Harrowgate Academy, the finest school within the walls of Magnulia, was an imposing structure that loomed over the city like a sentinel. Its stone walls, centuries old, were draped with banners bearing the sigils of the kingdom's noble families. The halls echoed with the chatter of privileged youth, the sons and daughters of those who had secured their place in the world through wealth, power, or sheer cunning. Yet, among these scions of nobility, there were a few who had earned their place not by birthright but by merit. Juliana was one such student.

Juliana had won her seat at Harrowgate through sheer intellect. Her mind was as sharp as any blade, and her determination to rise above her station was evident in every answer she gave, every book she devoured. It was this intellect that had caught the attention of the school’s masters, securing her a place in a world where few from her background dared to tread.

On this particular day, the atmosphere within the classroom was tense. An unexpected oral recitation had been announced, and most students were caught unprepared. Noah, seated beside Juliana, ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He had spent the previous night tinkering with a broken contraption rather than studying, and now, he would pay the price.

Juliana, sensing the impending challenge, grabbed her book and began scanning through the pages with the urgency of a soldier preparing for battle. Around her, the other students reacted in their own ways. Some, like Noah, looked panicked, flipping through notes and muttering under their breath. Others, more confident in their knowledge, smirked at the distress of their peers. And then there were those who simply didn’t care, slouching in their seats with an air of indifference.

“We’re doomed,” Noah muttered, casting a sideways glance at Juliana, who was furiously absorbing every detail from the book in front of her.

“You might be,” Juliana replied without looking up. “But not all of us neglect our studies for tinkering.”

Noah huffed, leaning back in his chair. “Some of us have more pressing matters than memorizing the population of ancient cities.”

Before Juliana could retort, the door to the classroom swung open, and in strode Master Orwyn, the teacher assigned to the day’s lesson. He was a stern man, with a gaze that could wither even the bravest of students. The room fell silent as he took his place at the front, surveying his pupils with a critical eye.

“Today,” he began, his voice cold and precise, “we shall test the sharpness of your minds. Those who fail to answer will sit, and only the most prepared will remain standing.”

The rules were simple, yet they sent a wave of anxiety through the room. One by one, students were called upon, and one by one, they answered—or failed. The questions ranged from the historical events that shaped the kingdom to the intricate details of medieval objects, from the names of ancient cities to the different types of flowers and their parts.

Juliana, when her turn came, answered with confidence. “The Treaty of Domageti was signed in 1225, marking the end of the Second War.”

Correct.

She remained standing, her eyes never leaving the teacher’s face. Noah, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. He stumbled over a question regarding the structure of a trebuchet and was forced to take his seat, much to his chagrin.

The recitation continued, students falling one by one, until only two remained: Juliana and a girl with golden hair, her posture regal and composed. The girl had answered each question with the same precision as Juliana, and it was clear to all that these two were the brightest in the room. 

Master Orwyn paused, observing the final two contenders. “It appears we have a tie,” he said. “Juliana, Ayleth, you will now question each other. The first to falter will lose.”

It was only at this moment that the other students realized who Juliana’s opponent truly was—Princess Ayleth Gobothi, daughter of King Hanrock Gobothi. A murmur ran through the classroom as the realization set in. A princess and a commoner, locked in a battle of wits.

Ayleth’s eyes sparkled with challenge as she addressed Juliana. “Let us begin with strategy. Imagine you are the defender of a kingdom besieged by a force twice your size. How would you outmaneuver your opponent?”

Juliana didn’t hesitate. “I would employ the terrain to my advantage. Draw them into narrow passes, where their numbers count for less. Use hit-and-run tactics to wear them down, while fortifying key positions.”

Ayleth nodded, impressed. “A sound strategy. But now, I am the defender, and you are the invader. My forces are hidden within the city, prepared to strike from the shadows. How do you proceed?”

Juliana’s mind raced. “I would send in scouts to identify potential ambush points. Then, I would deploy a diversionary force to draw your hidden troops out, creating chaos and confusion. Once your forces are spread thin, I would launch my main assault on your weakened defenses.”

The two girls continued to trade strategies, their minds sharp and quick. The classroom was silent, the other students watching in awe as Juliana and Ayleth showcased their brilliance. Each response was met with a nod of respect, and neither seemed willing to concede.

Finally, Master Orwyn raised his hand. “That will suffice,” he said, bringing an end to the duel of minds. “Both of you have demonstrated exceptional intellect. There is no need to declare a victor.”

