Chapter 6: Early Observations

The winter solstice approached, bringing with it a blanket of snow that transformed the Celestial Citadel into a glittering fortress of white. Within the warmth of the royal nursery, Prince Lucius Ashborne, now nearing his fifth month, lay awake in his crib, his silver-blue eyes tracking the movements of his caretakers with unusual focus.

Ebon Mordaine, the head butler, stood nearby, his crimson eyes watchful as he oversaw the prince's morning routine. "Has His Highness been fed?" he inquired of a nursemaid.

"Yes, Lord Mordaine," the young woman replied, bowing slightly. "The prince took his milk with great appetite, as always."

Ebon nodded, a hint of approval in his otherwise stoic expression. "And his sleep patterns?"

"Mostly regular, my lord," the nursemaid reported. "Though..." she hesitated.

"Speak freely," Ebon encouraged, his interest piqued.

"Well, there have been moments when the prince seems... unusually alert during the night. Last evening, I found him awake well past midnight, staring at the ceiling as if fascinated by something only he could see."

Ebon's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. Thank you for your diligence. You may go."

As the nursemaid left, Ebon approached the crib, studying the young prince intently. Lucius met his gaze without fear, a small hand reaching out towards the butler.

"Curious little one, aren't you?" Ebon murmured, allowing the prince to grasp his finger. As their skin made contact, Ebon felt a subtle warmth, a faint tingle of energy that was gone almost as soon as it appeared.

The door opened, admitting Empress Elera. Her emerald eyes softened as they fell upon her son. "How is he this morning, Ebon?"

"In excellent spirits, Your Majesty," Ebon replied, bowing deeply. "The prince continues to show remarkable awareness for his age."

Elera nodded, moving to lift Lucius into her arms. As she held him, the infant prince seemed to calm even further, his tiny body relaxing against her.

"Have there been any... incidents?" Elera asked softly, her voice tinged with both hope and concern.

Ebon hesitated for a moment. "Nothing definitive, Your Majesty. However, the night staff have reported some unusual sleep patterns. It seems the prince is often awake during the late hours, appearing to be in deep concentration."

Elera's brow furrowed slightly. "Could it be... Do you think he might be unconsciously attempting to sense Qi?"

"It's possible, Your Majesty," Ebon admitted. "Though at this age, it would be extraordinarily rare. Even for one of Titan blood."

As they spoke, Lucius began to fuss slightly, his tiny hands reaching out towards a set of toys placed near the crib. Elera followed his gaze, noting with interest that he seemed particularly drawn to a small, polished stone imbued with earth energy.

"His affinity grows stronger," she murmured, carefully placing Lucius back in his crib and handing him the stone. The moment it touched his fingers, the prince's fussing ceased, replaced by an intense focus as he turned the object over in his hands.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Ebon agreed. "His Majesty has requested that we begin preliminary preparations for the prince's future training. Nothing too structured yet, of course, but small exercises to help channel his energy safely."

Elera nodded, her expression a mixture of pride and concern. "We must be careful, Ebon. The weight of expectation already hangs heavy over him. I fear what might happen if word of his potential were to spread beyond these walls."

"Your concerns are well-founded, Your Majesty," Ebon replied solemnly. "Rest assured, every precaution is being taken. The prince's safety and privacy are our utmost priority."

As if sensing the gravity of their conversation, Lucius let out a small coo, drawing their attention back to him. The stone in his hands seemed to gleam a bit brighter than before, though whether it was a trick of the light or something more, neither adult could say for certain.

"My little titan," Elera said softly, stroking Lucius's cheek. "May you grow strong and wise, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."

Later that day, in a secluded corner of the royal gardens, Selene Nightshade sat in quiet meditation, her mind reaching out to sense the flow of Qi throughout the Celestial Citadel. Her concentration was interrupted by the arrival of Regulus Draven, his footsteps nearly silent on the snow-covered path.

"Any disturbances?" Regulus inquired, his voice low.

Selene opened her eyes, shaking her head slightly. "Nothing significant. The protective arrays are holding strong. However..." she paused, considering her words carefully.

"Go on," Regulus prompted.

"There have been... fluctuations. Small ripples in the Qi field, centered around the prince's chambers. Nothing alarming, but noticeable to those attuned to such things."

Regulus's eyes narrowed. "Could it be detected from outside the citadel?"

"Unlikely," Selene assured him. "But it bears close monitoring. If the prince's power continues to grow at this rate, we may need to implement more advanced concealment techniques sooner than anticipated."

Regulus nodded, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. "Keep me informed of any changes, no matter how small. The emperor must be prepared for every possibility."

As they parted ways, each returning to their duties, a soft wind swept through the garden, carrying with it the faint scent of earth and metal. In his crib, young Lucius stirred in his sleep, his dreams filled with visions of mountains rising and valleys forming, of a world shaped by will and power beyond his infant understanding.