There was only a day left until the Solvara Festival, and the pressure showed on every face in the palace. Even outside the palace walls, the air buzzed with anticipation; everyone knew tomorrow would not only be a day of celebration but also a stage for change.

  From the southern sol garden peaks, carriages had already been spotted, bearing Varghelm nobles, knights, even members of their royal family. Their approach alone was enough to set Solvara’s heart racing.

  Within the palace, preparations reached a high pitch. Ryn’s own lessons had been canceled; there was little point in continuing. In the week since his duel with Dolrak, he had drilled every detail until it was second nature: how to speak like a polished noble, how to move with courtly etiquette, how to hold conversations without falter. Even the dance steps, his greatest obstacle, had finally yielded to stubborn repetition. Ariel’s sharp guidance had helped, but it was Lilia’s patient persistence that had carried him across the finish line.

  Now, at last, his training was complete. As he made his rounds to dismiss his teachers, each one gave him a slight nod or bow of acknowledgment.

  The dance instructor was the last. She nearly broke down into tears, declaring she had never doubted him for a second, calling him one of the finest students she had ever taught.

  Ryn blinked at her. This was the same woman who sighed so loudly each time he tripped that half the courtyard could hear. The same woman who muttered prayers under her breath whenever he attempted a turn.

  He wasn’t sure which was more impressive: that he had finally learned to dance, or that she could say all this with a straight face.

  Still, he only inclined his head, answering her teary speech with a single nod.

  From the doorway, Ariel stood, golden eyes sharp with amusement. The corner of her mouth twitched, the kind of restrained smile that said she would remember this moment forever and never let Ryn forget it.

  Ryn sighed.

  “Don’t you have any preparations to do for tomorrow?”

  Ariel raised a brow, her smirk finally breaking free. “Oh, I do. But watching you squirm happens to be the most important.”

  He let out another exhale.

  “What’s next?” Ryn asked.

  “We pick up Lilia,” Ariel said, turning on her heel, “and then head to the Great Hall. Try not to scare the maids this time, Ryn.”

  The maid quarters always hummed with chatter, but the moment Ryn stepped through the door beside Ariel, the room went unnaturally still. Half a dozen maids froze mid-task, their whispers catching like smoke in their throats. A few glanced at Ariel with polite smiles, but most fixed their eyes warily on the tall figure at her side.

  Ariel didn’t hesitate. She strode forward as if she owned the place, which, in a way, she did, her voice ringing cheerfully.

  “Lilia! We’re here to collect you.”

  There was a thump from the far corner, followed by a muffled yelp. A moment later, Lilia appeared, half-hopping as she tried to wriggle her foot into a shoe. Her silver hair tumbled loose over one shoulder.

  “Ariel! Ryn!” she squeaked. “You didn’t have to come all the way here.”

  Ariel tilted her head, eyes narrowing with mock suspicion. “Should I be offended? You sound like you’d rather we hadn’t.”

  Lilia’s cheeks pinked, and she waved her hands frantically. “N-no, that’s not what I meant! I just—uh—”

  “Relax,” Ariel cut in, smirking. “We’re here. You’re coming with us. Simple as that.”

  She dipped into a hurried bow. “O-of course,” Lilia paused, a dubious expression on her face, “but to where?”

  Ryn added. “Great hall. We're already late.”

  Lilia blinked between them. “Great hall? But I still have—”

  “Whatever it is, it can wait,” Ariel interrupted. “Unless you’d rather miss the 2nd most important day of the year?”

  “N-no! Of course not!” Lilia stammered, then spun on her heel and darted back inside. From the hall, Ariel and Ryn could hear the frantic clatter of drawers being yanked open, the rustle of fabric, and something falling to the floor with a sharp clang.

  Ariel hid her smile behind her hand. “Efficient.”

  Ryn added, “She’s quicker than you think.”

  A final thump, a muttered curse, and then Lilia reappeared, slightly out of breath, silver hair brushed down but eyes wide with determination. She clasped her hands in front of her.

  “Alright. I’m ready.”

  Ryn gave her a single glance, then turned back toward the hall.

