The morning had started peacefully.
Ria had cooked a hearty breakfast and packed lunch for Pia and Tarin, warning them, “Stay inside today, we will be late.” Kael had spent the morning clearing the old house, and Aira got the kids ready before they finally headed to the palace.
Upon arrival, Theo welcomed them warmly and took them on a tour.
The palace of Cloud Land was breath-taking, filled with gardens and gold.
“It’s so beautiful,” Kael remarked, looking around.
“When we go back, I’m going to change the entire map of our palace.”
Theo laughed.
“Why?
Is your palace not like this?”
“I wish it were,” Ria said, a nostalgic look in her eyes.
“Our palace is carved from the mountains.
Huge stones protect us from the wind and the roar of wild animals from the forest.
It is a place of strength, not just beauty.”
Theo was amazed.
“Wow, you guys are truly great.
I wish one day I could see that palace myself.”
The trio looked at each other and then at Theo, who was trailing behind.
Theo frowned.
“Why are you looking at each other like that?”
“Because,” Aira said with a smirk, “you are the first person to say you actually want to visit the North.
Usually, people run for their lives after spending one night in that cold.”
They all shared a rare laugh until they reached the main courtyard.
A calm, dignified man was standing there.
“Brother!
He turned to the trio.
“This is my big brother, Elias.”
The trio bowed respectfully.
Elias smiled kindly.
“The Great Trio of the North.
I have heard much about your bravery.
You must meet the rest of our brothers.”
At that moment, the youngest, Lucan, ran up.
“Brother!
Let’s play!”
Elias patted his head.
“Not now, little one.
We are meeting the Generals.” He looked around.
“Where are the two trouble makers?
I know Silas (4th prince) is around here somewhere.”
“I am not a trouble maker!” Silas shouted, appearing from behind a pillar.
“And the last one?” Elias asked.
Suddenly, someone dropped from a high tree branch, landing perfectly on his feet.
As soon as the trio saw his face, their smiles vanished.
“YOU!” Aira shouted.
It was the arrogant boy from the street.
He looked at Aira and gave that same lazy, frustrating smile.
“Oh, hello sweety.
What are you doing in my palace?
I am Prince, Leon the 3rd prince of this palace.” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Aira rolled eyes, her hand twitching toward her sword.
“I am not your ‘sweety.'”
Kael and Ria didn’t hesitate.
They drew their swords halfway out of their sheaths.
Kael began rubbing his blade with a cold, threatening look.
“Watch your words, boy,” Kael growled.
“Prince or not, be careful how you speak to General.”
Elias and Theo quickly stepped in, looking shocked.
“Wait!
Calm down!
What happened?
How do you know Leon?”
Ria explained the whole story—how Leon’s friend had nearly run over the children and insulted them in the street.
Elias’s face turned serious.
“Leon, apologize,” Elias commanded.
He turned to the trio with a deep bow.
“Please, calm down.
We are very sorry for our brother’s behaviour.
He has much to learn.”
Theo added quickly, “He didn’t know you were the North Military Generals.
If he had, he might have stayed in his tree!”
Leon looks a bit surprised that the “peasants” he mocked are actually the legendary warriors.
The other brothers are now seeing that the North doesn’t play by palace rules.
The tension in the air was so thick it felt like the heavy frost of the North.
The “trouble maker” from the street was not just a rude rider—he was royalty.