Sunlight pooled across the imperial garden, hitting everything with that lazy golden glow that makes you want to nap under a tree or, I dunno, run away from your responsibilities. Roses everywhere, pretty much shoving their scent up your nose whether you liked it or not. Stephanie wandered toward the marble gazebo, where her sisters were already lounging around, looking like a portrait come to life—elegant, untouchable, the whole package.
In the middle of the table, this silver teapot was letting off the cutest little wisps of steam, and there was enough sugar on the table to send a toddler into orbit—pastries, fruit, tarts, you name it. Anastasia was swirling her tea in that annoyingly perfect way when she spotted Stephanie.
"Late again, Steph," Anastasia called, all mock-innocent but with that little dig only older sisters can pull off.
Stephanie gave a half-baked curtsy and plopped into a chair. "Sorry, got… held up."
"'Held up'?" Clarisse shot her this look over her teacup that could probably curdle milk. "You mean you got distracted."
Danielle just snorted. "Leave her alone. She's probably still dreaming."
"I'm awake, thank you very much," Stephanie shot back, grinning. "More awake than you are, I bet."
Anastasia looked like she wanted to pry, but apparently decided to let it slide. She pushed the teapot closer. "Try this. From the Western Isles—supposedly fancy. It's got honey or something?"
Stephanie poured herself a cup, letting the steam hit her face like a spa treatment.
"So," Estella piped up, stretching like a cat, "anybody hear from the Emperor this morning? After that speech at breakfast? Or was that just me hallucinating from lack of sleep?"
Clarisse huffed. "Not a word. And now the nobles are all whispering about succession again. Like we can't have one meal without someone scheming."
"Succession, succession, blah blah blah," Danielle grumbled, cramming a macaron in her mouth. "Can we not, for once? Talk about something that doesn't make me want to run away?"
"Yeah, I'm with you," Stephanie said, setting her cup down a little too hard. "Actually, I've got news."
All heads snapped in her direction. The drama was palpable.
"Oh?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "What's got you all mysterious, Steph?"
Stephanie hesitated, then went for it. "Met a couple guys in the garden earlier. From the Cerzt clan. Well—boys? Men? Whatever, they're on the edge."
Danielle immediately started choking on her pastry, which was honestly impressive. "Wait—Tyler? Do you mean Tyler Cerzt?"
Stephanie blinked. "Uh, yeah. Tyler and his brother Tyven."
Danielle practically launched herself across the table. "Spill! Is he hot? Did he finally stop looking like a lost puppy? How tall is he now? What about the other one?!"
Stephanie burst out laughing, hands up like she was surrendering. "Chill, Danielle, one question at a time!"
"No, seriously, you can't just drop that and not deliver details!"
Thank the stars for Anastasia, who jumped in before Danielle had a full meltdown. "Danielle, let her breathe," she said, but there was a smirk there. "I met Tyler months ago, remember? Stephanie's eighth birthday. You said hi too, Steph."
Danielle looked scandalized. "You did? And you seriously didn't mention it?"
Anastasia shrugged, sipping tea like she was in a commercial. "It slipped my mind. He was polite. Kind of shy, actually."
She paused, went all thoughtful. "But I've never met his brother, Tyven. Now I'm curious."
Stephanie caught the little flush creeping up Anastasia's neck and grinned, wicked. "Curious, huh? Or… interested?"
Anastasia's eyes went wide. "Don't be ridiculous."
Stephanie leaned in, grinning harder. "Then why are your ears red?"
"They're not!" Anastasia snapped, flustered and doing a terrible job of looking casual. She turned away, pretending to admire the roses. "I don't even know what he looks like."
Stephanie's grin was pure mischief. "Guess you'll just have to wait and see. Not gonna spoil it, but—trust me. You won't be disappointed."
Anastasia rolled her eyes, but she was definitely trying not to smile. Nailed it.
