°[{Khabir}]°

The sun set, bathing the palace towers and stone walls in a deep gold, and filling every corner of the lotus gardens with warm light. Khabir paused for a moment in the grand portico, gazing one last time at his home before departing. He gently gripped the hilt of the dagger at his belt—his father's gift, a symbol of protection and duty—and felt the weight of his crown upon his temples, but also the glimmer of hope in his chest. The mission before him was the most important of his life: to cross towering mountains and mighty rivers to reach the distant Golden Empire, to extend a hand where for generations there had only been distance and mistrust. His siblings approached him one by one: Isbar squeezed his shoulder firmly, Kinbar handed him a scroll with advice and maps, Kimbary adjusted the hem of his cloak, and little Kimbyr hugged him tightly around the waist, urging him to return soon. His parents gave him their blessing with words full of wisdom and love, and he treasured each one of them in his heart.

She mounted her dark-coated horse with its gentle gaze, and as she gave the order to advance, the wind carried with it the scent of sandalwood and flowers from her homeland. She could not yet imagine that, on the other side of that long road, she would find not only the peace she sought for her people... but also the prince who would change her destiny forever, the owner of a heart that would beat in perfect harmony with her own.