Nellara and Randej, the twin heirs of Triyej Levanorr VII, were the princess and prince of the Eastern realm. The birth of the Levanorr twins brought a new wave of energy to the Eastern kingdom. Randej and Nellara were like one soul in two bodies, and anyone who saw them would believe it. Since childhood, the two Levanorr children spoke in an impromptu, unknown language, and no one could understand their childish words or their deep connection. The twins called this language "their secret tongue."
Triyej VII was the fifty-third king of the Levanorr dynasty, a family with a rich history spanning several centuries, surrounded by numerous legends. According to these tales passed down orally, the family's value had remained unbroken until that day.
The royal seat of the East was in the city of Ayzmere, a city known for its colorful fabrics, carpets, and exotic spices. Despite suffering from a long-lasting water shortage and surrounded by desolate lands, the realm still had a few fertile and green fields. Ayzmere was situated on the edge of the Eastern realm, next to the Bright Sea, allowing the king to easily oversee the revenue from imports and exports.
Everything seemed to be going well. Taxes had been reduced, and a set amount of food and 200 Telomin were given to each citizen every month. Yet, there was one thing that disturbed this order.
King Triyej Levanorr had burned several temples and banned the worship of all wooden and iron gods. He had ordered all soldiers to remove household gods from the homes of the people and burn them in the city square. As a result of this decree, many people lost their jobs, which were based on these beliefs. Soon after, a group of nameless men called the "Sons of Zorrmon" emerged, a group that managed to stir religious and devout people to rise against King Triyej Levanorr.
The corridor of the fourth floor of the palace was filled with the scent of Sin-Moru blood incense. Nellara, accompanied by her two ever-present handmaidens, hurried with short and quick steps toward the small hall and stood behind the door. Her face was serious and determined, though the delicate hands that clutched the hem of her fine gown trembled slightly.
When she noticed that two muscular soldiers by the door had no intention of opening it, she spoke firmly, "Open the door."
One of the soldiers lowered his head in respect and, with a calm and cautious tone, responded, "With all due respect, Your Highness, the Mediator Council members are in the hall..."
Ignoring the soldier's words, Nellara shoved the heavy door open and entered. The council members were seated around a large stone table, and the light that streamed through the tall windows partially illuminated the room. However, a faint shadow seemed to linger on the faces of the stern, male members. It appeared that the presence of the petite princess had surprised them.
Nellara paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and spoke in a measured, calm voice, "My lord."
She then made a brief bow and continued, "My brother is ill. He deeply regrets that he could not attend in person and sends his apologies. If you allow, I will sit in his place for the sake of not leaving an empty chair."
A heavy silence filled the hall. The intense gazes of six men were upon her. The king hesitated for a moment, slowly swallowed, and gently gestured to the empty chair directly across from him, "You may sit."
Nellara smiled faintly, and under the penetrating gazes of the men, walked toward her brother's chair and sat down. At the same time, Lord Bijar Evdirr, the king's chief advisor, blinked slowly and furrowed his brow. "My lord, I apologize, but according to the laws established since the beginning of the Levanorr dynasty, no woman has ever been present in the small hall, as the matters discussed here are for men."
Nellara turned her head toward Lord Evdirr with a soft smile and replied, "According to the established laws, only men with legitimate and pure blood can sit behind this table, Lord Evdirr. The fact that Lord Diakys Pass holds his seat shows that you have no issue with bending certain rules."
A cold silence settled over the hall. Diakys, the young and arrogant man, smirked and quickly averted his gaze from Nellara. Instead of responding, he leaned back in his chair, resting his arm on the edge, and Lord Evdirr fell silent, saying nothing further.
After a moment of pause, the king placed his black royal insignia, the Sin-Moru, symbol of the Levanorr family, on the table and glanced at the members. "Alright. Now that all the seats are filled, we can begin."