The Grand Ballroom of Solaris Palace blazed with the light of a thousand enchanted crystals. Nobles from across the Thirteen Kingdoms mingled beneath vaulted ceilings painted with scenes from the realm's history, their finery glittering as they navigated the intricate dance of court politics.
Adam stood at the entrance, dressed in formal attire of deep crimson and black that complemented his white hair. His red eyes surveyed the crowd with practiced detachment. In his first life, he had hated these events—despised the whispers, the sidelong glances, the barely concealed fear. He had attended only when required, lurking in corners and counting the minutes until he could escape.
This time would be different.
"Nervous?" Marcus appeared beside him, resplendent in emerald and gold, his black hair perfectly styled. At seven, he already possessed the natural charisma that would one day make him a beloved ruler—in the timeline where Adam didn't kill him first.
"Should I be?" Adam replied, keeping his tone light.
Marcus shrugged. "Father says the Archmage of Azuria is here. And the Princess of the Western Isles. Important people."
"We're princes of House Morningstar," Adam said with calculated confidence. "They should be nervous to meet us."
Marcus laughed, delighted by his brother's unusual display of spirit. "Race you to the dessert table before the formal introductions?"
In his first life, Adam would have declined, considering such behavior beneath his dignity. A small divergence opportunity.
"You'll lose," Adam said, allowing a rare smile. "Your Emerald affinity won't help you navigate through this crowd."
"Watch me," Marcus grinned, and slipped into the throng with surprising agility for a seven-year-old.
Adam followed at a more measured pace, using the challenge as cover for his true purpose—reconnaissance. These nobles, ambassadors, and mages had been pieces on his chessboard in his previous life. Many had fallen to his schemes, becoming allies or victims. Now he studied them anew, evaluating which relationships might be worth cultivating differently this time.
Lord Kaelan of the Azure Tide, who would one day father Lirienne, the Azure Tidespeaker who had helped Marcus defeat him. Currently, the man was a mid-level diplomat with growing influence. In Adam's original timeline, he had arranged the man's disgrace to prevent his rise.
Lady Veraine of the Obsidian Circle, whose teachings in shadow magic had secretly aided Adam's development of void techniques. She had been one of his few genuine mentors—until he sacrificed her in a ritual at age nineteen.
And there—Ambassador Therion of the Ember Council, speaking with a tall, elegant woman whose crimson hair caught the light like living flame.
Shayna's mother. The woman who would give birth to the Crimson Flamedancer three years from now.
Adam paused, studying the woman. In his previous life, he had never bothered to learn about Shayna's origins, seeing her only as Marcus's loyal follower and eventually, one of his executioners. But now, with the Genesis System's fate perception partially unlocked, he recalled the fragmentary vision of a timeline where their relationship took a different path.
[SIGNIFICANT NEXUS IDENTIFIED]
[MULTIPLE DIVERGENCE OPPORTUNITIES]
The notification appeared just as a small commotion erupted near the dessert table. Marcus, in his haste, had collided with a serving tray, sending delicacies tumbling. Instead of embarrassment, his brother was laughing, already helping the flustered servant clean up the mess.
Typical Marcus—turning even his mistakes into opportunities to demonstrate his charm and humility.
Adam changed course, making his way toward Lady Ember. A seven-year-old approaching an adult diplomat would be unusual enough to be remembered. Small interactions now could create openings for major changes later.
"Prince Adam," a deep voice interrupted his path. "A moment of your time."
Adam turned to find Archmage Levian of Azuria regarding him with sharp, calculating eyes. The man was legendary—a master of all seven energies of the Spectrum, something achieved by only a handful of mages in history.
In Adam's original timeline, Levian had become one of his most formidable opponents, eventually falling to one of Adam's more ingenious traps. But not before nearly defeating him on three separate occasions.
"Archmage," Adam bowed with perfect courtesy. "It's an honor."
Levian's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've heard interesting reports of your progress from Magister Valen."
Adam maintained a neutral expression. "He's an excellent teacher."
