Morning should have been peaceful.
Sunlight filtered through the tall windows of Princess Eirlys' chambers, painting soft gold across the walls. Outside, birds sang as if the world were still safe.
Inside, Eirlys slept curled beneath her blankets, her hair spread messily across the pillow.
The door burst open.
"My lady! You must wake up — quickly!"
Eirlys jolted upright, heart racing. "W–what?" she mumbled, still half asleep.
Alya, her maid, rushed to the wardrobe, hands shaking as she grabbed dresses and shoved them into a travel satchel.
"My lady, there's no time!" Alya cried. She snatched a gown and hurried back, thrusting it into Eirlys' arms. "Put this on. You have to run!"
Eirlys blinked at her, confused. "Alya, enough — what is going on?"
Before Alya could answer, a calm voice came from the doorway.
"The Lotus Army has attacked."
Eirlys turned sharply.
Prince Cassian stood there, already dressed for battle, sword at his side, expression tight but controlled.
For a moment, she could only stare at him.
Then reality crashed down.
"What…?" she whispered.
Cassian stepped closer, taking the gown gently from her trembling hands before placing it back in her grip. "You need to change. Now."
She hesitated — pride, shock, fear all tangling inside her.
"I'll wait outside," he said quietly, then turned and left with Alya.
The door shut.
Eirlys moved fast after that.
She changed with shaking fingers, tied back her hair, and strapped her sword to her waist. The weight of it felt heavier than usual.
When she stepped into the corridor, Cassian was there — along with Lorenzo and Seraphina. Guards rushed past them, armor clanking, voices shouting orders.
"Let's go," Lorenzo said urgently, grabbing her wrist.
Eirlys pulled back. "No — I have to see Pa!"
"We don't have time!" he snapped.
"Then go without me!"
She tore free and ran.
"Eirlys!" Lorenzo called, but she was already gone.
She burst into the royal chambers.
"Pa! Ma! Why are you still here?" she cried.
King Leon stood in armor, fastening his gauntlets. Queen Amelia, pale but composed, stood beside him.
Leon crossed the room in three strides and cupped Eirlys' face.
"You must go. Now."
"I'm not leaving you!"
"You are," he said firmly. "Your people still need a future."
Amelia pulled her into a tight embrace, her voice trembling despite her brave smile. "Prince Cassian is not like his father. Your brother and he will protect you."
Leon turned to Lorenzo, who had followed her in. His voice dropped.
"You are the next king now… Protect her."
Lorenzo bowed deeply, jaw tight.
Then he grabbed Eirlys' hand and pulled her toward the hidden passage.
"No! Loren, wait! The Lotus forces are too many! They'll die!" she screamed, trying to look back.
But Lorenzo didn't let go.
Behind them, the roar of battle echoed through the palace halls.
And just before the hidden door shut, King Leon's voice thundered across the courtyard outside.
"CHARGE!"
They didn't stop running until the forest swallowed them.
Hours later, the palace was only smoke on the horizon.
Eirlys stumbled over roots and stones, tears blurring her vision. Seraphina walked beside her now, steady and quiet, offering silent support.
Ahead, Lorenzo and Cassian scouted the path.
After a long stretch of silence, Lorenzo finally spoke.
"Where are your parents?"
Cassian didn't look back. "They returned to Helexia before dawn. They offered to help defend the palace."
Lorenzo's hands curled into fists. "And?"
"Your parents refused. They told them to take us and keep us safe."
Lorenzo let out a slow, shaking breath.
Behind them, Eirlys wiped her tears, forcing herself to keep walking.
Behind them lay fire, blood, and the echoes of a kingdom falling.
Ahead lay uncertainty… and the fragile alliance between four heirs who had just lost everything.