Alveretta.It's a surname that means Fiery Rose. But that definition doesn't really match the rest of my family. Only I, Joselyn Alveretta, am the one true Fiery Rose!
"Ngh…" I grumbled.
The rising sunlight warmed my face, shining through the balcony windows beside my bed. The light bounced off smooth plant vases just outside, scattering bright spots across the floor and walls.
The sun lit up my whole room, glinting off the self-portraits my servants painted of me, and the souvenirs gifted from companions in other kingdoms.
With a yawn and a stretch, I pulled myself out of bed. I stepped onto the balcony and grabbed my rusted watering can, then began giving each of my plants an equal, plentiful drink.
"Drink up, my little things…" I mumbled sleepily.
I had all kinds of flowers, but most of them were red hibiscus. My favorite.
I looked out over the balcony, and curiosity got the best of me. Down below, I spotted my father, Azralyn Alveretta, speaking with a man and a girl beside him. I squinted, then widened my eyes when I realized who it was.
"No way! What are the chances?!"
It was the Lenorre family. And the girl. That was Lucia Lenorre. My pen pal. My friend. Basically my second brain at this point.
We'd been writing to each other since we were barely able to hold pens. She always talked about how she loved the beauty of Paradise, and how she wished she lived here instead of her future kingdom, Pyraquartz Hold.
I tossed the watering can back into the gardening box and rushed inside, sprinting through the vast halls of the palace. The structure had been built by freed slaves under my father's command. Though they chose to stay and shape this kingdom.
My father, Azralyn, was what people called a hero. He freed hundreds, and together, they created Paradise.
I nearly tripped down the last set of stairs in my excitement. When I saw her, my eyes lit up and so did hers.
"Lucia!" I called out.
"Joselyn!" she yelled back, just as excited.
We rushed into a hug while our fathers stood nearby talking. I couldn't quite hear them, just bits and pieces. Words like "safety" and "security." But it didn't matter. Lucia was here!
"You two don't go causing any trouble, you hear?" Father said in his usual annoying, lecturing tone. "It's a privilege that Lucia is visiting, Joselyn."
"Yeah, Father. I won't," I answered in that obedient tone kids like me use when we're definitely about to break the rules.
Father led Mr. Lenorre into the grand dining hall, and the moment they were gone, Lucia and I were off.
"What are we doing first, Joselyn?" she asked as we ran down the long corridor, her hand gripping mine.
I thought as we ran, then it hit me. "We could watch my cousins spar!"
She grinned. "Let's do it!"
We dashed through the palace, hand-in-hand, until we reached the Fight Room. The windows were a bit dusty, but clear enough to watch through.
Inside, my cousins clashed. Sword to sword, hand to hand, even with Blessings. All kinds of combat were allowed here.
Lucia and I watched from the hallway. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. Even though my cousins weren't my blood, just people Father adopted over the years, I was still the only pure-blooded Alveretta left.
Swords clanged. Fists struck. Blessings sparked and shimmered. It was beautiful.
Ever since I was little, well, I still am little, I've always loved the thrill of battle.
Father says when I was five, I killed fifty grasshoppers in ten minutes.
I believe him.
I glanced at Lucia. She wore the same expression as me. Focused, excited. That's why I liked her. We were alike. Just a couple of twelve-year-olds who loved a good fight.
"Hey… Joselyn…" she muttered, eyes still locked on the sparring.
"Yeah, Lucia?"
"Do you think we'll get Blessings?"
The idea of me and Lucia, wielding godlike power? That'd be amazing. I didn't care if it was from the Savior or the Falling Star.
"Yes. We definitely will," I said quietly.
Lucia turned toward me, worry in her eyes. "How can you be so sure?"
Truth is, I didn't know. Blessing or not, I'd fight anyway.
"Because… I feel it. In my heart."
She tightened her grip on my hand.
Then suddenly—
"This is boring! Let's go scare some maids!" Lucia said, her voice sharp and mischievous.
I flinched in surprise, but then grinned.
"Yeah, sure… let's do it!"
***
As the children disappeared into the halls, laughter echoing behind them, I turned and led Lenorre into the dining hall. Sunlight streamed in through the high stained-glass windows, casting colored patterns on the polished stone floor. Servants set down tea without being asked.
"I appreciate you coming all this way, Lenorre,"
I said, motioning for him to sit. "I know Pyraquartz has its own burdens."
Lord Lenorre was a tall man, face sharp as flint and eyes like carved obsidian. Unyielding, but not unkind.
"Of course, Azralyn. When I get a letter stamped with the Alveretta seal, I don't hesitate."
He took his seat and folded his hands calmly. "Especially not when my daughter is dying to see your son."
I gave a faint smile. "They've grown close. That's good."
But I didn't call Lenorre here to talk about children's friendships.
I stood and walked toward the open balcony doors at the far end of the room. From here, you could see much of Paradise. Golden spires, glimmering gardens, and the sprawling perimeter wall still under construction.
"The wall," I said, voice low, "was supposed to be finished by spring. It's not even halfway done. We're running short on stone, even shorter on patience. I fear… that Paradise is too open."
Lenorre stood and joined me at the balcony. His eyes followed mine across the wall's unfinished edge. Gaps large enough to ride three horses through. A defense that would hold no one back.
"I see what you mean," he said. "You're vulnerable."
I nodded. "I was hoping Pyraquartz Hold might be willing to sell a shipment of granite. Enough to finish the wall before the rains come."
Lenorre didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned on the railing, thinking. He was the kind of man who measured his words before offering them.
"You'll have it," he said finally. "Three full convoys' worth. Granite, basalt, and a few loads of limestone for the outer trim, if you'd like it."
Relief washed over me, but I kept my expression calm. "You're generous."
"I'm also practical," he replied. "A weakened Paradise puts all our borders at risk. A threat to you is eventually a threat to me."
He looked at me now, more direct. "That's why I'll also send a detachment of knights. My best. You need protection."
I turned to him fully. "That won't be necessary."
He raised a brow. "Are you certain?"
"I am." My voice was calm, but firm. "I won't risk my people mistaking your soldiers for conquerors. Paradise is built by those who chose freedom. I won't bring in outsiders with swords, no matter how friendly their flag."
Lenorre studied me a moment longer, then nodded slowly. "You've always been stubborn. It's one of your better traits."
"Stubbornness built this kingdom. I intend for it to protect it too."
We returned to our seats, the mood steadier now. Outside, a distant shout, probably Joselyn, echoed through the courtyard, followed by giggles. Children at peace, for now.
"I'll send word to my mason guild tonight," Lenorre said. "You should have your stone within a fortnight."
I inclined my head in gratitude. "Then Paradise will stand before the season turns."
We raised our cups of tea in a silent toast. One to stone, one to peace.
For now.