The carriage rolled to a halt before the gates of Ashvalen's royal castle. It wasn't as grand or sprawling as the golden spires of Velmoria, but it held its own charm—stone walls weathered by time, banners fluttering with the sigil of a silver falcon. Guards in polished armor stood at attention, and ivy crept along the old brick like veins on aged skin. Modest in size, but unmistakably regal.
Noa and Selene stepped down from the carriage, boots meeting stone with a soft thud. At the castle's entrance, Princess Faelina stood with her usual grace, flanked by her towering knight, Korran—stern as always, arms folded behind his back.
Noa caught the sight and smirked internally. Oh? The princess herself came to greet us. Guess she's really serious about this little deal of ours.
"Hey, Princess," he called casually, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets.
Faelina's expression softened into a diplomatic smile. "Noa, you came. And she is—?"
He gave Selene a sideways glance. "Oh, right. She's Selene—my guard. Or companion. Or… whatever works for you."
Selene gave a slight nod, offering no clarification. Just a cool stare that didn't invite questions.
Faelina raised a brow but said nothing—though Korran's gaze narrowed ever so slightly.
Princess Faelina gestured gracefully toward the castle doors. "Come, the garden's a better place to talk."
Noa glanced at Selene, who shrugged slightly, then followed the princess inside. The guards parted as they walked through the stone corridors, sunlight spilling in through tall windows.
Outside, the garden stretched out with blooming flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. Birds chirped softly, and a gentle breeze stirred the air.
Faelina smiled, folding her hands calmly. "So, Noa, what do you think of Ashvalen so far?"
Noa smirked, leaning casually against a marble bench. "It's got its charm. Not Velmoria, but it'll do."
Selene stood silently beside him, eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet caution.
Faelina nodded, then glanced at Selene. "And you, Selene? What's your impression of our little kingdom?"
Selene's voice was calm but distant. "It's a place with secrets. Like most kingdoms."
Faelina's eyes twinkled slightly. "Indeed. Secrets are what keep things interesting, wouldn't you say?"
Noa chuckled softly. "Guess that means we're in for quite a show."
His eyes flicked to the guards lining the garden paths—many guards. Looked like there was something going on here. Their silent vigilance spoke louder than words.
Then he looked back at Princess Faelina. She keeps her calm, but I can see the unease hiding just beneath the surface. Something's definitely stirring behind that polished smile.
"So, Princess, let's get down to business. I'm assuming there's a royal coup brewing in the shadows?"
Noa's words hung in the air like a sharp blade. Princess Faelina's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing across her composed face before she quickly masked it with a polite, measured smile.
"Your instincts are sharper than most, Noa Itsuki," she said quietly, voice steady but edged with tension. "There are... troubling whispers within the court. But nothing is confirmed yet. That is why your strength and discretion are so important."
She glanced briefly toward her guards, then back at Noa. "You have our trust, but be cautious. Shadows in the castle often stretch further than they seem."
Noa smirked. "Well, Princess, I'll happily take your side—as long as you hold up your end of the deal."
Faelina's lips curved into a thin, guarded smile, though a flicker of relief crossed her eyes.
"Of course, Noa. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded. Together, we will see this kingdom through the storm."
She folded her hands gracefully. "Now, let us speak of the details."
"I want you to take my side in the upcoming... succession war. I want the throne, no matter what. Mainly because of my little brother. There have already been multiple attempts to assassinate both of us. Whoever's behind this coup—they want us dead."
Noa's eyes narrowed slightly as he absorbed her words. The weight behind her calm voice was unmistakable.
Princess Faelina continued, her tone steady but fierce. "I'm fighting not just for power, but for survival. If I lose, the entire kingdom will fall into chaos—and my brother… he won't last a day."
She looked directly at Noa. "I need someone strong. Someone I can trust. That's why I asked for you."
Noa glanced at Selene, who gave a subtle, silent nod. His mind raced. A royal coup, huh? If I back her, it's like getting a golden egg-laying goose.
His eyes flicked to Korran, the guard knight standing stiff and unreadable—that dog's loyal, no doubt. Doesn't like me one bit, but he's good at keeping it buried.
Noa's smirk returned as he faced the princess. "Alright, Princess. Let's do this."
Faelina gave a faint, relieved smile, but her eyes remained sharp, calculating. "You're a valuable ally, Noa. I still need more support from the nobles and the army—but having you on my side strengthens my position greatly. Together, we might just turn the tide."
