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Chapter 2

The Childhood Rival

Aurelia was not yet ten, but already the palace buzzed with her accomplishments. Tutors whispered in awe of her intelligence, swordmasters shook their heads at her natural skill with the blade, and magisters marveled at her intuitive grasp of magic.

Yet for all her talent, Aurelia was not without challenge — and that challenge came in the form of Kairos Valerian, a boy of the same age from the neighboring Kingdom of Valerian.

He arrived at Salastian Palace on a bright spring morning, a guest of the emperor’s invitation — a political gesture to strengthen ties between the kingdoms. But to Aurelia, he was an enigma, a puzzle that refused to yield.

Kairos strode into the palace gardens where Aurelia practiced swordplay under the supervision of a master. His dark hair and stormy eyes contrasted sharply with Aurelia’s golden auburn locks and bright green eyes.

“You’re Aurelia De Claire-Von Salastian, I presume?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

“I am,” she replied, bowing slightly with the courtesy expected of a princess. “And you must be Kairos Valerian. Father spoke of you.”

“I hope he spoke well,” Kairos said, drawing a slender practice blade. “Because I intend to test whether the tales of your skill are true.”

Aurelia’s green eyes sparkled with determination. “Then let us begin. I do not intend to hold back.”

The two clashed in the garden, blades ringing against each other, sparks leaping where metal met metal. But it wasn’t just skill they measured — it was wit, strategy, and spirit. Aurelia’s movements were precise, flowing, and disciplined; Kairos countered with instinctive strength and unpredictable tactics.

Hours passed unnoticed. By the end, both were breathing heavily, sweat glistening on their foreheads, yet neither had gained a definitive advantage.

Kairos leaned on his blade, chuckling. “You’re… formidable. Not what I expected from a princess.”

Aurelia smirked, wiping her palm on her tunic. “Not what I expected from a noble from another kingdom either. But skill is not everything — strategy, courage, and heart matter too.”

Kairos tilted his head, impressed despite himself. “I see you’ve inherited more than your parents’ legacy. Perhaps this will be more interesting than I thought.”

Elisana, who had been watching discreetly from the palace balcony, smiled. Aurelia’s spirit reminded her of the years she had spent trying to reclaim Marcus’s heart — a fire that would not be extinguished.

Marcus, observing from a distance, frowned slightly. “Be careful,” he said. “Do not underestimate him, Aurelia. Not all rivals will fight fair, and not all friendships are what they seem.”

Aurelia nodded, though her mind was already focused on the challenge. Kairos was clever, skilled, and confident — and she was determined to match him every step of the way.

That evening, after Kairos had been escorted to his quarters, Aurelia sat in the palace gardens, thinking.

He’s clever, too clever for just a childhood rival… she mused. I wonder if he’s here to test me, or if he’s here for something else entirely.

The wind rustled through the cherry trees, carrying petals to her feet. Aurelia smiled, resolute. Whatever came — rivalries, political schemes, or danger — she would face it head-on.

And somewhere deep in the shadows of the palace, unseen eyes watched her every move. Duke Valerian, advisor to the Valerian Kingdom, spoke quietly to his associates:

“She is sharp… far sharper than anyone anticipated. Keep a close watch. The child of two suns may yet decide the fate of kingdoms, and we cannot allow that fate to shine in her favor alone.”

Aurelia, unaware of the danger brewing, laughed as she twirled her practice blade, the wind catching her hair like a flame. Her story was just beginning, and already the kingdom held its breath.