Training for the Royalties
01.1 - The Light of the Horizon
Aboard a Solar Chariot—En Route to Celestia Magna, the Royal Academy
The desert winds blew like whispers of the past, as golden sand swirled beneath the glowing wheels of the solar chariot.
The twin-horned, winged sphinx steeds roared forward, their ethereal manes trailing solar flares in their wake.
This was no ordinary carriage—it was a marvel of divine engineering, a relic of Ra’s celestial fleet now repurposed to shuttle royals across sky-routes etched into the upper atmosphere.
The horizon burned with promise and uncertainty as they soared toward Celestia Magna, the school where destinies collided.
Amenophis Nabil rested his chin in his hand, his gaze following the endless stretch of sky. Below them, the dunes shimmered like liquid amber. Though calm on the surface, his mind was a storm of thoughts.
Tariq Amun
You’re brooding again
Said Tariq Amun from across the cabin, his long legs sprawled out with complete disregard for royal posture.
Tariq Amun
Did the sun offend you this morning, or did you forget to pack your snake-shaped comb again?
Amenophis raised an eyebrow
Amenophis Nabil
I do not comb my hair with snakes.
Tariq Amun
You should. Very regal.
Tariq mimed slithering motions with his fingers.
Tariq Amun
Imagine the intimidation: ‘Bow before me, or I’ll unleash the curly cobra of doom.’
Sekhem Zayed, seated stoically beside the entrance, cleared his throat.
Sekhem Zayed
We are thirty minutes from the Academy's outer wards.
Nour Khamari
That’s warrior-speak for ‘Can you two stop bickering like temple cats?’
Nour Khamari chimed in, her slate-colored eyes not even leaving her holo-map.
Amenophis exhaled, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite himself.
Tariq had a way of pulling humor from even the tightest knots of his soul.
But as the laughter faded, the prince leaned back and let his eyes drift closed.
And that’s when he saw him.
The boy with white jade hair and eyes like spring leaves. Standing alone in a garden of frozen blossoms. His breath misted in the air, despite the sun overhead. A sadness clung to him like silk—beautiful, fragile, and ancient.
He opened his mouth to speak—but the vision vanished.
Tariq’s voice broke through the haze.
Tariq Amun
Are you praying mid-flight or just trying to astral project?
Amenophis Nabil
I… had a vision.
Nour’s fingers paused over her tablet.
Nour Khamari
The divine kind or the ‘I skipped breakfast’ kind?
Amenophis Nabil
The former.
Amenophis’s voice was quiet now.
Amenophis Nabil
A boy. White hair. Green eyes. I think… I think he’s real.
Sekhem Zayed
A premonition?
Sekhem asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Sekhem Zayed
Perhaps a tethered soul.
Tariq leaned forward, intrigued.
Tariq Amun
Sounds romantic. Soul bonds before orientation. Classic.
Amenophis looked out the window again. The clouds parted below them, revealing glimpses of floating crystal islands and hover-barges ascending toward the Academy.
Amenophis Nabil
I don’t know who he is
Amenophis Nabil
But I felt… tied to him. Like we’re bound by something older than either of us.
Flashback – The Night Before Departure
The palace walls were veined with gold light. Amenophis stood in the Hall of Ancients, where hieroglyphs danced across the air like spirit-fire.
Osorkon Nebu placed a hand on the prince’s shoulder. The ancient magician’s eyes glowed faintly, lit from within.
Osorkon Nebu
You were born beneath a star that doesn't belong to this world,
Osorkon Nebu
There will come a time when your power must find its match—or it will consume you.
Osorkon Nebu
Not a rival. A mirror. One who reflects the storm inside you with the calm of his own.
His mother, Queen Neferura, stepped forward. Her smile was soft but firm.
Queen Neferura
You are not alone, my son. The gods have written your story across the heavens, but the ink is not yet dry.
And finally, Pharaoh Khensemhotep approached, placing an obsidian scarab in his palm.
Pharaoh Khensemhotep
Is a relic of Horus himself. It will burn when your fates intertwine. Keep it close.
