The meeting finally came to an end. One by one, everyone left the hall with heavy steps that reflected the tension that had filled the room. Agnes walked quietly beside Aeginor, a weary smile on her face as she tried to hide the turmoil raging within her heart. Aeginor noticed her unease but said nothing—he merely gave her shoulder a gentle pat before leaving to distract himself with his friends.
Agnes entered her chamber and closed the door behind her softly. She leaned her back against it for a moment, as if she needed to breathe away from all watching eyes. Then she let her slender body fall onto the bed, buried her face into the pillow, and murmured in a trembling voice:
"What should I do? What am I supposed to think? What am I supposed to say now…?"
Her thoughts tangled in her mind like broken threads, none strong enough to cling to. The only words echoing in her head were those of the Head of the Senate:
"She must be taken to the temple."
She raised her hands beneath her head and stared at the ceiling, whispering bitterly:
"Domeras… he knows exactly that taking me to the temple would increase the number of followers there. Everyone would rush to see them once they learn that the only Princess of Wind is a Saintess… He wants to use me to elevate his own status."
She fell silent for a moment, but her thoughts drifted back to memories of the temple—of its five elders who claimed they could heal souls. She shook her head in frustration.
"Even the mightiest emperors failed to heal the soul… how could a group of old men do it?"
Yet no one could deny their rising fame. They were invited to imperial banquets and treated as men of wisdom and enlightenment. Domeras himself had risen to a position no one could rival. Over the years, doubt crept into the hearts of the people. Some demanded proof—but the temple revealed nothing.
Agnes took a deep breath and whispered, as if answering her own thoughts:
"That's why he wants me… He wants a true Saintess to restore his authority. That's why he wants to imprison me behind the temple walls, among the priestesses."
She slowly rose from the bed and walked toward the balcony with heavy steps. She opened the window, and a cool breeze brushed against her long hair. Standing there, staring at the star-filled dark sky, her hand gripping the railing tightly, she murmured with quiet determination:
"I will never let him control me… ever."
She remained there, gazing at the horizon, waiting for the day the emperors' meeting would be held—the meeting that would decide her fate.
---
The Day of the Meeting
In the grand council hall of the royal palace, designed with luxury befitting the standing of the empires, a round table stood at the center, surrounded by seven magnificent seats—one for each emperor.
Emperor Regas entered with commanding presence, accompanied by Agnes and Geladin. Soon after, the six emperors arrived, each embodying the power and nature of their empire.
The Emperors:
Emperor Arkan (Earth Empire): A massive man with deep brown eyes and simply curled brown hair. His heavy movements carried the weight of the earth itself.
Emperor Ronald (Ice Empire): Tall and stern, with white hair and crystal-adorned white garments. His icy blue gaze seemed to freeze those it met.
Emperor Luminas (Light Empire): Handsome and wise, calm-featured, with golden hair shining like sunlight and sharp golden eyes.
Emperor Ranius (Fire Empire): Emotionless and composed, with black hair and red eyes burning with restrained flames, wearing a black cloak threaded with fire-like patterns.
Emperor Akalis (Water Empire): Sharp-featured yet gentle-smiling, with glossy black hair and deep-blue eyes resembling calm ocean waves.
Emperor Raymond (Plant Empire): Tall, dressed in garments adorned with leaves and flowers. His long black hair fell to mid-back, one green eye full of arrogance, the other hidden beneath an elegant eyepatch.
Everyone took their seats. The air was thick with tension and mutual respect. Regas began the meeting with a firm nod.
Regas (calm but resolute):
I welcome you all to the Air Empire. I know the awakening of these powers has caused concern, which is why we are here today.
Arkan (direct):
The winds that swept across our borders cannot be ignored. We need a clear answer—what is their connection to the Princess of Wind?
Agnes stiffened, feeling every gaze turn toward her. Regas glanced at her briefly before answering.
Regas (firm):
Agnes is the heir to the power of wind. These forces slept for centuries, and their awakening is a result of the balance between us beginning to falter.
Luminas (softly):
So… the long-awaited Saintess of Wind.
Ronald (coldly):
If she is the heir, why has she not yet mastered her power? Does this make her a danger to us all?
Luminas (thoughtful):
Perhaps the better question is—why now?
Geladin (after receiving permission):
The world is changing. The ancient balance is collapsing, and the powers are trying to reclaim their place.
Akalis (smiling gently at Agnes):
We cannot blame the princess. Everyone begins somewhere.
Raymond (pleasant yet irritated):
True, but if wind awakens before the others, it could lead to disaster.
Ranius (coldly):
If disaster is inevitable, Regas, do you have a plan?
Regas (decisive):
Agnes will not become a catastrophe. Her power is our legacy—and our shield.
Silence followed. Raymond smiled faintly, clearly plotting something.
After a tense pause, Raymond leaned forward, raising his glass with false politeness.
Raymond (mockingly gentle):
Princess Agnes… since this is your first time facing your powers, are you afraid of losing control and becoming the cause of destruction?
Agnes's eyes widened—but before she could answer—
Arkan (angrily):
Enough, Raymond. This is a council, not a provocation.
Ronald (stern):
Such words are unacceptable.
Luminas (warning tone):
We are here for balance, not discord.
Regas (furious):
Agnes is my daughter. No one questions her worth.
Agnes took a deep breath and spoke with forced confidence.
Agnes:
I may not have mastered my power yet, but I am not afraid. I will learn—no matter the cost.
Arkan studied her carefully.
Arkan:
Perhaps the solution lies not only in training her power, but in broadening her understanding of the world.
Akalis (curious):
What do you suggest?
Arkan:
Let her train in each of our empires. Understanding all forces will teach her balance.
After a moment of silence—
Luminas: I agree.
Ronald: On one condition—discipline.
Akalis: I welcome her.
Raymond (slow smile): Of course… I agree.
Regas (to Agnes):
The choice is yours.
Agnes (firmly):
I accept.
The winds stirred gently, as if acknowledging her decision.
---
Three days later…
In the palace courtyard, the emperors departed one by one. Agnes prepared for her journey.
She stood with her father and brothers.
Aeginor (trembling):
Do you really have to go…?
Agnes (softly):
I'll return stronger. I promise.
He turned away, unable to stop his tears.
Reziv (coldly):
If you wish to go, then go.
He left abruptly.
Regas placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
Regas:
Remember—you are the Saintess of this empire. Control the wind… and yourself.
Agnes nodded silently and boarded the royal carriage, her heart filled with both resolve and fear.