The first sun of the day shone over Valcrys Castle, the capital of Eldoria. Its tall towers and wide streets were slowly waking up. Somewhere inside the palace, a loud clang rang out, followed by a sharp yelp.
"OW! Is that the best you can do? My grandma fights better than that!"
A small figure ducked under a swinging sword and rolled to her feet. She wiped sweat from her forehead. Her dark hair had slipped out from under her cap, but she didn't care.
"Princess! Are you really going to keep hitting me like this?"
"Elowen!" she called back. "I'm seriously thinking of replacing you with a dummy! At least a dummy won't complain!"
Kaelen, her tall, serious mentor, frowned. "You enjoy this far too much. You shouldn't be laughing while I almost hurt my shoulder."
Elowen grinned. "Oh, I am enjoying it. Look at you flail! Truly inspiring. Everyone will write songs about this moment."
No one else could know she was doing this. Elowen, crown princess of Eldoria, had learned long ago that training like this in public would cause a scandal—or worse, force her into "proper princess" lessons.
She rolled forward, her sword flashing. Kaelen caught it with a grunt. "Fine! You win. Happy now?"
"Oh, very," she said, beaming. "But the day is still young. We have maps to study, and I demand a cup of tea for your… performance."
---
By mid-morning, Elowen sat in the library, knees under the table, maps spread everywhere. She chewed the tip of a quill and muttered, "If I move the cavalry here… hmm… no, maybe there… Wait, that might get me killed."
She leaned back dramatically. "Dear imaginary generals of Eldoria, forgive me. One day, you will all look heroic next to me."
Kaelen peeked in. "You do know you're talking to yourself, right?"
"I am brainstorming," she said, waving him off. "Secret genius-level strategies. You wouldn't understand. Not yet."
Kaelen sighed. "I think I understand perfectly."
---
Later, in the royal court, Elowen tried to act like a proper princess. It didn't go well. She twirled a ribbon and made little faces when no one looked.
"Father," she said, "maybe we should move the troops a little. You know, casually. Nothing big. Just a tiny suggestion from someone who likes maps."
King Oleg raised an eyebrow. "Is that so, Elowen?"
"Yes! Exactly what I mean. Also, treaties are boring, and maps are even worse—but maybe we could add fireworks? Or a duel? Entertaining and useful!"
Oleg pinched his nose. "You are impossible."
"And you're too serious, Father! How will we conquer the world if no one has fun?"
Kaelen coughed. "She's joking… kind of."
Elowen laughed, then turned serious. "But really, we can't stay small forever. Marneth is growing, Thalreign is moving north… If we don't act, someone else will take our glory."
Her father's face softened. "You have the heart of a leader, Elowen. But remember, the world is dangerous."
"I know. I will use brains, brawn… and a little chaos," she said, grinning.
---
By evening, she returned to her private yard. Shadows stretched across the stones. She tossed her sword on the rack and leaned against the fence.
"Princess, are you serious about any of this?" Kaelen asked.
"I am serious… just not all the time. Sometimes, you have to laugh. Otherwise, what's the point of building an empire?"
She smiled as the last light faded. Eldoria didn't know it yet, but its crown princess was about to change everything—and she would enjoy it.