Chapter 16 — The Princess Appears

The courtyard was quiet now, the clatter of swords replaced by the soft rustling of leaves in the late afternoon breeze. Aric was practicing his footwork, his sword moving with increasing precision under Kaelen’s watchful eye, when a new presence entered the grounds.

Kaelen’s senses immediately recognized her—not just her aura, but the subtle pulse of magical energy that surrounded her. Princess Lysandra, younger sister of Prince Aric, approached gracefully, her long hair catching the light like spun gold. Her robes, embroidered with silver threads, shimmered faintly with enchantments.

“Who is that?” Aric whispered, glancing at Kaelen.

Kaelen’s hood shadowed his face, but his golden eyes followed her movements. “The princess,” he said quietly. “She possesses strong magical talent. Calm, controlled, and intelligent. You would do well to respect her presence, and her abilities.”

Lysandra’s gaze fell on the masked master. Her eyes widened slightly, sensing the immense power and discipline Kaelen carried without effort. She had been trained in magic since childhood, yet this man radiated a different kind of energy—silent, deadly, yet strangely magnetic.

“You… are different,” she murmured, almost to herself. Her words carried an instinctive recognition of strength.

Kaelen inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her without speaking. “I am merely a teacher,” he said calmly. “I guide those who seek to grow. That is all.”

Lysandra tilted her head, curiosity burning in her eyes. “A teacher… for my brother?” she asked, glancing at Aric, who nodded proudly.

Kaelen observed her with quiet interest. She was talented, perceptive, and brave—qualities that would one day shape the kingdom’s future. But more than that, there was a spark in her aura, a potential yet untapped, that reminded him of Aric when he had first begun training.

“I wish to learn from you as well,” she said boldly, stepping closer. “Perhaps you could teach me to control my magic, to fight alongside my brother.”

Kaelen’s golden eyes flickered. “Magic is different from swordsmanship. Discipline, observation, and patience still apply, but the risks are greater. You must be ready to face consequences for every mistake.”

Lysandra smiled faintly, undeterred. “I am ready.”

Kaelen studied her a moment longer before nodding slightly. “Very well. But understand this—the path is not easy, and the world beyond the castle is dangerous. Learning is only the beginning.”

Aric beamed with pride. “You see? Even the Mirrorblade recognizes your talent!”

Lysandra glanced at Kaelen once more, her curiosity now mixed with admiration and something deeper—an inexplicable pull she could not ignore. She did not yet know who this man truly was, but she sensed that their fates were intertwined in ways she could not yet comprehend.

As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the courtyard, Kaelen silently vowed to guide both siblings. One with the sword, one with magic, and both with courage that could change the kingdom’s destiny.

Outside the castle walls, shadows shifted. Monsters stirred. And the kingdom, blissfully unaware, was about to face challenges that would test the strength, skill, and hearts of its future defenders.