I looked up as the door creak, noticing the small form of Lucilla as she peaked in my room. As soon as I finished my walk with Emperor Kozani, I was introduced to my teacher, a scholarly demon named Arlathan, who had a demeanor that seemed both wise and kind and unfortunately, was also extremely attractive. He had soft brown eyes and silver hair kept short, and he started my lesson by teaching me about the various kingdoms and empires of Aesatia.

Next to our empire of Ikeapis, which sat on the western coast, there was the human kingdom of Rasu, a kingdom well known for its extravagant food and festivals and its more reserved neighbor, the kingdom of Paxe. In the heart of the world, the Empire of Sylvandor, where elves held sway over the forests of Aesatia, its intricate society built upon harmony with the natural world. 

Next to Sylvandor was the religious state of Aeglios, overseen by the enigmatic High Priestess Althea, where the followers of the Goddess congregated. Beyond the borders of Sylvandor and Aeglios stretched the vast desert expanse of the Empire of Solara, where the daeva created mechanical wonders. No one knew what lay beyond the desert as a range of impassable mountains, called The Goddess’s Hand, prevented travel.

“Ah, Princess Lucilla,” Arlathan addressed the young girl, removing his glasses as he smiled at her gently. “Are you running from your nanny again?”

“I just wanted to see my new brother,” Lucilla replied with a mischievous grin, her golden curls bouncing as she stepped into the room. She approached me, her eyes wide with curiosity as Arlathan laughed. Kozani had explained that only Arlathan, Rael, Darian and the Empress would be aware that I was a living demon, and that I had to do my best to not give any hints that I wasn’t from this world. “Why is he old?”

“Lucilla, you know not all demons are turned when they are children,” Arlathan answered patiently, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Some demons, like your brother Javier here, come to us later in their life."

Lucilla's eyes widened with fascination, her youthful curiosity piqued. "Can you do magic, Javier?"

“No, I haven’t had my test yet,” I answered, giving the answer Arlathan had instructed me to give to anyone who asked. He and the Emperor had made it clear that I needed to increase my understanding of this world as quickly as possible before I would be tested for magic, since most demons still remembered their life from when they were alive. “What about you?”

“Duh!” The little girl grinned, wiggling her fingers in the air as if casting an imaginary spell. "I can make flowers bloom, even the really big ones!"

“That sounds amazing,” I answered, remembering how I used to talk to my younger cousins when they would tell me about their ‘adventures’. It had been a long time since I talked to a young child, but I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “You’ll have to show me.”

“I can show you now! Please, please please! It’ll only take a moment!” Lucilla turned her bright blue eyes to Arlathan, using her best puppy face to get him to agree. Arlathan chuckled softly at Lucilla's pleading, his gaze flickering between her and me before he nodded with a gentle smile. 

“Yes, you may, Prince Javier has earned a short break. However–”

“Thank you, thank you!” Excitement sparkled in Lucilla's eyes as she clapped her hands together, her golden curls bouncing with her enthusiasm. She quickly grabbed my hand, pulling me out of my chair. “Let’s go!”

Lucilla dragged me eagerly through the corridors of the palace, her small hand warm in mine as she dashed towards the gardens. Her infectious energy seemed to fill the air around us, and I found myself swept up in her enthusiasm. Several of the servants seemed to whisper around us, and I couldn’t help but be self conscious. I was obviously the hottest topic of the palace, considering I had literally appeared the night before and been named Emperor Kozani’s heir. 

As we reached the palace gardens, Lucilla released my hand and scampered ahead, her laughter echoing through the fragrant air. The garden was a marvel of colors and scents, with flowers of every hue stretching towards the sunlight. Lucilla darted between the flowerbeds, her excitement palpable as she selected a particularly dead patch of blooms.

"Watch closely, Javier!" she exclaimed, her tiny fingers hovering over the flowers. With a focused expression, she closed her eyes, her brow furrowed in concentration. A soft, golden glow emanated from her fingertips, enveloping the flowers in a gentle embrace. Slowly, the dried buds began to gain color and unfurl, revealing their petals in a graceful dance of nature's magic.

