Tempest Kingdom – The Tempest Palace
In her radiant chamber, Queen Lucy stood with regal grace as her royal maids attended to her, each carefully tending to a section of her exquisite gown. One worked on the sleeves, another adjusted the flowing train, while others ensured every fold and seam lay perfectly in place.
They were nearly finished when the main doors to the chamber opened with a soft creak. Mystica strolled in with practiced elegance, her steps silent, her presence commanding.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she said, offering a slight bow.
Queen Lucy didn't respond right away. She waited until the maids had finished, then gave a calm command, "Leave us."
The maids bowed in unison and swiftly exited. The last one closed the door behind her with a soft click.
Lucy finally turned to Mystica, her voice smooth and unbothered. "You're just in time. I planned to leave in fifteen minutes."
"Well, I hope that's enough for what I need to share," Mystica said, her tone relaxed yet measured. "Although, to be honest, we'll need more time to truly go over everything."
"Is that so?" Lucy said as she walked toward her mirror, adjusting her earrings. "Then let's talk after the meeting with the Crescent Kingdom."
"I'd love that," Mystica replied, "but... it's important."
Lucy glanced at her through the mirror. "If it's truly important, your tone should reflect that. But go ahead—what is it?"
"We've found a way to track the Gaia Hybrids."
Lucy blinked once, her expression unreadable. "I see. That's... wonderful." She adjusted her necklace, still calm. "It's a good thing you're coming with me to this meeting. You can share the news with everyone there."
"Sorry," Mystica said, shaking her head gently. "That would be a terrible idea."
Lucy paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, though her tone remained even. "And why would telling both kingdoms how to locate dangerous threats across the continent be a terrible idea?"
Mystica's voice dropped just enough to carry weight. "We've found a dark magic user."
Her fingers, mid-adjustment on the necklace, stilled. Slowly, she turned her head to the side, her gaze sharp and cutting. "What did you just say?" Her voice wavered at the edges. "Are you playing with me right now? Because if you are, Mystica, I don't care how close we are—I will behead you where you stand."
Mystica met her eyes calmly. "Lucy, I know... as your father's daughter, you've carried the burden of his legacy. I know how deeply you've longed to believe a dark magic user still lives. I would never toy with something that sacred. Not in this life. Not in any."
Lucy's breath hitched. Her voice was barely a whisper. "So you're telling the truth."
"Of course," Mystica said gently, her words soft like silk.
Lucy turned back to face the mirror. She closed her eyes tight, once, twice—forcing the emotion back in. A few tears slipped free, glistening against her cheeks.
"You know," Mystica teased softly, "you can cry it out."
"I'd love to," Lucy whispered with a shaky breath. "But it would ruin the makeup... and delay this meeting. I can't let that happen."
With that, she collected herself again, cold and composed, the Queen of Tempest once more.
"You're right. This is not something we can share with either the Solara or Crescent Kingdoms," she said, turning to face Mystica. "I have many questions for you—but they'll have to wait until we return."
"I'll be ready to answer them all," Mystica promised as Lucy passed her and made her way to the door.
"Good." Lucy paused, hand resting lightly on the doorknob. "And tell me... did you cast a Silent Spell before saying all that?"
Mystica smirked. "What do you take me for?"
Lucy returned the smirk. "Just making sure."
As they stepped out of the chamber, four royal knights fell into formation—two in front, two behind.
"So," Mystica asked as they moved down the hall, "what are you going to say to the Crescent Kingdom now?"
"What I planned to say before you arrived," Lucy replied coolly. "'We fight as one... or fall as strangers.'"
Crescent Kingdom, Zone 1 — Celestria
Celestria, the capital of Zone 1, stood like a dream carved from snow and light. A city of pristine white beauty, it was the jewel of the north, gleaming beneath a sky that often wept snow. Zones 1 through 3 of the Crescent Kingdom, nestled in the northern reaches of the continent, experienced snowfall for most of the year.
Because of this, Celestria earned its beloved nickname: "The Heaven–Touched Capital." The constant blanket of snow gave the entire city a divine glow, as if kissed by the stars themselves.
At the heart of it all stood the grand Crescent Palace—a structure so breathtaking, so flawlessly crafted, that from a distance it appeared to be built entirely of ice. It wasn't. But its shimmering, frosted beauty fooled even the sharpest eyes.
Deep within the frost-kissed halls of the Crescent Palace, a shimmer of blue light pulsed—and from it, a portal unfurled like a ripple in reality. Queen Lucy, Mystica, and her four royal knights stepped through into a vast, elegantly lit chamber.
Awaiting them stood a man dressed in a pristine light blue robe, his dark hair neatly combed, his icy blue eyes gleaming with welcome. He greeted them with a warm smile and a respectful bow.
"Queen Lucy of the Tempest Kingdom," he said smoothly, "welcome to the Crescent Kingdom and its royal palace. I am Zeis, and I'll be escorting you to the courtroom for the meeting."
Lucy nodded with poise, her expression unreadable. "Thank you for the welcome, Zeis. I'll be in your care."
"Very well then. But before we proceed, I must kindly ask that all of you stand within this rune circle." Zeis gestured to an intricate sigil carved into the marble floor. "Please don't take offense—this is simply a safety protocol. A standard measure for all visiting royals."
The knights behind Lucy visibly stiffened, their hands twitching near their weapons, the offense clear in their eyes. But before any of them could speak, Lucy raised a single gloved hand.
"Stand down, boys," she said evenly. "They're only doing what we'd do if the roles were reversed. It's reasonable."
With that, Lucy stepped into the circle, joined by Mystica and the knights. A soft, tranquil blue light enveloped them briefly—then faded.
"All done," Zeis said with a small bow. "Clean as can be. Thank you for your cooperation, Your Majesty. Now, if you would, please follow me."
They followed him through the elegant corridors of the palace, each step cushioned by the thick, silken rugs beneath their feet. Ornate stained glass windows bathed the halls in blues and purples as the group moved silently.
Soon, they arrived at a grand doorway flanked by Crescent knights. Zeis nodded, and the guards opened the doors without a word.
Inside was a stately chamber, dominated by a large, polished C-shaped wooden table. At the head of it sat King and Queen Granger—regal and composed. Several other dignitaries filled the seats along the curve.
Zeis gestured toward the two seats at the center curve of the table, positioned to command equal focus from all present.
"Please, these are your seats," he said.
Lucy paused for a brief second, examining the placement. Fair. She would've done the same—or worse—had their roles been reversed. Without another word, she took her seat, Mystica following close behind.
Their knights positioned themselves: two standing a respectful distance behind their queen, the other two guarding the entrance, each flanking a Crescent knight.
Lucy exhaled softly, her gaze steady as she looked to the gathered figures.