Morning sunlight filtered softly through Aria's curtains, turning the room pale gold. Arcanis opened his eyes slowly, feeling the faint weight pressed against his arm.
Aria was curled beside him, her hair a wild, tangled halo, her tiny hand gripping his sleeve with sleepy determination. She looked so peaceful like this — like she belonged nowhere else but right here.
He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"Brother…?" she mumbled, voice small with sleep.
"I'm here," he whispered, his tone warm enough to melt morning frost.
She blinked twice, waking more fully, then her expression softened into something a little sad.
"Are you… leaving today?"
Arcanis didn't answer immediately; he lifted her gently onto his lap, letting her lean into him. He stroked her back in slow, calm motions.
"I have to," he murmured. "It's my first step toward growing stronger."
Aria buried her face in his chest.
"I don't want you to go…"
"And I don't want to leave you," he said, voice quiet but steady.
"But I promised I'd come back. I never break promises to you."
Aria tightened her little arms around him — small, fragile, but full of trust.
"Come back fast," she whispered.
"Faster than you can finish your stash of cookies," he said softly.
Aria looked up at him with a tiny pout. "Brother! That's impossible."
He chuckled gently.
"There. You're smiling again."
She sniffed, wiping her eyes, but didn't let go of his sleeve until a knock sounded.
---
— The Summons
A soft, respectful voice came from outside the door.
"Your Highness, His Majesty awaits you in the royal study."
Aria clung tighter, but Arcanis touched her forehead with his — a gesture only the two of them shared.
"I'll be back," he said.
Aria swallowed, nodded, and whispered, "Go. I'll wait."
Arcanis stood, giving her one last gentle headpat, then stepped out of the room with a steady breath.
---
— Father & Son (The Ring)
King Alistair stood in front of a tall window, the morning light reflecting in his royal grey eyes. He looked strong, calm, dignified — every inch a king.
On the desk lay a small black box.
When Arcanis entered, the king turned slightly.
"You're on time."
"I always will be, Father."
The king nodded, then picked up the box and held it out.
"Open it."
Arcanis did — inside rested a silver ring etched with faint runes that pulsed like quiet heartbeats.
King Alistair spoke:
"This is a Rare-tier magic ring.
An arti-craft from our ancestors."
Arcanis looked up.
"It will increase your mana capacity by 5%.
A small boost — but enough to save your life when the world tests you."
Arcanis swallowed softly.
"Thank you… Father."
The king placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You're leaving as my son," he said quietly, "but you'll return as something more."
Arcanis met his eyes.
"Then what is strength, Father?"
The king's expression softened.
"That which you protect."
Warmth pooled in Arcanis's chest.
"I'll remember."
✔ New Mission Added Here — Without Changing Flow
King Alistair stepped back slightly and continued:
"Your first assignment is simple," he said.
"You will travel to Riverbend Village — two days south of the capital."
Arcanis listened silently.
"There is a forest nearby," the king continued. "Strange mana fluctuations have been reported. You will observe. Nothing more."
Then, with deliberate calm:
"You will take no captains."
Arcanis's brows lowered slightly.
"Only one attendant will accompany you — Merrin."
A soft pause.
"He is nineteen. Young, but competent, loyal, and trained for field logistics. He will serve you well."
Arcanis nodded once, accepting the decision without complaint.
---
— Mother & Son (Soft as Water)
Queen Elara entered silently, her steps as gentle as a breeze.
"Oh," she smiled lightly, "my two favorite men are finally done with their serious faces."
Arcanis smiled faintly — she had that effect on him.
She approached him, brushing a strand of white hair away from his forehead and smoothing the front of his clothes.
"You look handsome," she said, eyes soft. "But more importantly… you look ready."
Arcanis held her gaze.
"I'll come back stronger."
"And kinder," she reminded, tapping his chest lightly. "Strength without warmth becomes emptiness… promise me you'll keep that warmth alive."
Arcanis nodded.
"I promise."
She leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.
"Come back safely, my love."
---
— The Captains' Thoughts
Outside the hall, Serion leaned against a pillar while Lyris adjusted her gloves.
"He's growing too fast," Lyris murmured.
Serion exhaled.
"That's how monsters are."
"But still…" she frowned. "He's just sixteen."
Serion smiled faintly.
"Exactly why we guard him. He'll shine strongest if he learns the world with his own steps."
Lyris nodded slowly.
"Let's trust him, then. Even if our hearts worry."
---
— The Departure
The courtyard was filled:
knights in neat formation
servants bowing
ministers observing
villagers waiting outside the gate
And at the front:
Aria, holding a small woven charm in her hands — her own little creation.
When Arcanis emerged, she ran toward him, stopping only when she reached his boots. Tears welled in her large eyes.
"Brother… take this."
Arcanis knelt, accepting the charm with gentle hands.
"It's perfect," he said.
"You have to come back with it," she whispered, voice trembling.
He cupped her cheeks softly.
"I will."
She sniffled, nodded furiously, then hugged him tight.
Nearby, Merrin (age 19) stood at attention — straight-backed, nervous, loyal — waiting to accompany the prince on his first journey.
When Arcanis stood and approached the white horse prepared for him, the entire courtyard fell into silence.
He mounted with smooth ease, adjusted his cloak, and looked toward the gates.
The world beyond waited — wild, dangerous, beautiful.
He breathed in.
"Let's go," he said softly.
The gates opened.
Wind swept in.
And Arcanis — Crown Prince of Aravell — took his first step into the world beyond the walls.