The courtyard buzzed with low conversation when Ronan stepped in from behind, arms folded across his chest.
"Nice work you did out there," he said coolly. "But don't let it get to your head."
Grace turned, her bright smile unshaken. "Thanks… brother."
Before Ronan could reply, Sir Herold's commanding voice cut through the air.
"Attention, students!"
The chatter faded. Beside him stood a new girl—average in height, yet striking in presence. She had bright brown eyes and long golden hair that shimmered under the afternoon sun.
"This is Suzan," Sir Herold announced. "She possesses the rare ability to control light."
A ripple of impressed whispers moved through the crowd.
Ronan glanced over his shoulder—and froze.
"Wow… she's beautiful," he muttered under his breath.
Grace tilted her head. "What was that?"
He coughed, straightening. "Nothing. She looks… nice."
"Mm-hmm," Grace teased. "You like her, don't you? Love at first sight?"
"What? What are you saying? Be mature," Ronan snapped, already walking away a little too quickly.
Grace watched him go, a playful grin on her lips. "I can never understand that guy."
Far beyond the academy grounds, across the borders of the rival kingdom, Azrion sat alone in his courtyard. The still surface of his pond reflected the pale sky, but his thoughts were far from calm.
He couldn't stop replaying the night at the lake—the princess, her defiance, the fire in her eyes.
"Why did she do that?" he murmured. "Does she think I'm weak? Does she look down on me… or was she protecting her kingdom?"
He leaned back, exhaling sharply.
"The passion in her eyes… she was mesmerizing. And… cute too."
He scoffed at himself and slapped his forehead.
"What am I thinking? I shouldn't have even gone there. I just hope no one saw me."
"Saw you doing what?"
The calm yet commanding voice sent a chill down his spine. Azrion turned quickly.
"Mother."
The Queen stood behind him, regal and observant.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to steady his voice.
"I was looking for you," she replied gently. "Are you alright? And what is it you hope no one saw?"
Azrion forced a casual shrug. "It's nothing. I was training and… lost concentration. I cut myself. It was embarrassing, that's all."
Her expression softened. "We all make mistakes, dear. Just be careful."
As she turned to leave, he called out again.
"Mother."
She paused.
"What is the true history between our two kingdoms?"
The warmth drained from her face.
"You don't need to know that," she said firmly. "All you need to understand is that the citizens of both kingdoms must obey the law and stay away from one another."
"But you said I don't know as much as I think I do," Azrion pressed. "As the future king, I deserve to understand our history—especially with our neighboring kingdom."
"Maybe," she replied coldly. "But not now."
"Mother, I've been—"
"End of discussion, Azrion."
Her robes swept behind her as she walked away.
Azrion remained by the pond, confusion and anger warring in his amber eyes.
By the time the academy day ended, the sun was dipping low.
"Alright, Renee, I'm all done. Let's go," Grace said softly. "Bye, Arnold. Bye, Maria."
"Wait," Arnold called. "I'm heading straight home too. Let's go together."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that, Arnold?"
"Of course," he replied, a bit too quickly.
Grace hesitated. "Uh… sure. Why not?"
Maria smirked faintly. "See you tomorrow."
The three set off with their horses, chatting easily as they traveled down the quiet road. They had only gone a few kilometers when Grace suddenly stiffened.
A sharp pain shot through her head.
She gasped, clutching her temples. Her eyes flashed white—blinding, unnatural—as a faint crack of thunder echoed in the air.
"Crystal!" Arnold grabbed her before she fell. "Are you alright?"
Renee stared in horror. "princess crystal!"
The pain came as quickly as it had struck. Grace's body went limp.
She collapsed into Arnold's arms.
"No… no!" he whispered desperately.
Without hesitation, he lifted her onto his horse and mounted behind her, urging the animal into a gallop toward the palace. Renee raced after them.
Guards rushed forward as they arrived. Ronan was among them.
"What happened?" he demanded as Grace was carried inside.
"I don't know," Arnold said breathlessly. "It was so fast. She had a sharp headache… her eyes turned white… and then she collapsed."
Ronan ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "What?"
The King and Queen stood at her bedside, faces pale with worry, as the royal physician examined her.
Minutes stretched painfully long.
Finally, the physician straightened.
"She will be fine," he assured them. "It appears to be severe exhaustion. She only needs extended rest."
Relief filled the room. One by one, everyone began to calm.
Everyone except the King and Queen.
They exchanged a silent glance.
They knew.
This was no ordinary headache.
And whatever had awakened within their daughter… might have only just begun.