Location: Imperial Capital — Secret Garden of Thorns
Beneath the golden towers of Solaria, hidden behind countless layers of enchanted hedges and lethal traps, lay the Secret Garden of Thorns — a forbidden place even most royals dared not enter.
It was said to be ruled by a single woman:
Princess Lysandra Solaris —The "Black Rose" of the Empire.The Emperor's illegitimate daughter, born of a foreign queen and rumored to wield deadly magic and deadlier ambition.
Many had tried to woo her.Many had tried to kill her.All had failed.
The Meeting
Kael stood before the wrought-iron gates of the Garden, the air thick with magic and scent of poisonous flowers.
At his side were Zara, Mira, Velcia, Selene, and Evelyne — all prepared for war if needed.
The gates creaked open slowly, as if the garden itself was watching.
Inside, among the black roses, Lysandra awaited.
She reclined lazily on a throne of living vines, her appearance stunning and dangerous:
Long black hair like spilled ink.
Crimson eyes that gleamed with mocking intelligence.
A black and crimson dress that hugged her lethal curves.
She smiled, sharp as a knife.
"So… the 'Forgotten Prince' finally dares to tread into my domain."
Her voice was honeyed poison.
Kael smiled back, utterly unfazed.
"I figured it's time the monsters of this Empire started talking to each other."
Lysandra laughed, genuinely amused.
Negotiation… and Duel
The garden grew tense as they spoke.
Lysandra tested Kael with riddles, threats, and sharp words.
Kael answered with calm wit, piercing through her masks.
They fenced, not with swords, but with ambitions.
Finally, Lysandra's crimson eyes narrowed in satisfaction.
"You interest me, Kael Solaris. Few survive speaking to me for this long."
She stood, her dress flowing like living shadows.
"But words are wind. In this world, only strength matters."
She summoned a black rose-shaped sword from thin air — its edges dripping with cursed magic.
"If you want my loyalty… defeat me."
Kael grinned, a glint of excitement flashing in his golden eyes.
"I thought you'd never ask."
The Duel of Roses
Their clash shook the garden.
Kael moved like a phantom, dodging Lysandra's deadly petals that could slice steel.
Lysandra summoned thorny vines that tried to bind him — but Kael burned them away with a wave of golden flame.
Blades met in midair, sparks flying like miniature stars.
Their battle wasn't just physical — it was a battle of pride, of wills, of who would bow first.
In the end—
Kael pressed his sword lightly against Lysandra's throat, his other hand gently catching a cursed rose she had hurled at him.
She stared at him, breathing hard, her eyes wide with something dangerous.
Admiration.
Desire.
Fear.
"Fine," Lysandra whispered, a dark smile curling her lips."I'll follow you, Kael. But beware—my loyalty is thorned. Betray me, and I'll make you bleed."
Kael sheathed his sword with a soft laugh.
"Good. I'd expect nothing less from a Black Rose."
New Ally… and New Trouble
As Kael and his girls left the Garden with Lysandra at his side, unseen eyes watched from the shadows.
Enemies stirred.Factions plotted faster.
For now… the Forgotten Prince had gained a terrifying ally.
But the true war for the Empire had only just begun.