The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the hallway as Duke Zephyr and Sebastian strode with purpose through Vermillion Palace. Their polished boots echoed faintly against the marble floors, a sound that mirrored the tension in the air.

A butler approached them swiftly, bowing deeply before speaking. “Your Grace, His Majesty has been waiting for you.”

The Duke nodded curtly, his sharp gaze flicking to Sebastian, who returned it with a resolute nod. Together, they followed the butler, their strides steady but heavy with unspoken urgency.

The grand double doors of the King’s chamber loomed ahead, and the butler pushed them open with a deliberate creak. The sight that greeted them was imposing.

The King of Caltheria sat regally in the center of the room, his posture dignified and unyielding. His resemblance to Crown Prince Kael was uncanny—the same sharp features and commanding aura—but his piercing amber eyes with a distinct, golden hue in the pupils spoke of age and wisdom.

Across from the King sat Grand Duke Varemount, his composed demeanor and faint smile as inscrutable as always.

The King’s lips curved into a welcoming smile. “Come in, Zephyr. We have been waiting for you.”

Duke Zephyr inclined his head respectfully, and both he and Sebastian bowed in unison. “Your Majesty,” they greeted.

“Grand Duke,” Zephyr added, acknowledging the man across from the King.

The King’s golden eyes sharpened as he leaned forward slightly. “Let us not waste time with pleasantries,” he said. “What is the urgent matter that has brought you here?”

Duke Zephyr inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Your Majesty, there are two matters I must discuss with you.”

The King nodded, gesturing for him to proceed. Zephyr’s gaze shifted briefly to the Grand Duke before speaking. “The first is a request, Your Majesty. I seek the annulment of my daughter’s engagement to Lord Adarain Vermount.”

Both the King and the Grand Duke stiffened at the words, their expressions reflecting shock. The Grand Duke’s usually composed demeanor cracked as he leaned forward, his voice tinged with disbelief. “What are you talking about, Zephyr? Canceling the engagement? But why?”

Duke Zephyr maintained his calm, his voice steady. “It appears that neither of our children harbors feelings of love for one another, Grand Duke. I believe it is in their best interests to end the arrangement before it causes further unhappiness.”

The King’s brows furrowed in confusion. “But was it not Leticia who initially pleaded to be engaged to Adarain? What has changed?”

Duke Zephyr nodded gravely. “It seems my daughter has come to the realization that she can never be loved or respected by Lord Adarain. She no longer wishes to pursue this union.”

Grand Duke Varemount rose abruptly, his voice rising with restrained anger. “Are you implying that my son has disrespected Lady Leticia? What proof do you have to make such a claim?”

The tension in the room thickened, the King’s sharp voice cutting through it like a blade. “Enough. This matter cannot be resolved without hearing from Adarain and Leticia themselves. we will discuss the matter when both of them will be present."

Zephyr and the Grand Duke exchanged a tense glance but both inclined their heads in agreement. The Grand Duke slowly sat back down, his expression unreadable.

The King shifted his attention back to Duke Zephyr. “And the second matter?”

Sebastian and Duke Zephyr exchanged a look, the gravity of the moment evident in their expressions. Zephyr’s voice lowered, laced with urgency. “It concerns the Divine Egg, Your Majesty.”

"Divine egg?" King mumbled and both king and grand duke confused.

                                                                                          ***

The Kingdom of Caltheria,

Western Palace,

The grand gates of Western Palace loomed ahead, their intricate golden designs glinting in the sunlight. The lush gardens surrounding the palace were in full bloom, a vibrant display of Caltheria’s grandeur. A perfect stay for Guests. A carriage adorned with the sigil of Lorianthian came to a halt at the foot of the steps leading to the palace.

One of Prince Alistair’s personal assistants dismounted swiftly, bowing low before approaching the door. “We have arrived, Your Highness,” the assistant announced, stepping aside to allow the prince to emerge.

Prince Alistair stepped out gracefully, his presence commanding yet elegant. His long silver hair shimmered in the light, flowing like liquid moonlight against the deep navy of his tailored coat. His violet eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the palace before him with quiet intensity.

As he stood before the imposing structure of Vermillion Palace, he adjusted the silver clasp on his cloak and glanced at his assistant. “Do not forget the reason why we are here,” he said, his tone low but firm. “The Divine Egg must be found before anyone else gets their hands on it.”

The assistant bowed again. “Understood, Your Highness. Preparations have been made. We are ready to proceed at your command.”

Alistair nodded faintly, his expression unreadable. “Good. We must locate the Divine Egg as soon as possible.”

“Understood, Your Highness,” the assistant replied, bowing again before stepping aside.

Just then, the grand doors to the palace opened, and a procession of maids and a butler emerged, their movements precise and graceful. The head butler of the Western Palace stepped forward, bowing deeply before the prince. “Your Majesty, we are honored by your presence. Please, allow us the privilege of serving you during your stay.”

Prince Alistair’s sharp gaze rested on the butler for a moment before he nodded in acknowledgment. “I trust the hospitality of the Vermillion Palace will meet expectations.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” the butler replied, gesturing for the prince to enter.

With a confident stride, Prince Alistair moved forward, the regal crimson carpet beneath his boots amplifying his imposing aura. The maids lowered their heads respectfully as he passed, their murmurs of admiration barely audible.

The grand hallway stretched ahead, adorned with intricate tapestries and gilded accents that reflected the opulence of Caltheria. Alistair paused briefly, turning to his assistant. “Ensure everything is ready for the discussions ahead. We must not waste any time.”

“By your will, Your Highness,” the assistant replied, disappearing into the shadows to carry out the prince’s orders.

Prince Alistair continued forward, his mind focused, his every step calculated. The Caltheria kingdom might have opened its doors in welcome, but he knew his purpose here was.