"Wake up," the boy's mother urged him. "We're almost there."

"Already?" the boy replied, opening his eyes.

An orb of light glowed and lit the room slowly, allowing the adjustment of the boy's eyes. "What time is it?" the boy asked.

"It's 5:13," his mother said. "Come on, you have to get up or you'll miss it."

"Fine," the boy replied. "I'm getting up." He swung his feet over the side of the bed and placed them on the cold floor. The boy followed his mother across the hallways and towards the viewing platform of their space cruiser. The viewing platform was exceptionally large, allowing a full three-sixty panoramic view of the galaxy. The boy had his gaze on one thing and one thing only: the planet Tempest. It was bluer than the ocean back on his home planet of Nesu. "It's so beautiful," the boy said, gazing out the window.

"Yes, it is, Henry," his mother replied. "You should pack your things; the ship lands in twenty minutes." "In one moment, I want to take in the view just a little longer." Henrys mother watched as her son stared at the icy blue Tempest. She watched him as the memories started flowing through her. She remembered the time he first walked on the beach back home on Sol during a summer vacation. Or the time he broke his wrist helping his father carry goods from one container to another. He thought he was strong enough to carry a box too heavy for him, but Marie chastised her husband for throwing it at her son. But Henry was stronger now, his eighteenth birthday coming, marking a new age for himself and his family. Henry's family, the Soleil, was founded as their ancestors were rumored to once live on a moon that orbited the sun in their home solar system. The House Soleil created a merchant dynasty headquartered on their planet Sol. All trade bridging the galaxy travels through this solar system port and exchanges goods as a cultural and economic hub. Henry watched his father control this hub, a merchant leader. The emperor saw that his father's trading empire was significant enough to bestow the title of baron, a new title created for Philip, upon his family. Henry could care less about titles. All he saw was his father, but his father saw more for his family. Philip saw an entrance, an opening to push his house into more power. Soleil was one of the four families who ruled the galaxy. House Soleil, House Virtu, House Sanguine, and House Astra were the ruling houses, each ruling their own corner of the galaxy. The emperor's own house Fiore was the royal family, ruling with an iron fist for the past one thousand years. Their history, however, has been lost to time. Some say that the Fiore built a throne in the middle of the known universe; others say they were voted into a leadership role. Some say it was built by wiping out its previous enemies.

Regardless of their true origins, the Fiore were the leaders of the known galaxy. Henry knew that his father was not the biggest fan of the royal family, but he never told him why. He assumed it was because his father wanted to be the king, or that he was jealous. Regardless, Philip always told his son that it was better to have a friend than a foe. This saying always made sense to Henry.

Henry, after watching the blue planet, remembered his mother's words and returned to his bedroom. The room was larger than any other aboard the ship. His bed was massive and was decorated with the finest of silks and furs. The walls were painted with a dark blue which gave the illusion of an open sky. It reminded him of the Ignis plains back home. The plains were vast and open and was a beautiful place. There were even some rumors of a monster living out in the plains, a fire-breathing lizard, but Henry did not believe the rumors.

Henry looked around the room and saw his bags had already been packed and loaded into the shuttle. His family was in a hurry. He then proceeded to his father's study to see what his father was doing. Henry slowly opened the door, not wanting to disturb his father. Henry saw his father sitting at his desk looking through a holo tablet. Philip turned around and saw his son.

"Good morning," Philip said, smiling. "You're awake."

"Good morning," Henry replied. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Philip replied. "Just checking on some stuff."

"Like what?" Henry asked.

"Oh, just some trade and production reports. I have a meeting when we land and I need to have all the information straight."

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"A meeting with the emperor?"

"Yes."

"What for?"

"Just to make sure everything is working well."

"Why would the emperor need to know if everything was working well?"

"He needs to make sure we're all on the same page."

"Father stop being vague," Henry said, annoyed.

"Fine," Philip said. "But this is top secret information."

Henry grabbed a chair and sat down. "Tell me," Henry replied.

"The emperor's eldest daughter is coming of age as so are you."

Henry thought for a moment before his father could continue. He already alluded to the future words approaching from his tongue. "Are you trying to marry me off to the emperor's daughter?"

