The courtyard of Elarion, once filled with the sound of steel and war cries, had fallen into a heavy and uneasy silence.
Smoke drifted slowly through the air, rising from broken torches and scattered debris, while the early light of morning revealed the true cost of the fight.
Bodies lay across the stone ground — some wearing the blue of the king's army, others dressed in the dark armor of Lord Varyn. The clash had been fierce, and though the castle still stood, the marks of battle could not be hidden.
At the center of it all stood Lord Varyn.
His cloak was torn at the edges, his breathing slow but heavy, and his pale face carried both anger and exhaustion. His glowing red eyes moved across the courtyard, taking in the fallen soldiers, the broken lines, the failure.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then his jaw tightened.
"This… is not the end," he muttered, his voice low but filled with cold fury. "But today… is not our victory."
He turned sharply, raising his hand.
"Retreat!" he commanded. "All who still stand — fall back now!"
His remaining soldiers did not hesitate. They pulled away from the fight, gathering what strength they had left, and quickly began to withdraw from the gates.
Within moments, the black-clad force began to withdraw, disappearing beyond the gates they had once stormed with confidence.
They left behind their fallen.
They left behind their failure.
And they left behind a promise of return.
From the great gates, King Ryan stood watching.
He did not move forward in triumph.
He did not raise his sword in victory.
Instead, he stood still, his expression calm but heavy, as he watched Lord Varyn disappear into the distance.
There was no joy in his eyes.
Only understanding.
War was not something to celebrate.
When he was certain the enemy had fully retreated, he lowered his sword slowly.
Behind him, Captain Alden approached, his armor marked with dust and the signs of battle, but his posture still strong.
"Your Majesty," Alden said, bowing his head slightly.
King Ryan did not turn immediately. His gaze remained on the open gates.
Then, finally, he spoke, his voice calm but firm
"Gather everyone," the king ordered. "Every fallen soldier — ours and theirs. No one is to be left behind. They will be buried with dignity beyond these walls."
Alden bowed deeply. "As you ordered, Your Majesty."
Soon, the courtyard came alive again — not with battle, but with sorrowful duty. Soldiers moved carefully among the fallen, lifting bodies, carrying shields, speaking in low voices as they worked. The air was heavy, filled with grief, respect, and exhaustion.
Time passed slowly.
When the last of the fallen had been carried away, King Ryan stepped aside, calling Alden closer.
"Captain," he said quietly, "there is something more important than this battlefield."
Alden looked up. "Your Majesty?"
The king's expression changed slightly—less like a ruler, more like a father.
"The princess," he said quietly. "And Mara."
Alden understood at once.
I need to know they are safe. Go to them now.
Take only trusted men.
Alden placed a hand over his chest and bowed. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not fail."
Without another word, he turned and moved quickly into the castle, his steps echoing through the long corridors as he disappeared from sight.
Inside the castle, the silence felt different — calmer, but still filled with tension, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Alden walked swiftly, his eyes sharp, watching every shadow, every corner, every door he passed. Though the battle was over, he knew danger could still be hiding where no one expected it.
At last, he reached the hidden chamber.
The heavy wooden door stood before him, quiet and still.
He knocked softly.
"Princess Nara… Mara… it's Captain Alden."
For a second, there was no reply.
Then, slowly, the door opened.
Inside, the dim light of a lantern revealed the two girls — safe, but shaken.
Relief passed across Alden's face.
"Your Highness," he said gently, bowing his head. "Are you both safe?"
Nara's voice trembled. "Yes… we're fine. But Captain… what happened out there? Lord Varyn—he…"
Alden held up a hand. "It's over for now, Your Highness. Varyn and his remaining men have retreated. Many of his soldiers fell in the fight. The rest fled. You are safe here."
Mara let out a quiet sigh, relief flooding her face.
Nara looked at Alden. "Captain… thank you. But… why am I here? Why was I hidden?"
Alden glanced at Mara, then back at Nara. "The king ordered it. You and Mara had to be kept safe. Lord Varyn… he is dangerous. He will not stop until he finds what he wants."
Nara's eyes widened. "What does he want? Is it… the mark?"
Alden nodded slowly, keeping his voice low. "I don't know all the details, Princess. But your father is protecting you — and for now, that's what matters."
Nara spoke, her voice small but urgent.
"Captain Alden… please… tell me… are Father and Mother safe? Are they okay?"
Alden looked at her, his expression serious.
"Your Highness, I have seen them after the battle. Both King Ryan and Queen Natalie are safe. No harm has come to them."
Nara let out a shaky breath, but her shoulders remained tense.
"I was so worried… the battle… and Lord Varyn…"
"I understand, Princess," Alden said gently.
"The courtyard was dangerous. But your parents are strong, and they are protected.
They commanded the fight well."
Princess Nara stood, her hands clenched at her sides.
"I cannot stay here any longer," she said, her voice firm but worried. "I want to see Father… please, Captain Alden… I must speak with him. I cannot wait any longer."
Alden stepped closer, his expression serious.
"Your Highness… please, forgive me," he said gently. "I cannot let you leave. I have not been given permission to take you out of this room.
You must wait here until the king himself decides to allow it."
Nara's eyes widened. "But… I need to see him! I cannot just sit here!"
Alden shook his head. "I understand your worry, Princess. But my first duty is to obey the king's orders — and to keep you safe. If I disobey, you and I will be in more danger. Please… be patient, even if it is hard."
