Chapter 5: Whispers of Belonging

Kaela had spent weeks in the Holy Empire, and though she tried to adjust, the weight of her past clung to her like an invisible shroud. Every face she saw, every kindness she received, felt like a gift she didn’t deserve. This was a place where warmth and generosity flowed effortlessly, unlike the cold, calculated courtesies of the Distorting Empire.

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The day began quietly. The palace hummed with life, but Kaela had carved out a space for herself—a hidden bench in the gardens, surrounded by flowering vines and shaded by towering trees. It was her sanctuary.

She held a small book in her hands, borrowed from the library Lucian had introduced her to. It wasn’t one of the ancient tomes of magic or history she had been drawn to before, but a simple collection of poetry. The verses spoke of love, longing, and hope—things Kaela barely dared to dream of.

The soft crunch of boots on gravel startled her, and she turned to see Lucian approaching. He was dressed casually for once, in a plain white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the sunlight catching on his silver-blonde hair.

“Do you mind if I join you?” he asked, his tone warm and unassuming.

Kaela hesitated, then nodded. “Of course, Your Highness.”

“Lucian,” he corrected again, a faint smile playing on his lips as he took a seat beside her.

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence. Kaela turned her gaze back to the garden, while Lucian seemed content to watch her.

“You seem… calmer here,” he said eventually, his voice soft.

“This place is peaceful,” she admitted. “It reminds me of what I used to imagine the world could be like. Safe. Beautiful.”

Lucian leaned back, his hands resting on his knees. “It wasn’t always like this. The Holy Empire has had its share of darkness. But my family has worked for generations to ensure our people can live without fear.”

Kaela’s fingers tightened around the book. She envied his certainty, his sense of purpose. What did she have to offer in comparison?

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As if sensing her unease, Lucian shifted the conversation. “What are you reading?”

“It’s a collection of poems,” she said, holding the book out for him to see. “I’ve never read anything like it before.”

He took the book, flipping through the pages with interest. “These were written by one of our most beloved poets. Her words have inspired countless people over the years.”

Kaela nodded, her eyes distant. “They’re beautiful. But they also feel… out of reach. Like they belong to someone else’s world.”

Lucian’s gaze softened. “Kaela, beauty and hope aren’t reserved for certain people. They’re for everyone—even those who’ve faced hardship. Especially for them.”

Her breath caught at his words, a lump forming in her throat. How could he say something so simple yet so profound?

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Their moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. A young palace servant appeared, bowing deeply.

“Your Highness, there’s a meeting in the council chambers. They’re waiting for you.”

Lucian sighed, rising to his feet. “Duty calls,” he said, offering Kaela a wry smile.

As he turned to leave, he paused. “Kaela, there’s a festival in the city tomorrow night. It’s a celebration of the stars—a tradition in the Holy Empire. I think you’d enjoy it.”

She blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. “I… I’m not sure—”

“Think about it,” he said, cutting her off gently. “I’ll make sure there’s a place for you if you decide to come.”

And then he was gone, leaving Kaela alone with her thoughts and the faint warmth of his words.

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That evening, Kaela stood at her window, gazing out at the city below. Lights twinkled in the distance as preparations for the festival began. She could hear faint laughter and music drifting up from the streets.

Part of her longed to go, to lose herself in the joy and celebration. But another part—the part shaped by years of rejection and fear—warned her to stay hidden.

The stars began to appear, one by one, in the darkening sky. Kaela traced their patterns with her eyes, remembering the stories Calyx used to tell her when they were children. He had always made the stars seem like guardians, watching over them no matter where they were.

Her thoughts turned to her brother, and a pang of guilt stabbed at her heart. What would he think if he saw her here, living among strangers and pretending to belong? Would he understand?

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The knock at her door startled her, pulling her from her thoughts. She opened it to find one of the palace maids standing there with a bundle of fabric in her arms.

“This is for you, my lady,” the maid said, offering a small smile.

Kaela took the bundle, unfolding it to reveal a simple yet elegant gown in shades of deep blue, reminiscent of the night sky.

“His Highness thought you might need something for the festival,” the maid explained.

Kaela’s chest tightened. She didn’t know what to make of Lucian’s kindness. It felt too generous, too undeserved. And yet, a small part of her couldn’t help but feel grateful.

As she held the gown against her, the silver embroidery caught the light, shimmering like starlight. For the first time in a long while, Kaela allowed herself to hope—just a little—that she might find a place where she truly belonged.

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