The library was unusually quiet.
The soft scent of aged parchment and old oak lingered in the air, broken only by the gentle rustle of turning pages.
The curious student sat at the same heavy wooden table, surrounded by a fortress of books they had already opened.
Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, painting streaks of amber and cobalt across the floor.
His tired companion was lying across two chairs nearby, arms folded over his chest, looking as though he had completely lost interest in standing—or remaining conscious—for the rest of the afternoon.
The curious student turned another page, the paper giving a crisp snap.
“We’re at chapter six.”
The tired student opened one eye, the dark circle underneath it framing a look of mild skepticism.
“Already?”
“Yes.”
“What happens this time?”
The curious student traced his finger down the top of the page, reading the title aloud.
FAMILY VACATION.
He smiled, a rare spark of genuine relief breaking through his usual studious expression.
“Looks like we’re finally getting something peaceful.”
The tired student sat up slightly, the wooden chairs creaking in protest under his sudden shift in weight.
“After gods, High Rulers, monsters, and wars?”
“Apparently.”
He turned the page, leaning in closer to the ink.
“Let’s see what the Augusta family does when they’re not dealing with politics.”
The Augustus palace was unusually busy—a chaotic hive of rhythmic, frantic activity.
Servants moved through the grand marble halls carrying elaborate floral arrangements and silk banners.
Baskets of fresh silver-lilies and sun-fire roses were being placed along the vaulted walls, their fragrance heavy in the air.
Heavy mahogany tables were being scrubbed and polished until they reflected the chandeliers above.
Deep in the subterranean kitchens, several master chefs had been awake since early morning, the clatter of copper pans echoing up through the stone vents.
A servant hurried past another, holding a delicate glass centerpiece balanced precariously on a silver tray.
“Careful with that!”
“I am being careful!”
“That’s the prince’s birthday decoration!”
“I know!”
“Then stop almost dropping it!”
A second servant paused, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her linen sleeve, adjusting a heavy bundle of blue drapes.
“Why are there so many decorations?”
The first servant looked toward the double doors of the enormous ballroom, where guards were hauling in golden archways.
“Because His Highness is turning another year older.”
“And the entire royal family decided this was necessary?”
“Apparently.”
Another servant passed them, carrying a gilded vase that smelled sharply of fresh lavender.
“Where are the flowers for the first queen?”
“Already delivered to Queen Liliyana’s suite,” the second servant answered without looking up.
“And the second queen?”
“She ordered twice as many.”
The servant stopped in her tracks, nearly tripping over her own hem.
“Twice?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
The other servant offered a tired, knowing smirk, looking toward the high-arched ballroom ceiling.
“You’ll understand when you meet Queen Ilyra.”
Inside the royal family quarters, Queen Liliyana stood before an gilded mirror while three maids adjusted the heavy, embroidered train of her emerald dress.
Her posture was erect, dignified, every inch the serene matriarch of the Augusta bloodline.
She looked toward the open archway leading to the balcony.
“Is everything ready?”
A head maid bowed deeply, her hands folded neatly over her apron.
“Yes, Your Majesty.
The court is assembled in the lower courtyards.”
“Good.”
Liliyana allowed a faint, genuinely warm smile to soften her regal features.
“My son deserves a proper birthday.”
A low, smooth voice came from behind her, dripping with playful amusement.
“Your son?”
Liliyana immediately recognized the velvet cadence.
She closed her eyes, letting out a quiet, practiced breath.
“Not today, Ilyra.”
Queen Ilyra entered the room, her silk robes whispering against the polished floorboards.
She carried herself with an easy, magnetic grace, a small, provocative smile lingering on her lips.
“Why not?”
“Because I’m trying to have one peaceful morning.”
Ilyra laughed, a light, melodic sound that bounced off the high stone ceilings.
“Peaceful?”
She walked closer, her eyes gleaming with sharp affection as she leaned lightly against the vanity.
“With your children?”
Liliyana turned toward her, her expression cool but relaxed.
“Yes.”
“Then you have already failed.”
Liliyana sighed, though there was no real venom in it.
Ilyra’s smile widened.
“You know, I still think Nihil’s grand celebration should have been named after my house line.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re already troublesome enough without putting your mark on my son’s legacy.”
Ilyra placed a dramatically delicate hand over her heart, her dark eyes flashing with false hurt.
