Love Or Legacy?

When the sun went down, the old Palace walls got covered in beautiful gold light.

Caspian walked inside the palace. And his footsteps sounded on the cold stone floor.

Around him, shadows danced like secret ghosts, making things feel mysterious and interesting.

With every step,he carried strong power and presence with him.

The grand doors opened wide, showing a line of servants waiting for him. They were dressed in their best clothes and stood straight.

Their eyes were down, showing they respected their King.

"Your Majesty," the servants said together, bowing as Caspian walked by. They all moved at the same time, as if they practiced often.

Caspian nodded back to show he saw their respect. He looked at each of them as he went past.

Two of the servants looked at each other with interested eyes. They talked in quiet voices, full of curiosity.

"See how he looks tonight? Something's changed, right?" one of them whispered, her eyes shining with wonder.

The other servant nodded, looking just as curious. "Yes, he's different. His steps are lighter, and his eyes look really warm now."

They said these things while showing respect. Meanwhile, Caspian kept walking to his rooms with a clear purpose.

Caspian couldn't stop thinking about what happened in the Whispering Groves.

He was about to share something personal with the mysterious woman. But then he heard soft footsteps nearby.

It was his guards, looking for people who might be hurt.He told them to keep everyone safe while he dealt with the Umbrathrax alone.

'I wanted to know more about her. But it was smarter to hide and go back.'

But he asked one guard to stay with her and make sure she got home fine. He also wanted to help her with anything she needed.

'It seemed like she will need a lot of help even though she acts strong.'

Caspian paused, whispering 'Lady Sparkle' as a clue to her name. But he still wasn't satisfied.

'I wasn't even able to ask if she has magical abilities. I still do not know why she has Animara's touch,' he shook his head.

Then, he turned a corner and saw his friend, Duke Dorian Stormrider.

"Greetings, your Majesty," Dorian said, his eyes twinkling with fun.

Caspian's face, which was usually calm, must have looked a little different. Dorian noticed and started to tease him.

"Well, well," Dorian said, smiling like he knew something. "You look happier than usual."

Caspian didn't expect this and looked surprised. He tried to be calm again and looked at Dorian.

"Nonsense," Caspian said, shaking his head a bit. "You're just thinking too much."

Dorian laughed and leaned against the palace wall. "Come on, I know you, Caspian. Something's changed, and it's not a normal thing."

Caspian's eyes got a bit narrower, as if he was trying to stay distant. "You're overreacting," he said, sounding calm.

He changed the topic and asked about the Soulstone Absorber. He wanted to know if Dorian knew anything.

Dorian appeared sorry and shook his head.

"Sorry, my friend," Dorian said, sounding sad. "That thing is ancient, from legends a long time ago."

Caspian's face stayed calm, but his eyes showed he was a bit let down. He was hoping to find a clue to what happened in the Whispering Groves.

Caspian carefully talked about what he saw in the Groves and what happened with the Umbrathrax.

But he didn't mention Lady Sparkle or he would tease him again.

Dorian looked worried and nodded.

"Your Majesty, that's not a small thing," Dorian said, sounding serious. "I'll try to find more about it. If there's something that will connect to what happened, I'll find it for you."

Dorian was about to leave, but Caspian had something else to say.

"Dorian," Caspian started, sounding curious. "Have you ever met someone whose name means a shimmering light in the shadows?"

Dorian eyebrows suddenly raised, looking interested. He leaned on the wall and seemed relaxed. He smiled playfully.

"Oh, your Majesty," Dorian teased, his voice playful. "It looks like you're talking about a special someone. Who is this mystery person that caught your heart?"

Caspian's face stayed the same, but inside he felt a mix of emotions.

"Dorian," Caspian said, defending himself from Dorian and himself.

"I can't let my feelings get in the way of being a good king. Veridia's peace and happiness depend on me focusing."

Dorian looked kind and said gently, "I get it, your Majesty. But even strong leaders need a break sometimes. They also need to connect with others to remember they're living beings."

Caspian didn't know what to do, feeling torn between his duty and his feelings. He knew Dorian cared about him.

"Thanks, Dorian," Caspian said, his voice serious. "But Veridia is what matters most. I have to make sure our kingdom is safe and at peace."

Dorian's face looked soft, as if he admired Caspian but also worried for him. He put his hand on Caspian's shoulder.

"I get you, my friend," Dorian said. "You're always strong and focused. Veridia is peaceful because you lead us well."

They stayed quiet for a moment, both knowing there was more they could say.

After Dorian's steps got quiet as he left, Caspian was alone in the hallway.

He started thinking about the red-haired woman again. He remembered her well.

And he felt like he wanted to see her again.

But he knew being the leader of Veridia was most important.

Caspian took a deep breath and walked with purpose. He had important things to do.

He thought about all the things he had to work on. Politics, financial plans, and making sure the kingdom ran well.

The palace halls were long, showing all the kings before him. Their paintings looked at him like they wanted him to keep leading well.

Caspian thought he had stopped thinking about the woman. But as he went to his room, he remembered her again.

"I hope she got home safe," he said quietly. He felt excited to see her again as soon as she knew where she was from.