The day passed quickly, like a fleeting cloud over a scattered sky.
And as the sun set, I found myself putting the final touches on a simple travel bag.
I didn't need much, for a week required no more than a few elegant dresses, a pair of gloves, and a small notebook in which I jot down the thoughts that attack me when I'm away from my room.
That night, I didn't sleep well.
My eyes kept gazing at the ceiling while my thoughts tossed and turned like winter waves.
And when dawn finally broke, the sun had already washed the city with a cold light,
and I was on my way to the train station, hugging myself in silence.
It was my first time inside a train station.
The smell of metal and hot iron, the sounds of wheels screaming beneath the feet of time, and the people…
Each one in their own world.
Beside me, Kyle walked silently. Elegant as always,
in his dark gray suit and his blue eyes that hid something more than fatigue.
He didn't say a word, but I could feel his heart beating with worry. He was close enough that I could feel the warmth of his arm, yet he seemed distant, as if something invisible separated us.
Arwa (with a soft sigh):
"Kyle… is everything okay?"
Kyle (without turning):
"Stay close, Arwa. The capital is nothing like the suburbs of Baludeen."
I understood from his tone that there was no use in asking further.
We boarded the train to Solaris, and the journey was long,
but the room booked for the Countess Sara and me was comfortable.
In contrast, Kyle shared the other room with my uncle Denis, which only widened the distance between us despite the physical closeness.
Three days through slopes, valleys, and small towns forgotten by the map, and finally… the Golden Sun Tower appeared on the horizon. We arrived in the capital.
We got off the train, and a formal car sent from the palace greeted us.
We were tired, so we stopped at a classic restaurant in the heart of Solaris.
At that moment, I felt as if the entire city was whispering its secrets to me.
Its noise was a symphony of civilization unlike anything I had ever known.
After lunch, a luxurious black carriage arrived, bearing the imperial emblem.
Its driver was none other than Uncle Denis,
who insisted on driving it himself. My aunt sat beside him, while Kyle and I sat in the backseat.
But the strange thing was… Kyle didn't speak to me.
He was still, stiff, as if he had lost his voice—or as if he didn't want me to read his expression. I had to break the silence.
Arwa (in a cheerful tone):
"Oh my god, this is my first time seeing the capital! It's magnificent!"
Sara (laughing):
"You're right, Arwa. The capital is splendid. You know, I used to live here once, in the Elite District."
Arwa (in astonishment):
"Really? The Elite District! That must have been a beautiful past, Countess."
Sara laughed, and I laughed with her, as if something of Kyle's tension began to dissolve.
We arrived at the palace at sunset.
The enormity of the palace stole the words from my mouth. Black gates gleamed with golden engravings, and guards in red uniforms trimmed with white stood by the gate like legendary statues from an ancient book.
The carriage advanced and stopped before a fountain in the center of the outer courtyard. It was a scene of grandeur and awe. We got out, and a servant stepped forward to drive the car away.
From the grand marble gate, the Imperial Chamberlain came out to greet us.
Victor Valdez – a man in his sixties, with sharp features, slicked gray hair, and a silk sash draped over his shoulder.
Victor (with a bow):
"Long live the Sun of the Empire! Prince Denis de Strathmore!"
Denis (with a playful tone):
"Oh, no need to exaggerate, Victor. I'm just the old emperor's brother!"
He shook hands with everyone, and when he reached me, he paused for a moment and smiled:
Victor:
"And this is Miss Arwa, isn't it? I've heard much about you."
Kyle (in a quiet voice, his hand wrapping around my waist):
"Yes, it's her."
I felt his arm embrace me gently, as if silently telling everyone that I was his, in a quiet but clear way.
Arwa (with a polite smile):
"Pleasure to meet you, Minister."
Victor (studying me):
"You resemble Duke Valeska… same aura, same piercing eyes. You have a remarkable presence."
Arwa:
"That's kind of you, sir."
Victor led us inside, where the reception halls were decorated with ivory fabrics and crystal chandeliers pouring light like honey. We sat there, waiting for the emperor and empress.
After a few minutes, they entered.
Emperor Theodore, tall, walked as if the ground paved itself before him. Behind him… Empress Deviana.
She was elegant… her crimson shawl trailing behind her like a flame following a candle's wick. Her green eyes held a frightening intelligence, and her smile did not resemble peace.
We all stood, and I bowed with discipline:
Arwa:
"Long live the Sun of the Solaris Empire!"
Deviana (with a soft voice):
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Arwa de Valeska. So… you are Valeska's daughter."
I lifted my eyes, and they met hers… there was something in her gaze. Hatred? Challenge? I don't know, but it unsettled me for a moment.
We settled in the hall after the formal greetings, and refreshments were served.
Sara (politely):
"How are you, Your Majesty?"
Deviana (with a tight smile):
"Fine. Busy with governance, as you'd expect."
And the mothers' conversations began. About politics, children, schools, and even palace nannies. As for the men, they spoke quietly.
I heard the emperor say:
Theodore:
"I'm tired of treating him… the burning substance that criminal threw at his eyes… I don't know if he'll ever regain his sight."
Then, I felt a pinch on my hand. I looked… it was Kyle.
Arwa (whispering):
"That's painful… why did you do that?"
Kyle (coldly):
"Eavesdropping on others' conversations… disgraceful behavior."
Arwa (avoiding):
"I wasn't listening… I was just distracted."
Kyle stared at me for a long time, knowing I was lying, while I averted my eyes as if nothing had happened. A moment rich in light comedy, yet the empress's eyes never lost their caution.
Deviana (with a forced smile):
"Oh, Kyle… when will the wedding be? We want a celebration with dancing!"
Kyle (curtly):
"A year or two… I don't know. My mother is aware of everything."
Deviana:
"Wonderful. You'll have time to get to know each other well then."
Kyle:
"Arwa still hasn't reached legal age. When she does this year, we'll begin the ceremonies."
That declaration was clear… as if Kyle wanted to close the door on the empress's meddling, who looked at me as if inspecting an artifact.
Then came the true description of aristocratic beauty…
Arwa sat like a princess etched on the pages of a rare book.
Her platinum hair, braided at the back, cascaded softly over her shoulders with captivating grace.
Her grayish-blue gown enhanced the color of her eyes and made her appear like a painting from royal winter. On her ears, soft silver earrings reflected the chandelier's light, and those rosy cheeks and snow-like skin… she was like a future queen.
But behind those beautiful gazes… a fire boiled.
For when Prince Ethan and his twin sister Diana entered, the entire scene changed completely...