Chapter:3 The Fiery Gates

The carriage slowed as it approached the massive gates of the Fire Kingdom. Leona pressed her face to the window, her eyes sparkling at the sight of towering spires, molten streams of light running along the streets, and banners of red and gold fluttering in the wind.

“Wow… this is amazing!” she whispered. “Nate… do you see that? The Fire Kingdom! It’s even hotter than I imagined!”

Nate groaned behind her, gripping the seat. “Yes, I see it! And yes, it’s extremely hot. Way too hot for comfort.”

Before she could say anything else, the carriage ground to a halt. A line of stern-looking guards had formed across the road, blocking their path. Swords glinted in the sunlight, and the lead guard’s voice boomed.

“Halt! No one enters the Fire Kingdom without permission!”

Leona hopped down from the carriage, brushing off her cloak. Nate muttered under his breath, “I think I might pass out…”

Leona crossed her arms, tilting her head at the guards. “I’m not leaving until I see your Emperor,” she declared. “He must know I’m here!”

The lead guard stepped forward, frowning. “State your business. Why should we let you pass?”

Leona smiled innocently. “Simple. I… have come to ask for the hand of your Emperor in marriage. Call him immediately, or I won’t leave these gates.”

The guards exchanged bewildered looks. One whispered to another, “Did she just…?”

The lead guard pinched the bridge of his nose. “…Go. Fetch the Emperor. Now.”

Leona leaned casually against the gate, her curiosity bubbling over. “While we wait… tell me! How tall is your Emperor? Hair color? Eye color? What does he eat? Is his palace all lava inside? And what about the royal guards—fire magic or swords?”

The guards stiffened but answered, each word clipped with growing annoyance. “Tall. Crimson hair. Amber eyes. Palace mostly stone with some lava channels. Guards train with swords and fire magic.”

Leona clapped her hands, eyes sparkling. “Ooooh! Very interesting! And… do the guards ever get bored following him all day?”

The lead guard groaned. “Your questions are… excessive.”

Leona giggled, tilting her head. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re annoyed! I’m just curious. How else am I supposed to meet the Emperor properly if I know nothing about him or his kingdom?”

Nate buried his face in his hands. “I’m officially done with this life…”

Just then, the palace gates slowly opened. A tall, imposing figure stepped out—Kael, Emperor of the Fire Kingdom. His crimson eyes narrowed as they fell on Leona. The air seemed to heat even more around him.

“Who… allowed you here?” His voice was sharp, grumpy, and commanding.

Leona’s grin widened, unabashed. “Wow… what a hottie,” she whispered. “No wonder it’s hotter here… it must be him!” She took a step forward. “Hello, Your Kael! I’m Leona, newly appointed Empress of Elyndora, the Center Kingdom. Nice to meet you!”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “You… just show up unannounced?”

Leona tilted her head. “Well… yes. But don’t worry! I didn’t come to fight… just to ask a few harmless questions. Totally harmless.”

Kael crossed his arms, exuding irritation. “Questions? You dare ask questions without permission?”

Leona laughed lightly, undeterred. “Oh, come on, don’t be so grumpy! I’m just… curious. Now… tell me, what’s it like ruling the Fire Kingdom? Do you yell a lot?”

Kael’s expression darkened. Without a word, he turned sharply and strode toward the palace.

Leona followed him eagerly, muttering to herself, “Ah… a man of few words! Interesting! I like mysterious types… Now, about your palace—”

Nate and the guards silently trailed behind, exasperated, as Leona’s bold adventure in the Fire Kingdom officially began: a grumpy Emperor leading the way, a fearless Empress peppering him with questions, and a very stressed entourage trying to keep up.

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