The first light of dawn spilled over the palace rooftops, painting the world in gentle gold. Mist curled along the gardens like drifting silk, and the scent of morning dew floated in the air. Knights were already assembling in the courtyard, horses snorting softly as they waited.
Today marked the first official journey of the youngest prince, Sohag Aurelius.
A diplomatic mission.
A simple visit to a neighboring duchy.
A formality, really.
At least, that was how the court described it.
In reality, everyone in the palace knew—
where Sohag went, the world shook.
And so, preparations had been doubled, then doubled again.
Royal guards lined the path.
Noble ladies gathered "by coincidence."
Even the emperor secretly reinforced the route with hidden wards.
And in the center of all the bustle—
Sohag stood quietly.
Expression unreadable.
Eyes half-lidded.
Aura calm but impossibly deep.
He wore a simple travel uniform—dark, fitted, elegant without trying. Even like this, he looked like a celestial noble descended from the heavens.
A few noble girls clutched their chests, trying not to faint.
Lyra, standing proudly beside him, shot each one a glare sharp enough to slice stone.
"This is dangerous," she muttered beneath her breath. "Too many women. Too many eyes. Too many… pests."
Sohag blinked slowly.
"…Hmm."
That was all he said.
Lyra melted instantly, cheeks turning pink.
Just then—
Helena Aurelius, eldest imperial daughter and pride of the empire, approached wearing light armor and a sky-blue cloak. Even without trying, she radiated authority.
"Are you ready, Sohag?" she asked gently.
Sohag nodded.
Helena's eyes softened. She always spoke to him differently than she did to anyone else—gentler, warmer, almost protective.
Lyra noticed.
Lyra did not approve.
Mira also stood nearby, dressed in a black travel outfit as she adjusted a dagger at her waist. She kept her hood low, avoiding attention—though Lyra watched her like a hawk.
"Shadow Veil agents will escort from the rooftops," Mira whispered to Helena. "We'll secure blind spots."
Helena nodded, then turned to Sohag.
"Sohag, Mira will also be accompanying us."
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
Mira stiffened. "Because he needs protection."
Lyra scoffed. "You think you can protect him?"
Then Lyra crossed her arms dramatically.
"I will protect him."
Mira clenched her jaw.
Helena sighed. "Both of you will protect him. He's the prince."
Lyra and Mira reluctantly nodded, although Lyra's eyes screamed:
He's MY prince.
A knight approached and kneeled.
"Your Highness… your horse is ready."
Sohag stared at the horse.
The horse stared back, visibly trembling.
He didn't intend to pressure it—but his aura naturally leaked, and living creatures reacted instinctively. The horse lowered its head, acknowledging him as something far beyond a human.
Sohag gently placed a hand on its mane.
The trembling stopped immediately.
The horse softened, leaning into the touch like a puppy.
Knights watched in awe.
"Even animals… revere him."
"He didn't even use magic…"
"What IS the prince, truly…?"
None of them noticed how Helena silently compared that gentle motion with memories of when Sohag was younger—quiet, small, shy, always clinging to his mother or hiding behind Lyra.
Lyra noticed.
She clenched her fists.
Sohag mounted the horse with minimal movement, posture perfectly balanced.
He didn't speak.
He didn't need to.
The world around him simply adjusted.
Just as the entourage prepared to move—
A sudden ripple disturbed the air.
It came with a faint chiming sound—ancient, divine, ethereal. Even Helena froze at the sensation.
A soft white glow materialized on the far end of the courtyard.
Then—
Footsteps.
Light.
Graceful.
Almost holy.
A woman in snow-white robes approached, her presence calm and radiant. A veil covered half her face, but her pale blue eyes shone with a gentleness that felt like starlight on a quiet lake.
The knights instantly went down on one knee.
"Saintess Seraphina…!"
Lyra flinched.
Mira narrowed her eyes.
Helena bowed respectfully.
The Saintess of the Primordial Church—the most revered woman on the continent—walked straight toward Sohag.
Every step she took carried the faint echo of divine bells. Her aura was soft, warm… and unmistakably powerful.
She stopped just inches from Sohag's horse.
"Your Highness Sohag," she said softly, voice like a prayer carried by wind. "May your journey be safe… and blessed."
Sohag blinked.
Seraphina raised her hands gently and touched a glowing sigil to his chest.
A soft white light spread over him, sinking into his skin like warm water.
A world-shielding divine blessing.
The highest level of protection her church could offer.
Helena's eyes widened.
Mira stiffened.
Lyra's jaw dropped open.
This kind of blessing was reserved for emperors… heroes… gods.
Not for an eighteen-year-old prince who overslept daily.
Seraphina's cheeks warmed faintly behind her veil.
"I apologize," she said softly. "This blessing is… stronger than standard. I—overdid it."
She didn't add:
Because I've watched you grow since you were a baby.
Because I can't help feeling anxious when you travel.
Because… I care more than I should.
Sohag tilted his head slightly.
"…Thank you."
Just two words.
Just one calm look.
But Seraphina's heart trembled.
Helena and Mira saw it.
Lyra definitely saw it.
Another enemy?? Lyra screamed internally.
Sohag, oblivious, simply turned his horse toward the open gate.
The morning sun bathed him in gold.
His silent presence filled the courtyard like a calm tide.
Then, with a soft motion of his reins, the young prince began to move.
Helena followed on horseback, regal as always.
Mira slipped into the shadows, invisible.
Lyra rode at his side, eyes shining with equal parts love and paranoia.
Saintess Seraphina watched from behind, hands folded, heart swelling.
And behind them—
The empire held its breath.
Because no one knew yet…
That this simple journey would trigger the chain of events leading to fate, revelation, and the awakening of a heritage older than the universe itself.
The journey of the invincible prince had begun.
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