Of Flowers And Steel

“The Silver Prince,” Nyra said softly.

“I have a name, Princess,” Izana replied, glancing at her for a moment before his gaze shifted to the moon—a full, luminous sphere in the sky. Yet even that paled beside the twinkle in her eyes.

She chuckled gently, and his fist clenched ever so slightly.

“Then, will you allow me to call you by your name, Prince?” she asked, stepping closer. She bent slightly toward him, her raven hair catching the breeze as it swayed around her face.

His gaze returned to her. There was a pause.

"I hope Prince Izana does not mind simple jesting," she said.

A fleeting smile gracing his lips. "If it’s simple, I certainly don’t mind," he replied, his voice gentle and clear. "Though it’s hard to believe that the Iron Rose of the North is fond of simple things."

“Fair enough,” she said with a soft shrug.

They stood in silence for a moment longer before she quietly excused herself. He, too, turned and made his way back to his room. He had come to the courtyard on impulse—but now he understood. Deep down, he had been hoping to meet her—just the two of them, stripped of titles and duties, simply two individuals.

From that brief encounter, Izana came to a quiet conclusion: if Princess Nyra were to lead the peace talks and public engagement with the Isvalen Empire, the outcome would bode well.

Sunlight filtered softly through the gossamer mauve curtains. Nyra awoke to the gentle touch of her maid, realizing she had slept soundly—perhaps too soundly, for a foreign land. She rose, donning midnight blue attire, a sleek, form-fitting ensemble with intricate silver embroidery along the shoulders and cuffs. Subtle armored panels blended seamlessly into the design, embodying military precision. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and the soft click of her boots echoed as she made her way toward the dining hall to join the Aurelion royal family for breakfast.

The hall was bathed in natural light streaming through the tall windows set into the walls. Elegant chandeliers hung above, catching the morning glow. At the center stood a round table with twelve chairs, each piece delicately carved—vintage, stunning, a testament to Aurelion's craftsmanship.

At the head of the table sat the Emperor, dressed in maroon, his hazel eyes calm beneath light brown hair. To his side sat the stoic eldest prince, Julian—a younger reflection of the Emperor—clad in grey. Opposite him sat Prince Izana in teal, composed as ever, and beside him, Prince Jade in white robes, a playful smile already lighting up his face.

Nyra greeted the royal family before settling into her seat. Soft chatter and laughter echoed through the dining hall—most of it thanks to Jade. It was clear he was dearly loved; even the long-standing rule of silence during royal meals was willingly set aside for him.

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After breakfast, the day's itinerary began with a visit to the main highlights of the capital, with the two younger princes accompanying her.

The Prism Hall was their first stop. A grand summit hall located at the heart of the city, it was crafted entirely from stained glass. Sunlight filtered through its walls, casting brilliant hues across the interior, painting the space in vibrant, ever-shifting colors.

Nyra and the accompanying knights—each from high-ranking families of the North—walked through the Prism Hall with quiet fascination. The space was unlike anything they had seen before, a marvel of light and craftsmanship.

“Prince Izana,” Nyra said, matching his pace, her tone light with curiosity. “Do you know archery?”

He glanced at her, a faint spark in his ash-grey eyes. “What do you think, Princess?”

She smiled, noting the glint of amusement beneath his calm expression. “Judging by Prince Jade’s delighted expression, I’d say you’re quite proficient.”

Her knights exchanged glances, surprised by the ease in her tone. She spoke as if she had known the princes all her life.

“Princess Nyra, you know my brother even knows how to play the piano,” Jade whispered to her, as if sharing a precious secret.

Izana glanced back at the two whispering behind him, each wearing a mischievous expression. A small smile touched his lips—quiet, fleeting, but real.

His attendant, walking a step behind, noticed. And for a brief moment, he felt a quiet relief. It was good to see Prince Izana ease up, even if only for a few days.

Next, they headed to Moonveil Garden—a sprawling expanse of interconnected gardens, where winding paths led through ponds, flowering trees, and blooms of every color and kind. The air was rich with the scent of blossoms, and butterflies fluttered lazily under the gentle sunlight.

Elegant pavilions dotted the landscape, offering shaded spots to rest, while small, cozy eateries nestled between the greenery added charm to the stroll. Together, they wandered through the gardens, quietly admiring the harmony of nature and design, the calm beauty wrapping around them like a soft breeze.

At one of the quaint eateries, Nyra spotted a white flower edged in soft grey. With permission, she plucked one and made her way over to Izana.

“A pretty flower for the handsome prince,” she said, offering it to him with a teasing smile.

Jade laughed softly behind them, while the knights stood momentarily stunned.

Izana accepted the flower, bringing it close for a gentle sniff. Its scent was fresh and pleasantly subtle. Then, with calm steps, he closed the distance between them and tucked the flower into her ponytail.

“A pretty flower for the beautiful princess is much better,” he said, his voice gentle and clear.

The gesture held a quiet challenge, a silent response to her teasing—showing he, too, could play the game. Nyra laughed, throwing a playful thumbs-up to Jade, who nodded back with a knowing smile.

She then spoke at length about her empire—its people, its traditions, the way its cities glimmered beneath the snow. It was clear she was making an effort to build a genuine bond with them. But beneath the warmth and ease in her voice, there remained a quiet sharpness.

Her purpose here had not been forgotten.