“Your son?”
She looked deeply offended, though the smirk gave her away.
“He’s my son too.
A prince of Augusta.”
Liliyana narrowed her eyes, pointing a manicured finger.
“Don’t start.”
“I haven’t started anything.”
“You started this argument three years ago.”
“And I’m still correct.”
Liliyana shook her head, turning back to the mirror as the maid pinned the final sapphire brooch to her collar.
“You are impossible.”
Ilyra bowed her head slightly in mock modesty.
“Thank you.”
A few rooms away, in the quiet shade of the sunlit atrium, the children of the Augusta family had gathered.
Prince Kaelen stood near the massive bay window, arms crossed over his chest, his golden cloak catching the morning glare.
Princess Eleanor sat gracefully on a velvet sofa, idly swirling a ribbon between her long fingers.
Nihil sat quietly nearby on a low stone bench, his small hands resting flat on his knees, staring straight ahead at nothing in particular.
Eleanor shifted, her soft gaze sliding toward him.
“Nihil.”
The young boy turned his head slowly, his dark eyes unblinking.
“Yes?”
“Are you excited?”
“No.”
Eleanor blinked, her hand pausing on the ribbon.
“For your birthday?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not excited?”
“No.”
From the window, Kaelen let out a sudden bark of laughter, shaking his head.
“You always answer like that.”
Nihil shifted his gaze slightly, looking up at his older brother.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re reading answers directly out of a dusty textbook.”
Nihil remained completely silent, his expression an unreadable slate.
Eleanor smiled softly, resting her chin in her hand.
“He’s not wrong, Nihil.”
Nihil looked back and forth between the two of them, a faint crease appearing between his brows.
“I don’t understand.”
Kaelen pushed off the window sill and walked over, his heavy boots thudding against the rug.
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
He reached down and placed a large, calloused hand on Nihil’s head, ruffling his dark hair without mercy.
“You don’t understand jokes.”
Nihil tilted his head, feeling the weight of the hand, his eyes tracking Kaelen’s wrist.
“Why are you touching my head?”
Kaelen laughed again, a booming, warm sound.
“Because I’m your brother.”
“That doesn’t answer the question.”
Eleanor covered her mouth with two fingers, her shoulders shaking with quiet amusement.
“He’s impossible.”
Kaelen grinned, stepping back and extending a hand.
“Come on.”
He grabbed Nihil’s smaller hand, tugging him upward.
“We’re going outside.”
Nihil stood obediently, adjusting his tunic.
“Why?”
“Because it’s your birthday.”
“I know.”
“Then act like it!”
Nihil stared at him, his gaze dark, deep, and hollow.
“I don’t know how.”
Kaelen paused.
The laughter faded from his face, replaced by a momentary, confused silence.
Eleanor looked at her younger brother.
For a brief second, the playful sparkle in her eyes gave way to a gentle, aching softness.
“That’s okay,” she said quietly, her voice smooth as silk as she stood up from the sofa.
“Just come with us.”
Nihil gave a slight, mechanical nod.
“Fine.”
The palace gardens were flooded with warm, golden sunlight. Get faster updates on g.com.
Dozens of high-ranking nobles had gathered around the grand marble fountains, chatting over goblets of sweet wine.
Children of lesser lords ran through the manicured hedges, their laughter ringing out over the soft, melodic strumming of royal harps.
Eventually, the Augusta children were drawn away from the courtly chatter and pulled into the wide, open lawn at the center of the garden.
Kaelen picked up a small, embroidered leather ball from a stone table and spun around, tossing it abruptly toward Nihil’s chest.
“Catch!”
Without moving his feet, without shifting his posture, Nihil’s hand shot out like a striking viper.
His fingers wrapped around the ball flawlessly, stopping its momentum instantly.
Kaelen stared, his jaw loosening slightly.
“You didn’t even look.”
“I heard you,” Nihil said plainly, holding the leather sphere.
“You heard me?”
“Yes.”
Eleanor, standing near a blooming rosebush, let out a delighted laugh.
“Try throwing it behind him, Kaelen!”
Kaelen’s eyes lit up with a competitive spark.
“Good idea.”
He darted behind Nihil, wound his arm back, and whipped the ball straight at the back of the boy’s head from five feet away.
Without turning around, Nihil simply raised his left hand over his shoulder.