  Ariel was already striding ahead, golden hair catching the light as if the palace itself parted for her. Ryn followed in silence, his steps steady, while Lilia puffed her cheeks and scrambled to keep pace behind them.

  The other maids began to whisper again, low and sharp.

  “…why would the princess-”

  “Look at him, standing there like a-”

  Ryn’s ears caught every word, though his face betrayed nothing.

  Ariel smirked, glancing back at him. “See? Not a single maid fainted this time. Progress.”

  A few giggles slipped out of Lilia despite her effort to smother them. She pressed a hand to her mouth.

  “I-I’m sure they’ll get used to him. Eventually.”

  ***

  They had almost reached the great hall when Ryn caught the sound of voices ahead. Familiar ones.

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  “-I swear, if this meeting drags like the last one, I’ll fall asleep standing,” A voice said, its booming tone echoing down the corridor.

  Another voice's dry reply followed, sharp as ever. “Maybe at least pay attention this time.”

  And then a more feminine voice exasperated sigh, “Both of you hush, we’re already late.”

  Ryn slowed instinctively. Of course. It wasn’t just nobles and ministers this time; the King had clearly called in more knights as well.

  “Ryn! Still alive, huh?” Brann called, grinning wide.

  Ryn didn’t answer. Ariel was still in front, and when the three knights finally noticed who was walking with him, the corridor seemed to choke on silence.

  Brann froze mid-step, his face draining of color.

  Kael stiffened immediately, spine straightening as if he’d been struck.

  Even Sara blinked hard, then dropped to her knee.

  Brann’s mouth opened, then closed. He cleared his throat. “Uh… so… you must be—” His words faltered as Ariel’s sharp gaze landed on them.

  Kael straightened immediately, hand brushing the hilt of his sword. “Princ-…your Highness,” he managed, bowing hastily.

  Sara’s eyes widened, and she went down on one knee before the princess without waiting for instructions. “Princess Ariel.”

  Ariel’s lips tilted in a small, controlled smile. “And you are?” Ryn noticed her head tilt as if she faintly remembered their faces

  Brann stumbled over his words. “I’m Brann… this is Kael and Sara with me. We are Knights… attending the meeting. Didn’t expect to run into… ah… anyone here.”

  Ariel’s golden eyes flicked over them, lingering just long enough on each to make Brann shift uncomfortably in his armor.

  Kael straightened further, shoulders squaring under the weight of her gaze. “We serve at the king’s command, Your Highness. An honor to stand before you.”

  Brann, unable to stay quiet, blurted, “We also… serve wherever we’re needed. Patrols, drills, long nights on the walls. Nothing compared to standing here before you, of course.” He winced immediately after, shooting a glance at Kael, who groaned softly under his breath.

  Sara, still kneeling, gave Brann a sharp look before returning her focus to Ariel. “Forgive him, Your Highness. We are grateful for the chance to serve Solvara and you.”

  Ryn’s voice cut through, calm but firm. “Were comrades, Lilia, Ariel. They’re all right, at least most of them.” His eyes shifted deliberately toward Brann.

  Brann’s jaw dropped. “Hey! What's that look for?”

  Kael sighed, muttering, “Because you prove him right every time you open your mouth.”

  Lilia bowed politely. “I-It’s very nice to meet acquaintances of Ryn. I never expected him to have so many.”

  Brann barked a laugh. “Acquaintances? We’re practically family. We kept this guy alive through training.”

  Kael gave him a sidelong glance. “More like we kept you from getting thrown out.”

  Sara shook her head, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. “Still, it’s fair to say he’s tolerated us this long. That counts for something.”

  Ryn’s reply was flat, eyes forward. “Tolerated is the right word.”

  Brann clutched at his chest. “Ouch. Right in the heart.”

  Lilia giggled softly behind her hand before quickly ducking her head.

  Brann, to Ryn’s growing dismay, opened his mouth again, grin tilting sheepishly.

  “Well, you two, if you ever need someone to liven up a dull day, I’m fairly skilled at…”

  He trailed off, searching, and came up empty.

  Ariel let out a quiet laugh, light but edged.

  Brann flushed, Kael sighed, and Sara rose smoothly to her feet, her composure intact.