Nara's shoulders slumped slightly. She looked at Mara, who gave her a small, sympathetic nod.
"I understand… I will try to wait," Nara whispered, though her heart still raced.
Alden gave her a reassuring smile. "Good, Princess. Soon, when it is safe… you will see your parents. For now, stay here, and I will keep watch. Nothing will reach you in this room."
Nara nodded, biting her lip. She sank back into the chair, her mind racing with questions, but she knew she had no choice.
Outside, the castle remained quiet… but danger still lingered, and Lord Varyn was far from finished.
The courtyard was quiet now, the aftermath of the battle still visible in the scattered weapons and footprints in the mud.
Captain Alden walked quickly through the castle corridors, his steps echoing against the stone walls. He carried himself with purpose, knowing every second counted.
He arrived at the king's chamber and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty," he said.
King Ryan looked up from the maps and papers on his desk, his face tense but calm.
"Report, Alden. How are the princess and Mara?"
"They are safe, Your Majesty," Alden replied.
"Both of them are safe. I have placed them in a secure room, away from danger. They are hidden, and no one can reach them there."
King Ryan's expression softened slightly, though concern remained in his eyes.
"Good," he said. "You have done well, Captain.
Keep them there until it is safe. I do not want them exposed to Lord Varyn or his men for even a moment."
Alden nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will remain vigilant. Nothing will reach them."
The king studied him for a moment, then gave a sharp nod.
"Very well. Continue your watch, and report immediately if anything changes. The safety of my daughter and Mara is our highest priority."
Alden bowed once more. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will not fail you."
With that, he turned and left the room, moving silently through the castle, keeping his mind focused on the princess and Mara — their safety was now in his hands.
The next day , Morning light spilled through the castle windows, soft and pale.
The sounds of the castle waking — servants moving, birds calling outside — filled the air.
King Ryan walked steadily through the corridors, his face calm but serious.
Captain Alden was at his side, keeping a careful watch.
"Are you sure they are safe?" the king asked quietly.
"They are, Your Majesty," Alden replied. "I have kept watch all night. Nothing approached the room, and both Princess Nara and Mara are safe."
King Ryan nodded. "Good. Then let us go. I want to see them myself."
The two of them moved quickly but quietly through the castle halls, avoiding unnecessary attention.
Finally, they arrived at the hidden door — the secret room where Mara and Princess Nara were kept.
Alden opened the door slowly. "Your Majesty, they are here," he said.
Inside, Mara and Nara looked up in surprise.
Nara's eyes widened when she saw her father enter, bowing slightly.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, bowing.
King Ryan stepped forward and gave a reassuring nod. "Rise, Princess. You are safe."
Mara also stood, keeping her eyes lowered respectfully.
The king's expression softened as he looked at both girls. "I wanted to make sure of your safety myself," he said. "You have been well protected, thanks to Alden and the guards."
Nara nodded slowly, still worried but relieved to see her father in person.
"Thank you, Father," she whispered. "I… I was so worried."
King Ryan placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I know, Princess. That is why we keep you hidden. For now, you are safe, and nothing will harm you while I am here."
The morning light fell across the small room, casting long shadows.
For now, Nara and Mara were safe — but the threat of Lord Varyn still loomed outside the castle walls.
The morning light was soft, filling the castle with a sense of calm after the long night.
King Ryan looked at Princess Nara and Mara.
"You may leave this room," he said gently.
"Princess Nara, go back to your chambers.
Mara, you may return to the house with the other servants."
Nara bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty," she said softly.
Mara also bowed, her hands clasped in front of her. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she whispered.
Captain Alden opened the door and stepped aside to let them pass.
Nara walked carefully, her mind still restless, but relief was written on her face. She moved through the corridor and entered her familiar chambers. The warmth and comfort of her own room brought a small sense of peace.
Mara left with two trusted guards guiding her safely through the castle halls to the servants' house. She looked back once at the secret room, then quickly focused on reaching the familiar rooms where she belonged.
King Ryan watched from the doorway, his eyes thoughtful and cautious.
He knew that while the girls were safe for now, danger still lurked outside.
Alden remained near the king, standing silently, ready to act at any moment.
For now, the girls were protected — each in their own place, waiting for whatever would come next.
Mara had just entered the house where the other servants lived. She was carrying a small basket of clothes when Lisa, one of her fellow workers, approached her, curiosity written clearly on her face.
"Mara," Lisa said, her voice low but urgent.
"Where were you yesterday? I looked everywhere for you and couldn't find you. What is going on?"
Mara hesitated, her eyes flicking nervously around the room. The servants were curious, but she couldn't risk saying too much.
"I… I had some work in the castle," she replied carefully.
Lisa frowned. "But why do I see the king's guards around you so much now? It's like they're protecting you personally. Is it because of… the red dragon mark? Tell me — where did that come from?"
Mara's hands trembled slightly. She kept her head low, her voice barely a whisper.
"You… you must not ask about that," she said.
"It's… not something to speak of lightly. I cannot tell you. Please… forget you heard it."
Lisa's eyes widened, but she nodded slowly.
She could see Mara was serious.
"Alright… I won't press," she said, stepping back. "But… be careful, Mara. Something is happening. I can feel it."
Mara exhaled softly, relief and fear mixing together. She had avoided revealing the secret, but the questions only made her more aware of the danger — and the mystery surrounding the red dragon mark.