They didn't make it far before a voice echoed gently down the corridor.
"Oh, finally. I was beginning to think Uncle Leon got eaten by the hallway mirrors again."
Leon paused and groaned with a dramatic slouch of his shoulders, already recognizing the voice. Throenia, curiously followed his gaze to see a tall woman with a calm expression. Her long white hair was tumbling down her back like. She had skin as pale as the moon and striking heterochromatic eyes. One was a calm blue, the other a deep, gleaming gold. Next to her walked a girl who looked unmistakably half-grown, with wide curious eyes, a braid tossed over one shoulder and a mischievous grin that was entirely too confident for someone her age.
"Runner, why must you keep saying that in front of the guests?"
"Because it's true," Runner said with a smirk, her arms crossed. "You get lost in your own reflection more than anyone else I know. Honestly Uncle, I'm surprised you don't have a statue of yourself in here."
Throenia was in shock. 'What is happening?'
Leon walked up and lightly flicked Runner's forehead with two fingers, not hard, but with just enough bite to make the teenager squeal and hop back a step.
"Ow!" Runner cried, clutching her forehead like she'd been mortally wounded. "Abuse! Treason! Where is justice in this palace?!"
"Still working on it," Milliania replied, barely hiding her amusement. She turned to Leon with a warning. "Don't flick her too hard. You might dislodge the little common sense she's got left."
"Aunt, please," Runner gasped. "Not in front of Throenia Andelaris!"
Throenia blinked again. She hadn't introduced herself yet.
Leon gave a sheepish shrug. "Milliania, Runner, this is Lady Throenia, younger sister of Natalis and Denisia She is the Arch Seraph of Naranq, for those who care about formalities."
Runner instantly straightened, brushing invisible dust from her robe. "Ah. Apologies, my lady."
She even gave a half-bow which felt ironic, dramatic, and still just barely respectful.
Throenia gave a small curtsy in response, stiff but correct.
"A pleasure. And you are?"
"I'm Runner Richinaria, sixteen years old. I'm not biologically related but adopted. My dad is Monarch Vastarael. You may have heard of him. He's kind of a big deal."
"Runner," Milliania sighed, massaging her temple. "That was the least formal introduction I've ever heard."
"But the most honest," Runner said proudly. "Besides, she should know Dad has kids. She looked shocked."
Throenia cleared her throat. "Indeed… I did not expect His Majesty to have taken on the role of a father. It is quite endearing."
Runner grinned wider. "Thanks. I've got a sister too, her name's Shimmer. She's probably hanging out with Anamorsia right now, or breaking into someone's private quarters. Depends on the hour."
Throenia raised a brow. "That sounds dangerous."
"Oh, it is." Milliania said flatly. "Anamorsia is like lightning in a teacup. Best admired from a distance. If you hear music and someone screaming, assume Shimmer's with her."
Leon coughed and motioned at Milliania. "My older sister. You've probably heard of her."
Milliania gave a faint bow, graceful despite the casual setting.
"Milliania Richinaria. I'm honored to meet the one who's been entrusted with diplomacy from the skies themselves. I didn't expect the ruler of Naranq to come personally."
"I serve my sisters and my station with full diligence," Throenia said, her tone careful and formal. "Though I admit I am curious to see the heart of the Aeterium's domain for myself."
"Then you'll have quite the tour."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Where are you two headed anyway?"
"I'm taking Runner for her music lessons," Milliania replied. "She's been slacking."
Runner threw her hands up. "I was gone for four years!"
"And you think that excuses you?"
Throenia tilted her head. "Music lessons? Are you proficient in an instrument?"
"Harpx," Runner said proudly. "Though, I'm still not as good as Dad. He plays the violex like a god."
"Because he practically is one," Milliania muttered. "Vastarael's a genius on every front. Music's just another thing he somehow masters without trying."
"Must be nice," Runner grumbled.
Just as they were about to go, Milliania leaned toward Leon and whispered something in a language Throenia didn't recognize at first but the tone of it had a quiet rhythm. It was Xinoraci. Throenia didn't catch a word but she did catch the way Leon's eyes widened slightly. His face flushed just faintly, then turned rigid as he straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat far too aggressively.
"Alright. Well, it's time we got moving. Throenia's quarters are this way."
Milliania offered Throenia a gentle smile and a wave.
"Enjoy your stay, Lady Seraph. Try not to let my siblings traumatize you too quickly."
