Chapter 1
The Kingdom of Solaria, also known as the Kingdom of Light, was famous for its culture, fertile lands, and scholars.
It was ruled by King Roland Asterion and Queen Helena Asterion, together with their three heirs: the eldest princess, Eleanor Asterion, the second princess, Lyra Asterion, and the youngest, Prince Adrian Asterion.
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Inside one of the palace’s practice rooms, soft music echoed through the hall.
Princess Eleanor (10) carefully followed her tutor’s movements, practicing the elegant dance expected of every noble lady.
In a quiet corner of the room, Princess Lyra (8) sat with a book resting on her lap. Like always, she silently accompanied her older sister.
Lost in her thoughts, Eleanor missed a turn.
“Not like that, Your Highness,” the dance instructor said gently. “Raise your hand a little higher... yes, like that. Now, once more.”
Eleanor adjusted her posture before lowering her hand again.
Her small hand slowly curled into a fist out of disappointment.
Only after a brief moment did she let it go.
A quiet sadness lingered in her eyes.
Why can’t I learn something useful for the kingdom... like swordsmanship or politics...?
Just because I’m a princess...?
Lyra quietly watched her sister without saying a word.
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Nearby, two palace servants observed the lesson.
“The First Princess is as beautiful as ever,” one whispered.
Her companion nodded.
“Her long chestnut hair... those amber eyes... and the way she dances. She truly looks like someone from a fairy tale.”
“The whole kingdom adores her.”
The first servant glanced toward the younger girl.
“The Second Princess is beautiful too, though.”
Lyra remained focused on her book.
Her dark brown hair rested neatly over her shoulders, contrasting with the dark blue dress she always seemed to prefer.
“Perhaps,” the second servant replied quietly.
“But she always feels... distant.”
“When she looks at me, I feel as though she sees right through me.”
The first servant quickly changed the subject.
“Well, at least His Highness the Prince is lively.”
The second servant smiled.
“At only seven years old, he already masters most of his lessons. His instructors say he is a genius.”
“With his dark brown hair and amber eyes, he already carries himself like a future king.”
Suddenly, a stern voice interrupted them.
“What are the two of you doing?”
The servants immediately lowered their heads.
“H-Head Maid!”
“Do you wish to lose your positions by gossiping about the royal family?”
“We beg your forgiveness!”
The two servants quickly hurried away.
The Head Maid watched them leave before turning her eyes toward the practice room.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Our three heirs...
They are the pride of this kingdom.
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As evening arrived, the palace training courtyard was filled with the sound of wooden swords.
Prince Adrian (7) swung his practice blade again and again.
Finally, he stumbled and fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
His sword master stood before him with crossed arms.
“Get up.”
Adrian looked up, confused.
“We’re not finished.”
The boy tried to catch his breath.
His master remained unmoved.
“You are the future of this kingdom.”
“A king cannot afford weakness.”
“No one will come to save you.”
“One day, your people... and your family... will depend on you.”
The young prince quietly tightened his grip around the wooden sword.
Then he stood up.
“...Yes, Master.”
Without another word, he resumed his training.
The old swordsman watched him carefully.
A proud smile slowly formed on his face.
At the same time, he felt someone’s gaze from the palace windows.
He looked up for a brief moment.
Finding nothing unusual, he simply returned his attention to his student.
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Inside the palace corridor, a maid hurried toward the window.
“Your Highness, there you are.”
“You shouldn’t wander off by yourself. You had me worried.”
The maid followed Lyra’s gaze.
Far below, Prince Adrian continued his training.
A warm smile appeared on her face.
“His Highness truly is remarkable.”
“He was born to become our future king.”
Lyra silently watched her younger brother for one last moment.
Then her eyes slowly moved toward the distant palace gates.
“What a beautiful place...”
She turned around.
“Let’s go. Mother is waiting.”
The maid blinked.
“...A beautiful place?”
Before she could ask what the young princess meant, Lyra had already begun walking away.
The maid quietly followed behind her.
She could never understand why the Second Princess always seemed to speak in such strange ways.
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Author’s Note
Thoughts are written in italics.
( If you’ve seen Solaria before, you’re not imagining it.
The previous publication was removed because I had to step away for a while due to personal circumstances.
I’m finally back, and so is Solaria.
Thank you to everyone who waited.
And to those joining us for the first time...
Welcome to our story.
— Lylas )
