As they approached the solarium, Ren suddenly halted, a spark of determination in her amethyst eyes. "I'll catch up," she declared. "I will go retrieve my comm. I need to check my grades from that history test."
Orion opened the ornate door leading to the solarium, its polished metal surface catching the sunlight as it swung inward with a soft creak. He stepped inside, his movements deliberate, hands clasped behind his back as he took in the vivid display of greenery and the faint scent of blooming flowers. By the time he reached the center, he adopted an air of mock solemnity, standing tall and poised. Valeria stood opposite him, her gaze sharp and suspicious, as though anticipating mischief.
"Lady Valeria," Orion began, his voice dripping with exaggerated formality, "may I express my profound gratitude for gracing me with your presence?"
Valeria raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching as though suppressing a smile. "Orion, what are you—"
Before she could finish, Orion swept into a deep, theatrical bow, gesturing as if presenting her to an invisible audience. "My esteemed lady, your wisdom is, as always, unparalleled, and your beautiful eyes rival that of the setting suns."
The words had barely left his mouth when she lunged at him, laughing.
"Orion, you little gremlin!" she exclaimed, swatting at him as he danced backward, grinning.
"Peace, Mother, peace!" he said, his tone a blend of amusement and exaggerated earnestness, as he raised his hands in mock surrender. "I was merely paying my respects!"
Valeria narrowed her eyes, her lips twitching with the hint of a smile she was trying to suppress. "Respect? Is that what you're calling this nonsense?" she said, striding toward him with mock indignation.
Orion took a quick step back, dodging her playful swipe with practiced ease. "Not just respect," he countered, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Absolute devotion. The kind poets write about."
Before their laughter could settle, the grand doors at the far end of the hall swung open, hitting the wall with a loud thud.
"ORION REYES!"
They both turned to see Ren, her braid messy, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes blazing with fury.
"Ren, sweetheart—" Valeria began, but Ren was already marching toward her brother like a tiny storm.
"You tricked me!" she shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Orion.
Orion groaned, pressing a hand to his face. "Ren, whatever it is, I'm sure you're overreacting—"
"I am NOT overreacting!" Ren yelled, stomping her foot hard enough to rattle the books on the desk. "You told me the Althari Accords had answers for the ethics exam! I cited three clauses—three—and now Tutor Nyr flagged it as reckless ideologization."
Valeria, arched an eyebrow, clearly fighting to keep a straight face. "The Althari Accords?" she repeated, her voice shaking slightly.
Orion, lounging in his chair, glanced at her and smirked. "Ren, I thought you would appreciate the irony."
The Althari Accords promise a society of perfect happiness by using neurotechnology to edit citizens' memories, erasing all traces of pain, failure, and trauma. The result is a populace free from depression, regret, or existential struggle, living in a state of constant contentment.
However, the cost of this "utopia" is the erasure of empathy, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Art, innovation, and dissent wither in such an environment, as the absence of struggle stifles growth. The regime in place, reliant on collective trauma to maintain control, fears that a society without suffering would no longer be obedient or easily manipulated, and thus, the Accords are strictly banned.
Ren's fists clenched at her sides, her eyes blazing. "Irony? Do you think I found it ironic when Nyr wrote in my grading notes, 'Are you a walking propaganda pamphlet?'"
Valeria pressed a hand to her mouth, a faint snort escaping.
Orion's grin widened. "It's a classic Faustian trade."
Ren scowled, stepping closer. "And you thought that would help me on an exam about ethical dilemmas?"
"That's the definition of an ethical dilemma, sister," Orion said with exasperation, rubbing his forehead. "Besides, you're just mad because I beat you in sparring last week."
Valeria let out a strangled laugh, quickly turning it into a cough.
Ren spun toward her. "Oh, you think this is funny?"
Valeria bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed amusement. "No," she managed, though her voice betrayed her. "Not at all."
Ren turned back to Orion, her jaw tight. "You're such a liar! I beat you 7 to 5!"
"I let you win," Orion replied smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "For morale."
The words barely left his mouth before Ren stepped forward and punched him square in the arm.
"Ow!" Orion yelped, clutching his bicep with exaggerated pain. "Mother, did you see that? This fiery girl is going to be a menace when she grows up!"
That was it. Valeria doubled over, laughter spilling out uncontrollably. She pressed a hand to her stomach, shaking her head.
Ren spun toward her again, her glare red-hot. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
Valeria straightened, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "I am," she said, her voice still unsteady with laughter. "Orion's punishment will be to help you write the essay."
Ren's fists clenched, but the fight in her was waning. She sighed heavily, throwing up her hands. "You're both impossible." she muttered, clearly dissatisfied with Orion's punishment.
"And you're welcome," Orion quipped, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. "Next time, quote someone less controversial. Eryx, maybe? No one ever gets mad about 'examining life'."
Valeria snorted again, clearly enjoying herself too much. Ren muttered something under her breath and stomped out, slamming the door behind her.
"Think she's going to forgive me before dinner?" He then turned to Valeria, his grin widening. "She needs to focus more on her studies! She spends all her time running drills."
Valeria rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile. "You're going to drive that girl insane."
"Mm-hmm," Orion said, spreading his arms dramatically, "that's the plan."
"Hmm," she replied, unimpressed. Then, with a glint of mischief in her eye, she lunged at him again, catching him by surprise and pulling him into a tight hug.
"Mom!" he protested, laughing as he tried to wiggle free. "I'm too old for this!"
"You're never too old," she replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.
"First Ren punches me, now this? I'm outnumbered in my own home," he grumbled, though his tone was light and filled with warmth.
"And you'll survive," Valeria replied, releasing him with a smile. "Barely."
Valeria's laughter softened into a quiet hum as she leaned back, watching Orion with a thoughtful look. A short silence fell between them, the warmth of their playful moment still there but slowly giving way to something more serious.
Orion caught the shift immediately. He straightened, tilting his head slightly. "What is it?"
Valeria exhaled, her fingers tracing the embroidery on her sleeve. "We have a gala next week," she said softly, her tone devoid of the usual lightness.
Orion frowned. "Another political gathering?"
She nodded. "This one is important. The Petrosyans will be there. The other Archon families, too."
Orion remained quiet, absorbing her words.
"You'll need to be ready," she continued. "People will watch you, Orion. They will measure your every word, your every move. This is your first true introduction as an heir."
Valeria studied him for a moment before reaching over, resting a hand on his. "I know you can handle this."
Orion lowered his gaze to where her fingers curled over his. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, with a quiet breath, he nodded. "I'll be ready."