Never more has Valeria wanted to strangle someone. Prince Jayden has to be the most insufferable person in the 4 kingdoms! Valeria remembers her conversation with Alaric soon after they left the throne room.

"What did you say to them to give me this?" Valeria asked, stunned.

"I pulled a few strings," Alaric said while taking off his glasses to wipe them.

"How many?" Valeria said.

"Enough to get you and a plus one a spot in the Scarlet Guild," Alaric said.

"Plus one? Who?" Valeria looked at him, her fiery eyes now soft embers, for she had a soft spot for her dear mentor, even if he was only two years older than her.

"Why, your best friend of course!" Alaric said, smiling. "If you don’t kill the prince after being near him, you will meet the rest of the members of the guild."

"What do you mean by 'if I don’t kill him'?" Valeria asked. Later she would realize how foolish she sounded.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” her mentor said with a wink.

“Yoo-hoo flamey! Ya there Val-Val?” the prince said, annoyingly cheery.

“Keep it up, and I'll turn your perfectly styled hair into a nest for Sable,” Val said, glaring at the maddening prince. Valeria had met the cute fox during introductions to the royal family, and she had to admit the fox seemed to be her favorite of them all.

“So, you think my hair is perfect!” Jayden said with the most aggravating grin.

“I’m extremely tempted to go to the armory, grab my dagger, and stab you,” Valeria said, half-joking.

“Aww, flamey cares!” Jayden said, hand on his heart.

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Valeria rolled her eyes. “I’m going to find Sable,” she said. At this, Jayden pouted.

“Why in all of Lunelaria would you go somewhere else when I’m right here?”

“Because I have standards.” Valeria walked off to try and find Sable when she was stopped by Aelar.

“Hello, Miss Shadow-flame.”

Valeria bowed, always safe when meeting royalty that hates you. “Hello Prince Aelar, how may I help you?” she said, faking politeness.

“First, stop bowing. If you’re going to be with my brother, we need to get past that. And I was wondering if you have seen the library.”

“The library? Yes, I know where it is. Would you like me to show you?” Valeria offered, trying to hide her surprise at Aelar’s friendly demeanor.

“Please,” Aelar said, smiling warmly. “I’ve heard it’s quite impressive.”

Valeria nodded and led the way to the grand library of the palace. As they walked, Aelar made an effort to engage her in conversation. “So, how are you finding your time here, Miss Shadow-flame?”

“It’s been… interesting,” Valeria replied, careful with her words. “And please, call me Valeria.”

“Valeria it is then,” Aelar said with a nod. “I understand my brother can be quite a handful.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” Valeria said with a slight laugh.

Aelar smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. “He means well, in his own way. But I can see how he might be… overwhelming.”

They reached the library, and Valeria's eyes widened in appreciation. “This is truly magnificent,” she said, taking in the vast collection of books.

"It is. There’s knowledge here that dates back centuries," Aelar replied with pride.

They spent some time exploring the library, and Valeria found herself relaxing in Aelar’s company. He was kind and respectful, a stark contrast to his brother.

After a while, Valeria received a message from Luna, delivered by the ginger messenger. “Luna needs my help,” she said, glancing at Aelar. “She’s moving her stuff to the palace and could use an extra pair of hands.”

“Of course,” Aelar said. “I wouldn’t want to keep you.”

Valeria started to leave, but Aelar stopped her. “Before you go, I have something for you.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace. It was a delicate gold chain with a pendant shaped like a flame, with a snake shadow in the middle made of obsidian and ruby. “I made this for you,” Aelar said, handing it to her.

Valeria stared at the necklace, stunned. “It’s beautiful,” she said softly. “Thank you.”

Aelar smiled. “I hope it brings you strength and courage.”

Valeria clasped the necklace around her neck, feeling a surge of warmth. “It already has,” she said. “Thank you, Aelar.”

As she turned to leave, she couldn’t help but feel a new sense of connection with Aelar. Perhaps, despite everything, they could be allies. Only time would tell…