I watched in wonder, captivated by the simple yet extraordinary display before me. Lucilla's innate connection to the natural world was evident in every delicate movement, her powers a reflection of the harmony that existed within her. It was clear that her elven origins were the source of her more natural magic, but it was still amazing to see and made me curious about my own. Being from another world, what form might my magic take?

“See? Aren’t I amazing?” Lucilla beamed with pride as the flowers bloomed under her gentle command. I smiled brightly as I nodded, but before I could open my mouth to answer her, another voice called out through the gardens.

“Another lovely display,” a deep, smooth voice chimed in, drawing my attention away from Lucilla and the blossoming flowers. I turned to see a new figure approaching us, his presence commanding yet somehow inviting. He had striking features, with piercing yellow eyes that seemed to hold a depth of knowledge and mystery. His dark red hair was perfectly styled, framing his face in a way that accentuated his sharp cheekbones. 

This is just torture. I thought to myself as the stranger came closer, Lucilla running up to them with an excited expression.

“Valerian!” she called out, and I watched as the man scooped her up, holding the young girl close as she jumped at him. He then turned his gaze to me, a charming smile on his lips. 

“And who might this be, little Luci?”

“This is Javier! Papa brought him home last night to be my new brother!” Lucilla introduced proudly, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she gestured towards me.

“Ah, the new Heir,” Valerian said, his gaze lingering on mine as he gently set Lucilla down. There was something about the way he looked at me that sent a shiver down my spine, a combination of warmth and intensity that was both unsettling and captivating. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Valerian Demetrius Heskel, son of Sir Idris Randal Heskel.”

“A pleasure,” I answered, extending my hand as I spoke. Valerian's words sent a flutter through my chest, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that was hard to ignore. 

Valerian took my hand, but instead of the shake I was expecting, he brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of my hand. My breath hitched at the unexpected gesture, my cheeks warming with a blush that I couldn't suppress. His lips lingered, sending a jolt of electricity through me before he released my hand with a smile. Was this how the Imperial Family was greeted in Ikeapis?

“Lucilla!” Lucilla turned towards the woman's voice, her excitement undiminished as she bounded towards the approaching figure. The nanny, a middle-aged woman with a kind face and gentle demeanor, smiled warmly as she reached out to take Lucilla's hand, Arlathan right behind her.

“Lucilla, thank goodness,” the nanny said, her voice soft but firm, a hint of amusement twinkling in her eyes as she lectured the child. “You know you shouldn’t run off like that. You gave me quite a scare.”

Lucilla pouted slightly, her bottom lip jutting out in a way that was almost comical. “But Nanny, I just wanted to see Javier!”

“And Javier has his own lessons to attend to, so let us go back inside and play, shall we?” The woman’s voice was gentle, and Lucilla nodded reluctantly, her disappointment evident. Arlathan approached us, his eyes drifting to Valerian.

“Sir Valerian,” he bowed as he addressed my companion, Lucilla and her nanny walking away from us. “I’m afraid that Prince Javier and I must also take our leave.”

“Of course. It was a treat to be lucky enough to meet our next emperor,” Valerian bowed his head to me, and I returned the gesture with a nod, still slightly taken aback by the encounter. “Until next time, your HIghness.”

As Arlathan and I began to walk away, my mind buzzed with questions about Valerian. His presence was magnetic, his demeanor both charming and enigmatic. It was clear he held a significant position within the palace, but there was an air of mystery surrounding him that intrigued me. As if sensing my thoughts, Arlathan glanced at me with a knowing expression. 

"Valerian’s father, Sir Idris is a prominent figure in the Royal Court, and long time friend of the Emperor," he explained, his tone carefully neutral. "Sir Valerian is set to take his father’s place in the court."

“I see,” I replied, choosing to keep my thoughts to myself. I couldn’t quite explain it but Valerian seemed to be… different from the other demons I had met so far. I couldn’t quite say why, but as Arlathan guided me back towards the palace, I couldn’t shake the feeling.