The ball smacked into his palm and stuck there.
Kaelen stared at his brother’s back, utterly flabbergasted.
“…How?”
Nihil turned slowly, stepping forward and extending his hand to offer the ball back.
“You threw it.”
“That’s not an explanation!”
“It is.”
Eleanor doubled over, her laughter echoing across the garden green.
Several nobles standing near the marble pavilion turned their attention toward the scene.
An elderly duke with a braided beard smiled warmly, taking a sip from his glass.
“Look at them.”
A younger countess beside him laughed softly.
“The Augusta children really do behave like ordinary children when they’re together, don’t they?”
“Indeed.
Despite everything we’ve heard about their martial training and monstrous abilities.”
A noblewoman smiled, resting her hands on her silk sash.
“That’s what makes them so wonderful.
A true royal family.”
Another lord squinted toward the young prince holding the leather ball.
“Even the youngest prince?
Nihil?”
“Especially him.”
The noble smiled kindly.
“He looks so calm.
So peaceful.”
A royal servant passing by with a silver tray lowered his head and whispered under his breath:
“Too calm.”
The noble laughed, brushing off the remark with a wave of his hand.
“He’s a child.
What boy isn’t quiet around his older siblings?”
The servant bowed subtly.
“Of course, my lord.”
Standing near the shaded portico, Queen Ilyra leaned close to King Aurelius, her eyes locked on the children.
“Look at them, Aurelius.”
Liliyana, standing on the King’s other side, let out a breath and smiled.
“My children.”
Ilyra immediately glanced over Aurelius’s shoulder, throwing Liliyana a sharp, playful glare.
“Your children?”
Liliyana met her gaze with a calm, amused eyebrow raise, while Aurelius merely shook his head with a quiet chuckle.
Ilyra turned back toward the lawn, pointing toward Nihil.
“He’s adorable, isn’t he?”
Liliyana’s soft smile returned.
“He’s always been quiet.
From the moment he was born.”
“Quiet?”
Ilyra raised an eyebrow, a hand on her hip.
“Liliyana, he barely reacts when I tease him!
I offered him a grand imperial dragon-lizard yesterday, and he just asked if it bit!”
“Maybe because you’re annoying.”
Ilyra gasped, dramatically pressing her palm against her chest.
“You wound me deeply, First Queen.”
Liliyana laughed—a true, clear sound.
Ilyra’s eyes shifted slightly, tracking Eleanor.
“Your daughter keeps staring at him.”
Liliyana followed her gaze.
Eleanor was standing a few feet away from the boys, her eyes fixed entirely on Nihil while Kaelen loudly tried to convince the younger prince to throw the ball hard enough to break a wooden fence post.
Liliyana’s voice softened.
“She’s curious.”
“About him?”
“Yes.”
“She should be.”
Ilyra looked closely at Nihil.
The boy stood beneath the blinding sunlight, holding the ball loosely at his side.
The wind tossed his dark hair, but his face remained completely, utterly still.
No excitement.No embarrassment.No irritation.No warmth.
Nothing.
Ilyra’s playful smile softened, settling into something far more complex—a mixture of deep affection and a strange, faint shadow of concern.
“He really doesn’t react to anything, does he?”
Liliyana’s expression became profoundly gentle as she watched her youngest son.
“He’s still my son.”
“I know.”
Ilyra smiled softly, stepping closer to Liliyana’s side.
“And I love him.”
Liliyana looked at her rival, her fellow queen, and offered a simple, genuine node.
“I know that too.”
Out on the lawn, Kaelen suddenly backed up ten paces, spreading his arms wide.
“Nihil!”
Nihil looked toward him, his face blank.
“Yes?”
“Throw it!
Hard as you can!”
Nihil tossed the ball.
It flew in a perfectly straight, effortless line, landing right in Kaelen’s hands with a crisp thrum.
Kaelen caught it easily, though his arms shuddered slightly from the unexpected density of the throw.
“Too easy!” Kaelen yelled, grinning as he threw it back.
Nihil caught it without moving a muscle.
Eleanor stepped into the center of the grass, lifting the skirts of her gown slightly so she could run.
“Let me try!”
The three siblings continued playing as the afternoon sun began its slow descent, painting the clouds in shades of plum and gold.
For a moment, the heavy air of the empire cleared.