As the lesson ended, the students filed out of the classroom, still buzzing with excitement over what they had witnessed. Noah caught up to Juliana, who seemed deep in thought.

“You were incredible,” Noah said, admiration clear in his voice.

Juliana smiled, but there was a hint of something else in her eyes—perhaps a realization that she had just faced someone who was not only her equal but also a princess. “Thank you,” she replied. “But come, let’s not dwell on it. The day’s still young, and we have a city to explore.”

They made their way through the busy streets of Magnulia, weaving through the throngs of people going about their daily errands. When they reached their favorite spot, a narrow alley that led to a series of rooftops, Juliana turned to Noah with a grin.

“Race you to the top?”

Noah smirked. “You’re on.”

The two of them sprinted up the narrow stairs and leaped from rooftop to rooftop, their laughter echoing through the city. Juliana, as usual, was faster, and she reached their destination—a flat rooftop with a perfect view of the sunset—just moments before Noah.

As they reached the top of the rooftop, Juliana leaned against the edge, her gaze sweeping over the vast expanse of Magnulia and beyond. The city sprawled beneath them, a labyrinth of winding streets and bustling markets, while the horizon stretched out into the wild lands beyond the kingdom’s protective walls. The landscape was a tapestry of green fields, dense forests, and distant mountains, all bathed in the soft, golden glow of the setting sun.

Juliana breathed in the fresh air, a smile playing on her lips. “Isn’t it beautiful, Noah? The world beyond these walls… It’s so full of possibilities.”

Noah stood beside her, his arms crossed as he looked out over the scene. “It’s beautiful, sure. But it’s also dangerous. You know what’s out there, Juliana. Haltuers, bandits, things that would rather see us dead than free.”

She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and determination. “I know, but that’s exactly why I want to join Maelyss when I’m older. To fight for that freedom, to protect what’s beautiful. I want to make sure that one day, everyone can see what we see now without fear.”

Noah raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “You? Join Maelyss? You’re probably the smartest person I know, Juliana. You could find a good job inside the kingdom, maybe even work for the royal council or something. Why would you want to throw yourself into a battlefield and hasten your death?”

Juliana laughed softly, shaking her head. “It’s not about hastening death, Noah. It’s about living with purpose. There’s liberty out there, beyond the beauty. The chance to fight for something bigger than myself. I believe that one day, if we’re brave enough to fight for it, everything will be alright.”

Noah frowned, his thoughts turning dark. “I don’t know, Juliana. Haltuers and humans… we’ve been at each other’s throats for as long as anyone can remember. Thousands of years of bloodshed and war. I don’t see how that’s ever going to change.”

She placed a hand on his arm, her expression softening. “Maybe not on our own. But I believe in Paladin. I believe in the miracles our God can bring. One day, there might be a way to end this war, to find peace. But we won’t get there by hiding inside these walls.”

Noah sighed, looking down at his feet. He admired Juliana’s optimism, her unwavering faith in a better future. But he couldn’t shake the cold, hard reality of the world they lived in. “I wish I could believe that as easily as you do. But I’ve seen what the Haltuers can do. I’ve heard the stories… how they tear people apart, leave nothing but ruins in their wake.”

Juliana nodded, understanding his fear. “I know it’s hard. But I also know that we can’t let fear rule us. If we do, then we’ve already lost. Paladin teaches us to have faith, to believe that light can overcome darkness, even when it seems impossible. And I choose to believe in that, Noah. I choose to believe in hope.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, the distant sounds of the city below barely reaching them. The sun was sinking lower now, casting long shadows across the rooftops.

Noah broke the silence with a chuckle, his voice lighter than before. “You know, I had this nightmare the other night… about the City streets below. It was falling apart, and there was a big explosion– killing numbers of citizens. It was… pretty terrifying.”

Juliana looked at him with a gentle smile. “Sounds like you’ve been thinking too much. Maybe you need to spend more time up here, away from all the noise and chaos.”

Noah shrugged, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe. Or maybe I just need to stop eating so late at night.”

Juliana laughed, the sound light and carefree. “That could be it, too.”

They stood there a while longer, watching as the last rays of the sun disappeared below the horizon. Eventually, Juliana nudged Noah, pointing toward the ladder that led back down into the city.

“Come on,” she said, “it’s getting late. We should head back before someone notices we’re missing.”