Aaron
The sharp clang of steel echoed throughout the chamber, ringing like a battle hymn. My blades moved instinctively, deflecting each strike with precision. Alberich's attacks were fast, relentless-even sharper than last time. I shifted my stance, sliding back with a low dodge, then pushed forward again with a swift counter. Our swords met in a blur of motion, sparks flashing with every clash.
His broadsword came down in a diagonal arc. I stepped aside, narrowly avoiding the blow, and pivoted around him. In one smooth motion, I crossed both of my swords and brought them close-one at each side of his neck.
He froze. A few heartbeats passed.
"I yield," he said at last, his voice breathless and ragged as his sword slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor.
A smirk tugged at my lips as I lowered my weapons. "You've gotten stronger, Your Highness," I said casually, stepping back.
Before me stood Alberich Draken-crown prince of the Drakenvale Kingdom, and future king. Despite the beads of sweat on his brow, he gave me a tired but genuine smile.
"Thanks for sparring with me, Aaron," he said. "Next time, I'll be the one putting the blade to your neck."
I laughed lightly. "I won't let that happen, not in a thousand years."
At that moment, a knight entered the chamber, bowing respectfully. "Prince Alberich. His Majesty requests your presence in the royal chamber."
"Understood," Alberich replied with a nod. "I'll head there now."
He picked up his sword and walked off, leaving me alone in the training hall.
Training was done for the day, so I made my way out into the streets of Drakenvale. The capital city was a masterpiece of beauty-tall stone spires rising against the sky, stained glass windows glimmering in the sunlight, and broad cobbled streets filled with life. The aroma of fresh bread, roasted meats, and blooming flowers filled the air, carried on a gentle breeze.
I sat down on a bench near the main avenue, tearing off a piece of warm bread I'd bought from a nearby vendor. From here, I could watch the flow of the city-merchants calling out prices, children darting between stalls, nobles riding in gilded carriages, and travelers passing through the market square.
"Hey, Aaron! What are you doing out here all alone?" came a sweet, teasing voice.
I looked up to see two young women approaching me, both smiling, their skirts swaying gently as they walked. I knew them. I always seemed to know them.
"Need some company?" one of them offered, her voice soft and inviting.
I leaned back with a smirk. "Not today. Maybe next time."
"Aw, why not?" she pouted, folding her arms with a slight frown.
"Don't be like that," the other girl said, nudging her friend gently. "I'm sure Aaron has something important to do. He's a busy man, after all."
She turned to me with a wink. "But if you do need anything-anything at all-you know where to find us, okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind," I said, lifting my bread in a mock toast as they turned and walked away, one of them glancing back with a lingering smile.
I watched them disappear into the crowd, then took another bite of the bread.
My name is Aaron. I'm twenty-one. A mercenary. Women tend to like me, for reasons I try not to think too hard about-but honestly, I've got no time for romance. Not with the kind of life I lead.
Speaking of time... the King summoned me to his chambers at two o'clock. I had no idea what for, but I figured I'd better not keep royalty waiting.
I stood up, brushing the crumbs off my lap, and headed toward the palace.
I walked steadily toward the royal castle, boots tapping lightly against the cobbled road. It was strange-the King of Draken rarely summoned me directly. Usually, if he needed something from me, he would send Prince Alberich with a message. The sudden change piqued my curiosity.
As I approached the castle gates, the sight before me was as intimidating as ever. Twelve elite guards stood in formation at the entrance, and tall archer towers loomed at each corner, vigilant and imposing. The air here was heavy with discipline and authority.
"You're early. The King isn't expecting you just yet," one of the guards said in a flat tone as he recognized me. "But you may enter."
I gave him a small nod and continued past the gates. The fact that he let me through without question meant the King had already informed them of my arrival.
The inside of the Drakenvale palace was nothing short of magnificent. High ceilings arched above in intricate designs, lit by enormous chandeliers that bathed the hall in a warm golden glow. The marble floors reflected every glint of light, and the tall windows were draped with deep crimson curtains embroidered with the royal crest.
This wasn't my first time here. I'd been in this palace three or four times before, always with Prince Alberich. But even so, the grandeur of the place never failed to impress.
I headed toward the royal hall when I spotted Alberich speaking with one of his guards near the corridor.
"Hei, Prince," I called out casually, raising one hand in greeting.
Alberich turned his head and smiled, but before he could respond, his guard moved.
"Watch your tongue, mercenary! Show some respect when addressing royalty!" the man barked and grabbed my collar with surprising speed and force.
"Easy, Zile," Alberich said, chuckling as he stepped between us. "He means no harm".
Zile, the ever-loyal watchdog of the prince, reluctantly released me. I straightened my tunic, exhaling slowly.
"You heard him," I said with a faint smirk, rubbing my neck. "No need to crush my windpipe."
"My apologies, Prince. It's just that Aaron lacks... proper manners," Zile said with a formal bow.
"Aaron, come with me to the royal hall," Alberich offered, brushing aside the moment. "Let's grab something to drink while we wait for my father."
"I'll have tea," I replied, walking beside him as we headed down the corridor.
"Zile?" Alberich asked without turning.
"Same as Aaron, Your Highness," Zile replied promptly.
Alberich nodded and gestured to a nearby servant, who scurried off to fulfill our request. We reached the royal hall and settled into our seats, sipping tea and exchanging a few relaxed words. The atmosphere was calm, almost too calm.
Then, the doors opened.
The aura shifted.
We all rose from our seats and bowed as the King of Draken entered the hall. He was a towering presence, dressed in a regal navy blue robe trimmed with gold. His broad shoulders and dignified posture exuded strength. A crown of modest design sat upon his silver-streaked hair-he didn't need extravagant symbols to command respect. Behind him walked the Queen, poised and elegant, and...
A girl. A young woman around seventeen, clad in a noble dress of dark blue and gold. Her long, golden hair fell gracefully to her back, and her bright blue eyes were striking, clear as gemstones. Her presence was composed, but there was a quietness to her demeanor that set her apart. She held herself with confidence, yet she said nothing, her eyes surveying the room.
It was the first time I'd seen her.
"Eiko Celestia," Alberich said beside me, still in a bow.
"Eiko... Celestia... huh?" I echoed under my breath.
"My second sister," he explained simply.
"a noble princess then? I had no idea you had a sister."
"She's been studying abroad for years. I've had little chance to introduce her to anyone. Excuse me, Aaron, I need to join my father."
He stepped forward to take his place beside the King. I remained bowed a moment longer, sneaking one more glance at the girl named Eiko. There was something about her-not beauty, though she certainly had that-but a certain stillness, like a blade untouched yet dangerous.
"Thank you all for attending this gathering!" The King's voice boomed with authority, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
We straightened from our bows. The King began with discussions of the kingdom's economy, the latest progress in arms manufacturing, and the welfare of the outer regions. It was all standard political talk, shared among nobles and council members. None of it had anything to do with me.
Which only deepened the mystery of why I was summoned here today. Plese tell me this isn't one of those troublesome things I'll have to deal with....
