Where Iron Meets the Sky

Before the Imperial Iron Regency was forged, Asvuld von Grünehuld was a stallion consumed by vision.

Born of Grocia and bound to a dream of unification, Asvuld seeks to end generations of conflict between Grocia, Voremheim, Reoris, and Kresea by drawing them beneath one banner. To do so, he travels to Kronheim, capital of the Varkadian Empire, hoping to secure the cautious support of Kaiser Johannes Bernhardt.

What he does not expect is Johannes's sister.

Princess Gisela Bernhardt is warm, sharp-eyed, and quietly mischievous - a mortal pegasus with a talent for asking the questions generals and ministers avoid. Where others see Asvuld as a future conqueror, a useful ally, or a force of history, Gisela sees the stallion beneath the armor of certainty.

Through courtly negotiations, letters, political visits, and long conversations in the shadow of war, Gisela challenges Asvuld to consider not only whether he can unify the kingdoms, but what kind of realm will survive his victory. As the campaign advances through Voremheim's brutal mountain passes, Reoris's proud harbors, and the ancient magic of Kresea's forests, their bond deepens into something neither of them planned.

But Asvuld's path is built on ambition, sacrifice, and the burden of becoming necessary to history. Gisela's presence offers him something far more dangerous than strategy: the chance to be known.