There were no bloody battles.No exhausting political meetings.No immortal threats lurking in the dark.No mysterious, terrifying future.
Only three siblings playing together in a garden bathed in light.
Several court lords watched them from the terraces.
One smiled genuinely.
“Beautiful.”
Another nodded, his heart warmed by the sight.
“Imagine…
The future of the entire empire playing together like ordinary children.”
A third let out a soft laugh, taking a sip of wine.
“Perhaps they are ordinary children after all.”
The first noble looked toward Nihil, who had just caught the ball for the twentieth time without a single drop of sweat on his forehead.
“Perhaps.”
Later that evening, as the cool mountain breeze rolled over the palace walls, the birthday celebration moved inside the Great Grand Hall.
The massive ballroom was illuminated by thousands of floating crystal candles.
Lords and ladies in vibrant velvets and silks mingled near long tables covered in roast meats, exotic fruits, and frosted pastries.
At the head of the elevated dais sat the royal family.
Nihil sat quietly in a high-backed carved chair, flanked by Eleanor and Kaelen.
Ilyra leaned across King Aurelius toward Liliyana, whispering under her breath:
“Look at him.”
Liliyana sighed softly, adjusting her silver goblet.
“What now, Ilyra?”
“Your son is sitting there like he’s attending a state funeral.”
Liliyana whispered sharply back:
“Don’t say such things.”
Ilyra smirked and leaned forward over the table, catching the boy’s eye.
“Nihil.”
The young prince turned his head toward her.
“Yes?”
“Are you enjoying your birthday party?”
“Yes.”
Ilyra leaned her chin on her hand, her eyes twinkling.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t look happy.”
Nihil looked straight into her eyes, his tone entirely flat, devoid of any pitch or tremor.
“I am not unhappy.”
Ilyra paused, her smirk freezing for a fraction of a second before breaking into a quiet laugh.
Liliyana immediately covered her face with one hand, letting out a soft groan.
“See?”
Ilyra chuckled, shaking her head.
“He’s impossible.
Absolutely impossible.” Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
Eleanor, sitting beside him, offered a faint, affectionate smile.
“I think that’s just how Nihil is.”
Kaelen leaned over from the other side, pointing a silver fork toward a massive, three-tiered frosted cake sitting in the middle of the table.
“Do you want more cake?”
Nihil looked at the sweet confection, then back at Kaelen.
“No.”
“Why not?
It’s literally made of honey and star-fruit!”
“I’m not hungry.”
Kaelen stared at him, bewildered.
“You barely ate half a bird!”
“I ate enough.”
Eleanor looked down at him, her violet eyes searching his calm face.
“Do you want anything else, Nihil?
Anything at all?
A sword?
A book?
A beast?”
“No.”
“Nothing?”
“No.”
Eleanor’s smile softened into something tender.
“Okay.”
She picked up a small, peeled ruby-berry from her own plate and gently pushed it toward his fingers.
“Then take this.”
Nihil looked down at the bright red fruit, then up at his sister.
“Why?”
“Because I want you to have it.”
Nihil picked up the berry and placed it in his mouth, chewing silently.
“Okay.”
Eleanor’s smile brightened instantly.
From across the table, Ilyra watched the simple interaction quietly.
She nudged Liliyana with her elbow.
“He listens to her.”
Liliyana looked up, watching Eleanor smooth down Nihil’s collar.
“Yes,” Liliyana murmured softly.
“He does.”
“Interesting…” Ilyra murmured, her eyes lingering on the boy.
As the grand feast began to wind down and the nobles began to dance, the royal children slipped back out into the cool nighttime gardens.
Kaelen, energized by two slices of cake, immediately challenged Nihil to a sprint from the grand fountain to the iron gates at the far end of the courtyard.
Eleanor tagged along, laughing as she declared herself the official judge.
They ran three times.
Nihil won every single time—crossing the line with the exact same unhurried, mechanical stride, his breathing completely even.
Kaelen collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily, staring up at the night sky.
“You didn’t…
even run…
seriously!” Kaelen wheezed.
“I ran,” Nihil replied, standing over him motionless.
“That’s the problem!” Kaelen barked, though there was a wide grin on his face.
Eleanor clapped her hands together, her laughter ringing softly in the night air.
“Again!”
Nihil gave a small nod.