Back in the present, Amenophis clenched the scarab in his hand.
It pulsed with a faint warmth.
Amenophis Nabil
I don’t know who he is,
Amenophis Nabil
But I think… he’s waiting for me
Celestial Magna Approaches
The Solar Chariot spiraled down into a grand docking ring suspended in midair, framed by the spires of Celestial Magna—half constructed from celestial ore, half grown from enchanted stone.
Floating walkways bloomed outward like petals from a divine flower. Banners flapped in a wind that smelled faintly of stardust and parchment.
Tariq Amun
Bet I trip over my own sandals in front of an entire student council
Nour Khamari
You’re wearing boots
Tariq Amun
Then I’ll make it more dramatic.
They exited the chariot in sequence: Sekhem first, scanning the crowds; Nour, whispering into her scroll; Tariq, already eyeing the other arrivals like a contestant on a royal dating show; and finally, Amenophis—his hand still wrapped around the scarab, which glowed faintly under his sleeve.
Above them, a soft bell tolled. Welcome, it seemed to say.
Elsewhere — At the Other End of the Royal Academy.
Wang Xiao jerked upright from his meditation. His dragon blood was restless today. Something in the air had changed.
His vision had shown him fire—and a boy with eyes like the desert before a storm.
This has been the third time of this week that he has seen that blurry figure.
01.2 - The Golden Shadow and the Whisper of Snow
The golden sun dipped lower as the Royal Academy’s towers pierced the sky, adorned with silver-framed flags bearing the emblems of united empires
The carriage slowed, wheels crunching over a marble path engraved with constellations.
Amenophis Nabil leaned out of the window, his golden eyes catching the glint of sunlight against the academy gates.
He could sense it again—that strange pull in his chest
It wasn’t homesickness, nor the echo of Osorkon Nebu’s farewell words. No, this was different.
A pulse. A whisper. Something—or someone—was waiting for him.
Beside him, Tariq Amun whistled.
Tariq Amun
Well, if that isn’t the fanciest prison I’ve ever seen.
Sekhem Zayed
You mean school
Sekhem Zayed corrected from across the cabin, straightening his polished bronze armor.
Tariq Amun
Tomato, to-mah-to,
Tariq quipped, stretching.
Tariq Amun
I give it two weeks before we’re all tied to scrolls and exams
Amenophis chuckled softly, but Nour Khamari was already studying the crowd beyond the gates.
Students of all nations poured in: silk-robed warriors from the Eastern Wastes, sky bound emissaries from floating isles, and even fire-breathers from the Ember Nation.
The entire world’s strangest and finest were converging here
A welcoming committee approached the carriage.
At the front stood a striking girl with russet-red hair, sly amber eyes, and soft fox ears twitching atop her head.
She wore a white academy sash over a navy jacket and carried herself like royalty—or something close.
Kyun Yura
Prince Amenophis Nabil of Kemet,
She purred, her eyes lingering just a bit too long.
Kyun Yura
Welcome to the Royal Academy. I’m Kyun Yura. Second-year student and campus guide. But you can just call me Yura.
Amenophis stepped out first, tall and glowing with quiet authority.
The sun shimmered on his amber-gold eyes, making Kyun Yura blink.
Amenophis Nabil
My thanks, Lady Yura,
He said with practiced grace, though his eyes didn’t linger.
Tariq followed close behind and gave her a smirk.
Tariq Amun
Nice ears. Do they twitch when you lie?
Kyun Yura
Only when the lie is interesting.
Tariq Amun
I’ll keep that in mind,
As Sekhem and Nour joined them, the fox girl’s attention tried to return to Amenophis, but he was already looking past her—toward the main courtyard where new students gathered.
Kyun Yura
You seem distracted, Your Highness,
Amenophis shook his head.
Amenophis Nabil
Only adjusting to the air.
Kyun Yura
Oh, you’ll find the air around here full of secrets.
She walked ahead, beckoning them to follow.
They passed through the grand archway, where a statue of Thoth and a Chinese dragon stood together—an unusual symbol of ancient alliance.