Clarisse cleared her throat, steering the whole conversation back on track. "Knight mages, huh? Thought those were just stories. Aren't they supposed to be, like, super rare or something?"
"Yeah, basically," Estella said, sounding way too sure of herself. "There's barely a handful in the Empire, mostly from the Cerzt clan. A few oddballs from other bloodlines, but that's it."
Anastasia gave her this look. "Wait, how do you even know that?"
Estella just grinned, kind of smug. "Been reading up on magic a lot lately. It's wild, right? Knight mages don't even bother with swords or staffs—just straight-up mana weapons."
Clarisse's eyes got a little dreamy. "Honestly, I wanted to be a knight when I was a kid. Before, you know, the whole succession mess."
Estella grinned, all teeth. "Being both a knight and a mage? That's nuts. Like, double classing in real life."
Danielle snorted. "So Tyler's a prodigy, huh? Knight mage at twelve? I could barely tie my shoes at twelve."
Stephanie went stiff, blinking. Wait. Twelve? Knight mage? You're kidding me.
She poked at her tea, spacing out. All this time, she'd just thought Tyler was that annoying brat sneaking around her spot in the woods at night.
She could still see that cheeky grin of his in the moonlight, the way he'd cackled when she called him an "annoying brother." He even gave her a cheat code for her test later. Not that she'd ever admit it.
No way she was telling her sisters any of that.
"Stephanie?" Clarisse's voice snapped her out of it. "You look like you just saw a ghost."
"Ah—sorry!" Stephanie stammered, shooting her a wobbly smile. "Just… thinking."
Clarisse's eyes narrowed, and she smirked. "Thinking about a certain someone?"
"Wha—no!" Stephanie's voice cracked. "I was, uh, thinking about Jane!"
"Jane?" Anastasia frowned. "Like, old Jane the maid?"
"Yup," Stephanie said, grabbing the lifeline. "She's helping me with lessons this week."
Anastasia nodded, all serious. "Jane's the best. No one teaches etiquette like her. Scary, but fair."
Estella leaned in, practically bouncing. "She's way more than that! She's a retired Tower Master. Legendary mage status. I read about her—she's a total badass. I'm kind of obsessed, honestly."
Danielle's jaw dropped. "Wait, are you serious? Jane's, like, a super wizard?"
Estella nodded. "She's done more for the Empire than most generals combined."
Clarisse turned to Stephanie, eyes glinting. "So what about you, little sis? Got any epic achievements yet?"
Stephanie blinked. "Me?"
Clarisse's grin got meaner. "You're the baby. Haven't done squat. Not gonna be another Jane. Honestly, don't see Empress in your future either."
Estella chimed in, voice dripping with fake concern. "She's got a point. You're too soft. Too nice."
Danielle frowned. "Hey, c'mon—"
"No, it's cool," Stephanie murmured, voice flat. She traced swirls on her teacup, lips quirking in a tiny ghost of a smile.
And then, almost under her breath, she muttered, "If I could turn Anastasia into a heartthrob yesterday… maybe I could turn you two into cockroaches."
The words just slipped out, smooth as silk, but the vibe in the room? Instantly colder than a grave.
Clarisse and Estella froze, eyes wide. Even the birds outside seemed to say, "Nope," and shut up.
Danielle giggled nervously. "O-okay! No need for bug talk at the tea table. Anyone want more tea?" She poured with shaking hands.
Anastasia let out a breath, maybe a little too hard. "Yeah, hit me."
Stephanie flashed her best innocent smile. "Me too, please."
Danielle topped off her cup, hand still wobbly.
"So, uh," Danielle blurted, desperate for a new topic, "since the Cerzt clan's wrapped up in our succession, maybe we should, like, get on their good side?"
Anastasia nodded. "Actually… that's smart. If they're supposed to protect us, can't hurt to be friends."
"Right!" Danielle said, too bright. "I call dibs on Tyven. You guys can fight over the rest."
Anastasia rolled her eyes, playing along. "I'll take Tyven before you get the chance."