  Ariel turned to Ryn, her golden eyes narrowing just slightly; however, a faint amusement lingered. “I’ll let you speak with your companions. Don’t be later than you already are.” With that, she and Lilia continued forward to the great hall

  Ryn inclined his head, his tone steady. “Understood.”

  As she and Lilia swept past, Ariel's gown trailing like liquid silver, Brann whispered to Kael, “I think they like me.”

  Kael muttered, “they don't."

  Sara smirked faintly.

  Ryn’s eyes lingered on the princess’s retreating figure before he finally turned back to them, his expression holding a faint smile. “You three haven’t changed.”

  Brann crossed his arms, grinning. “Well, you have. Who knew the kid who stumbled into the barracks half dead would end up hanging around the princess and her servants?”

  Kael smirked faintly. “Fate has an odd sense of humor.”

  Sara’s gaze sharpened, though there was the hint of a smile at the corner of her lips. “Cruel or not, it’s still the king’s order. Try not to make a spectacle of it, Brann.”

  Brann shrugged, still grinning. “I’m just saying if Ryn can climb that high, maybe there’s hope for me.”

  He leaned closer and whispered, “And the princess—uh, she’s… a lot scarier up close than I imagined.”

  Ryn didn’t look at him, he replied. “Say that again when she’s within earshot. I’ll watch.”

  He groaned, throwing his hands up. “Cold as ever. Some things really don’t change.”

  Sara, folding her arms, added softly, “No. He’s changed. I just… can’t put my finger on it.”

  Kael’s brow furrowed slightly as he studied Ryn. “He carries himself differently. Less like a recruit, more like…” He trailed off, then shook his head. “Never mind.”

  Brann raised a brow, smirking. “More like what? A royal lapdog?”

  Ryn’s gaze slid to him.“More like someone who knows when to shut up.”

  Kael suppressed a chuckle, while Sara’s lips twitched, betraying the faintest smile.

  Brann sighed dramatically. “One day, Ryn, you’ll say something nice to me, and I’ll probably drop dead from the shock.”

  With those words, the four of them headed for the Great Hall. The echo of their boots stirred in Ryn a faint sense of déjà vu, so like the day he’d first been named Ariel’s guard, he knew today would begin something just as important or even more so.

  ***

  The Great Hall shimmered with candlelight, silver banners rippling in the faint breeze from the high windows. Rows of knights lined the walls, their armor polished but their faces grim, while captains from Solvara’s many divisions gathered around the king’s great table. Maps and markers stretched across its surface, detailing walls, gates, and the sprawling city beyond.

  Captain Sylvas of the knights spoke first, his scarred hand tracing the northern wall. “We’ll double patrols at dusk and dawn. No messenger from Varghelm passes without notice.”

  Another voice rose from the heavy ranks, Captain of city guard, broad and stone-faced. “The bridges will be barred to all but approved caravans. If the enemy tests our waters, they’ll find no passage.”

  A third, Commander of the cavalry, leaned forward, her auburn braid brushing her shoulder. “Our riders will circle the outer roads. If there’s a sign of movement, we’ll reach it before their shadows touch the walls.”

  The king listened in silence, his hand resting on the arm of his chair. When the final reports had been given, he rose, and the hall fell quiet.

  “Your plans are sound,” his voice rang, steady and commanding. “But this is more than steel and stone. Varghelm seeks to test our resolve. Solvara will not yield.” His gaze swept the room, lingering on both knights and captains, and nobles alike.

  “Stand firm. Whatever comes, let our enemies see only silver walls and unbroken will.”

  A solemn murmur of support rippled through the chamber as captains bowed and knights saluted.

  At the far end, Ryn stood among his comrades, silent as ever, while the captains’ voices faded into the steady hum of command. The king’s words still lingered in the vaulted chamber, heavy as iron.

  His hand brushed the hilt at his side, his gaze fixed on the banners swaying high above. Whatever happens tomorrow… It will change the rest of my life.

  For better or worse.

  The torches crackled, the council’s voices faded into silence, and the weight of the night pressed down around him. Change was coming. And Ryn knew, with a clarity that chilled and steadied him all at once.

  That there would be no going back.