Ashes of a Crown

Chapter 1 – Ashes of a Crown 

It is said that a nation dies when its people forget their history, and a person dies when their name fades from memory. Yet even among ashes—beneath the smoke rising from a burning castle, amid the cries of those who lost their loved ones—the flame of hope still burns within human hearts. And as long as that flame endures, neither a nation nor a soul can truly perish.

The sound of the ocean echoed endlessly as waves crashed against jagged rocks. Beneath the setting sun, a boy sat alone on a stone at the edge of the sea, staring into the crimson horizon.

A faint smile—heavy with sorrow—appeared on his face.

“Someone once said that to me… Ah, yes,” he murmured softly. “My father said those words… the day he died.”

Footsteps approached from behind.

A young man in armor halted a short distance away. He was the commander of the royal forces.

“My king,” he said respectfully, bowing his head. “We should return to the castle. It’s getting late.”

The boy rose to his feet, brushing the dust from his clothes. His gaze hardened, though pain still lingered within his eyes.

“Memories of the past…” he said quietly. “They hurt more than any blade. On that fateful day, I swore an oath—to destroy all who dare harm my people… who dare wound my nation.”

Without another word, the boy and the commander turned and began their walk back toward the castle.

Seven years earlierAurellion — Capital of the White Nation

Date: 28th Stormcall, XX15

The capital of the White Nation, Aurellion, was alive with celebration.

Banners of white and silver draped every street. Bells rang from distant towers as citizens flooded the markets, laughing and calling to one another. Today marked the Naming Ceremony of the royal princess—an ancient tradition of the White Nation, where a child received their true name only after completing their first year of life.

The markets overflowed with people. Shops stood at full capacity, their owners struggling to keep pace with the joyful crowds. Smiles were everywhere; the nation had rarely known such peace.

Amid the sea of people, a young boy darted through the crowd—Caelis Lysandriel, the crown prince—his white hair glimmering in the sunlight.

Close behind him hurried his personal guard, Eryx Valeheart.

“Prince Caelis, please stop!” Eryx called out. “If you run like this, you’ll get lost!”

Caelis turned, walking backward with a mischievous smile.

“I won’t get lost. And even if I do, these people are kind. They’ll take good care of me until you find me.”

Eryx grabbed Caelis’s hand, worry etched across his face.

“Prince Cae—”

Caelis’s expression hardened.

“How many times have I told you not to call me Prince?” he snapped. “Just Caelis. What will you call me?”

Eryx sighed, pulling him closer.

“Alright—Caelis. But only if you stop running and walk with me.”

Within the royal council chamber, ministers sat in solemn rows. 

At the center, upon the white throne, sat King Alaric Lysandriel.

One minister rose, holding a stack of documents.

“My king, over the last century our nation has lost a significant portion of its military strength. Even our magical units have weakened. We must address this.”

King Alaric listened patiently before responding in a calm, gentle voice.

“My great-grandfather reduced our military and redirected those resources toward development. Because of that choice, we are now the richest nation. Once the strongest—yes—but no longer bound by war. This is an era of peace. We do not need a vast army.”

Silence followed.

“There will be no changes,” the king concluded.

With that, the meeting was adjourned.

King Alaric exited the chamber, followed by the Argent Marshal, Aldren Valeheart, commander of all royal forces.

“My king,” Aldren said cautiously, “you should reconsider. Our relations with several nations are strained. This is no time for complacency.”

Alaric turned his head slightly.

“Argent Marshal, I understand your concerns. But today is not for war councils. Today, my daughter receives her name.”

Aldren nodded, though hesitation lingered.

“I understand… but—”

Alaric stopped before the final door in the long corridor.

“Aldren, I won’t hear more. You are a father—you know how I feel. Now go. Personally oversee the castle’s security.”

Aldren bowed deeply.

“As you command.”

Inside the royal chamber stood Queen Seraphina, Prince Elion, and the infant princess resting peacefully.

Seraphina turned toward her husband.

“How was the meeting?”

Alaric approached the cradle, gazing at his daughter.

“All went well. Tonight… tonight we give her a true name.”

Seraphina smiled softly.

“It seems the entire nation is waiting.”

Alaric turned to Prince Elion, lifting the young boy into his arms.

“And what about you, my son?”

Elion laughed, his tiny hands clutching at his father’s cloak. Alaric hugged him close.

“And what is the crown prince up to today?”

Seraphina glanced toward the open window.

“Most likely causing trouble for Eryx. He treats Eryx like an older brother.”

Alaric laughed warmly.

“They remind me of Aldren and myself.” His gaze softened. “One day, I can already see it—Caelis as king… and Eryx as the next Argent Marshal.”

Back on the streets of Aurellion, Caelis was still running ahead, laughing as he weaved through the crowd—much to the distress of nearby shopkeepers.

