ELOWEN

The Kingdom of Valerith was alive with celebration as the entire capital gathered for one of its most important national ceremonies. The streets were filled with citizens dressed in their finest clothing, vintage cars moved slowly through decorated avenues, and music echoed across the city in a blend of elegance and tradition. It was a rare day when the royal family and the people stood together under one unified event meant to honor the strength and prosperity of the kingdom.

At the heart of it all stood the Royal Palace, where the grand ceremonial hall had been prepared for the gathering of nobles, officials, and members of the royal household. The hall itself reflected the kingdom’s wealth and refinement with its tall marble pillars, golden chandeliers, and vast arched windows that allowed the evening light to fall softly across the assembled court.

King Leopold Valmont sat at the highest seat of the hall, observing the celebration with calm authority. Beside him sat Queen Seraphina, the First Queen of Valerith, whose presence carried both dignity and political strength. On the other side sat Lady Marianne, the Second Queen, calm and composed, known within the palace not for power or ambition, but for her quiet stability and the personal affection she shared with the King.

Below them, among the gathered nobles and royal attendants, stood the two princes of the kingdom.

Prince Lucien Valmont, the First Prince, stood with composed discipline, his presence naturally drawing attention without effort. Though he was often regarded by the court as the most likely successor to the throne, no official heir had yet been declared, and the weight of that uncertainty remained unspoken within the palace.

Not far from him stood Prince Cassian Valmont, the Second Prince, who wore a finely crafted mask that concealed a scar on his face. The mask was not crude or frightening but elegant in design, blending with his royal appearance while setting him apart from everyone else in the hall. Cassian carried himself with quiet control, observing rather than seeking attention, and though he shared the same royal blood as Lucien, the world around them often treated their presence differently.

Despite their differences, both princes stood in the same hall on equal terms of age, each aware that their futures were still undecided within the royal succession.

As the celebration continued, the atmosphere remained formal and steady until a shift moved through the hall. The great doors at the entrance opened slowly, and the music faded without instruction as silence naturally spread across the gathered crowd.

The High Seer of Valerith entered.

No announcement was needed, for her presence alone carried enough authority to command the attention of the entire court. She walked forward with slow, deliberate steps, her staff echoing softly against the marble floor, until she reached the center of the hall.

For a brief moment, she said nothing, allowing the silence to settle completely.

Then she spoke.

“A moment of celebration does not prevent the future from revealing itself.”

The hall remained still.

King Leopold leaned slightly forward, his expression controlled but attentive. He did not interrupt, as he understood the weight carried by those who spoke of prophecy.

The Seer continued with steady calm.

“A child will be born into one of the great ducal houses of this kingdom. A girl whose life will not belong only to herself, but to a future that will involve the crown.”

A faint tension passed through the hall, though no one dared to speak.

Queen Seraphina remained composed, her expression unreadable, while Lady Marianne remained quietly attentive beside her.

The Seer’s gaze moved across the hall before she spoke again.

“When she comes of age, she will stand at the center of a choice that will influence the direction of Valerith itself.”

The words settled deeply this time, heavier than before, then came the final line. “She will stand between two heirs of the crown.”Silence followed immediately. Not because the meaning was unclear, but because it was understood too well.

King Leopold did not respond at once, nor did the queens speak. Even the nobles remained frozen in thought, each interpreting the prophecy in their own way while recognizing that no name had been given, no house identified, and no future confirmed. The Seer lowered her head once more.

“My duty is complete.”And just as she had entered without warning, she turned and left the hall, leaving behind a kingdom that had just been introduced to a future it was not yet ready to face.