Noa glanced at her with a casual tone. "Princess Faelina, how about a quick tour of the castle? It helps to know the place if we're going to be working together."
Korran's jaw tightened, teeth clenched in silent frustration.
Selene, unfazed, leaned slightly forward and said smoothly, "It's a sensible request. Understanding the castle's layout is important for strategy—and for ensuring your safety, Your Highness."
The princess gave a subtle nod, weighing the logic in Selene's words before responding.
The castle tour began as Faelina led Noa and Selene through the grand stone corridors, her footsteps echoing softly against the cold floors.
First, they arrived at the throne room—a majestic chamber draped in rich crimson banners, with a towering throne carved from dark oak and inlaid with gleaming gold. The walls were adorned with portraits of past rulers, their eyes seeming to watch every visitor. Noa took it all in, noting the subtle tension in the air, as if power itself lingered there.
From there, Faelina guided them to the kitchen, bustling with activity despite the late hour. Chefs hurried between ovens and counters, preparing meals fit for royalty. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stews filled the room. Noa watched a baker toss dough with practiced ease, a brief smile flickering across his face. "This place looks like it can feed an army."
Next, they moved on to the armory—a long hall lined with racks of polished weapons and sturdy armor. Gleaming swords, battle-worn shields, and crossbows hung neatly, each telling a story of past battles. Selene's eyes briefly flickered with appreciation as she ran a finger along the hilt of a finely crafted longsword. "Impressive stock," she muttered.
Noa's curiosity grew. "What about the library? I'd like to see the books and scrolls—knowledge can be just as powerful."
Faelina's smile tightened ever so slightly. "The library is reserved strictly for royal blood. Even you, Noa, don't have access yet. But once I claim the throne… I'll make sure you can enter." Her gaze held a promise—and a challenge.
The tour continued through spacious courtyards filled with vibrant flowers and stone fountains, the air crisp with the scent of blooming jasmine. They passed the guest chambers, simple but comfortable, and the war room, where maps and battle plans were spread across a heavy oak table. Here, Faelina's expression grew serious, her fingers tracing the borders of the kingdom.
Noa folded his arms, standing at ease but with that same glint in his eyes that always put people on edge.
"Princess," he said casually, "how about a visit to your room next?"
Korran's fists clenched instantly. His face twisted with restrained fury, and he stepped forward. "You arrogant—!"
But Faelina raised her hand sharply. "Stand down, Korran."
The knight halted mid-step, jaw tight, clearly seething—but he obeyed.
Faelina turned to Noa, arching an elegant brow. "And why would you need to see my room, Mr. Itsuki?"
Noa smiled—disarming, charming, and just the right amount of scheming. "Simple. A ruler's personal quarters often reflect their true self. Their mindset. What they value. If I'm going to throw my lot in with you, Faelina… I want to know the kind of queen you aim to be. A throne may show your title—but your chambers show your truth."
Selene blinked once, then gave him a sidelong glance. That's manipulative… but not untrue.
Faelina was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable.
Then, she let out a breath. "You're annoyingly clever sometimes, Noa."
"I try," he said with a grin.
She turned away. "Fine. But don't touch anything. And Korran stays at the door."
Korran scowled. "Gladly."
As they ascended the elegant marble staircase, Faelina walked a few steps ahead, her silken cape trailing behind her like rippling moonlight. Noa followed with lazy confidence—hands in his pockets, but eyes sharp.
They reached the ornate double doors of the princess's chambers. A pair of elite guards snapped to attention but parted at her command.
Just as Faelina placed her hand on the gilded handle, Noa tilted his head slightly and gave Selene a quick glance—a subtle motion, but unmistakable.
Selene understood immediately.
She stepped back and positioned herself beside Korran, her arms crossed loosely, expression calm. "I'll stay out here," she said smoothly. "Make sure no one interrupts."
Korran scoffed. "As if you could stop—"
"I will," Selene interrupted coldly, her golden eyes locking with his. "Try me."
A tense silence passed between the two, but Korran said nothing more.
Inside, Faelina pushed open the doors. The scent of lavender drifted out, mingling with cool castle air. Noa gave her a faint nod and stepped inside, the heavy doors closing behind him with a soft thud.
Now then, Noa thought as he surveyed the royal room. Let's see the kind of queen you really are