“Fine.”
They ran again.
And again.
And again.
Every single time, Nihil crossed the line first.
Yet he never cheered.He never raised his arms in victory.He never mocked his brother.He never showed a single shred of pride.
He simply stopped at the finish line, turned around, and waited for them to catch up.
Eleanor eventually walked over to him, her dress rustling against the dew-kissed grass.
She stopped a foot away, looking down into his dark, calm eyes.
“Nihil.”
“Yes?”
“Do you like spending time with us?”
Nihil looked at her.
For a long moment, the wind carried the scent of night-blooming jasmine between them.
“Yes.”
She smiled, leaning closer.
“Why?”
Nihil thought for a second, as if searching his mind for the correct logical sequence of words.
“Because you’re my family.”
Eleanor’s smile became breathtakingly warm, her eyes shining in the moonlight.
“That’s enough.”
She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight, warm hug.
Nihil stood completely still, his arms hanging straight down at his sides like marble pillars.
Kaelen, still sitting in the grass, burst out laughing.
“You’re supposed to hug her back, little brother!”
Nihil looked over Eleanor’s shoulder at Kaelen.
Slowly, awkwardly, he lifted one arm and placed his hand flat against Eleanor’s shoulder blade, applying a light, careful pressure.
Eleanor let out a soft laugh against his neck.
“That’s not really a hug, Nihil.”
“I don’t know how.”
Eleanor pulled back slightly, looking him in the eye with immense tenderness.
“Then learn.”
Nihil nodded once, his face utterly serious.
“Okay.”
THE LIBRARYThat night, deep within the silent archives, the two students continued reading by the flicker of a low candle.
The tired student closed his eyes, resting his head back against the wooden chair.
“So…”
The curious student looked up from the heavy tome, his fingers resting on the margin.
“What?”
“That was actually…
peaceful.”
“Yes.”
“No sudden wars.”
“No.”
“No dark gods rising from the deep.”
“No destroyed cities.”
“No terrifying High Rulers breathing down their necks.”
The curious student smiled faintly, a gentle expression washing over his face.
“Just a family.”
The tired student turned his head, looking toward the open book under the yellow candlelight.
“Even Nihil looked like a normal child.”
The curious student frowned slightly, his smile fading as his eyes scanned back over the ink.
“Did he?”
The tired student opened one eye, brow raised.
“What do you mean?
He played with them.”
“Yes.”
“He talked to his sisters and brother.”
“Yes.”
“He spent time with his mothers.”
“Exactly.”
The curious student stared down at the crisp handwritten script on the page, his voice dropping to a near-whisper.
“But he never actually showed emotion.”
The tired student sat up a inch, his eye widening slightly.
“So?”
The curious student tapped his finger against the parchment.
“Everyone around him was laughing.”
“Nihil wasn’t.”
“Everyone was excited.”
“Nihil wasn’t.”
“His siblings loved him deeply.”
“Yes.”
“And he said he loved spending time with them.”
The curious student paused, a cold chill settling over the silent library.
“Yet his eyes…
the text says he still looked completely empty.”
The tired student became very quiet.
For several long seconds, neither of them spoke.
The sound of the wind rustling the tall stained-glass windows outside was the only thing filling the room.
Then, the tired student looked back toward the ancient book, his voice low and heavy.
“Maybe that’s why his sister was so curious about him.”
The curious student nodded slowly.
“Maybe.”
He reached out and gently turned the heavy page.
A single, final line of dark, jagged ink waited at the very bottom of the parchment.
THE AUGUSTA FAMILY HAD CELEBRATED THE BIRTHDAY OF THEIR YOUNGEST PRINCE.
THEY DID NOT KNOW THAT THEY WERE CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF A BEING WHO WOULD ONE DAY CHANGE THEIR ENTIRE WORLD.
The curious student stared at the line for a long time, the words burning into his mind.
Then, slowly, reverently, he closed the thick leather cover of the book.
“Chapter seven tomorrow?”
The tired student offered a faint, somber smile, leaning back into his chair.
“Definitely.”
The ancient library returned to complete, unbroken silence.
And somewhere across the vast ocean of time, deep within the golden walls of the Augustus palace, young Prince Nihil slept peacefully in his bed.
Surrounded by the family that loved him.
Utterly unaware of the world that was slowly beginning to notice him.