Chapter 1: The Royal Mandate

The Kingdom of Aradwyn had weathered centuries of change, its monarchy adapting to the tides of modernity while retaining its grandeur. But even within the golden halls of Elysian Palace, where history and power converged, there was one constant: Crown Prince Adrian Valemont’s unshakable aversion to responsibility.

Adrian lounged in his suite, scrolling through his phone as sunlight streamed through the high arched windows. The distant hum of advisors and attendants prepping for yet another state dinner barely registered. For him, the day held no urgency—until the double doors burst open.

King Elias entered, his presence commanding. Clad in a tailored navy suit, he exuded the composed authority Adrian had spent his life avoiding.

“Adrian,” Elias began, his tone firm, “we need to talk.”

Adrian didn’t bother to look up. “If this is about attending another charity gala, I already told you ... I’m terrible at small talk.”

Elias strode over, plucking the phone from Adrian’s hands. “This isn’t a request. You’re joining the joint military collaboration with Virelia.”

Adrian blinked. “Excuse me?”

“It’s a diplomatic initiative. You’ll train alongside their officers for six weeks. A symbol of unity,” Elias explained. “And maybe, just maybe, you’ll learn what it means to lead.”

“This is a joke, right?” Adrian scoffed. “Me? Military training? With Virelians? They’ll probably shoot me on sight.”

“You’re going,” Elias said with finality. “Pack your things.”

Adrian groaned but knew better than to argue further. His brother rarely issued ultimatums, but when he did, they were ironclad.

As Adrian prepared for the trip, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. The thought of leaving the comfort of the palace for a military camp filled him with dread, yet he sensed this might be more than just another of Elias’s schemes to discipline him.