The crown system: four kings bound to me
Orion told her breakfast was ready and she should serve herself, so she did—and noticing Kael still hadn't eaten, she served him a plate too, drawing a quiet, surprised thanks from him.
They left the house together once the meal was finished, and the academy grounds greeted them with the particular energy of a school fully awake. Students hurried between buildings, teachers exchanged morning greetings, and older students ran drills in the open courtyards, small bursts of elemental light flickering against the stone. The Crown Kings didn't command the space so much as move through it—recognized, familiar, unremarkable in their belonging. Still, as the five of them passed, murmurs followed. So