By the time afternoon settled fully into the palace, the light in Princess Stephanie Goldenleaf's chambers had softened into a warm amber glow. Sunlight spilled through tall windows and stretched across rugs woven with the history of her family—golden leaves, crowned lions, symbols of duty she had memorized before she learned what duty cost.
She and Oscar were still talking.
The smoke hung low now, no longer thick, just present—like a quiet accomplice. Oscar sat cross-legged on the floor, long dark fingers absently turning a small wooden grinder while he talked. His yellow eyes glimmered when he spoke about the world beyond the kingdom, about mountains that sang when the wind hit them just right, about forests so dense the sunlight turned green before it touched the ground.
Stephanie listened with her chin in her hands, golden hair spilling around her like molten light.
"And that's where Moonveil grows," Oscar said. "High canopy jungle strain. You don't smoke it—you let it burn and breathe it in. Makes you feel like the mother nature is listening."
Stephanie smiled. "I think they already are."
Oscar chuckled, then his stomach betrayed him with a long, echoing growl.
She laughed outright. "Stars above, Oscar, that sounded like a snarling beast."
"I guess its time for lunch" he muttered. "I know this restaurant that make the best burgers and fries inside city." Just the thought alone made ,Oscar salivate.
Before she could question him about it further—
Knock. Knock.
They froze.
Oscar's eyes widened. "No. No no no."
Stephanie shot to her feet. "Quick ,hide!"
Oscar scrambled like a startled cat, nearly tripping over a chair before ducking behind the heavy wardrobe near the wall. At six feet tall, nineteen years old, and built like someone who'd hauled crates his whole life, he absolutely did not fit. The door handle turned just as he shoved himself inside the shadows.
Stephanie barely had time to compose herself before the door opened.
The moment it did, a wave of smoke rolled out into the hallway like a dramatic stage entrance.
The servant on the other side blinked—then coughed violently.
"By the Rainbow Star—!" he rasped, clutching his chest. "Your Highness—what—what is the meaning for all this smoke?"
Stephanie smiled sweetly. "Afternoon incense." She lied through her teeth.
The servant wheezed. "That is not incense."
From behind the wardrobe came another sound. A deep, low grrrrrrr. "Dammit I'm starving." Oscar thought.
Stephanie's eyes widened.
The servant stiffened. "Your Highness… did you hear that?"Another growl followed, louder this time. Oscar clutched his stomach in horror.
That sounded like a beast," the servant said nervously. "A hungry one." he added.
Stephanie forced a laugh. "Ah—yes. It's uh… my royal stomach," her face blushing despite her not caring for royal etiquette ,it was still seen as unbecoming of a young woman.
The servant frowned. "The what?"
She muttered under her breath, making quick glare at the wardrobe, "Control your munchies, you absolute idiot."
"What was that, Your Highness?" the servant asked.
"Nothing!" Stephanie said quickly. "I was saying I have the munchies thats all. I'm very hungry,"she said her blush deepening
As if summoned by the word, Oscar's stomach growled again—long, dramatic, and unmistakable.
The servant's eyes narrowed suspicions still in their gaze ,but deciding they don't get paid enough for this and let it go. "Should I… fetch food, Your Highness?"he asked instead.
Stephanie nodded far too eagerly. "Yes ,please immediately."
The servant hesitated, eyeing the smoke flowing from the room ,then bowed. "At once, Your Highness."the servant paused, "His Majesty has requested your presence. Immediately."
Her chest tightened. "Now?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
When the door finally closed, Oscar slid out from hiding, rubbing his stomach. "I regret nothing."
She pointed at him. "You almost got yourself caught by a servant who thought you were a beast ,idiot." She laughed.
"I am a beast," he said. "A starving one." Oscar replied.
*****
King Alaric Goldenleaf's office was colder than her room, despite the sunlight filtering through tall arched windows. Maps of the kingdom and beyond lined the walls—some bordered in gold, others marked with red ink where borders had shifted through war and treat.
Her father sat behind his desk, broad-shouldered and stern, dark hair streaked with silver.
Queen Elowen Goldenleaf sat nearby, graceful as ever, her pale complexion and sharp blue eyes betraying nothing.
They exchanged the usual pleasantries first. Health. Studies. Appearances.Then her father folded his hands.
"There is a matter of state," King Alaric said. "One that concerns you directly."
Stephanie swallowed her heart beginning to race faster, "Yes, Father." Her voice still steady.
"You are to be married."
The words landing harder any physical blow.
Her breath caught. "Married?" Hearing the ringing cuffs and chains instead of the usual festivities and bells.
"To an Empyrion," he said.
The Empyrion are the World-royals of the Seven ancient branches that ruled the Empire spanning most of the known world.
Kingdoms could choose to become vassals for protection, but the Empyrions would never begged. If they wanted something, they took it—politely or otherwise.
"Which family branch?" she asked quietly.
"The Arcanveil House," her father replied. "A powerful magical lineage."
"And the groom?" Stephanie asked, dread curling in her stomach.
"Lord Caelum Arcanveil," he said. "Age thirteen."Silence filled the room the only sound audible was the pen her father used.
"Thirteen," she repeated disbelief in her voice.
"Yes and seems thats he's already taken five wives with two concubines," King Alaric continued evenly. "You would be his sixth wife."
Stephanie laughed, sharp and hollow. "I'm not a person to them. I'm a treaty. "
"You are a princess," her father snapped. "Your duty is to this kingdom."
"My duty is to live my own life!" she shot back. "I don't want this. I don't want any of this!"
Queen Elowen spoke gently. "Stephanie—"
"No ,mother!" Stephanie said her fury, evident, turning back to her father. "You talk about duty, but all I hear is fear. You're afraid to say no."
King Alaric's jaw tightened. "How dare you!" He shouted. Fear keeps kingdoms and alliances standing." This is a opportunity for us and the kingdom to thrive."
"And this will give me the chance to gain a superior standing, with the ,Empyrions backing me ,I will claim the entire ,Tri-Crown Isle. " He inwardly add.
He then stood and stepped closer, lowering his voice eyes narrowed. "And don't insult me further. I smelled the weed on you the moment you walked in."
Her heart stuttered.
"I will be increasing patrols near your room," he continued. "And if I ever catch whoever is bringing that filth into my palace—" His eyes hardened. "—I will execute them. Slowly."
The air grew heavy and oppressive.
Then, after a breath, he straightened.
"A gala will be held in one week," he said. "Your engagement will be announced. Where you'll meet your future husband."
He said dismissing her with a wave of the hand.
Stephanie returned to her room in a haze.
The door opened to the sight of Oscar sitting on the floor, surrounded by empty plates, licking grease from his fingers.
"Oh," he said. "Hey."
She stared at him.
Then the tears came.
She crossed the room and collapsed beside him, sobbing into his shoulder. Oscar stiffened, awkwardly wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a tight embrace.
Between broken breaths, she told him what happened. The Imperions ,the marriage everything.
Oscar's expression darkened—not with fear, but resolve. "They think they own you," he said quietly.She nodded.
"They don't" he said breaking their hold to look each other in the eyes. "Do you trust me?" He asked.
The absurdity of the question made Stephanie, laughed through her sadness and at the same time ,laughing in Oscar's face.
Narrowing his eyes trying not to be offended.
"Sorry," wiping the now tear of hilarity from her eye's. "Sure why not." She said.
Oscar having the biggest mischievous smile on his face, "Run away with me!"