“Prince—! I mean, Caelis, stop!” Eryx shouted, chasing after him. “I’m so sorry!” he added, bowing repeatedly to the startled merchants as he passed.

Suddenly, Caelis collided with an elderly woman.

Before he could fall, Eryx rushed forward and caught the young prince, immediately bowing low.

“Please forgive us, ma’am.”

The old woman chuckled warmly.

“There’s no need to apologize. Prince Caelis is only playing.” She smiled kindly. “And if a child doesn’t play at this age, then when should he?”

Eryx straightened and bowed once more.

“Even so… please forgive us, ma’am.”

This time, he tightened his grip on Caelis’s hand.

“That’s enough. We’re returning to the castle now. No excuses.”

Caelis lowered his head, pouting.

“…Okay.”

They soon arrived back at the royal castle, where the balcony had been fully prepared for the Naming Ceremony.

The sun had already set, and stars began to shimmer across the night sky. Stormcall was usually a season of raging winds and violent seas—but for several days now, the sky had remained unnaturally clear. The ocean below lay calm and silent, as if holding its breath.

Caelis stood beside Eryx, gazing outward.

A familiar voice suddenly called from behind.

“Caelis, my love—my prince!”

Caelis barely had time to turn before a girl sprinted toward him, leaping into his arms and wrapping him in a tight embrace.

“How long has it been?” she exclaimed. “It feels like forever! You’re not leaving me alone ever again!”

Caelis struggled to push her back.

“Kaelis, we met this morning. It hasn’t even been that long.”

Kaelis tightened her grip stubbornly.

“For me, it’s a long time.”

“Alright, I get it,” Caelis said, finally managing to free himself. “Now stand properly.”

Kaelis shoved Eryx aside in the process.

Eryx sighed deeply.

“What is wrong with this girl?” he muttered. “Does she really have some kind of emotional obsession? It’s terrifying. I’ve seen this coming.” He rubbed his forehead. “This is the ten-thousandth time this month.”

At that very moment, King Alaric’s voice echoed across the balcony.

“People of the White Nation,” he declared, his voice proud and clear.

“Today, I present to you the true name of my daughter.”

The crowd fell silent.

“The name of my daughter is—Arinelle Lysandriel.”

For a heartbeat, there was stillness.

Then joy swept through the crowd like a wave—cheers, applause, and tears of happiness filled the air. Bells rang throughout Aurellion as the Naming Ceremony of the 28th Stormcall concluded in celebration.

That night passed peacefully.

No storm rose.

No shadow fell.

No tragedy struck.

Yet beneath the calm sky, fate had already begun to stir.

For the next three days, the skies remained unchanged.

No storms rose over the White Nation. The people went about their daily lives as usual, unaware of the danger slowly taking root within the very heart of their kingdom.

But inside the royal castle, something was wrong.

Years of peace had weakened vigilance. Security was lax, and the 

strength of the royal forces had faded with time. In that silence, unknown figures slipped into the castle, quietly replacing guards and servants—faces familiar, loyalties false.

One of them whispered in the shadows, a cruel smile on his lips.

“Entering this castle is a piece of cake. The king is far too kind—opens his gates to everyone.”

His eyes darkened.

“This will be his final mistake. On the night of 1st Frostwane, they all die.”

No royal noticed the change.

Not the ministers.

Not the servants.

Not even the Argent Marshal.

1st Frostwane, XX16

It was the birthday of Crown Prince Caelis.

The royal castle shone brightly as a grand celebration was prepared within the great hall. Ministers from across the White Nation gathered beneath crystal chandeliers, laughter and music filling the air.

Caelis was radiant with excitement—unaware of the fate waiting for him once night fully fell.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, snow began to fall.

Soft. Silent. Beautiful.

The celebration began. Caelis cut the cake, applause thundered, and the royal feast commenced. Music echoed through the hall as joy masked the gathering darkness.

After some time, Caelis slipped away from the crowd and stepped onto the balcony, watching the snowflakes drift down like falling stars.

Behind him, Kaelis approached quietly, standing far too close.

Caelis felt her breath and spoke softly,

“Look at the snow… it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Kaelis gazed upward.

“Yes. It really is.”

Caelis turned his head slightly.

“I wonder… have you ever heard of personal space, Kaelis?”

Before she could respond, Eryx stepped onto the balcony, smiling faintly.

“Kaelis,” he said teasingly, “are you sure you’re only seven years old?”

Suddenly—

A shadow moved in the garden below.

Steel flashed.

Eryx reacted instantly, pushing himself between Caelis and the incoming strike.

“Kaelis!” he shouted. “Take Caelis and run—inside the castle! Now!”

