Night fell over the palace, the moon casting a silvery glow over the grand halls. I, Prince Sun, couldn’t shake the restlessness in my heart. My thoughts kept drifting to Princess Sixhonia, her beauty and her fiery spirit consuming my mind. In a moment of impulsiveness, I decided to sneak to her room, my footsteps silent as I moved through the shadows.

  I hid in the dark corner of her chamber, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and guilt. But before I could reveal myself, a knock—*tap-tap-tap*—echoed through the room. My blood ran cold as a hooded figure entered, their face hidden but their voice unmistakably male.

  I clenched my fists, the trauma of Lord Thomas’s betrayal aching in my chest. *Who is this?* I thought, my anger simmering. But I stayed silent, forcing myself to retreat. I slipped out of the room, my heart heavy as I made the long walk back to my chambers. The Red Lions saluted me as I passed, their eyes filled with loyalty.

  "Go to Princess Sixhonia’s room," I commanded, my voice low but firm. "There’s an intruder. Make a ruckus."

  The Red Lions obeyed immediately, their footsteps thundering through the halls. The lions followed, their roars—*ROAR! ROAR!*—echoing through the palace, shaking the very walls. Chaos erupted as the palace came alive with the sound of shouting and running feet.

  ---

  In Princess Sixhonia’s room, the young man in the hoodie froze as the commotion grew louder. He pulled back his hood, revealing a handsome face with sharp features. "Inak," Sixhonia hissed, her voice filled with panic. "You fool! They’ll think I’m a loose woman!"

  Inak, the son of the Hyen royal guard chief, smirked. "Relax, Sixhonia. I just wanted to see you."

  Before she could respond, the door burst open, and the lions charged in, their roars deafening. Sixhonia stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "Enough!" she said, placing a hand on Goldmane’s massive head. The lion growled but obeyed, its golden eyes fixed on Inak.

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  The Red Lions marched into the room, their swords drawn. I followed, my face a mask of fury. "What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger.

  Sixhonia turned to me, her eyes wide. "Sun, it’s not what you think—"

  "Not what I think?" I interrupted, my voice rising. "A man in your room at night? Do you take me for a fool?"

  The queen, who had rushed to the scene, stepped forward. "Sun, calm down. There’s been a misunderstanding."

  But I wasn’t listening. My pride was wounded, my heart aching with jealousy. The lions growled, their agitation mirroring my own. I drew my sword, the blade gleaming in the moonlight. "You’ve shamed the Leo family home," I said, my voice cold. "Both of you."

  ---

  Inak stepped forward, his own sword drawn. "If you’re so offended, King Sun, then challenge me to the Lion’s Pride. Let’s settle this like warriors."

  The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I glared at him, my injured arm throbbing but my pride refusing to back down. "Fine," I said, my voice steady. "Tomorrow, at dawn. We’ll see how arrogant you will be when I humble you."

  The Red Lions blew their horns—*BWAAAAH! BWAAAAH!*—signaling the acceptance of the challenge. I turned and left the room, the lions and guards following close behind.

  ---

  Back in my chambers, I collapsed onto my bed, my emotions overwhelming me. My mother entered, her face filled with concern. "Sun," she said softly, "anger is not the way to go. You’re a king now. You must think before you act."

  I didn’t respond, my eyes red with unshed tears. Lumina, my little sister, climbed onto the bed beside me, her small hand patting my arm. "Don’t cry, Sun," she said, her voice innocent and sweet. "You’re the strongest person I know."

  My mother left the room, chasing away the guards. She understood that I couldn’t be seen weak, not even by my most loyal soldiers. But she wasn’t done. She went looking for Xeona, her mind racing with a plan to help me.

  ---

  The queen found Xeona in the servants’ quarters, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears. "Xeona," the queen said, her voice firm. "Sun is about to make a terrible decision. He needs you."

  Xeona looked up, her eyes wide. "Me? But he hates me."

  The queen shook her head. "He doesn’t hate you. He’s hurt, confused. Go to him. Help him see reason."

  Xeona hesitated but finally nodded. "I’ll try."

  ---

  As the palace settled into an uneasy silence, I lay in my bed, Lumina curled up beside me. My mind raced with thoughts of Sixhonia, Inak, and the challenge ahead. I knew I had to be strong, but my heart ached with a pain I couldn’t ignore.

  The night stretched on, the moon casting its pale light over the palace. Tomorrow would bring a battle, not just for pride, but for the future of Waltonia.

  ---