The golden banners of Elvaria fluttered above the academy's royal annex, where Crown Prince Lucius sat alone in his private study. Normally, his presence radiated warmth and certainty, but tonight his features were shadowed with unease.
Reports and letters lay scattered across the desk—whispers from the nobles, records of the academy, notes from his advisors. Again and again, the same name appeared among them.
Irena Valkyrie.
The commoner girl who had contracted with a High Spirit.
The Weight of Expectations
Lucius leaned back, closing his eyes."Father will soon hear of her… the entire court will."
Already, he could imagine the king's voice: "A crown prince must secure the strongest allies. A woman blessed by a High Spirit is not to be ignored."
Yet Lucius's heart clenched at the thought. For though Irena shone brilliantly before the world, his fiancée—Serena Alveir—was the one who had always stood beside him.
Serena, the girl without a spirit.Serena, whose determination burned brighter than any flame.
That Afternoon – In the Royal Garden of the Annex
Lucius invited Serena to join him, away from the murmurs of the academy. The garden bloomed with enchanted roses, their petals shimmering in soft hues of silver.
"Serena," he said gently, taking her hand. "Tell me honestly… do the rumors trouble you?"
Her golden eyes lowered, but her voice remained steady."They sting, yes. But I have grown used to whispers. I cannot stop them, so I will walk forward regardless."
Lucius's heart ached. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss upon her knuckles."You are far stronger than I. If only the world could see you as I do."
For a moment, warmth enveloped them. Yet the shadow of Irena's name lingered unspoken between their hearts.
Meanwhile – In the Academy Halls
Irena walked gracefully, her fiery spirit trailing faintly at her side. Students parted before her as if drawn to her presence. Yet behind her modest smile, calculation gleamed in her crimson eyes.
The prince looks at Serena still… but that will change.
She paused before a group of gossiping nobles, her voice soft yet clear enough to be heard."I am honored by your praise, but truly… compared to Lady Alveir, I am unworthy."
The words, so humble, spread like wildfire. Within hours, the academy was ablaze with new rumors—rumors that compared, contrasted, and quietly undermined Serena's place.
Nightfall – The Prince Alone
Back in his study, Lucius stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit academy.
On one side, Serena—his fiancée, whose pride and resilience shone like steel.On the other, Irena—the commoner girl now hailed as a miracle, her flame dazzling enough to sway the entire kingdom.
Duty warred with devotion. Politics with love.
Lucius clenched his fists."I swore I would protect Serena… but how long before even my promise is tested?"
The moonlight fell across his troubled face, casting long shadows that reached across the chamber.