After Theron and Nyra were finished with the king, they went to find their rooms.
"Nyra, you have your own room, you know," Theron said.
He had long gotten used to his sister's clinginess.
The next morning, Theron was woken up by one of the many butlers.
"Mr. Theron, the king summons you to the kitchen."
"Alright, alright… just give me a moment."
Theron went downstairs, with his sister not far behind him.
"What—there's this much food?"
Theron was wide awake, his mouth agape.
On the massive table sat countless plates, all filled with food.
"Take any seat you want," the king said.
"Really. Of course, you have a lot to do today."
After the meal, they entered a luxurious cart, along with one more person Theron didn't recognize.
When they arrived at the school, Theron stared in disbelief.
"How am I supposed to memorize all of this?"
It was a massive white building, almost glowing.
A rather pretty-looking girl with yellow hair stood nearby. Both her eyes were closed as she giggled.
"You don't have to memorize everything, you know," she said, amused.
Theron paused.
"Wait… is this the king's eldest daughter?"
"You know," the king said, "she's my daughter. You should know her when you see her. Her name is Evleah."
"She is blind… but she wasn't always like this."
The king's voice darkened.
"Back then, I was cocky. Arrogant. I believed no one would dare cross me. But I was wrong. So, so wrong."
"The king of Solmyria sent kidnappers."
"At the time, I was out drinking, having sex, and not caring about my wife and daughter at home. They broke into the castle easily, because I didn't bother posting many knights. I believed no one could touch me."
"When I returned… only she was still alive."
"They even healed her eye sockets. It felt more like a warning than anything else."
"I was furious. But I needed that lesson."
He turned to Theron.
"So I ask you to protect her. Maybe you two can bond."
"I like you, kid. Don't let me down."