The Solandor Empire
The first rays of light broke through the curtains of darkness, announcing the arrival of day.
Soon, the world began to wake with the sun, the usual hustle and bustle filling the air.
Beneath the eternal blue sky, Aethelgard sprawled like a jewel of white marble and gold. Sky-reaching towers and arched bridges rose above bustling plazas where merchants hawked wares from every corner of the vast empire.
The city was built on a broad stretch of land, perfectly situated at the center of the empire's five main cities—like the five points of a star.
Aethelgard was built around the royal palace and served as the empire's beating heart, a hub for nobility and a gathering place for power.
Crystal lanterns floated above streets lined with sculpted stone buildings, casting a soft glow at the slightest hint of darkness, silently recording any unusual magical outbursts or fights that might threaten the peace of the city.
The streets were cleaned each morning by bursts of wind and water magic from enchanted pavements.
Intricate mosaics of mythical beasts and flowers adorned the courtyards, while shimmering runes etched into the main thoroughfares hummed faintly with protective enchantments laid centuries ago.
Aethelgard—the capital city of Solandor—pulsed with life. Nobles in embroidered cloaks brushed shoulders with cloaked mages; carriages bearing house crests thundered past each other.
And yet above all, a quiet tension lingered in the air—whispers of the unknown drifted like mist through every district.
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A soft light spilled across the frosted windowpanes of Ashrose Manor, painting the velvet drapes in pale blue.
It was the private residence of the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Vellore, Aveline Vellore, known throughout the empire for her swift and decisive actions.
Inside her room, Aveline stood before a mirror, gazing into her silver-gray eyes, her hands twisting the rings she wore—heirlooms of a family long disappeared.
Today, she would bind herself to someone through a rune that responded only to fate or love—both of which had always felt just out of her reach.
Having delayed the inevitable for years, she had finally decided to gamble—to see whether someone was truly written in her fate, or whether she was destined to remain alone.
The rumors had begun years ago, when her parents vanished on a voyage and never returned. They called her a jinx who killed her parents, but she knew they were alive—because the Vellore legacy crystal still bore their names.
In the eight years since, her only support had come from loyal stewards and hidden guards.
Fighting and making harsh decisions to protect herself, she had become the villainess everyone feared—a woman who ruled with an iron fist. Yet the truth was simpler and crueler: she was alone.
The time spent honing her skills had made her a figure no one dared cross. The coldness radiating from her kept everyone at arm's length.
A knock came at her door, pulling her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, voice stern and cold.
Her secretary, Luna Ashguard, entered the room. She was tall and elegant, with lovely features and shiny brown hair tied neatly in a bun. She wore an ankle-length black dress adorned with gray vines embroidered along the hems and sleeves.
"Good morning, my lady. I hope you rested well. Breakfast is ready—where would you like it served?" Luna asked respectfully.
Not hearing the usual curt refusal, she hesitated, then repeated softly, "My lady?"
"The weather is pleasant today. Have it set up in the gazebo in the west gardens," Aveline answered, eyes still fixed on the view beyond the frosted glass.
"As you wish, my lady," Luna said, hurrying the magic crane off to convey the instructions to the kitchen staff. After a moment, she spoke, gathering her courage.
"My lady, we received news this morning: the three princes will be present at today's ceremony, along with your cousin Annalise."
"I know," Aveline replied calmly. "The palace sent word. It's time for them to choose their partners. The emperor reminded me of the Vellore family's marriage pact."
"So they want you to marry…" Luna began.
"I am not the only Vellore. This might finally make my uncle useful, instead of just spreading rumors and gossip," Aveline said, a rare, sharp smile tugging at her lips.
"You're right, my lady. But what if someone tries to trick you into trouble?"
Aveline folded her arms, voice cool: "Let's think logically. The crown prince will never agree to marry me, given my sterling reputation," she said dryly. "And the second prince is more interested in Lady Seraphina of the Falin Duchy."
"Why is the crown prince so unlikeable? Would it be terrible if I said I hope he trips today?" Luna asked.
Aveline's eyes widened in surprise, a laugh escaping before she could stop it. "Luna! Don't tempt fate."
"Someone should. The entire manor takes itself too seriously," Luna shrugged.
They fell quiet as a maid appeared at the door to announce that breakfast was ready.
---
The breakfast was spread lavishly across the table: various flavored breads and roasted meats, steaming tea, delicate sweet pastries, and a wide selection of fruits.
"Do you think they'll hate me even more after today?" Aveline asked quietly.
"They already call you the villainess. Let them," Luna said firmly. "You're stronger than any of them, my lady."
Aveline sighed, breaking a piece of bread. "Stronger doesn't mean unbreakable."
"Then I'll help hold the pieces together."
A faint birdsong drifted over the manor rooftops—an ordinary morning that felt like the last breath of peace before the coming storm.
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