King Ryker sat at the head of the table, surrounded by his trusted aides: Helios, the wise and aged advisor with a long white beard and piercing brown eyes; Lirien, the cunning strategist with a sharp jawline and calculating gaze; and Kaida, the loyal and stoic guard with a rugged complexion and imposing physique. They gathered in the dimly lit chamber, the soft glow of candles casting shadows on their faces.
"Your Majesty, the anniversary celebration was a resounding success," Helios said, his voice filled with warmth. "The clans came together, and the festivities were a testament to your leadership."
King Ryker nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Yes, it was a wonderful display of unity. I honestly didn't expect it to go as smoothly as it did. In my reign, this is the best anniversary I've anchored. In fact, it's the best anniversary ever in the history of Eldrida."
"Your Majesty, you're correct," Helios said. "It truly is the best..."
Lirien leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "Speaking of which, Your Majesty, your tenure as king is drawing to a close. In a year's time, you will be required to step down and pass the throne to the next clan."
King Ryker's face turned pale, his eyes widening in alarm. "I...I had hoped to have more time. I'm really enjoying ruling this kingdom. The whole kingdom feels balanced under my tenure. How I wish it wasn't going to end..."
Kaida's expression remained stoic, but his voice was laced with a hint of concern. "The tradition is clear, Your Majesty. The throne must rotate among the clans. But..." He paused, glancing at Helios before continuing. "There is a matter that may alter the course of events. The Tree Clan, which is next in line, lacks able-bodied individuals who can sustain the kingdom. It may be...prudent to reconsider the transition. As we all know, history has it that during the fierce battle, more than half of the Tree Clan were wiped away, and up until now, they're still struggling to find balance. They've ruled over the years, but not convincingly, the way the subjects of the other clans want. But as per tradition, we dare not question the ruler in authority, and maybe that's why they still have that chance..."
The room fell silent, the weight of Kaida's words hanging in the air. King Ryker's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "What do you propose we do, Kaida? We can't alter the rotation. The kingdom has to be ruled by the next clan..."
"But why bring this up now, Kaida?" Lirien asked. "The Tree Clan has ruled the kingdom after that incident, and they've done the best they could. This matter shouldn't be a point of discussion..."
"I agree that they've ruled," Kaida said, "but need I remind you of their last reign and...?"
"Kaida, please, let's put this discussion aside," Helios said. "Next year, the Tree Clan will take over, and that's that. Nothing more."
"Your Majesty, what do you think?" Kaida asked.
"I understand your concern," King Ryker said, "but we can't stop the rotation, even if we wanted to. Let the Tree Clan have their turn, and while I am still in charge, I will play my part..."
The discussion continued, but Kaida's thoughts and suggestions lingered in King Ryker's mind. He wondered if the Tree Clan would be compatible for rulership, but who was he to question the king's orders?
Lyra's Reflections
Meanwhile, Lyra walked through the castle gardens, surrounded by her friends, Aiden and Eira, both from the Ice Clan (Glacia).
Aiden, with his messy brown hair and bright blue eyes, grinned at Lyra. "You looked stunning in that dress yesterday! The way it shimmered in the light was breathtaking."
Eira, with her curly blonde locks and warm smile, nodded in agreement. "Yes, you were the belle of the ball! The clans were enchanted by your presence."
Lyra smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thanks, guys."
"Didn't you notice the eyes that were on you and your glamorous look?" Eira asked, hitting Aiden's shoulder softly. "I mean, no guy could resist taking a look at you. In fact, Aiden here had his eyes on you the whole time..."
"Oh, really, Aiden?" Lyra asked, teasingly.
Aiden stammered, "Well...well...you know Eira always blurts out nonsense..."
"So, you mean to say that I was ugly?" Lyra asked, playfully.
"No...no...you looked stunning," Aiden said, his voice low. "I stared, but not too much..."
Eira and Lyra burst into laughter, leaving Aiden with a shocked and angry look on his face.
"Why are you laughing?" Aiden asked. "What's funny?"
"You need to see your expression," Eira said, still chuckling. "It's so hilarious. We were only pulling your leg..."
"I stared, but not too much..." Lyra mimicked, giggling again.
Aiden's anger vanished, seeing Lyra's smile melted his anger away. He stared at her as she laughed, her eyes glowing with excitement.
The laughter died down, and a minute of silence fell between the friends.
"So, how are the preparations for your birthday party?" Eira asked.
"Well, you know my dad," Lyra replied. "He's leaving no stone unturned to make the party a success."
"I honestly can't wait," Eira added.
"Trust me, it's going to be grand," Lyra said.
"But I've been wondering...what truly happened in the past?" Lyra said, her voice filled with curiosity. "I mean, the stories about our kingdom's history seem...vague. Do you think there's more to it than we're being told? I mean, if the demon was caged, why did the elements cease to exist the way they did before...Don't you find it strange?"
"Come on, Lyra," Aiden said. "You're talking about a 100-year history now. If there was more, we would have been told..."
"I don't know...it's just a feeling I have," Lyra said. "Like there's something hidden beneath the surface. Something important."
"Are you trying to say that there was no demon, our peaceful living wasn't threatened, and the elements just ceased to exist?" Eira asked.
"That's not what I mean," Lyra replied. "I just feel like there's more to it that meets the eye, and I won't be at peace until I figure it out..."
"So, how do you plan on finding the said secret you keep going on about?" Aiden asked.
"I want to travel beyond the shores of the kingdom," Lyra said. "I want to go to the place where..."
"Lyra..." Eira interrupted. "Are you nuts? It's forbidden to talk about leaving the kingdom. If your dad hears these things from your mouth, you're going to be in deep trouble..."
"Lyra, don't stress about these things," Aiden said. "If there's a secret or there isn't a secret, let it be. It's not your problem. Besides, the kingdom is united. Nothing else matters..."
"But..." Lyra started to say.
"No buts," Eira said, placing her hands on Lyra's shoulder. "Forget about it. The past is the past. Let's live in the present..."
"Okay," Lyra said, though she wasn't convinced. She still felt an empty feeling inside, one that wouldn't be filled until she discovered the real truth, if there was one.