Kaelis didn’t hesitate. Grabbing Caelis’s hand, she pulled him back inside as chaos erupted behind them.

Eryx turned and sprinted toward the guards, shouting warnings—but it was already too late.

As Caelis and Kaelis entered the hall, they froze.

The celebration had become a battlefield.

Screams filled the air. Blood stained marble floors. Ministers lay fallen as armored figures cut through the hall with merciless precision.

Kaelis clutched Caelis’s arm tightly, terror stealing her voice.

An attacker lunged toward the young prince.

A massive figure stepped in front of him.

The Argent Marshal.

His left arm was already severed, blood pouring freely—but he did not fall.

“Protect the royal family,” he roared, “at any cost!”

He turned toward Caelis, knelt with effort, and placed his remaining hand gently on the boy’s head. Despite the pain, he smiled.

“All will be well, my prince,” he said softly.

“Until then… go somewhere safe.”

Rising once more, he faced the enemy alone, deflecting every strike with relentless fury.

“Thalen!” he shouted.“Take the Crown Prince and Kaelis to safety!”

At that moment, Thalen Crestfall was barely eighteen or nineteen—the strongest among the new recruits, already feared on the battlefield for his speed and strength.

Without hesitation, he lifted Caelis and Kaelis into his arms and ran.

They reached the inner safe chamber deep within the castle. There, Eryx was already present, kneeling before the king, his voice shaking.

“My king… when I reached the military camp—it was already destroyed. Every last one of our men… dead.”

The words struck like a blade.

King Alaric Lysandriel turned—and saw Caelis.

He rushed forward and knelt before his son, gripping his shoulders tightly.

“My boy,” he said urgently, “I’m going to the battlefield. From now on, it’s your duty to protect your family.”

With that, the king turned and opened the chamber door—

 A massive explosion tore through the hall.

Eryx threw himself forward, shielding the young prince and princess, while Thalen covered Caelis and Kaelis with his own body.

The blast was devastating.

The queen was killed instantly.

King Alaric was hurled backward, his body slamming into the wall as stone shattered above them. The ceiling collapsed, flames bursting through the room as smoke swallowed the air.

Through the fire and ruin, King Alaric rose unsteadily.

From the broken opening, he saw it—

Aurellion burning.

The capital of the White Nation—engulfed in flames.

Caelis broke free and ran to his father.

“Father—!”

Alaric dropped to one knee, blood staining his armor.

“Caelis… listen to me,” he said, his voice breaking—yet carrying the weight of generations.

“It is said that a nation dies when its people forget their history… 

and a person dies when their name fades from memory.”

Kaelis and Thalen moved closer, fear gripping their hearts.

“But even in the ashes,” Alaric continued, pulling Caelis close until their foreheads nearly touched,

“—beneath a burning castle, amid the cries of those who have lost everything—the flames of hope still burn within human hearts.”

Tears blurred Caelis’s vision.

“Father… please come with us. We can still fight—”

Alaric shook his head.

His bloodied hand cupped Caelis’s cheek, gently brushing away the tears.

“As long as that flame remains, my son… neither a nation nor a 

soul can truly die.”

With sudden strength, Alaric pushed Caelis toward Thalen.

Thalen understood.

He lifted the crown prince and turned, sprinting toward the escape route as the castle roared behind them.

Caelis twisted in Thalen’s grip, reaching out.“Father!”

Behind him—

A burning pillar collapsed, crashing down where King Alaric 

stood.

Flames swallowed the throne of the White Nation.

And Caelis Lysandriel screamed into the night.

Thalen ran hard enough to catch up with Eryx.

Eryx had already brought Prince Elion and Princess Arinelle out 

of the burning castle. Both children lay unconscious in his arms, their faces pale beneath the falling ash.

Caelis was still crying.

His sobs came silently now—too exhausted for sound. Kaelis sat 

beside him, wrapping her arms around him and pulling his head to her chest. She didn’t speak. She was crying too.

From the smoke-filled ruins, an enemy soldier spotted them and 

raised his weapon.

Before he could strike, a sharp voice stopped him.

“We were not ordered to kill the prince,” their leader said coldly. “Nor any royal other than the king and queen.”

The man hesitated, then aimed his blade toward Prince Elion.

“Boss, we can just say the prince died in the castle fire.”

The leader didn’t reply.

He stepped forward and killed the man instantly.

“I don’t need soldiers who ignore orders,” he said calmly. Then he 

turned to the others.

“Listen carefully. Our instructions are clear. The Crown Prince, Prince Elion, and Princess Arinelle are not to be harmed. Is that 

understood?”

No one argued.

The attack on Aurellion continued for hours.

At dawn, the flames finally died.

The next day, Eryx, Thalen, and the remaining loyal soldiers searched the ruins of the castle. They searched through rubble, ash, and shattered halls—but found no survivors.

