As soon as Aratha named both Ashora and Ikshita, murmurs spread among the gathered ministers. The discussions were rife with speculation: Prince Ashora, they agreed, would ascend as the new king, while Princess Leona might serve as a pawn in a political marriage to secure alliances.
Aratha listened in silence until the weight of their words could no longer be borne. Rising to his full height, his voice boomed across the royal court. "The Meaders bloodline is not so feeble that it must rely on political marriages for survival! And as for Leona, do not forget she hails from the powerful Awakener bloodline."
His piercing gaze swept the room, silencing whispers. "Leona will be a powerful Awakener in her own right. Who knows what the future holds? She may surpass Ashora in her ability to lead this kingdom."
At that moment, three-year-old Leona, who barely comprehended the gravity of the conversation, began to cry. Through her tears, she wailed, "I will not hurt my brother!"
Tisya knelt beside her daughter, trying to soothe her, but Leona’s sobs only grew louder. To everyone's astonishment, Aratha—the man who had never bowed before even the mightiest empires—lowered himself to his knees, bringing himself to Leona's height. Gasps echoed through the hall as the once-unyielding Grandmaster humbled himself before a child.
"Dear, stop crying," Aratha said gently, his voice soft yet commanding. "I know you would never hurt your brother."
Leona hiccupped, her sobs subsiding as she looked into her grandfather’s eyes. Aratha’s face softened as he continued, "Promise me, dear. Promise me that you will become your brother's greatest strength and protect him from all harm."
Leona blinked away her tears and broke into a radiant smile. "I promise you, Grandmaster," she said with a small but resolute voice.
As the words left her lips, an extraordinary phenomenon unfolded. A crimson aura began to emanate from her tiny frame, swirling around her like a living flame. Behind her, a glowing red lotus materialized, its petals vibrant and pulsating with power. The earth beneath her feet shifted and rose, encasing her in a protective cocoon. A loud crack echoed as the ceiling of the royal court split apart.
"Protect everyone!" Androcottus bellowed, his commanding voice cutting through the chaos. The Stage 5 Awakener shielded the ministers and onlookers from the falling debris, ushering them to safety as the sky above turned a violent shade of violet. Streaks of lightning crackled and struck the red lotus, each bolt resonating with an otherworldly power.
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Amid the storm, an ethereal image appeared within the lotus: a lady cloaked in crimson light, her hand wielding red lightning. The sight left everyone in awe, their fear giving way to reverence.
When the phenomenon subsided, silence fell over the court. Leona lay unconscious, her small body cradled by the remnants of the earth cocoon. Androcottus rushed to her side, his movements both urgent and tender. He lifted his granddaughter into his arms, his face alight with joy.
"Leona has awakened," he declared, his voice trembling with pride. "She is now a Stage 1 Awakener, a master of the earth element with the power of red lightning!"
Androcottus inspected her carefully, noting the formation of an energy core near her cervix—a testament to her newfound abilities. His heart swelled with pride as he realized the magnitude of her potential.
Leona stirred awake moments later, her large eyes blinking up at her grandfather. "Gramps, I feel so different… and it hurts," she murmured, pointing to the source of her discomfort.
Androcottus chuckled, his relief evident. "That’s normal, dear. You’ve become a Stage 1 Awakener."
Leona’s face lit up with excitement. "Really? I’m an Awakener?" Her cheeks flushed with joy, and in her eagerness, a spark of red lightning escaped her fingertips, jolting Androcottus.
"Ow!" he exclaimed, though his laughter soon followed. "Careful with that power, little one."
The lighthearted moment was interrupted by the wails of baby Ashora. Androcottus turned to Leona, his tone becoming serious once more. "Come with me, Leona. You must learn to balance the energy within you. I will teach you how to harness natural energy so you do not frighten others."
Leona nodded, her enthusiasm undeterred by the weight of her new responsibilities. With Aratha by their side, the trio departed the court, leaving Amitrochates to conclude the meeting. He and Tisya returned to their chambers, cradling the still-crying Ashora.
A year passed, and the kingdom celebrated a momentous occasion: Ashora’s first birthday. The halls of the royal palace buzzed with joy, the echoes of that fateful day a constant reminder of the incredible future awaiting the Meaders bloodline.