The Crown of Dusk and Flames

Chapter 2 - Valentina

The stars were out now, twinkling faintly overhead as I lay in the cool grass, the familiar sounds of the floating lands around me fading into the background. The sharp edge of training had left me flushed and breathless, my limbs still tingling from the thrill of combat. I loved it. There was something about the rush of a blade in my hands, the sound of wood clashing against wood, that made me feel alive- like I was in control, like I could carve my own path.

But then there was always Evander.

I could feel him sitting beside me, brooding as usual. I didn't even need to look to know his blue eyes were probably scanning the horizon again, looking for some danger that only existed in his head. It was typical of him. Always worrying, always cautious. But not me.
"Do you ever think things won't always be like this?"
he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper, like he was sharing some big secret with the stars. I almost rolled my eyes again. Evander, with his deep thoughts and questions. It was like he was waiting for the whole world to change overnight, for something to come crashing down on us from the sky. I didn't get it. Why waste time worrying about what might happen when we had everything right here? The floating islands were ours, our bloodline ruled this land, and nothing could touch us. That's how it had always been. How it would always be.
"What do you mean?"
I asked, even though I wasn't really looking for an answer. I knew what he meant. He'd been like this for weeks, that weird look in his eyes when he thought no one was watching, like he was seeing something I couldn't. Or wouldn't.
"I don't know."
I could see him shrug his shoulders, trying to play it down but I knew he was worrying his pretty little head too much again.
"Sometimes, it feels like something's coming. Something big."
He was overthinking again. Always searching for the storm on the horizon. I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. He was my brother, and I loved him, but he worried too much. Way too much. I'd say he was the oldest eight-year-old I'd ever met, except technically, we were both ancient compared to the humans on the other side of Eldoria.
"You're overthinking things again, Evander,"
I said, the teasing tone back in my voice.
"Nothing's going to change. We're safe here... and we've got each other."
He smiled at me then, but I could see it—the doubt still lingering behind his eyes, like a cloud that refused to drift away. I ignored it. I always ignored it. Evander could keep his worries. I preferred the moment, the thrill of the chase, the feel of wind in my hair. The grass beneath me was soft, the air cool on my skin. Above us, the floating islands hung in the sky, the bridges connecting them like ancient veins tying our world together. It was beautiful, sure. But it was also safe. Too safe sometimes. No challenge, no excitement. I could feel the restlessness in me, the urge to do something. To break free of the endless lessons, the routines.

But then there was Father.

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, my body tensed, a flicker of unease creeping up my spine. He was the one thing I couldn't outrun. King Azaroth. I could still feel his eyes on me from earlier, cold and unfeeling, like I was just another piece in some grand plan of his. I hated the way he looked at me, or more accurately, the way he didn't. It was always Evander he focused on, always the heir, the future king. Sometimes I wondered if he even saw me at all. Sometimes I wondered if he could even remember my name. But that was fine. I didn't need his approval. Or so I told myself over and over till I somewhat believed myself.

"Come on,"
I said suddenly, sitting up and brushing the grass off my tunic.
"Let's go down to the docks. We can sneak a look at the traders before they pack up for the night."
Evander glanced at me, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Now?"
I shrugged, a grin spreading across my face.
"Why not? Or are you too tired already?"
He hesitated for a moment, but I saw the flicker of curiosity in his eyes. That was the thing with Evander. He could be all serious and thoughtful, but he never could resist a little adventure, especially if I was leading the way. Without waiting for him to respond, I got to my feet and started running toward the edge of the island, the wind picking up again, whipping through my hair. I heard his sigh behind me, followed by the familiar sound of his footsteps as he followed. He always followed. I wonder why. We were always so different but somehow that exact difference between my older brother and me bound us further together. I would lie if I say I didn't enjoy his company.

The docks weren't far, just a short run down the winding path that led to the edge of Eldorae. I could already hear the low hum of voices, the clink of metal and wood as the merchants packed up their wares for the night. It was quieter now, most of the day's trade done, but there was still movement, still life. As we reached the edge of the hill overlooking the docks, I slowed, crouching low in the grass as I peered over the edge. Evander came up beside me, his breath steady and quiet.
"There,"
I whispered, pointing toward a group of traders near one of the airships, their lanterns casting a warm glow over the dock.
"See? Still time."

Evander followed my gaze, but I could tell he wasn't as interested as I was. He never cared much for the traders or their stories. I, on the other hand, loved the idea of what lay beyond our floating islands. Stories of strange lands, of battles fought in faraway kingdoms, of magic that was different from our own. There was so much out there, beyond the Cloudsea. So much more than Father's lessons and the castle walls.
"I don't get why you always want to come here,"
Evander muttered, shaking his head slightly.
"It's the same stuff every time."
"Because,"
I said, leaning back on my heels,
"it's not about what they're selling. It's about the stories. The adventures. Don't you ever want to just... go? To leave all this behind and see what's out there?"
Evander looked at me, his expression serious again.
"We can't leave, Valentina. We have responsibilities. Father-"
"Father,"
I interrupted, rolling my eyes,
"won't even notice we're gone."
His mouth opened, but I knew he wasn't going to argue with me. He never did, not really. He hated to argue, or to fight with people overall. That was the thing about Evander. For all his worries and questions, he still trusted me. Always. Before he could say anything else, I stood up, brushing the dirt from my hands.
"Come on. Let's go before the traders leave."
Evander hesitated, his gaze flicking back toward the castle in the distance. I could see the conflict in his eyes- part of him wanting to follow me, part of him still tethered to the expectations that came with being the heir. I gave him a nudge with my elbow.
"Live a little."
Finally, he sighed, a resigned smile tugging at his lips.
"Fine. But if Father finds out-"
"He won't,"
I said, already heading down the path.
"Trust me."
He murmured some as he let out a deep sigh once more.
„Fine. But let's be back in Skyreach Citadel before dinner."

As the docks came into view, I felt the familiar rush of excitement. This was what I lived for-the thrill of breaking the rules, of slipping away from the watchful eyes of the castle. This was where I felt most alive, where I could forget about the weight of our family's legacy and just be.

And for now, that was enough.