Eidenborough was exactly how Lena had imagined it. Grand, proud, and dripping with old money and military power. Towering stone walls rose high into the sky, decorated with flowing banners of deep blue and silver that fluttered in the wind. The streets below were wide and clean, filled with bustling merchants, armored guards, and citizens who moved with the confidence of people who lived in one of the strongest human kingdoms on the continent.

Lena leaned out of the carriage window, eyes wide. "This place is no joke. You really grew up here?" she said, cheesing as her mind was blown to bits.

Rian sat across from her, arms crossed and face tense. "Unfortunately."

"Oh don’t be a brooding cunt now! Do you know how amazing this place is?" She said and Rian grunted in reply.

The carriage rolled through the massive gates of the castle grounds. Royal guards in polished armor snapped to attention the moment they saw Rian. One of them stepped forward, eyes widening in recognition.

"Second Prince Rian! Welcome home, Your Highness!"

Rian sighed. "At ease. No need for the full ceremony."

But the guards did not listen. They formed an honor escort immediately, leading the carriage toward the central castle. Lena watched everything with growing amazement. The castle itself was a masterpiece of stone and magic, with tall spires and banners bearing the royal crest.

When they finally stopped at the main entrance, King Nicholas Vale coincidentally was waiting on the steps with open arms and a bright smile. Rian’s cousin and the current ruler of Eiden Borough looked genuinely happy to see them.

"Cousin!" Nicholas called out warmly as Rian stepped down. "You are finally back! Three years without a single letter. I was starting to worry you had run off to become a hermit."

Rian gave a small, tired smile. "Nick uh...i mean,your highness!. Good to see you too."

He said prostrating a bit but Nicholas pulled him into a firm hug before turning to Lena with curious eyes.

"And this must be the famous Lena I have heard so much about. Welcome to Eidenborough. Any friend of Rian is family here."

Lena bowed slightly, still a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honor." she didn’t care to ask how he had known her name and quite frankly she was too exited to care.

Nicholas waved his hand. "None of that ’Your Majesty’ nonsense between us. Call me Nicholas. Come, both of you. We have prepared a feast in your honor."

Rian was not having any of that. He held the prince’s hand and looked at him into his eyes.

"You have been keeping tabs on me haven’t you your highness?" He said as his cold voice instantly changed the atmosphere. Lena shrieked as the realization of the king’s omniscient nature came to her.

"Yeah, come to think of it he knows too much"

The king gulped a huge ball of spit, clearly uncomfortable.

"It was just a peek" he said between chittering teeth.

"I promise, i wasn’t doing it everytime, I had to make sure you were okay"

"How did you do it again" Lena asked curious.

"His majesty here has the power of foresight" he said and Lena "oh-ed".

"Well, there’s no use crying over spilt milk, let’s just go inside " she said smiling warmly.

Rian sighed and scoffed "i guess" he let go of the king and everywhere lightened up immediately.

The royal welcome was warm and generous. Servants rushed to take their belongings while guards stood at attention. They were led inside the grand hall where a feast had already been prepared. Roasted meats, fresh breads, fine wines, and exotic fruits covered the long tables. Nobles and officials greeted them politely, though many eyes lingered on Lena with curiosity.

Rian looked deeply uncomfortable with all the attention. He preferred the quiet life of an adventurer far more than this royal display. Nicholas, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy playing the gracious host, laughing and telling old stories about Rian’s younger days.

After the formal dinner, Rian and Lena escaped to a private balcony overlooking the glowing city. The night air was cool and fresh. Below them, Eidenborough sparkled with thousands of lights.

Lena leaned on the railing, still processing everything. "You really are a prince. A real one. And you never mentioned it too much in all the time we traveled together."

Rian stood beside her, staring at the horizon. "It was not important. I left this life for a reason. The adventurer path suited me better."

Lena smirked. "Sure. Mr. Lone Wolf who secretly has a castle and an army at his command. Must have been hard pretending to be normal."

Rian gave a small, tired smile. "You have no idea."

They fell into comfortable silence for a moment before the topic turned serious.

"We have grown stronger," Lena said quietly. "Both of us. The training, the battles, the skills we picked up. But it still does not feel like enough."

