The Fire Within

EXT. TRAINING GROUND – LATER THAT MORNING

Steel clashes. Dust rises. The practice field behind the palace is alive with soldiers. Aurevia, now in warrior robes, sword strapped to her back, walks onto the ground.

She removes her royal jewelry one by one, setting them aside — piece by piece shedding her past weakness.

Then, she begins.

Fast strikes. Clean blocks. Fire in her form. The soldiers pause to watch. Whispers spread.

SOLDIER (to another)

 That’s the princess?

ANOTHER SOLDIER

 That’s not a princess. That’s a storm.

INT. ROYAL PALACE – WAR CHAMBER – AFTERNOON

The King, seated at a round table of stone, listens intently as a MESSENGER kneels.

MESSENGER

 My Lord… scouts report an enemy battalion marching from the Black Vale.

Three days away. At most.

Gasps fill the chamber.

Tension rises. War generals mutter strategies. The King frowns.

KING

 Who will lead the frontline?

The room goes silent.

Suddenly—

AUREVIA (O.S.)

 I will.

Heads turn.

Aurevia steps into the war chamber — armor half-worn, sword strapped across her back, face calm but bold.

KING (surprised)

 Aurevia? This is not a stage for heirs to impress. It is war.

AUREVIA (strong)

 I’ve trained in silence.

Fought shadows no one saw.

If I fall, I fall for my people.

If I win… let it be known your daughter stood, while others hesitated.

The generals exchange looks. Even the King is struck silent.

LIORA (O.S., whisper to Aurevia)

 I’m with you. Every step.

From behind a pillar, Liora watches — invisible to all but Aurevia.

A gentle nod. A soft smile.

KING (softly)

 Then rise, Aurevia of the Flame.

Lead… and let the kingdom see your light.

Aurevia bows deeply — but not as a daughter.

As a commander.

INT. PRINCESS AUREVIA’S CHAMBER – EVENING

Golden sunlight pours through the windows. Aurevia opens a chest at the foot of her bed. Inside, her ceremonial armor gleams — silver and violet, marked with the royal crest.

She places each piece on her body slowly — her hands slightly trembling.

Her reflection in the mirror looks back at her — uncertain, yet determined.

A soft glow forms near the doorway.

LIORA appears, wrapped in moonlight, barefoot and smiling.

LIORA

You’re trembling.

AUREVIA (small smile)

I’ve been training my whole life. But now it feels… real.

LIORA (gently)

It is real. But you won’t go alone.

Aurevia turns, her eyes softening. Liora steps forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.

LIORA

You carry more than a sword, Aurevia.

You carry every girl who was ever told she couldn’t.

You carry me.

Aurevia closes her eyes, takes a deep breath — and her fear quiets.

INT. ROYAL THRONE ROOM – NIGHT

The palace torches are lit. The war generals stand at attention. The King sits upon the high throne, his face unreadable.

AUREVIA, in full armor, walks into the room. Everyone turns. Silence.

She kneels before the King, bowing her head.

AUREVIA

I seek your blessing, Father.

Not as your daughter — but as the commander of your army.

The King’s eyes search hers. For a moment, he says nothing. Then:

KING (softly)

You wear the flame well, Aurevia.

He rises and steps down — gently placing his hand on her head.

KING (firmly)

Bring back victory. And bring back yourself.

Aurevia looks up, shocked. A flicker of warmth shines in her father’s eyes.

She bows again — but this time, her heart is full.

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