The storm came without warning.
Dark clouds gathered above the Von Drakrion estate, casting deep shadows over the shining towers and immaculate gardens. Wind howled across the grounds, rustling the leaves of genetically engineered silverwood trees as if the world itself held its breath.
Inside the estate's war room, Hiroshi stood before a massive digital map, his jaw tight, eyes narrowed. The earlier attack had been repelled—but it wasn't a victory. It was a warning.
"They're escalating," Rosalyn said, her voice unusually grim as she adjusted the feed to show military movements near the northern borders.
"And they're not hiding anymore," Hiroshi replied. "No more subtle assassinations. They're preparing for war."
Evelyn stood near the window, arms crossed, the rain blurring her reflection. "We don't have much time."
"But we do have leverage," Rosalyn added, glancing over her shoulder. "You."
Evelyn turned, eyebrows raised. "Me?"
Rosalyn smiled—just slightly. "You're the rightful heir. The people love stories. Give them one. A princess betrayed, saved by a rogue noble, fighting to reclaim her birthright."
Hiroshi chuckled. "Sounds romantic when you put it like that."
Evelyn didn't laugh. "Romantic or not, it's the only path left."
Side Story Echo: The Hidden Letters of Queen Althea
That night, as Evelyn wandered the lower levels of the estate, she found herself in an old study—one Hiroshi rarely used. Dust clung to the shelves, and the fireplace hadn't been lit in years. But it had a strange warmth to it, like it remembered better times.
Curious, she scanned the old tomes and artifacts, her fingers brushing over a weathered wooden box.
It clicked open.
Inside were letters—handwritten, sealed with crimson wax bearing an unfamiliar crest.
Her breath caught.
The handwriting was delicate, but powerful. The words inside were filled with love, fear, and wisdom. They were letters from Queen Althea—her mother. Hidden away in the Von Drakrion estate, where no one would ever look.
She sank into a chair, reading late into the night. They revealed a truth deeper than even she had imagined: Queen Althea had foreseen her own assassination. She had made secret alliances, left behind codes, and most importantly—entrusted the Von Drakrion family with protecting Evelyn if everything went wrong.
And they had.
Hiroshi wasn't just helping her because it was noble or exciting.
He was fulfilling a promise his ancestors had made in silence.
Back in the Present
Hiroshi found her asleep in the chair, the last letter clutched in her hand. He didn't wake her. He just stood there, watching the rain streak down the window, wondering what kind of world they'd have to build to survive all this.
The next morning, Evelyn was different. Steeled.
"We go public," she said, stepping into the war room with newfound clarity. "We release the letters. We show the people who I really am. And we remind them what the crown should stand for."
Hiroshi nodded. "Then we start with an old tradition."
Rosalyn raised an eyebrow. "The Sky Gala?"
"Exactly," he said. "Every noble house, every journalist, every influencer, every rival—they'll all be there. It'll be the perfect stage."
The Calm Before the Storm
Preparations began immediately. Designers, security teams, tailors, and intelligence officers flooded the estate. The Sky Gala was more than a party—it was the heart of high society. But for Hiroshi and Evelyn, it would be a battlefield in disguise.
One wrong move, one false ally, and everything would unravel.
But as the sun set over the skyline, casting golden light across the towers, Hiroshi felt something he hadn't in a while—hope.
He and Evelyn stood together on the balcony, overlooking the city.
"Do you ever miss your old world?" she asked quietly.
Hiroshi hesitated. "Sometimes. But then I look at all this—at you—and I think maybe… this is where I was meant to be."
She looked at him, something soft in her eyes. "Then let's take it back. Together."
End of Chapter 22