Runner added, "Good luck surviving. You're with Uncle Leon, after all."
Throenia gave a single blink as her lips parted slightly.
"I… thank you."
As the two departed down a corridor, Runner began humming some melody Throenia didn't recognize, while Milliania gently scolded her for slouching. Left alone once more, Leon gave a long, theatrical sigh.
"Why do I have so many women in my life who think embarrassing me is a divine sport?"
Throenia allowed herself the faintest smile.
"I believe it is because they know it works."
"You're picking up sarcasm. Impressive."
"I was trained in multiple dialects of it," she replied with all the solemnity of a priestess.
He laughed and with a shake of his head, motioned for her to follow.
"Come on. Let's get you to your room before someone else shows up and starts airing my childhood."
"Lead the way, Prince Leon."
"Just Leon."
"Prince Leon it is."
He groaned again.
Leon rounded the last hallway with Throenia beside him after a few minutes. The temperature grew faintly colder but not uncomfortably so. Throenia, attuned to divine frequencies as any Seraph would be, could sense it. Something immense approached.
Then they turned the corner.
A woman of extraordinary presence stood beneath one of the skylights, her silhouette basked in a spill of light that seemed to bend toward her, not the other way around. Throenia recognized her instantly. Her breath hitched just slightly. Beside her stood a younger girl. She was dressed in a jacket, a pleated skirt with soft boots. Even with the casual wear, it was definitely extremely expensive. They were deep in quiet conversation until she glanced up. A sly smile formed on her lips as her gaze locked with Leon's.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my dear little brother playing escort prince. Has the Dynasty fallen on such desperate times you've become a tour guide?"
Leon's jaw flexed visibly, one hand lifting to pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration. He didn't respond immediately, which only made Shimmer grin wider.
"Uncle Leon, you're slacking," Shimmer added with a cheeky tone, strolling a little ahead of Anamorsia. "Did you at least offer her a drink? A palace brochure? Or are you saving that for the gifts?"
Throenia blinked, unsure whether to laugh or retreat. The casual disrespect was bewildering but Leon didn't seem mad. He was just tired.
"I was showing our guest to her quarters, that's all. I did not volunteer for this. Believe me. Brother put me up for this."
"Is that so?"
Anamorsia's gaze slid past him and landed on Throenia.
"And who might this be?"
"Throenia Andelaris," Leon said, gesturing politely. "Representative of Dynasty Andelaris. She's one of the—"
"—Seraphim," Anamorsia finished for him, her eyes narrowing. "Yes. I thought I felt something sharp earlier. You carry power, Throenia. Real power."
Throenia bowed her head. "You honor me, Lady Anamorsia. The sentiment is mutual."
"Mutual, is it? Then let me give you one piece of advice. Until the Dynasty Meeting concludes, stay close to my brother. There are more eyes than you think watching your wings."
Throenia gave the smallest smile. "I do not scare easily."
"Suit yourself," Anamorsia said with a shrug. She turned slightly, waving Shimmer along. "We're heading out. Veneri's going to be suffocated by politics for the next few hours and I refuse to be part of that nonsense. Come, Shimmer."
Shimmer stepped forward toward Throenia before leaving, offering a polite hand.
"I'm Shimmer. I'm sure you already met my sister Runner. She's the loud one."
Throenia accepted the handshake, surprised at the gentle strength behind the girl's grip. She was strong as well.
"A pleasure, young lady," she said with a nod. "You seem far more composed than you other sister."
Shimmer chuckled. "That's because I'm not the problem child. I just do a little management. Well, Uncle Leon, we are going out the palace. If Dad asks tell him I'm with Aunt Anna."
Then, just like that, Anamorsia turned on her heel and Shimmer followed her with a spring in her step, waving over her shoulder. They vanished around the corridor corner in seconds, their presence somehow lingering even after they were gone. Leon exhaled audibly.
"That's everyone," he muttered, more to himself than to her. "Finally."
"Your family seems…" Throenia searched for the right word. "Vivid."
"They're a war crime. They are more dangerous than you think."
"Somehow," Throenia said with a faint smile, "I envy you."
Leon raised a brow but didn't challenge her. Instead, he gestured down the corridor.
"Come on. Let's get you to your room before the next member of my cursed bloodline decides to show up with a dramatic entrance and makes you regret staying."
"I assure you," Throenia said with a smile, "that would be nearly impossible."