Stephanie snorted, swirling her tea. "Oh, you'll leave quite the impression, I'm sure."
Her tone was light, all sugar and sunshine, but her eyes? Hard to read.
The conversation drifted back to jokes and gossip, the earlier tension melting away like it'd never happened.
Stephanie sipped her tea, thinking, They have no idea who I really am… and honestly? Maybe that's exactly how I want it.
Meanwhile...
Sunlight streamed through the marble hallways of the Imperial Palace, reflecting off every gleaming surface and bathing the corridors in gold. Two men in deep navy uniforms walked side by side, silver cloaks trailing elegantly behind them. They looked crisp—Knight Mages of the Cerzt clan. Their names were spoken in hushed, respectful tones.
As they passed, the palace guards snapped to attention. One guard greeted them with a brief, "Knight Mages," lowering his spear in salute.
Tyven gave a short nod. Tyler responded with an easy smile, just enough to be polite.
They continued on. Tyven glanced sideways at his younger brother. "You seem distracted," he murmured. "This isn't the place to let your mind wander—not with the Emperor around."
Tyler let out a soft laugh. "I'm not distracted. Just… thinking about a lot."
"Oh?" Tyven's gaze was sharp. "Is it the youngest princess you're thinking about? You looked at her earlier like you two have history."
Tyler shrugged, feigning innocence. "Maybe I just remember her birthday a while back. Father sent me to give her the family's regards."
Tyven looked unconvinced, folding his arms as they walked. "Your eyes say otherwise."
Tyler's lips curled into a small smirk. "You're imagining things, Tyven."
"I don't imagine things," Tyven answered, voice steady. "You're hiding something."
Tyler didn't get a chance to reply. They'd arrived at the grand golden door bearing the Imperial Seal—the entrance to the Emperor's office.
Both brothers paused to adjust their cloaks. The Emperor's assistant stood waiting, ledger in hand.
"Nathaniel Tyler Von Cerzt and Matthew Tyven Von Cerzt, requesting audience with His Majesty," the assistant announced.
From inside, the Emperor's voice rang out, low and smooth. "Let them in."
The brothers entered the office, bowing deeply before the massive desk where Emperor Estevan sat. The Empress, Phenicia, stood beside him, turning the pages of documents with a grace worthy of a portrait.
Tyven spoke first. "Your Majesty, we received your letter to our father, the Cerzt Patriarch. He's sent us as the family's representatives."
The Emperor gave a slight smile. "Good. The Cerzt clan never disappoints me."
The Empress nodded at them, her manner warm but dignified. "I'll excuse myself for this discussion," she said, leaving the room with her gown whispering over the marble floor.
The Emperor leaned back, appraising the brothers. "Court only just ended," he said. "I'm glad you're here. How is the Patriarch?"
Tyven answered promptly. "He's well, Your Majesty."
"Excellent." The Emperor stood, his presence dominating the room. "Here's your task. Both of you will act as companions and guardians to my daughters throughout their succession contest. This will not be a short assignment—you'll be with them for the next ten years."
Tyler's eyes widened. "Ten years?"
The Emperor nodded, his voice grave. "That's correct. Each of you will stand for the Cerzt clan—as guardians, guides. You'll both select a princess to serve, and stay by her side until the next Empress ascends."
The brothers exchanged glances.
"You have twenty days to choose," the Emperor continued. "Use this time well. Get to know them. Watch how they handle themselves, learn their strengths, their character. When you decide, you'll swear an oath. You'll be bound to her."
Tyven cleared his throat. "And the rest?"
The Emperor's eyes darkened. "The other three? No knight mages for them. Their fate is left to chance."
Both brothers bowed.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Tyven said.
The Emperor's features softened, just slightly. "You may rise."
They stood, and he gave a nod of approval. "I expect much from you both. The Empire needs stability, and the next Empress must earn it—with strength and wisdom."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied in unison.
"You're dismissed."
