The sword whistled past my face, barely missing. I felt the rush of air and watched as a few stray hairs drifted to the ground. I gritted my teeth, pushing off my back foot and twisting my body to parry the next strike. Steel clanged, and my arms vibrated with the impact.

“Stop thinking with your head and use your training,” my instructor’s voice barked from somewhere to my left.

He was right. I could feel myself overthinking every move, and it was slowing me down. But I couldn’t shake the thoughts swirling in my head. Today wasn’t just any day—it was my eighteenth birthday, the day I would finally prove myself. I’d trained for as long as I could remember for this moment. I was already accepted into Valerius, the most prestigious military academy in the system. Centron Prime, a planet entirely dedicated to training the empire’s best. It was one of five planets that orbited Alpha Centauri B, as close to the core worlds as one could get without clearance.

I spun and deflected another blow, but the strike was sluggish. I was distracted.

“Hold!” my instructor called.

We both froze and bowed, a sign of respect that was drilled into us from the beginning, even in practice. I wiped the sweat from my brow and straightened, waiting for what came next.

My instructor, a scarred veteran with a permanent scowl, limped toward us, his walking stick tapping against the duracrete training ground. “That’s enough, guardsman Gregory. You’re dismissed. Alexander, you’ve got other duties today. We’ll continue later.”

I gave him a small bow, stifling the annoyance that prickled beneath my skin. The training was cut short again. The last time I hadn’t shown respect, I earned a backhand that left a welt for days. The memory brought a ghost of a smile to my lips.

I caught a glimpse of Gregory grinning beneath his helmet, clearly pleased with himself. I knew the guards enjoyed any opportunity to put us “stuck-up nobles” in our place, but Gregory was the best sparring partner I’d had. Besides, he’d earned this one.

As I passed him, Gregory couldn’t resist a parting jab. “Stay sharp, Lord Alexander. You won’t have time to think on the battlefield.”

I ignored the comment, though I could have had him reprimanded for it. Losing my best sparring partner over a petty insult wasn’t worth it. Today wasn’t about bruised egos anyway. It was the culmination of everything I’d worked for—my chance to prove to the Dravens, to my adoptive father, Lord Marcus Draven, and myself that I wasn’t just a name. I was ready for Valerius. Ready to step out of the shadow of the family name and carve my own path.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden light over the courtyard as I strode across it. Normally, I would have taken a moment to appreciate its warmth, but not today. Today, everything hung on the outcome of my birthday ceremony.

I had aced every test, topped every class, and trained harder than any of my so-called siblings. After today, no one could doubt my worth.

The sound of armoured boots clanking against the duracrete announced his arrival before I saw him. Cedric Draven. The eldest of the Draven family, my adoptive brother, and a thorn in my side since the day I set foot in this house. At twenty, Cedric was already a cadet at Valerius, and he’d ensured I knew my place every step of the way.

“Still alive, I see,” Cedric sneered, his eyes scanning me with a mocking glint.

I stiffened but held my tongue. Cedric was everything I wasn’t: confident, ruthless, and already entrenched in the Draven legacy. Every insult, every jab was calculated to remind me of my place. To him, I was nothing more than a threat to his inheritance.

“I thought you might’ve taken a beating out here today,” he continued, stepping into my path. His hand rested lazily on the hilt of his sword, a show of casual dominance. “But it seems they’re still going easy on you.”

I stared back at him, unblinking. “Training was cut short,” I said flatly. “I have other duties.”

He smirked, taking a step closer. “Duties, is it? Or are you just biding time before they realise sending you to Valerius was a mistake?”

I clenched my fists at my sides but kept my expression neutral. Inside, anger simmered, but I wouldn’t let him see me break. “I earned my place.”

Cedric chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. “Earned it, did you? Don’t fool yourself. You’re just a charity case, Alexander. A nobody. You think father really cares whether you succeed?”

I swallowed the anger building in my throat. Every word he spoke was designed to undermine me, to remind me that I wasn’t truly part of this family. But I wouldn’t let him see me break.

Cedric took a step back, satisfied with the damage he’d inflicted. “Good luck with your… duties,” he said, the words dripping with condescension. “I’m sure they’ll be very impressed with whatever small task they’ve given you today.”

I watched him walk away, my jaw tight. Cedric always knew how to twist the knife just enough. But today, his words didn’t matter. I was ready. Today was the day I would finally prove them all wrong.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

I walked into the barracks, using the direct access as a shortcut through to the main house. The only people around who would have noticed my shortcut were the servants. And they wouldn’t dare say anything to one of the Draven family.

I sighed, knowing that today was my chance to prove my worth. No matter what Cedric or anyone else thought, I was ready.

A voice calling out brought me back from my thoughts. “Lord Alex.” 

I looked around and spotted Jax leaning against the doorway, a smirk playing on his lips. “Taking shortcuts again, Lord Alex?” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Jax’s presence was a comforting reminder of our shared past, and the countless times he’d had my back.

“Just trying to save some time,” I replied, walking over to him. Jax pushed off the doorframe and fell into step beside me, his usual confident stride matching mine.

“Well, you’re on time for once, and let's be honest. You need all the time you can get,” Jax said, his tone light, but I could tell he was worried. He patted the small toolkit hanging from his belt, something I had learnt he did to calm himself.

