The common room of the second born dormitory is dimly lit with the soft glow of a fireplace illuminating the space. Kamaria has gathered lunette rowan rosalva hendrick and marklye. They all sit down in a circle with ere expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism.

Hendrick: (he started to lean back in his chair) this academy isn’t just about leadership. It's a battlefield where every move matters. I’ve been observing all of you and I think you have realized by now that trust here is as fragile as glass.

Rosalva: (frowning) what are you saying? We can't trust each other?

The group started to exchange uneasy glances. And lunette leans forward, her eyes narrowing.

Lunette: You've been holding something back kamaria. What is it?

Kamaria: (she started to take a deep breath) I wasn't completely honest about why I came to the Royal Academy. This isn't just about proving myself as a leader. It’s about uncovering the truth about my family and the kingdom of Valtoria.

The room gets silent and everyone was shocked.

Rowan: Valtoria? That kingdom that got wiped out years ago. They were… accused of reason weren't they?

Kamaria: (there was anger in her voice) Accused. My family was made into scapegoats for crimes they didn’t commit.

Rosalva: crimes? That Ms. Lucinda mentioned in class? I Remembered. But it all makes sense she also hinted that Victoria's fall wasn't as clear cut as we were taught. But even if it is true, who could have done it? It can’t be anybody at the school cause it happened way before we were born.

Rosalva she started to think heavily about this but she wasn't the only one.

Kamaria: lucinda said that valtoria overworked its people and stole funds and sold them into slavery and worse. However what she didn’t say was it was a cover up.

Everyone was shocked and confused by that statement.

Alaric: What do you mean a cover up?

Kamaria: Like I said, another family used my family as a scapegoat to cover up their mess. What I want to know is why? My parents died to defend our name. And just like that everyone turned their back on them.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Lunette: Thirteen Crowns of Valtoria? Could that be it?

Hendrick: could be but you're forgetting something remember what alaric said? Why is it called Thirteen Crowns of Valtoria if twelve came together. So alaric what does that mean?

Everyone looked at Alaric waiting for answer.

Alaric smirk because the conversation got good people were asking the right question.

Alaric: Yes, why is it called that if twelve come together? That's what I would like to know? Sorry but that's information i don't have yet

Markyle: yet? What do you mean? You were already looking into it? If that's the case then where are you getting your information from? I mean to ask what do you do in your free time? Where do you go when you have the time?

Everyone was curious about that because he usually keeps to himself alaric and does not participate in the activities at school. Usually just keeps to himself or so they thought.

Alaric: I am in the library reading books and i also play chess.

Markyle: By yourself? I highly doubt that?

Alaric: What is the sudden interest in me and my daily life? Do you admire that much Markyle? Now I can be brilliant the majority of the time however?

Alaric was cut off.

Markyle: Shut up, that's not what I meant and you know it?

Alaric: We are not here about me, we are here about kamaria. Now Kamaria, why did you tell us all of this? I am sure it couldn’t have been all for nothing. Is there something you need from all of us?

Now everyone’s eyes were fixated on kamaria.

Kamaria: I can't battle this alone so I ask you to please help me figure out who was the one responsible for it? I know it took place a long time ago however , can you guys ask your families if they know something? It's no one at the school but the families though they are at fault the question is whos family?

Lunette: You want us to not only help you figure it out but bring them down as well?

Kamaria: I want us to play the long game. To outthink them outmaneuver them and make them answer for what they done.

Rowan: (Hesitant) That’s… a lot to ask.

Kamaria: I know and I don't expect you guys to trust me right away. However, think about it like this: what's stopping them from doing the same thing to your kingdoms?

Hendrick: Really think so? But we don’t have anything to offer.

Kamaria: That's not true. Each kingdom is special and powerfully in their own little way and it's because of that power people get jealous and they will do whatever means necessary to get rid of it.

Rosalva: She is right. This academy is a battlefield and if we are going to do this we need a real strategy.

End of chapter 3…