They bowed again and departed.
As the golden doors closed behind them, the corridor instantly felt lighter, as if fresh air had swept in.
Tyven exhaled slowly. "Ten years," he murmured. "That's quite a commitment."
Tyler let out a soft laugh. "Ten years following princesses? Could be worse."
Tyven shot him a look. "It's a royal responsibility, not a holiday."
"Relax," Tyler grinned. "Just saying. Besides…" He almost laughed. "One of those princesses isn't exactly what she seems."
Tyven frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing," Tyler said quickly, brushing it off. "Just something that made me laugh."
Tyven eyed him, unconvinced, but didn't push further. "Anyway, we should go to the garden. I heard the princesses spend time there around now."
Tyler shrugged. "Works for me. Let's see who we'll be guarding for the next ten years."
They walked down the corridor, where a gardener greeted them with a deep bow. He held out two red roses, dew glistening on the petals.
Tyven raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
The gardener smiled knowingly. "A little tradition, my lords. Present a rose to the princess you choose. It's a token of your loyalty."
Tyven blinked, surprised. "Thank you."
The gardener chuckled and returned to his work.
Tyler twirled the rose between his fingers, grinning. "So, brother… got your eye on anyone yet?"
Tyven gave him another look. "I'll give it to the one who earns it. Don't get ahead of yourself."
"Earns it, huh?" Tyler's grin widened. "Maybe I'll give mine to whoever makes the best tea."
"You're impossible," Tyven muttered, but a faint smile appeared.
They made it at last—right into the heart of the imperial garden, where flowers sprawled in every direction. The five princesses lounged in a crescent around a porcelain table, chatting quietly among themselves.
Stephanie noticed them first. Her heart gave a brief jump, but she quickly masked it and rose, every inch the perfect hostess.
"Good afternoon," she called, offering a courteous smile. "Allow me to introduce our guests."
Her sisters turned, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
"This is Nathaniel Tyler Von Cerzt," Stephanie said, her tone formal but not stiff. "We've met before—my eighth birthday party, remember? Isn't that right, Lord Tyler?"
Tyler nearly grinned, but suppressed it. He gave a deep bow. "Of course, Your Highness. It's an honor to see you again."
Danielle brightened. "Wait, you're Tyler Cerzt?"
Tyler grinned, a touch roguishly. "Yes, my lady."
Stephanie continued, her voice a bit lighter. "And this is Matthew Tyven Von Cerzt—Tyler's older brother."
Tyven bowed as well. "Your Highnesses, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
The princesses replied with graceful curtsies.
"Please," Anastasia said warmly, "come and join us."
Tyven cleared his throat. "Actually, before we do, we should explain why we're here."
Everyone fell silent.
"We're here as representatives of the Cerzt clan," he said. "His Majesty has appointed us as Knight Mages to the royal princesses. Each of us will choose one princess to protect and support during the succession competition."
Tyler stepped forward, adding, "The Emperor gave us twenty days to decide. We'll use that time to get to know each of you—and when it's over, we'll each swear our loyalty."
Clarisse blinked, clearly surprised. "So you both have to pick from among us?"
"That's right," Tyven replied.
Danielle grinned, her eyes sparkling. "This is just like a storybook."
Anastasia crossed her arms, smirking. "Well, may the best princess win."
Stephanie laughed, soft and quick, but her eyes flicked to Tyler for a brief moment, remembering that secret smirk he'd given her in the forest last night.
Tyler bowed again. "It's our honor to serve the Empire, and soon, whichever princess chooses us."
The brothers placed their hands over their hearts and bowed their heads together.
"May our service bring glory to our Empire," Tyven said, his voice calm.
Stephanie's face brightened. "Then let's do our best together."
Tyler's mouth curled into a grin. "Oh, I'm sure we will, Your Highness."
He glanced at her, at the "princess" who wasn't really a princess at all, and had to stifle a laugh.
If only the others knew.
To be continue...