The sun-dappled garden courtyard buzzed with the cheerful chatter of Sylveria, Isla, and Isao as they enjoyed their midday meal. Laughter and playful banter filled the air, a stark contrast to the usual solemn atmosphere surrounding the royal family. Just as the trio was about to delve into their dessert, a sudden commotion echoed through the gardens. Intrigued, they turned to witness a statuesque figure emerging from the pathway where servants bow their heads. Veldina Eryndale, the second queen's only child, strode purposefully toward them, her regal bearing unmistakable even amidst the lush greenery.
Her piercing amber eyes scanned the scene before her, taking in the sight of her younger half-sister and her companions engaged in what appeared to be a lively, carefree interaction. Isla's gaze drifted towards the mysterious figure clad in a striking red warrior attire exclusive to royalty, her piercing eyes seeming to bore into the very soul. Beside her, even Isao found herself intrigued, her curiosity piqued by the enigmatic stranger's imposing presence.
"Who is that, Sylv?" Isla inquired; her voice tinged with fascination.
Sylveria followed her companion's line of sight, a flicker of recognition dawning on her features. Hereyes widened as she recognized the imposing figure approaching them. "Veldina!" she exclaimed, a mix of surprise and curiosity coloring her tone. "What brings you to the gardens today?" Veldina's stoic expression didn't alter, but her gaze intensified as it settled on her younger sister. "Sylvia, I heard rumors of a change in your demeanor lately. Apparently, you've been 'acting like a child,' as some courtiers so elegantly put it." A hint of amusement danced in Sylveria's eyes at the implication. "And what, pray tell, is wrong with that?" she countered, her posture remaining relaxed despite the probing question. Veldina's brows furrowed slightly, a subtle indication of her displeasure at the matter. "Royalty, do not concern themselves with childish matters or engage in frivolous pursuits especially during official events. It is unbecoming of a princess."
"Velvel, Sylv is only 10 years old just like us. Plus, she is responsible." Isla said with an aloof expression, Veldina shot her a glare for calling her "Velvel" giving her a nickname out of nowhere and interrupting her conversation with her sister. Aside from that, Veldina knows Isla is a commoner, but she is acting all too familiar with her when Isla just met her. Isao feeling the pressure covered Isla's mouth "You idiot! Veldina is a notorious princess! She is scary so keep your mouth shut!" Isao whispered to Isla.
Veldina's eyes narrowed at the impertinent nickname, her gaze cutting to Isla with icy precision. "Who dare address me thus?" she demanded, her voice a low, menacing purr. "You are...?" Isla, despite Isao's urgent warning, seemed oblivious to the danger emanating from the older princess. Her response, delivered with characteristic aloofness, only fueled Veldina's ire. "Isla, commoner and friend to Princess Sylveria." Isao winced, realizing too late that her attempt to silence Isla had only drawn unwanted attention. She placed a calming hand on Isla's shoulder, shooting her friend a pleading look. "Isla, please, for your own safety—" Veldina cut her off with a sharp gesture, silencing Isao mid-sentence. "You speak as if you have permission to address me, Isla. Remind me, what is your station in this court?"
"Are you dumb? I said I'm Sylveria's friend." Isla said shooting Veldina with an annoyed aloof expression that made Veldina not just angry, she wanted to slice Isla for her insolence "Sister, it is nice to see you too. I understand your concern about my recent behavior. But I assure you, I don't act like a kid specially in royal gatherings." Sylveria said diplomatically. However, Veldina's focus is on Isla, her face contorted with a mixture of anger and disdain at Isla's blunt retort. The audacity of the commoner, daring to speak to her with such insolence. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to maintain her composure. "How dare you, commoner!" Veldina spat, her voice laced with venom. "You will show the proper respect to a princess of the kingdom, or I will ensure you regret the day you ever set foot in our court!" Meanwhile, Sylveria intervened, sensing the tension escalating to a potentially dangerous level. She stepped between her sister and Isla, placing a calming hand on Veldina's arm. "Veldina, please, we can discuss this civilly. There's no need for threats." Despite the princess's placating tone, Veldina's glare remained fixed on Isla, her animosity palpable.
