The Dream
Maingan stood in the courtyard of his childhood home. It was as he remembered—untouched by time. The wind carried the familiar scent of the trees, the distant echo of his mother's voice calling his name. But something was wrong.
He turned.
Figures emerged from the mist—cloaked, faceless.
Betrayal clung to the air, thick and suffocating.
Then he saw him.
The one who had spoken his name to the enemy. The one who had sold him out.
Rage burned in his chest. His hands clenched into fists as he stepped forward. But before he could reach, before he could demand answers, the world shifted.
The mist twisted, darkening.
The courtyard crumbled, swallowed by shadow.
And then—another vision.
The future.
A battlefield, drenched in blood. The sky torn open. A figure standing at its center, their back turned to him.
He tried to move, but his body would not obey.
A whisper drifted through the darkness.
"Do you see it now?"
The figure turned slightly. Just enough for him to glimpse golden eyes.
Mariah's eyes.
Then—
Maingan woke with a sharp gasp, his body jerking upright. His breath came fast, uneven. His hand clutched his chest as if trying to steady his own heartbeat.
What was that?
He turned his head to look out the window. Morning light was already creeping in. Too late. He couldn't go back.
The images still clung to his mind, the weight of them pressing deep into his thoughts.
But there was no time to dwell.
A knock at his door.
"My lord," a voice called. "The Queen has summoned you."
Maingan exhaled slowly. Of course.
He rose, pushing the remnants of his dream aside.
Duty called.
---
The Summons
Queen Spadina was waiting when he arrived.
She stood near the open balcony, bathed in morning light, the city stretching endlessly beyond her. Despite the grandeur, Maingan knew the truth—her gaze was always on something unseen. Something only she understood.
She turned slightly as he entered, her expression unreadable.
"You came quickly," she remarked.
"You summoned me," Maingan replied evenly.
She smiled. "I always summon you. And you always come."
He did not answer.
Spadina stepped closer, watching him carefully. "You had a dream."
Maingan stiffened.
She tilted her head. "What was it about?"
He hesitated. He could tell her. But something in his gut warned against it.
Finally, he answered, "The past."
Spadina hummed, unconvinced. "And the future?"
His breath caught.
She knew.
Maingan forced himself to remain composed. "The future is uncertain."
She studied him for a long moment. Then, her lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Not for long."
---
The Queen's Favor
Queen Spadina turned away, her gaze sweeping over the city below. "There is a matter that requires your attention, Maingan," she said, her voice smooth as silk.
Maingan remained silent, waiting.
She traced a finger along the marble railing, her expression unreadable. "The Lord of Calneh has grown... reluctant to fulfill his obligations. Taxes owed. Promises ignored."
Her dark eyes flickered toward him. "I need you to remind him of his place."
Maingan inclined his head. "You wish for me to collect?"
Spadina smiled, amused. "If only it were that simple. Caleh's lord is no fool. He will offer excuses, delays. He believes himself untouchable." Her voice dipped, soft but edged with steel. "Remind him he is not."
Maingan understood. This was not just a mission of collection—it was a warning.
"And if he refuses?" he asked.
Spadina's smile deepened. "Then you will ensure he does not make that mistake again."
She stepped closer, her voice lowering. "You are my favorite official, Maingan. You understand the weight of duty. You do not falter."
Her fingers trailed briefly against his arm, a fleeting touch before she withdrew.
"Do not fail me."
Maingan met her gaze, his expression unwavering.
"I never have."
She watched him for a moment longer before turning away. "Then go."
With a final bow, Maingan departed, the weight of his orders settling over him.
Duty called once more.