“Thanks, Jax,” I said as he dropped back a set behind me. I knew that could only mean he had spotted someone. I was constantly reminded that the servants were never to walk as equals to nobles. 

“Alexander. Come here, please.” Called my mother, Lady Elara Draven. I groaned inwardly. Facing my adoptive mother was the last thing I wanted, especially today. She was a vacuum, sucking all the joy from the world. 

I hurried over to where I could see her waiting. Bowing before her, I grimaced as I spoke. “Hello, Mother. How wonderful to see you today.” 

I watched as her eyes narrowed. “Don’t be vulgar, Alexander. It doesn't suit a Draven. And while you represent our family, you will act as a member of the Draven household.” 

“Yes, Mother. I am sorry if I upset you.” I replied quickly. “How can I help you today?” 

“I wanted to know why you are not ready yet.” She started. I could see the sneer on her face. “The ceremony is in 1 hour. Yet I find you still in your training clothes. Why are you not ready?” 

I looked at her for a second. The ceremony wasn't supposed to start for another 3 hours. I turned to Jax. He shook his head. It seemed he wasn't aware of this either. 

“My apologies, Mother. It seems I was told a different time. If you will excuse me.” I turned and waved for Jax to follow. 

“Be sure you don't embarrass us today, Alexander.” Said Elara. “You wouldn't like what happens.” 

I felt my ears turn red as I struggled to get away from her any faster than a quick walk. It was frowned upon if members of the Draven house were seen running around. I always found the rule stupid. 

“This way, Alex.” Waved Jax as he opened the door leading into my room. I looked around and stepped into the room. The bed was still the way I had left it earlier. I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I had been holding. The maids hadn't been to this part of the house yet. They always had to start with my parent's side first.

I pulled out a small slice of cake from the bedside drawer. Setting it down on the bed. It was wrapped in paper, the best I could do without raising questions. It was Betty’s birthday today as well. She hadn’t realised that I had overheard her talking with one of the other maids. 

Jax watched me, shaking his head. “You spoil them, Alex.”

I ignored him. Putting the card I had made with the cake. “You know that she won't get any recognition from the household. This is the least I can do for her.”I smiled. That would do. She was sure not to miss it. I hoped. “When did they move the ceremony, Jax?” I asked as I stood up and pulled off my jacket. 

“I’m looking that up now. It wasn't changed yesterday. Something must be driving this. The time and date have been set for months.” Replied Jax. His hand swiped across in the air. He had the projected holographic implant. Allowing him to see a screen in front of him. It was a logical choice for what his role was. As my personal assistant, Jax would always be with me. He had taken a lifelong oath.

I pulled the rest of my clothes off walking into the bathroom. Well, I wasn't sure it could be called a bathroom. In the orphanage, we had a shared bathroom. It wouldn't even have been as big as the cupboard the towels were in. The bathroom that was mine could have housed all of the children at the orphanage. 

It really was that stupidly oversized. 

Jax walked back in as I stepped out of the shower. I smirked as he stopped and ran his hand down his face. “Honestly, Alex. Can you please put something on? No one wants to see your parts ok. I hate to tell you this, but sometimes you have to tell the people you care about.” 

Ignoring his antics again, I walked out of the bathroom, crossing the bedroom to the wardrobe. Honestly, if the bathroom defied logic, the wardrobe was just overkill. Ignoring most of the room, I aimed at the only part I ever used. Two hanging racks housed all the clothes I ever wore. 

Growing up in the orphanage made me realise just how wasteful the Nobel houses were. Jax had ground up there with me. We were both 9 when we were adopted. Or, well, I was adopted, Jax was taken and trained to be by my assistant. 

“Alex. I have the information you wanted.” Said Jax as he cleared his throat. 

I waited for Jax to continue. Getting dressed as the seconds ticked by before I finally sighed. Waiting was never my strong point. “Well, don't keep me in suspense. Why the sudden change?” 

I watched as Jax’s shoulder slumped. “Promise you won't yell at me.” Said Jax. “I didn't have anything to do with this.” 

“Just tell me, Jax.” My patience was starting to run thin. 

“It seems the emperor has arrived. He will be overseeing your birthday ceremony.” Rambled Jax quickly. 

I stared at him for a long time before I finally responded. “I’m sorry, what.” 

 “It seems that…” Started Jax again. This time slower. 

I snapped. “I know what you said, Jax. I’m struggling to understand the why.” 

Jax looked at me sadly. He knew something but wasn't telling me. “What is it, Jax,” I asked. Almost scared to hear his answer. 

“If I’m reading this right.” Started Jax quietly. “It doesn't seem that you are going to Valerius. The Emperor is here to give you a title.” 

I stared at him, I could feel my mouth moving, but there was nothing coming out. To give a title was in line with shipping that person out to some new region of the galaxy. Surely, my adoptive parents wouldn’t go that far. 

I would mean that they were pushing to expand their area of control. It would make me the start of a sub-branch family. I shook my head. No, my father had put too much time and expense into moulding me to be a military commander. 

Jax was watching me. I could see him wanting to talk. “Jax,” I said slowly. “Could you be wrong about this?” 

“Possibly…” Said Jax as he turned his head. He couldn't look me in the eyes. 

I let out the breath I had been holding. “Come on,” I called back over my shoulder as I shuffled the coat to sit correctly. “Let's go if the emperor is really here. We don’t want to keep him waiting.”