Chapter 1
Under the golden light of the setting sun, the magnificent castle of Avaloria shimmered, its majestic walls and tall spires serving as a tribute to the kingdom's unwavering might. A jubilant party was in progress indoors, as the crown princess was making her triumphant return from the battle. By the name of Inora, she was everything from a conventional princess.
Throughout the realm, Inora was renowned for her valour and fighting skills. While other princesses trained in courtly etiquette and attended exquisite parties, Inora had been practicing her swordplay and tactics in combat. Her father, King Roland, was pleased of her commitment to the kingdom's defence and had always encouraged her unconventional endeavours.
Tonight, nobles and dignitaries from other kingdoms gathered to celebrate Inora's return and her impending succession. The palace was decked up with banners with the royal emblem, and music and laughter filled the air. This evening was to be the start of her formal responsibilities; she was the heir apparent, the crown princess.
Despite the grandeur and splendour, Inora felt constricted in her ceremonial robe. She missed the thrill that had filled her days and the ease of the battlefield. She tiptoed out of the packed hall and into a more sedate area of the castle while the festivities whirled around her.
There, in a remote garden bathed in the gentle glow of the moon, she discovered Prince Sebastian, her older brother. Though fate had dealt him a brutal hand, he was expected to be the crown prince, the heir to the throne. Sebastian had been considered physically weak from birth and unsuited for the demands of the kingship.
With a kind smile, Inora walked up to him, her heart pounding for the brother who had always encouraged her to follow her crazy path. "Sebastian," she replied, "I needed to escape that suffocating ballroom for a moment."
With a feeble smile, pride and longing were evident in Sebastian's eyes. "Inora, my courageous sister, you were destined for greatness from birth. It is only fitting that you take the throne."
Away from the curious eyes of the court, they took a seat together on a stone bench. Inora started to talk about her experiences fighting, including how she seen the actual horrors of war, the sacrifices made by their people, and the necessity of maintaining peace among the kingdoms.
Sebastian listened carefully as she talked, adoration and concern meeting his eyes. He was aware of the responsibilities and expectations that would be put on her, as well as the weight of the crown she was about to assume.
With a voice scarcely audible above a whisper, he murmured, "Inora, you have to always remember to be the caring sister who has always stood by my side and the confident leader our kingdom needs."
She gave a nod, her eyes sparkling with tears. Sebastian, I swear to you. With all the love and courage in my heart, I will carry the hopes of our kingdom."
For the remainder of the night, Inora and Sebastian stayed in each other's company, exchanging dreams and stories and developing a relationship that would be the cornerstone of their cooperation in the trying days to come.
