait among almost all the attendees. However, there were representatives from all the planets of the Confederation.Among these people was a young woman with an emerald brooch. It wasn't a severe breach of the dress code, but it certainly set her apart from the others and contrasted with her black dress and hair, styled in large waves. She had a youthful and lively appearance. Her green eyes shone with cleverness when they weren't modestly downcast. She was attentively watching Ethan and Cassian Blake, who were taking their place in the center by the grave. Cassian was weighed down by grief and memories but tried not to show it due to the official nature of the event. Ethan brought a hand to his mouth to stifle a yawn. The young woman, Shun-Ri, smiled.Despite the solemnity of the atmosphere, Shun-Ri's movements were calculated and confident. When the ceremony ended, after the master of ceremonies spoke and the religious rites were performed, mourners and ambassadors, as well as various diplomatic representatives, began to approach to pay their respects to the young princes. She managed to secure a spot near Ethan, from where she could study him better.One of the soldiers, Satori, approached Ethan to let him know that Shun-Ri was requesting a moment of his time to express her most sincere condolences.Ethan looked up, and his gray eyes met hers. He couldn't help but notice the brooch. It was a sign of disobedience, something that set her apart from the others. Shun-Ri was fully aware of the dress code but chose to declare her individuality.They met off to the side of the official lines while Cassian continued to receive well-wishes and condolences from the attendees."Your Majesty," she said with a slight bow, "It is an honor for me to speak with you. The Zhou house has deeply felt the loss of Ezra. Your mourning reminds us of the need for a change that reflects our true aspirations.""Thank you," Ethan said. He recalled that the Zhou house, to which Shun-Ri belonged, had been exiled from Argos. That's what he remembered, though he couldn't recall why."Death is something no one can escape. Sometimes, in the midst of pain and loss, we finally understand the meaning of our own life."Shun-Ri's words deeply resonated with him. He looked at her attentively. He was eager to hear more."It is so unfortunate, Your Majesty, that Ezra, with all his wisdom, did not have the vision to see the true potential that you represented. Instead, he chose Cassian, a child who is still far from understanding the weight of leadership. Our traditions and customs are the most sacred, and we must rely on them to keep us safe in a changing world. And logic tells us that the kingdom should fall into the hands of the firstborn."They both looked at Cassian as he continued to receive condolences. His strength and intelligence were apparent, and his development was undeniable. But he was still a child."This is the state of the court now, with a young, inexperienced leader. Imagine what you could achieve if you only had the opportunity. Ezra might have seen something in Cassian that wasn't there. A man at the end of his days can have very clouded judgment, Your Majesty."Ethan felt that these words were the music he wanted to hear, and Shun-Ri was the instrument playing it. He wanted to order, ask, persuade her to continue. His pride warned him not to show so much interest. At the same time, he was surprised by her audacity to speak openly of ideas that questioned the late monarch's judgment."I see in you a strength and vision that could change everything. This void, this lack of direction could be your opportunity to shine," she said, switching to the second person. She was addressing him as an equal.Her green eyes seemed to hypnotize him, taking him to another reality—a reality where he was king. Her whispering voice was persuasive and full of confidence.Ethan gestured to Satori, who arrived promptly. He whispered something in his ear. "Ezra's death can be seen as an end, but it's also a new beginning. I want to be part of a world where justice exists. A world as it should be. We are not made to obey blindly. The Cult has a vision for the future that aligns with your desires and ambitions, that provides a return to the values and ideals of our superior race. Clearly, Cassian's leadership leads us to decadence and eventually, destruction."At that moment, Cassian, who was in front of them, fell silent as if the weight of grief and his responsibilities had suddenly fallen on him all at once. He was just a child, but Ethan felt no empathy. This reaction exacerbated his contempt for him."Your Majesty," Satori interrupted, suddenly bowing before them, "If I may, the delegates from Omega would like a word with you."Ethan cleared his throat a little and adjusted his official suit, trying to hide his frustration. His immediate reality was being needed only when his brother, the heir, was unavailable. They were probably going to direct a few polite words towards him due to his politically irrelevant position and express their pity for the death of a father who had spent his entire life comparing him to Cassian. Of course, this was the case now. Finally, he nodded to Shun-Ri, heading towards the Omega envoys, and Satori escorted her to an inner stone chamber. Ethan wanted to have a private interview with her without the pressure of so many people's presence.Shun-Ri was discreetly guided by Satori. She smiled once more to herself as she disappeared into the crowd and down one of the inner corridors. Her mere presence had changed the character of the event, transforming it from an obligation into a pleasure. As he watched her leave with that sinuous walk, Ethan couldn't help but imagine how the perspective she offered resonated with his own ambitions. This vision of the future showed him a world where he would not only be tolerated but venerated. He could forget the appearances and limitations of his current role and instead have an opportunity to design a new order. A future where decisions and power would be in his hands, not his brother's. A future where he would have the recognition that Ezra hadn't given him in life, which he would make a reality after his death.Ethan began to dream of a world where the ideals he valued would prevail, without the limitations imposed by ideas he considered mere fantasies. A world where his vision could shape the future, far from the restrictions that now trapped him. Apparently, this world he dreamed of was possible through the Cult that Shun-Ri Zhou spoke of.Then, as Ethan reflected on this new horizon, he remembered why the Zhou had been exiled during Ezra's reign, sent as far away as the asteroid belt. The Zhou had once planned regicide.