Grand Duke Ravus Xerxes

The Emperian Prince Riven, with his lavish ruby hair and sunny eyes, was more than a mere figurehead; he was an enigma wrapped in nobility. After the dreadful and disgraceful incident, he asked for Isadora to be escorted to his chambers, the weight of the Empire's political intricacies pressed heavily upon her young shoulders.

"Lady Isadora, the Prince will see you now," announced a knight, gesturing towards the grand doors of the Prince's study.

Isadora, only five years old yet wise beyond her years, nodded solemnly and entered. Prince Riven stood by the window, his piercing eyes scanning the horizon. He turned to face her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Isadora, you've done well to bring this information," he began, his tone a mix of praise and curiosity. "But how did a child like you manage to uncover such secrets?"

Isadora straightened, her small stature belying her determination. "Your Highness, sometimes people speak freely when they think no one is listening. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Riven's smile widened, impressed by her resourcefulness. "You have the makings of a great spy, Isadora. But tell me, do you understand the gravity of the information you've brought me?"

"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, her voice steady. "The Empire's involvement in high society is dangerous. They seek to control us from within."

The Prince's expression grew serious. "Indeed. We must be vigilant. Thank you, Isadora. You may go now."

******

Matthias, on the other hand, found himself in a far less fortunate position. Dragged from the banquet hall by the knights, he struggled against their iron grip.

"Unhand me! I am a noble!" he protested, but his words fell on deaf ears.

He was brought before a stern-looking commander, who regarded him with cold eyes. "Matthias, your insolence will not be tolerated. The Prince has ordered you to be confined until further notice."

Matthias's heart sank. He knew that defying the Prince was a grave mistake, but he had been blinded by his own ambition.

******

Meanwhile, in a distant part of the kingdom, a young boy named Ravus Xerxes was living a very different life. Unlike most children his age, who were prone to throwing tantrums and defying their parents, Ravus had been thrust into the harsh realities of adulthood at a tender age.

Born on June 30th in the year 794 of the Emperian calendar, Ravus's birth year was deemed a curse due to the pandemic of the Black Death that ravaged the land. The disease, spread by users of black magic, affected one's state of mind and sanity, and even questioned their humanity. Many children born that year did not survive, but Ravus did, becoming a symbol of resilience and strength.

However, his survival came at a great cost. His father, the late Grand Duke Xerxes, had been assassinated in a staged carriage accident when Ravus was just a baby. His mother, unable to bear the emotional trauma, passed away when he was ten. Left alone, Ravus was forced to take on the responsibilities of his title at the age of six.

At ten years old, Ravus stood before the estate's council, his young face set with determination. "I will not be treated as a child. I am the Grand Duke now, and I will fulfill my duties."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances but knew better than to argue. The young duke's resolve was unshakeable.

Years passed, and Ravus's reputation grew. Despite his youth, he proved himself to be a capable and wise leader. But he never forgot the suspicious circumstances surrounding his mother's death. He suspected foul play but had no evidence to prove it.

One day, Ravus's cousin, Octavia, visited the estate. She had heard of his hardships and wanted to offer her support.

"Ravus, father has asked me to let you know that your request will ne granted," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. " And I'm telling you we ain't wasting time", she yelled while shoving all his clothes into the box".

Ravus still looking stressed. "That was Fast."

"But you don't have to do it alone," she insisted. "Come with me to the Royal Academy. We can learn and grow together. Maybe there, you'll find the answers you seek."

Ravus hesitated, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. But Octavia's words sparked a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, at the academy, he could uncover the truth about his mother's death and become the leader his people needed.

"I'll consider it," he finally said, a hint of a smile touching his lips.

***

The Royal Academy was a prestigious institution where the kingdom's brightest minds were nurtured. For Ravus, it represented both an opportunity and a challenge. He arrived at the academy's grand gates with a mix of trepidation and determination. Octavia stood beside him, her presence a comforting reminder that he was not alone.

"Welcome to the Royal Academy, Duke Xerxes," greeted the headmaster, a tall, imposing figure with a stern demeanor. "We are honored to have you here."

"Thank you, Headmaster," Ravus replied, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.

As the days passed, Ravus immersed himself in his studies. He excelled in subjects ranging from strategy and diplomacy to knighthood and history. His sharp intellect and unwavering dedication earned him the respect of both his peers and professors. Yet, his quest for answers about his mother's death remained at the back of his mind.

He was immediately assigned to the last year of the academy, year six ,because he is a noble who can't leave his duchy for too long and his age also was a problem because starting year one will be a waste.

"Find anything interesting?" Octavia's voice broke the silence, startling him.

Ravus looked up, his eyes with utter confusion, "I think I might need to go back to the South building I'm finding it hard to get to my class".

Octavia's eyes widened. " And what is your class? I can't believe Almighty Grand Duke gets lost in school."

"I know," he replied, his scratched his head. "But I didn't tell you I studied it's layout.", he pointed out