"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

The training grounds carried a familiar scent of sweat and steel, but today, something felt different. The crisp morning air held an unusual weight, thick with the kind of tension that only came when power shifted unseen. Kaius noticed it first in the way Aldric stood rigid at the edge of the field, his gaze sharper than usual, scanning the approaching figures with a cold calculation.

From the entrance of the training grounds, three figures emerged. Clad in fine robes embroidered with the imperial crest, they carried themselves with the unmistakable presence of the court. The tallest among them, a man with streaks of silver in his hair and a face carved by years of discipline, was the first to speak.

"Commander Eira. The Imperial Court has summoned you."

Silence fell over the grounds. The other trainees had stopped mid-practice, their gazes shifting between Eira and the new arrivals. Even Aldric, a man who rarely showed emotion, narrowed his eyes in quiet understanding.

Eira stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "On what grounds?"

The man's lips barely twitched—a ghost of a smile that never reached his eyes. "His Majesty's council has decreed that it is time for you to fulfill your duty beyond the battlefield. A union has been arranged."

Kaius's grip on his training sword tightened. He hadn't realized he had been holding his breath until that moment.

Aldric exhaled sharply. "A marriage? And who exactly has the council chosen?"

The second figure, a younger man draped in dark blue silks, stepped forward. His features were delicate, almost too refined for a warrior's camp, and yet there was something in his stance that suggested he was not merely a messenger.

"Lord Castien Valreth," he announced, the name rolling off his tongue like an inevitable decree. "A man of noble blood, esteemed lineage, and formidable power and "a reputation for ruthless ambition". A match deemed suitable by the highest order."

For the first time, a flicker of something crossed Eira's eyes—too fleeting for Kaius to place. Was it anger? Amusement? Or something else entirely?

"Lord Valreth." Eira repeated the name, as if testing its weight. "I see."

A tense pause followed. The court officials were waiting, expecting deference, obedience. They did not get it.

Eira turned on her heel, crossing her arms. "And if I refuse?"

The older man stiffened. "Refusal is not an option. The Emperor himself has taken an interest in your future. Your service to the crown must now extend to securing alliances."

Kaius felt something simmer in his chest. Was this truly the fate of all warriors, no matter their strength? To be reduced to a pawn when it suited the empire? He stole a glance at Aldric, whose expression remained impassive, though his fingers curled ever so slightly at his side.

The youngest of the imperial entourage, a woman with dark eyes that missed nothing, finally spoke. "This is not a demand given lightly. Nor is it a condemnation. You are valued, Commander Eira. The Emperor wishes to ensure your legacy remains strong."

Eira's gaze met hers, and a silent understanding passed between them. For all the words dressed in diplomacy, the truth was clear—Eira's life was not hers to dictate, not while she bore the empire's crest.

Kaius clenched his fists. Something about this felt wrong. Eira was strong—stronger than any noble groom, stronger than even these so-called representatives. And yet, they expected her to bow?

Aldric's voice cut through the quiet. "The decision is hers."

The eldest official's expression soured. "I advise you all to remember that loyalty to the empire is not a matter of choice. It is duty. We will return in three days for Commander Eira's answer."

They turned, their fine robes billowing as they departed, leaving behind a silence more deafening than any battle.

As soon as they were gone, Valen let out a low whistle. "Well, that was unpleasant."

Theo crossed his arms. "What now?"

Eira said nothing. She simply stared at the spot where the officials had stood, her expression unreadable.

Kaius, however, saw the tension in her shoulders—the first sign of hesitation he had ever witnessed from her. And for the first time since coming here, he felt an anger not for himself, but for someone else.

The golden days were over. And war, it seemed, came in many forms.