The sun shines through rose-tinted glasses, patting my back in encouragement. My eyes stare at the image of a revered basilisk. It protects the gate of the throne room just like these majestic creatures have always protected our Rising Basilisk Empire.
It is said that the creatures' haughty eyes can intimidate those seeking for an audience even before they get to see his majesty. But I never felt this way. For my entire life I never had to fear a basilisk. They were always close to me, a naturally formed bond connecting us.
No. Compared to my scaled friends I feel more fear towards those waiting for me behind the door.
But simultaneously I am looking forward to appearing in their view.
I have worked hard for this day. I still remember the disappointed eyes when it was confirmed that I had low magic potential. I was three at the time. I didn't understand why my family treated me differently from that day on.
Only when my teacher retold the heroic deeds of the royal family did it dawn on me. I understood what responsibilities came with my birth. Those glorious ancestors who built the empire had power a normal human can't fathom.
I wanted to be like them. To protect our citizens, protect humanity.
Thus, I began to train. The first time I carried a sword was when I was three years old and since then I have never let it go. All for that fateful day when I would be called to serve the empire. All for today!
I straighten my mind and push the heavy door open. A familiar spacious hall comes into my view, with lavish pillars supporting a roof majestic like a second sky.
The best warriors the world has to offer are standing at the side, wearing silver-golden armor made from Streenuum. Their spears gleaming in the sun amaze me every time even though I have seen it dozens of times.
But I don't dare to appear absentminded. I quickly direct my eyes on the most prominent figures in the room. Up ahead, seated on a glamorous, wide throne adorned with the images of fierce basilisks sits the emperor of our Rising Basilisk Empire, Emperor Jondal Yntheno, my father!
His authoritative eyes, profound like the two suns in the sky, emit a vast might which puts unbearable pressure on every visitor, not differentiating between friend or foe.
Despite the few strands of grey hair my father radiates the kind of strength I will be striving for for all my life. A hero in his youth, an emperor in his later years. The mix of personal might and unshakable influence sculpted one of the most powerful humans alive. No. The most powerful!
I find it impossible to draw my eyes away, causing me to ignore the middle-aged man sitting on a smaller throne below. But compared to the emperor, my brother the crown prince has a gentle temperament, easily forgiving my small blunder.
As I approach the throne it feels as if advancing against a violent storm. I forcefully suppress the trembling of my limbs until I finally manage to reach within five steps of the throne, where I kneel down in respect of the emperor, speaking solemnly:
"I pay my respects to your majesty the emperor!"
The emperor doesn't speak, and the room falls silent. I don't know if this is his way to test me? Test my resolve? But I'm willing to prove myself! Just give me a chance!
"Endal."
Finally!
"Yes, your majesty."
"I have seen your efforts."
These few words cause me to tremble in exhilaration. Isn't this what I have been training for? Swinging my sword day and night only for this moment! But I dare not show it, waiting for the emperor to continue.
"You will follow the crown prince on a punishment expedition. Set off tomorrow. In acknowledgment of your position, I will bestow 'Flame of the South' upon you!"
Hearing footsteps coming closer I can't contain my excitement anymore. I need to raise my head, need to draw strength from everyone's expressions.
I first saw my brother's kind face. Handsome with a heroic aura befitting of the crown prince. His kind nod is not unexpected. He has always been known to treat those around him well and his enemies harshly.
Carefully moving my head more, the emperor's body enters my eyes. But I don't dare to linger as someone else steps before me. Wearing an armor similar to the emperor's guards, his friendly smile evokes positive feelings in everyone.
This hero goes by the name of Golden Blade named after his signature magical spell. Despite our good relationship I don't know his real name.
Only my father knows it, having traveled the world together. Golden Blade is probably my father's only friend. It is considered a luxury for the emperor to hold a friend this close, pronouncing him as the empire's guardian.
But no one would dare to accuse the emperor of nepotism. Golden Blade's name alone is enough to strike fear into the hearts of the surrounding kingdoms. I am not afraid to call him my idol.
Now seeing Golden Blade stopping before me, holding a sheath in his hands, I find it difficult to suppress my excitement. But I am a prince after all. I can't show my joy in the throne room. Too unbefitting.
"Endal. This is Flame of the south. Take it. You deserve to."
A sunny smile creeps on my face. Alright. I will allow it once.
With shaking hands, I reach out and take the sheath from Golden Blade's hands. I immediately feel an unnatural weight. For a second it feels as if the sun weighs down on my hands. The illusion of a blazing flame enters my eyes. It was as if only the sheath stopped the sword from burning down the entire palace.
A strange magic surges through my body, leaving my arms trembling in pain. But I endure. I don't know how much time has passed. Be it one second or one hour.
Finally, the magic returns to the sword as the beast in my hands cools down.
I can hear my own strained breath. Sweat drenched my long golden hair, causing it to stick to my body.
I slowly raise my head afraid of finding disappointment. But I am pleasantly surprised. Golden Blade nods kindly. Maybe the flash in his eyes is even a sign of appreciation. I can't be sure.
The crown prince shows a similar reaction, caring as always. And even the emperor keeps an indifferent face. What a great honor.
My chest threatens to swell with pride, but I suppress it waiting for someone to speak.
"Well done. You have proven your ability to wield Flame of the South. I am looking forward to your accomplishment."
Golden Blade's encouragement creates warmth in my heart as I watch him retreat to the side, where he quietly watches the throne hall like an unshakable pillar.
But I quickly avert my eyes as I notice a faint nod from the emperor, knowing he is about to speak.
"Don't forget to be ready tomorrow. Dismissed."
"Your majesty."
I bowed one last time before leaving the throne room, accompanied by the heavy gazes bearing on my back. When the towering gate closes behind me, I can finally take a deep breath. I grin, securing Flame of the south to my waste, feeling emboldened by this famous sword's power.
Suddenly steps reach my ears, attracting my attention. I find a man approach me from the side, clad in luxurious red robes, each strand of black hair perfectly kept in place, embodying the word 'noble'.
It is my third brother, whose voice rings through the air:
"Second brother. It seems congratulations are in order. Good luck on your upcoming journey."
Third brother's demeanor is impeccable as always, but this is exactly the reason why I have always felt a certain distance. Although third brother's face looks kind like older brother's, he lacks a certain sincerity. This doesn't mean I dislike my third brother though. It just makes it difficult to feel close.
I am still grateful for his words, answering with a polite smile:
"Thank you, third brother. But I am merely assisting the crown prince. With first brother's strength this trip will surely be blessed with success."
"Haha of course. I look forward to the safe return of my two brothers. Let us reminisce with a glass of wine afterward."
"Definitely."
Third brother nods, polite as always, before turning around. Seeing this I don't linger much longer, returning to my room eagerly.
I walk briskly through the palace's long hallways, breaking through all the doors in my way until I reach my own room.
My eyes, now openly showing great joy, ignore the luxurious furnishing and magnificent windows. Those are only good for highlighting the astonishing beauty of the celestial maiden fixing her hair in front of a large mirror.
Yet even the mirror can't do her tall, gorgeous body justice.