Nour said suddenly, slowing her steps.
She had caught murmurs from a nearby group of girls, voices bubbling with excitement.
"Did you see him? The white-haired boy from the East?"
"Yeah...He arrived like 10 minutes ago"
"Is he from the Dragon Court? He didn’t say much—but those green eyes…"
Amenophis flinched after hearing about the green eyes.
"They say he doesn’t smile. Like… ever."
Nour glanced at her group, then turned to Kyun Yura, who had paused to let them catch up.
Nour Khamari
Excuse me, Lady Yura,
Nour Khamari
But who were they speaking about? A white-haired prince?
Yura’s tail twitched once
Kyun Yura
You mean Prince Wang Xiao.
Tariq Amun
Sounds like a tea flavor
Yura gave a small, indulgent laugh.
Kyun Yura
Prince Wang Xiao is the youngest prince of the Jade Empire.
Kyun Yura
He’s… not exactly approachable.
Kyun Yura
Let’s just say… he carries cold winds with him wherever he walks.
Kyun Yura
He doesn’t talk much. Doesn’t mingle. But people talk about him all the same.
Kyun Yura
Hard not to. He’s beautiful in that snow-covered-lotus kind of way.
Amenophis didn’t speak, but the name echoed in his mind like a bell rung underwater.
Wang Xiao. There was something haunting about it.
As though he'd heard it before in a dream. Or… remembered it from a time before memory.
Yura looked at Amenophis again.
Kyun Yura
You’ll probably run into him soon enough.
Kyun Yura
He’s hard to miss. Especially with that ridiculous hair.
Amenophis didn't answer. His eyes flicked toward the east tower as if drawn there.
Something inside him was awake now.
Hours Later — Dormitory Hall
The Egyptian team settled into the sun-drenched western wing of the Royal Academy.
Spacious rooms, enchanted lights, and scrolls fluttering through the halls welcomed them.
Sekhem inspected every corner for traps, while Nour set up her magical compass.
Tariq, of course, collapsed on the nearest bed.
Tariq Amun
Call me when classes start.
Tariq Amun
Or when I’m forced to socialize.
Amenophis stood by the window, looking out toward the other side of the campus—the East Wing.
That tug in his chest was stronger now.
And then—just for a moment—he saw a figure.
Far away, on the bridge connecting the east and west wings.
A boy in silver robes. Hair like moonlight. And green eyes that burned against the sun.
Their eyes met—though separated by distance—and in that instant, time itself seemed to slow.
A gust of wind swept through the halls. The divine mark on Amenophis’s back, hidden beneath his clothes, shimmered faintly.
The shadow of Horus stirred.
And across the campus, Wang Xiao paused mid-step.
He frowned slightly, placing a hand to his chest.
Before either prince could move, a bell rang—sharp and urgent.
The enchanted sky above the Academy dimmed unnaturally. Students emerged from every building, looking upward.
A voice echoed through the courtyard, trembling with magic.
All first-year students—please report to the Assembly Chamber immediately. We have… a situation.
Tariq Amun
See? Prison. I told you
But Amenophis didn’t laugh.
His eyes were locked on the east tower. On the white-haired boy who had already vanished into shadow.
He didn’t know Wang Xiao’s name. Not truly. But something within him screamed:
01.3 - The Winter Veil and the Crimson Eye
Eastern Realm—Jade Palace, Throne of Silent Winds
Snow fell gently on the turquoise-tiled roofs of the Jade Palace, melting the moment it touched the sacred stone.
Within the inner chambers, behind a veil of crystal silk, Prince Wang Xiao sat kneeling in meditation.
The cold was not unwelcome—it mirrored him perfectly.
His white jade hair spilled down his back like snowmelt, untouched by the warmth of the brazier beside him.
His apple-green eyes were half-closed, glowing faintly with internal light.
Despite his calm posture, a quiet storm brewed beneath his skin.
Fire. Gold. A presence across the continent.
A pulse, like a second heartbeat pressing against his own.