The search continued for two days.

In the end, it was declared official:

King Alaric Lysandriel.

Queen Seraphina Lysandriel.

Argent Marshal Aldren Valeheart.

Along with countless ministers and soldiers—dead.

On the third day, graves were raised for the fallen.

The city mourned.

Even in deep sorrow, Caelis understood his responsibility.

Dressed in black, his face pale and hollow, he walked toward the town square. Along the way, he met a man with calm eyes and a scholar’s posture.

Eryx spoke softly,

“Caelis, this is Selwyn Artoris—apprentice of the late royal advisor.”

Caelis stopped and looked directly at him.

“Selwyn Artoris,” he said evenly, “would you serve as my advisor—advisor to the new King of the White Nation?”

Selwyn’s eyes widened. He immediately knelt.

“It would be my honor to serve you, my king. But… there is a problem.”

Caelis’s voice was quiet.

“What problem?”

Selwyn lowered his head.“As you know, my king, the Nexus Council governs international 

law. Their rule is absolute—only one who has graduated from the Academy may ascend the throne.”

Caelis inhaled slowly.“And if a king dies,” he asked, “while the crown prince is too 

young to attend the Academy?”

Selwyn lifted his head.“In that case, the representative of that nation in the Ninefold 

Tribunal rules in place of the king—until the crown prince graduates.”

Caelis said nothing.He walked past Selwyn and stepped onto the highest platform in 

the town square.

“Eryx,” he said without turning back, “arrange a meeting with the 

Pale Luminary. I wish to see him.”

Then he faced his people.“People of the White Nation,” Caelis declared, his voice steady 

despite his grief.

“Our king, Alaric Lysandriel, has fallen in the attack on our capital.”

The square fell silent.

“From this moment forward,” he continued, “your king is Caelis Lysandriel.”

No hesitation.

No doubt.

“I am your king.”

Selwyn Artoris covered his face with one hand.

“What has he done… This defies the most fundamental law of the Council. He may become their enemy.”

Eryx watched Caelis with pride burning in his eyes.

“That’s my king.”When the White Nation officially announced the deaths of King 

Alaric and Queen Seraphina, the world responded.

The Indigo Nation mourned deeply—Queen Seraphina had been 

the younger sister of King Vorian Noctivane.

The Red Nation’s Queen grieved as well—she had been Seraphina’s classmate at the Academy.

In the Blue Nation, King Marcellus Azurion lost a dear friend.

The world mourned the fall of the White Nation’s king.

But far away—

The Nexus Council took notice.

A few days after Caelis’s declaration, the representative of the White Nation to the Ninefold Tribunal arrived in the capital.

Each member of the Tribunal was known not by name, but by a codename.

The White Nation’s representative bore the title—

The Pale Luminary.

Caelis met him inside a chamber of the new castle, still under construction. Stone dust lingered in the air, and unfinished pillars stood like silent witnesses to a broken kingdom.

The man wore a white mask, smooth and expressionless.

He laughed softly.“So… you’re that boy,” he said. “The one who declared himself 

king.”

Caelis met his gaze without flinching.“I want you to act as king on paper,” he said coldly. “Nothing 

more. Until I graduate from the Academy.”

The Pale Luminary leaned back against a sofa, clearly amused.

“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” he replied. “Truth be told, I’ve wanted you to rule the nation from the beginning.”

Then his tone shifted.“But every negotiation requires… equal terms.”

Caelis stepped forward.

“You call this a negotiation?” he asked sharply. “You agreed 

without even hearing my proposal—and you’re already gaining from it.”

The Pale Luminary raised a hand, cutting him off.

“I want the authority to investigate the attack on the capital—granted to the Council.”

Caelis froze.Slowly, fury ignited in his eyes.

“You want what?” he said, his voice trembling. “You think I’ll let my parents’ murderers walk free?”

The Pale Luminary stood and placed a hand on Caelis’s shoulder. 

Leaning close, he whispered into his ear—

“Then forget ruling your kingdom,” he said calmly.“And prepare to lose your royal status by violating the Council’s law.”

He stepped away and moved toward the door.

“Fine,” Caelis shouted after him.“I grant you permission—as you asked.” His fists clenched. “But 

remember this—if I ever discover that you had any part in my parents’ deaths…”

His voice dropped to a deadly whisper.“I will kill you myself.”

The Pale Luminary paused for a moment—but did not turn back.

The door closed.Caelis collapsed onto the sofa.

Tears streamed down his face as his shoulders shook.

“In the end,” he whispered, “I was still able to save my nation… 

from falling completely into the Council’s hands.”

Outside, the unfinished castle stood beneath a pale sky.

And far away—

The Nexus Council watched.

To Be Continued