"Yes," Philip bluntly replied.

"And if I don't?" Henry questioned.

"You will," Philip replied.

"No."

Philip stops and smiles. He places a hand on his son's cheek.

"I know you may think you're all grown up; you've been taught well by your mother and your other teachers, but I know what's best for you, my son."

"So, you're telling me I have no choice?" Henry questioned.

"I wouldn't say it like that."

"How would you say it then?"

"It would be an honor, Henry. You could potentially become the emperor or your son at least. It would be the next big step in the future of our house."

"Our house?"

"Yes, your mother and I are getting older and it would be best for the house to have a strong, capable leader in the future. One that isn't a weak and sickly old man."

"You're not an old man father."

Philip smiles. "I know, but I will be soon."

Henry gets up and leaves the room. His father doesn't say a word. Henry returns to his room and sits against the base of his bed. He plays with the ring on his index finger. It was the ring of House Soleil. It was a silver ring with an orange line through the ring center that lit in just the right way in the dark.

His mind starts to wander. His thoughts start to run through the possibilities. Was he trained enough to lead House Soleil into a new era? Was he strong enough? He did not think so. His thoughts then start to drift towards the girl. Who is she? Is she smart? Funny? Kind? Cruel? Will she hate him or love him? Does it even matter? His thoughts on marriage and relationships were his decision to make, not his father's. The door to his room opens up. His friend and his father's closest advisor entered the room.

"How are you doing Henry?"

"I'm fine, Remmy," Henry replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Because you don't seem fine. I watched you storm out of your father's study."

"There's a lot on my mind."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not particularly."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Remmy was quiet for a moment.

"Well, I'd like to talk if that's okay." Remmy looks at Henry and sees his face is still sour.

"Your father is planning on making you the head of the house. He has been planning it for years. Maybe it began before you were born, but you're right. The decision is completely up to you. Your father knows that himself. He is just trying to secure the future of the house. You don't have to get married. You don't even have to lead the house, but there is one thing you can do."

"And what is that?"

"Stop sulking like a baby; you're eighteen for crying out loud. Act like it."

Henry's sour face turns into a smile. "That's a good way of putting it."

"I know."

Remmy looks at Henry's hand and sees the ring. "Is that the ring?" Remmy asked.

Henry turns his hand to show Remmy.

"Yeah. It feels weird wearing it. I don't know why."

"Maybe it is because it's proof that you are your father's heir. It means that you are ready to take over."

"Do you think I am ready?"

"Yes. I believe you are. You've been training your whole life and it has not gone unnoticed."

"Thank you, Remmy, I needed this support." Remmy hugs Henry and then helps the young man to his feet.

"I would recommend changing into your formal robes. We are meeting the emperor shortly."

"Right."

Remmy laughs and then leaves the room. Henry changes into a simple red suit and heads to the bridge to watch their approach. Philip and Marie were there ready and waiting. His father looks at him and then back at the planet. His father then spoke with a stern voice. "Before we land, I want you to spar with Etienne."

"What, now?"

"Yes, now. As soon as we land we will face dangers as the other houses are convening with us to discuss the state of the galaxy."

Henry paused for a moment and thought about what his father was implying. The other houses could try anything at his meeting.

Henry nodded his head and left the room. He met with Etienne who was in the training facility of the ship. Other members of the crew used this room to workout or blow off steam or of course spar. Etienne was Philip's warmaster. They had met long ago when Henry's grandfather met Etienne's father. Etienne and his father were a part of a mercenary group that assimilated with the Soleil army. They became a special unit in the army called Jaegers. Etienne fought with Henry's father in a long-ago planetary dispute between the Soleils and the Sanguines.

Etienne was a tall and lean man with dark skin and short black hair. He had a tattoo marked under his eye that resembled a small scar. The mark of a Jaeger.

Etienne had trained with Henry since he was a child. He was the best warrior in the empire. His reputation was well earned; he had killed many a foe with his skill and cunning. Etienne was the reason Henry was so skilled. Henry could take down men twice his size.

"Are you ready for our last lesson?"

"You mean your final defeat?"

"You cheated that time; I will not be caught off guard again."