The Stolen Heir’s Bond

The capital city loomed in the distance, its towering spires cutting against the gray sky. Even from here, Kael could see the massive banners hanging from the walls—deep crimson, embroidered with the golden sigil of the false king.

His enemy.

Elaria pulled her hood lower over her face as they approached the outskirts. "Remind me again why this isn't the worst idea we've ever had?"

Kael kept his voice low. "Because we're not walking in as fugitives."

She shot him a look. "No? Then what exactly are we?"

Kael's fingers brushed the hilt of his sword beneath his cloak. "Ghosts," he said simply. "The kingdom thinks I'm dead. That's our advantage."

Elaria exhaled sharply. "Right. Sure. Because nothing ever goes wrong when you pretend to be dead."

They joined the flow of travelers heading toward the city gates—merchants with heavy carts, nobles on horseback, cloaked wanderers moving quickly to avoid attention. The air smelled of damp stone and the lingering smoke of a city that never slept.

As they neared the checkpoint, Kael forced himself to stay calm. He had been here before, years ago—when he was too young to understand the danger. Now, he was walking straight into the lion's den with only a blade and a name that could get him killed.

The guards at the gate were armed, scanning the crowd with sharp eyes. One of them stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Names?"

Elaria tensed beside him.

Kael barely hesitated. "Taron and Liss. We're traders from the east."

The guard squinted. "Papers?"

Kael patted his cloak, acting frustrated. "Lost on the road. Bandits."

The guard's gaze darkened. "Bandits, huh?" He leaned in slightly, eyeing them both. "You don't look like traders."

Kael forced a grin. "Wouldn't be very good ones if we did, would we?"

For a long moment, the guard just stared.

Then—finally—he grunted and stepped aside. "Move along."

Kael released a breath as they passed through the gates, the weight of the city closing in around them.

Elaria elbowed him. "Taron and Liss?" she hissed under her breath. "That was the best you could come up with?"

Kael smirked. "It worked, didn't it?"

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

The streets were alive with noise and movement—vendors shouting, children darting between wagons, soldiers marching through the crowded roads.

Kael's stomach twisted. Somewhere in this city, his father was hiding. Somewhere in this city, the truth was waiting.

And now?

Kael was ready to claim it.