"Indeed. Particularly gifted in restraint techniques." The Archmage studied him intently. "A curious focus for one with the Crossmark."
The comment was deliberate provocation—a reference to the ancient superstition that those with cross-shaped pupils were destined for destruction rather than control. In his previous life, such insinuations had enraged Adam, confirming his belief that the world had judged him before he'd had a chance to define himself.
[EMOTIONAL REACTION DETECTED]
[RECOMMENDED: STRATEGIC RESPONSE]
Adam inclined his head. "I find balance in all things to be valuable, Lord Archmage. Creation and destruction. Power and restraint." He met the man's gaze directly. "The Crossmark is just a shape, after all. Its meaning is what we choose to make of it."
Surprise flickered across Levian's features—clearly not the response he had expected from a child.
"Intriguing perspective," the Archmage murmured. "Tell me, young prince, have you read Magister Oren's 'Treatise on Spectrum Symmetry'?"
"Not yet," Adam replied truthfully. In his first life, he hadn't discovered that text until his fifteenth year. "Is it something you would recommend?"
A calculating look passed over Levian's face. "Perhaps. For a mind properly prepared." He produced a small crystal from his robes—violet in color, inscribed with tiny runes. "A gift for our host's son. A focusing tool. More effective than the training constructs you've been using."
Adam accepted the crystal, feeling the latent energy pulsing within it. Archmage Levian had never given him a gift in his original timeline. This was an unexpected divergence—one he hadn't engineered.
"Thank you," Adam said, genuine curiosity in his voice. "May I ask why?"
Levian's mouth curved in a slight smile. "Let's call it an investment in possibility. The Crossmark has historically indicated great potential—for creation or destruction. I find myself curious which path you'll choose."
Before Adam could respond, trumpets sounded, announcing the formal start of the celebration. King Tiberius and Queen Elara entered the ballroom, regal in their ceremonial attire.
"We shall speak again, Prince Adam," Levian said, inclining his head before moving away.
Adam slipped the crystal into his pocket, mind racing. The Archmage's interest suggested that his careful balancing act was working—projecting enough control to intrigue rather than threaten, showing enough potential to be valued rather than feared.
Marcus appeared at his side, face flushed with excitement. "You missed it! I got to taste every dessert before they even served them!"
"I had an interesting encounter instead," Adam replied, nodding toward the retreating Archmage.
Marcus's eyes widened. "Levian of Azuria spoke to you? What about?"
"He gave me this." Adam showed his brother the violet crystal.
"Whoa," Marcus breathed, genuinely impressed. "Father says he never gives gifts." He looked at Adam with something approaching admiration. "What did you say to him?"
"Nothing special," Adam shrugged, secretly pleased by his twin's reaction. In his first life, Marcus had never looked at him that way—with respect rather than concern or pity.
The formal presentations began, and the twins took their places behind their parents. As nobles approached the throne to pay respects, Adam noticed Lady Ember again, now accompanied by a severe-looking man—her husband, presumably.
A plan began forming in his mind. Small interactions now. Casual meetings later. Positioned relationships that would bear fruit years down the line, when Shayna entered the picture.
[LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PATHWAY IDENTIFIED]
[CONTINUE CURRENT TRAJECTORY?]
Yes, Adam decided. He would continue building these new connections, creating a web of relationships that diverged from his original path. Not for redemption—he scoffed at the very idea—but for advantage. For victory through means untried in his previous life.
And if that victory required playing the role of the perfect prince a while longer, so be it. He had waited twenty-three years for power once before.
He could be patient again.
As the king began his equinox address, speaking of balance between light and shadow, Adam caught Marcus watching him with a puzzled expression—as if seeing his twin for the first time.
"What?" Adam whispered.
Marcus shook his head slightly. "You're different lately. In a good way."
"Am I?"
"Less... alone."
Adam turned his attention back to the king's speech, unsettled by his brother's perception. Was he truly changing, or merely becoming more skilled at deception?
And why did the distinction suddenly matter?