High above the chaotic regions of Xypelia, the snowy ridges now behind her, Anamorsia soared through thinning clouds and biting air. Her body cut through the skies, ignoring the blistering cold and sheer distance.
It had taken days to cross continents but she never once slowed down from the northern mountains to the luminous expanse of Rise Borough's shimmering spires, and finally toward the majestic floating islet that held the Richinaria Palace, which was a technological marvel suspended in the skies. She landed with the grace of a commander, the wind swirling around her as if bowing in reverence.
The golden gates opened without a command. Servants knelt one by one as she passed. Eyes averted. Heads bowed.
Inside the atrium, her footsteps echoed until they came to a halt.
Leaning against one of the arched crystalline pillars stood a woman with a regal aura, white hair cascading like snow and eyes that shimmered with mismatched brilliance. One was a piercing blue and the other a molten gold. Milliania Richinaria, her half-sister, unfolded her arms slowly as a smile tugged at her lips.
"What you just did has traveled farther than the clouds of Naranq. Every Dynasty owes Richinaria a debt now."
She motioned for Anamorsia to follow.
Anamorsia gave a tired smirk.
"I didn't do it for them."
"I know," Milliania replied. "You did it for Vastarael. And um... you also need to get married."
Anamorsia stopped as if the words had frozen time.
"I'm not getting married."
"Yes, you are," Milliania said flatly, her arms folded again. "Vastarael called me. He said you should consider it."
Anamorsia's throat tightened, though her face remained composed. Her gaze dropped slightly.
"You're not just Supreme Commander of Richinaria anymore, Anna. You're the face of our dynasty. Mortals won't do. You know the consequences."
Anamorsia didn't reply. She just kept walking. Because she knew Milliania was right. And that Vastarael's voice, his will, was something she could never defy. They walked on the hallways as they talked.
"I'm still not a fighter, you know," Milliania said with a small shrug, her eyes scanning the courtyard below where guards were sparring. "Never have been. Leave that to you, big brother and the disaster twins."
Anamorsia scoffed in disbelief, half-laughing as she looked at the guards.
"Says the woman who is richer than the Monarch himself. You may not break bones but you definitely break economies."
Milliania chuckled with a flick of her wrist.
"I'm a buffer, Anna. A support. That's all I've ever been. But let's not pretend I'm not the buffer. You forget who rigged the entire national economic grid to survive a continent-wide crisis."
"Yeah, the most powerful buffer in the entire world. That's not even bragging, that's just logistics."
Milliania finally turned to face her, pushing her hair behind her ear with a self-satisfied grin.
"You're damn right it's logistics. I am the Financial Queen of Richinaria, after all. And I didn't name myself that. Our beloved big brother did. The minute he took over as Monarch, he dumped all the bureaucratic nightmares on me and told me I'd better fix the budget or he'd throw me into intense training."
Anamorsia laughed so hard that she covers her lips.
"By the Primordials, you, training? That death trap still exists?"
"Worse than ever," Milliania groaned, dramatically pressing a hand to her chest. "But I manage. I always do. Leon and Leones are busy running the Four Houses and someone's got to keep the Dynasty's pockets tight. Between embezzling nobles and bribed regional members, I swear I'm the only sane one left."
Anamorsia leaned forward, eyeing her sister curiously.
"You really think Richinaria's better now?"
"Since big brother took the throne? Absolutely. He's cold, scary and silent, but the people listen to him. And they should. Escaping a god's prison at thirteen? Flooding half of Upper Rise during his escape? That alone gave him a mythos before his name even echoed across Amaniya."
Anamorsia's tone turned thoughtful and just a bit wistful as she thought about him.
"It's wild, you know. That no one outside Amaniya knew he was alive. The whole world thought he died in that incident. Even his friends. And yet, there he was, plotting, building and becoming... this."
Milliania nodded slowly. "It was a smart move. Letting the secret live only within Amaniya. It bought him time to fix the cracks, build loyalty, train us and form the modern dynasty we have now. Anqerise would've eaten him alive had he surfaced earlier. Anyway, you need to get going. Meeting with the twins I mean."
"Another internal affairs crisis?"
"More like… historical. Apparently, one of the hidden houses is demanding an audience. They resurfaced after decades in silence."
"Which one?"
"House Sarphie."
There was a long pause. Anamorsia blinked slowly. "That fossil?"
"Oh, they're still alive, and now they want a conversation. I suspect it's not just formality. They never show up without scheming behind those snowy white robes."
Anamorsia grunted. "And what will you be doing while I'm elbow-deep in house issues?"
A sly smile crossed Milliania's lips. "Vacation, obviously."
"Excuse me? You're just leaving while I have to entertain ancient headaches?"
"Darling, I just spent four days solving your mess concerning the Last Phalanx and made everyone owe Richinaria a favor. I've earned at least a few days of relaxation right?"
Anamorsia groaned into her palm. "You would wine-infuse a spring."
"I do wine-infuse a spring. It's part of my estate budget. Very tax efficient."
"By the Primordials..."
Milliania winked as she clipped on her pendant and adjusted her sash.
"Have fun playing politics with Leon and Leones. I'll send you a message from the beaches."
Anamorsia scowled playfully, raising her hand in mock farewell.
"Rot in luxury, Finance Witch."
Milliania blew a kiss. "With pleasure."
With a twirl, she exited the room, leaving behind the faint scent of mint and ink. Anamorsia sighed as she walked straight to the throne room with a disappointed sigh.
"House Sarphie, of all the damn houses to crawl back into the light..."