Rian nodded. "I know. Every day I think about Star. Where he is. What he is going through. We need to find him."

Lena turned to face him. "And after that? What is our next step? We cannot keep wandering forever. The Shattered Veil situation is getting worse. Madame Vesper is clearly playing a bigger game."

Rian’s expression hardened. "We find Star first. Everything else comes after. No matter what path we choose, we need him with us. He is the missing piece."

Lena agreed immediately. "Exactly. Find Star first. Then we decide our real path. Together."

A silent understanding passed between them. Their rivalry was still there, buried beneath the surface. Both wanted to be the one who could protect Star better. But for now, their loyalty to him was stronger than any competition.

Later that night, King Nicholas invited them to a private study for a more serious talk. The room was filled with ancient books and glowing magical maps. As they entered, they found another man already seated comfortably beside Nicholas.

Prince Valerian Vale.

The moment Rian saw him, his expression turned cold. Valerian leaned back in his chair with a mocking smile.

"Cousin," Valerian drawled. "You are back. How nice."

Rian rolled his eyes. "Uh! You are still alive."

Valerian laughed. "And is that any way to greet your dear cousin? I see you still have that charming personality of yours."

Lena glanced between them, sensing the strong dislike. Nicholas sighed, clearly used to this.

"Enough, both of you," Nicholas said. "We are here to talk business, not trade insults. Sit down."

They took their seats. Valerian kept throwing sly glances at Lena and Rian, clearly enjoying the tension.

Nicholas poured them each a glass of strong wine. "So, tell me. You two are not here for a vacation. What is really going on?"

"Outside this world" he added for clarification.

Rian explained their journey briefly. The search for power. The growing threats in the world. Their worry for their missing friend and if a medium would be used to find him.

"You could use your sight to find him" Lena suggested and the king shrugged

"Sure ... I can do that, just find something of his i can use to channel his energy" he said, clearly happy to help.

But there was a problem...they didn’t have any. Now they were stuck.

Nicholas listened carefully. Then Valerian smiled in that sly way of his.

"You know... I was at the Velvet Collar auction in Silverveil a few months ago. Quite the event."

Lena’s eyes sharpened. Rian tensed.

"You mean the illegal ring of slavery?" She scoffed, pissed off.

"My god, you nobles never change. Bunch of heatless sissies"

Valerian continued casually. "There was someone there who caught everyone’s attention. They called him Star. The fairest of the land. Silver hair. Beautiful beyond words. He caused quite the stir."

Lena moved instantly. She threw a powerful leg kick toward Valerian, stopping just inches from his face. A strong gust of wind exploded from the motion, ruffling the prince’s hair.

"Do not utter Star’s name with your filthy mouth," she growled.

Valerian laughed, completely unfazed. "Calm down, tigress. You are just a guest here, remember? Or do you want to end up in the dungeon and then miss your precious Star?"

Lena lowered her leg slowly, breathing hard. "You know where he is?"

Valerian took a sip of wine, enjoying the moment. "Of course I do. He was sold at that auction for an insane price. Seven million gold coins. He is currently the consort of Prince Lirien Vale of the High Elf Kingdom of Silverveil."

Rian’s face darkened. "Prince Lirien? The Fire of Aetheria? One of the greatest warriors in history?"

"Exactly," Valerian replied. "That cold, powerful high elf. Star is living in the Silverveil palace as his personal prize. Whether he is happy there or not... who knows."

Lena clenched her fists. "We have to go there. We have to get him back."

Rian placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will. But we need to be smart. Silverveil is not a place we can just walk into. We need a plan. Allies. More power."

Nicholas watched them carefully. "I can provide resources and information. But rushing into Silverveil right now would be suicide. We need to prepare properly."

Valerian smirked. "This should be entertaining to watch. The wandering prince chasing after the most beautiful man in the land. Good luck, cousin."

The four of them talked late into the night. Strategies were discussed. Resources were offered. Nicholas promised support while Valerian continued throwing teasing remarks. But one thing remained clear.

Star came first.

No matter what path they chose next, they would find him. They had to.