Veldina abruptly shrugged free of Sylveria's grasping hand, dismissing her sibling's attempt at restraint as she lunged forward with her massive, gleaming greatsword. Isla, with remarkable agility, parried the attack using her lighter, yet sturdy wooden blade, deflecting the strike and creating space between them. Undeterred, Isla counterattacked, her eyes flashing with determination as she unleashed a powerful slash, her "Sky Splitter" technique evident in the swift, overhead motion of her wooden weapon. The air seemed to part as the blade arced through the space, its edge gleaming with a fierce intensity that belied its humble material composition. With lightning-quick reflexes, Veldina deftly parried Isla's initial strike, her sword meeting the commoner's wooden weapon in a resounding clang. She swiftly countered, pressing forward with a series of devastating slashes aimed at disarming and incapacitating her foe.
Isla, unfazed by the superior opponent, retaliated with a burst of her unique energy-infused technique, unleashing another mighty overhead blow designed to cleave even the strongest defenses. "Sky Splitter!" Their blades clashed in a blur of motion, sparks flying as the sheer force behind Isla's attack put Veldina's mettle to the test. The older princess stumbled backward, her powerful legs absorbing the shock of the collision. She regained her balance in an instant, launching a counterassault that would have laid waste to lesser opponents. Sylveria watched the clash with bated breath, her heart racing as she realized the intensity of the duel unfolding before her eyes.
"It's also nice to see you Veldina." Maxwell's timely intervention caught Veldina off guard, her sword clashing against his with a resounding metallic ring. The crown prince's casual remark about enjoying their reunion served as a stark contrast to the intense battle.
Veldina recovered quickly, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the unexpected challenger. "Maxwell, you're meddling in affairs that don't concern you." she stated, her tone laced with irritation. Maxwell's expression remained impassive, his grip on his sword unwavering. "On the contrary, Princess Veldina, as the future ruler of this kingdom, it is my duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, including my fellow royals." He glanced at Isla, his gaze softening slightly. "Especially those dear to them, like your sister's friend here." Veldina's glare shifted to Isla, her anger simmering just below the surface.
Sylveria's gentle tap on Isla's forehead only earned a disgruntled sigh from the stubborn commoner. "That was reckless, Isla." the princess reproached, her tone a blend of amusement and genuine concern. Isla's petulant glare remained fixed on Veldina, who seethed with indignation, her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation. "She started it." Isla muttered, her lower lip jutting out in a childish pout. "Insulting you like you're bringing shame to your family." she added.
Sylveria couldn't help but giggle at her friend's protective nature, finding it endearingly foolish. "Yes, well, perhaps we should resolve this through words instead of steel." she suggested, trying to mediate the tense situation.
"Anyway, Veldina. Come to the throne room with me. I don't know what came over you, but why would you go here in the garden first thing after arriving in the castle?" Maxwell said and Veldina scoffs.
Her derisive expression softening not a whit at Maxwell's polite inquiry. "How dare you question my actions, brother." she drawled, her tone dripping with disdain. "As if I owe you explanations for every move I make."
With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she gestured towards the grandeur of the castle behind them. "Clearly, I have matters of state to attend to, and little patience for the whims of royalty." Isla, still nursing her wounded pride, watched the exchange with an unreadable expression. Meanwhile, Sylveria's brows furrowed in consternation, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Veldina, really? I understand your frustration, but lashing out like this isn't becoming of a princess..."
Veldina cut her off with a curt wave, her strides purposeful and unyielding. With a weary exhale, Maxwell commented as he and Veldina strode back into the castle, "You've certainly proven stubborn, Vel." The admission carried a hint of grudging respect for his formidable sister.
Inside the grand throne room, Isla shared her assessment with Sylveria and Isao while they hide behind a pillar to watch Veldina and the other royalty, her words tinged with a mix of admiration and humility. "Phew, your sister is incredibly strong, Sylv. Honestly, I doubt I could've bested her in my current state... maybe, just barely, with a stroke of luck." Isao giggles as she took in Isla's self-deprecating remarks. Sylveria, meanwhile, let out a resigned sigh, her expression a testament to the complex dynamics at play within their little group. "You're right, Isla," the princess acknowledged, her expression thoughtful. "Vel may be hot-headed, but she's undeniably skilled. She posed a formidable challenge." Isla nodded, her eyes never leaving the ornate tapestries adorning the walls. "Yeah, I underestimated her. But I won't make that mistake again." Isao, still giggling, nudged her friend playfully. "Don't worry, Isla! We've got your back. Besides, it's not like Vel can keep up with you forever!" Sylveria shot her companion a warning glance, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
