The sound of hooves against cobblestone echoed through the palace grounds as Lior and the knights approached the grand entrance. A sea of people had gathered, filling the square outside the gates. The news had spread quickly: the King's first son, long hidden from public view, was returning to the palace. Whispers and speculation buzzed through the crowd as they craned their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the boy.
Lior rode at the center of the group, his posture straight but his expression neutral. He could feel the weight of countless eyes on him, their curiosity and judgment pressing down like a heavy cloak. He said nothing, keeping his focus ahead as the palace gates loomed closer.
At the entrance, the King stood with his nobles lined behind him. The Queen was at his side, her smile tight and forced, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Beside her, Kael leaned against a pillar, his arms crossed and his face unreadable. He looked like he couldn't care less about the commotion around him.
As Lior dismounted, a hush fell over the crowd. He handed the reins to one of the knights and walked toward the King, his steps measured and deliberate. His sharp eyes took in the scene: the polished armor of the guards, the gleaming banners of Aetherium, the murmurs of the nobles who watched him closely.
The King stepped forward, his gaze steady. "Welcome back, Lior," he said, his voice carrying over the silence. "You've been gone too long."
Lior bowed slightly, a gesture of respect, though his expression remained calm. "Your Majesty," he said simply.
The Queen's smile didn't waver, but there was a sharpness in her eyes as she studied Lior. "It's good to see you've arrived safely," she said, her tone polite but distant. "I trust the journey wasn't too difficult."
"It was fine," Lior replied evenly, meeting her gaze. He could see the tension behind her composed exterior, but he didn't press it.
Kael finally pushed off the pillar and strolled over, his steps lazy but deliberate. He stopped a few paces away, looking Lior up and down with mild curiosity. "So, you're the big deal everyone's been talking about," he said, his tone light but edged with sarcasm. "Guess I was expecting… more."
Lior didn't flinch, his expression unchanging. "And you must be Kael," he said calmly. "The rightful heir."
Kael smirked, shrugging. "Glad we're on the same page." He turned away, dismissing Lior with a wave of his hand. "Welcome to the palace, I guess. Don't get too comfortable."
The King's expression darkened, but he didn't address Kael's remarks. Instead, he turned to Lior. "There's much to discuss," he said. "But first, you should rest. We'll speak later."
Lior nodded, his gaze briefly flicking to the Queen and Kael before returning to the King. "As you wish."
With that, the King signaled to one of the attendants, who stepped forward to guide Lior inside. The crowd began to stir again, their voices rising as the boy disappeared into the palace.
The Queen turned to the King, her voice low but sharp. "You're playing a dangerous game, bringing him here."
The King didn't reply immediately, his eyes still on the doors Lior had passed through. "It's a necessary one," he said at last. Then, without another word, he turned and walked back into the palace, leaving the Queen and Kael behind.
Kael chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "This is going to be fun," he muttered before following.
As the evening settled over the palace, Queen Selene guided her son, Kael, through the quiet corridors. Her footsteps were measured, her face calm, but the tension in her eyes gave her away. Kael walked beside her, one hand resting in the pocket of his tunic, the other lazily trailing along the polished marble walls.
When they reached Kael's chambers, Selene opened the door and ushered him inside. The room was grand, with plush furnishings and a balcony overlooking the sprawling gardens below. Kael plopped onto the edge of the bed, kicking his boots off and leaning back on his elbows as he watched his mother.
Selene closed the door behind her and turned to him, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "Kael," she began, her voice steady but carrying an edge, "now that your half-brother is here, things are going to change."
Kael tilted his head, his expression blank. "So?"
Selene frowned, stepping closer. "So?" she repeated, incredulous. "Do you even understand what's at stake? That boy is a dual-path awakener, Kael. A rare talent like that will draw the King's attention—and the nobles'. It won't be long before they start whispering about making him the crown prince."
Kael stifled a yawn, barely paying attention. "He can have it," he said flatly. "I don't care."
Selene's lips tightened, and for a moment, she looked like she might lose her composure. But she took a deep breath, shaking her head as if dismissing his words. "You're five years old," she muttered under her breath. "What do you know about caring?"
"I know I don't want to waste my time fighting over a shiny chair," Kael said, lying back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. "Let him have it, Mom. It's boring."
Selene's frown deepened, but she didn't press the point. Instead, she folded her arms, her expression softening just a little. "Whether you care or not, you are still the rightful heir. And as your mother, I will do everything I can to protect your position."
Kael sighed dramatically, still staring at the ceiling. "Whatever you say."
Ignoring his indifference, Selene continued, her tone growing firmer. "Since you're pathless, you'll need an edge. Something that makes you stand out. I've already decided—I'm calling in a favor. The best swordsman in the entire realm of Aetheris will come here and train you."
That got Kael's attention. He sat up slightly, raising an eyebrow. "The best swordsman?" he asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.
"Yes," Selene said, her confidence unwavering. "You'll learn from the best, Kael. I won't let anyone—even your half-brother—overshadow you."
Kael shrugged, lying back down. "If you say so. Just make sure he's not boring."
Selene stared at him for a moment, her frustration tempered by the affection she couldn't hide. "You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head. Then, with a final glance at her son, she turned and left the room, her determination evident in the way she carried herself.
Kael watched the door close behind her, then rolled over onto his side, pulling a pillow over his head. "Best swordsman, huh?" he mumbled to himself. "Guess we'll see."