The next morning, the throne hall was fuller than usual.
Not just ministers and generals.
Representatives from noble houses across Kollar stood in attendance.
Whispers moved like wind.
James stood beside the King's throne, posture calm, expression unreadable.
He already knew what was coming.
But knowing did not mean understanding its consequences.
King Aldric rose slowly.
His presence alone silenced the hall.
"Today," the King announced, voice heavy with authority, "the First Prince of Kollar will begin his formal preparation for succession."
Murmurs.
Some approving.
Some tense.
Duke Varhen's crimson Desire Core flared subtly.
James felt it immediately.
Interest.
Opportunity.
The King continued.
"He will attend the Royal Academy of Asterin."
That name carried weight.
Even James felt it.
The voice inside him spoke quietly:
"Asterin is not merely a school. It is where heirs sharpen themselves — or are broken."
The King's gaze moved across the nobles.
"Power without discipline rots. Authority without wisdom collapses."
His eyes settled briefly on James.
"You will depart within three days."
James bowed slightly.
"I understand."
The announcement rippled outward.
The Academy of Asterin was neutral territory between major kingdoms.
Students included:
Royal heirs
Military prodigies
Political hostages
Hidden geniuses
A battlefield disguised as education.
Perfect.
Duke Varhen stepped forward smoothly.
"A wise decision, Your Majesty."
His voice was respectful.
His Desire Core was not.
It burned with calculation.
Sending James away removed him from immediate palace influence.
But also—
Exposed him.
The King nodded.
"Duke Varhen's daughter will also attend this year."
James' eyes flickered slightly.
Daughter?
Interesting.
The Duke's glow shifted — a darker undertone now.
Possessiveness.
Expectation.
The King turned to James.
"You will not disgrace this family."
"Of course not."
The King stepped closer.
Quietly enough that only James could hear:
"Asterin devours the arrogant."
James met his father's gaze.
"And rewards the patient."
A small pause.
Then the King nodded once.
Good answer.
Court dismissed soon after.
Nobles filtered out, whispering.
James remained standing until most had left.
Then—
Duke Varhen approached him again.
"Your Highness."
James turned calmly.
"Yes, Duke?"
"Asterin can be… unforgiving."
"I look forward to it."
The Duke smiled faintly.
"My daughter, Seraphine, is quite talented."
Seraphine.
The name carried pride.
"She may prove useful to you."
Or dangerous.
James inclined his head slightly.
"I welcome capable allies."
The Duke's crimson glow pulsed once.
Not alliance.
Control.
He wants influence through his daughter.
Political marriage possibility.
The Duke leaned closer slightly.
"Be careful who you trust at Asterin."
James smiled faintly.
"I don't trust easily."
Varhen's eyes sharpened.
"I can see that."
He stepped back and walked away.
James watched him go.
"His daughter," James asked internally.
"Strong Desire Core," the voice replied.
"What kind?"
"Pride."
Interesting.
Not greed.
Not devotion.
Pride.
That could clash beautifully.
—
Later that afternoon—
Elia found him in the palace garden.
She already knew.
"I heard," she said quietly.
James nodded.
She tried to smile.
"You'll be amazing there."
He studied her carefully.
Her golden glow flickered faintly.
Not weaker.
Just… anxious.
"I'll write," he said.
"You hate writing."
"I'll tolerate it."
She laughed softly.
Then her expression shifted.
"You won't forget me there, right?"
There it was again.
That fear of disappearing.
He stepped closer.
"Impossible."
The Vault stirred.
Not hungry.
Protective.
Strange.
She pulled something from her sleeve.
A small silver pendant.
Simple.
Unpolished.
"I made it."
He blinked.
"You made this?"
She nodded proudly.
"It's not magical or anything. Just… so you don't feel alone."
He took it.
The moment his fingers touched the pendant—
He felt it.
Her devotion imprinted into it.
Not magic.
But intention.
It resonated faintly with his core.
The Vault reacted differently this time.
Not hunger.
Recognition.
"Keep it close," she whispered.
He closed his fingers around it.
"I will."
A carriage waited at the outer courtyard by sunset.
The departure was earlier than expected.
Efficient.
Political.
Cold.
Elia stood at the palace steps as he approached.
The King did not come.
Duke Varhen watched from a distance.
James stepped into the carriage.
But before the door closed—
Elia ran forward suddenly and grabbed his sleeve.
"Brother."
He looked down at her.
"For whatever happens there…"
Her voice trembled slightly.
"…don't lose yourself."
The words lingered longer than she intended.
He held her gaze.
"I won't."
But inside—
He wondered.
Was that still possible?
The carriage doors closed.
The wheels began turning.
As the palace grew distant—
James felt something shift.
Not in his power.
In his path.
Asterin.
New enemies.
New alliances.
New desires to consume.
The Infinite Vault pulsed slowly.
Hungry.
Patient.
And somewhere far ahead—
A girl named Seraphine Varhen was sharpening her pride like a blade.