The surrounding air shimmered briefly, revealing faint scales along his collarbone before vanishing into nothing.
A knock broke the silence.
Before he could respond, the curtain swept aside and Chen Yun entered, bowing with military precision.
Chen Yun
The departure is scheduled for dawn tomorrow. The court expects you to represent the Jade Throne with dignity.
Wang Xiao stood, his silk robes flowing around him like drifting snow.
Wang Xiao
I’m not a symbol,
He replied, voice low but steady.
Chen Yun’s gaze softened.
The older man hesitated, then added
Chen Yun
I’ve gathered profiles of the academy’s participants.
Chen Yun
There’s one—Amenophis Nabil of Kemet—who carries a unique relic.
Chen Yun
His aura... feels familiar. Like something you dreamt of, once.
The name slid into place like a forgotten melody.
A golden boy in a desert storm.
Wang Xiao
Leave the scrolls
Wang Xiao said, turning toward the window.
Wang Xiao
I’ll read them myself
Chen Yun
I’ll be watching. Always.
Imperial Shrine – Later That Night
The moon bathed the shrine in blue-white light.
Within its sacred circle, Master Bai Shi stood silently, robes whispering against the floor.
His ancient eyes watched Wang Xiao approach, footsteps echoing between the sacred dragon statues.
Master Bai Shi
You feel it, don’t you?
Wang Xiao didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.
The old master produced a small, iridescent dragon scale, pulsing faintly in his palm.
Master Bai Shi
This will shield your scent
Master Bai Shi
An Omega among dragons must be careful—even more so among other bloodlines
Master Bai Shi
You are rare, my prince. And they will feel it
Wang Xiao took the scale without hesitation.
As his fingers touched it, the air shimmered again—just slightly—and the faint glow of scales reappeared on his neck.
He placed the artifact near his chest, where it sank beneath his robes and disappeared.
Wang Xiao
You’ve always protected me, Master Bai,
Wang Xiao
....Even when I didn’t deserve it.
Bai Shi stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Master Bai Shi
This academy will test you. You will be tempted to reveal truths you’ve hidden all your life.
Master Bai Shi
And you will meet him. The boy of fire. I see it in your eyes.
Morning – Eastern Sky Route
The frost lotus carriage soared above the clouds, drawn by four silver-scaled serpents, their wings carved from ice and light.
Wang Xiao sat inside alone, his green eyes unreadable.
The dragon scale hummed faintly against his chest, muffling his nature.
Yet, he felt it coming undone already.
His thoughts were interrupted as someone slipped beside him.
Aziza Maat, daughter of the Western Temple Order, draped in robes of desert silk and moon-thread, plopped down on the opposite seat with zero ceremony.
Azizaa Maat
You look like a ghost,
Wang Xiao
And you’re very loud for a priestess
Azizaa Maat
I’m not a priestess,
Azizaa Maat
I’m a wanderer.
Azizaa Maat
And you remind me of someone
Azizaa Maat
My little brother back home
Azizaa Maat
He used to sulk like that when he couldn’t open his spell jars.
Azizaa Maat
Sure you’re not,
Azizaa Maat
Anyway, I saw you from the temple steps yesterday. Everyone else was talking about your cold stare, but I just thought—hey, maybe he needs a friend.
Wang Xiao blinked slowly.
Azizaa Maat
So I’ve been told
She smiled and pulled a sun-dried fig from her pouch.
He hesitated… then took it.
Azizaa Maat
That’s progress!!
Celestial Magna – Distant Horizon
The twin carriages—one gold and burning with the sun, the other silver and kissed by ice—drew closer to the Academy at the same moment, two opposing forces spiraling toward the same fate.
In Amenophis’s hand, the scarab of Horus pulsed again, hotter this time, reacting not just to proximity, but recognition.
In Wang Xiao’s chest, the dragon scale thrummed, failing slightly, letting a flicker of his true scent slip into the wind.
Two heartbeats. One pull.
Both princes looked out of their respective windows, not knowing that the other was already watching the same sunrise.
The sky split with light as the bells of Celestia Magna tolled once more.
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