PoV- Queen Xilonem
From the balcony of the Celestial Spire, my dominion sprawled above me—a tapestry of light and shadow woven by starships gliding between the heavens. These vessels, metallic petals adrift on a cosmic wind, carried whispers from realms so distant they belonged to universes parallel to our own.
My father's vision had forged an empire from scattered galaxy clusters into a realm that spanned the known universe. Under my reign, we reached further, our ambition a flame burning against the void's infinite dark.
"Enjoying the view, my lady?" The voice that broke my reverie was as familiar as it was welcome, its timbre sturdy yet kind. Like that of a soldier.
Retas approached, his alabaster hair catching the starlight, a stark contrast to the rich earth of his skin. His black suit accentuated his towering, muscular frame, making him seem carved from the night itself.
I offered a faint smile to my most trusted commander. "Do the stars beckon, Retas?"
He rubbed the side of his long neck and nodded. "They do. I received a mission to pacify a rebellious world in one of our universal colonies."
I nodded, stepping closer. "Then allow me to send you off with a blessing."
"Most gladly, my Lady." He knelt, his purple eyes meeting mine with unwavering loyalty.
Drawing my sword, I tapped its blunt edge against his broad shoulders. "May the Twelve Great Titans guard you, valiant warrior. Reach for the stars beyond this realm, bring glory to the gods of old, and weave your life into the tapestry of history."
Retas smiled as he looked up, making him look even more dashing than he already was. "I will, your Highness."
I sheathed my blade and stepped back. "Safe travels, old friend."
He rose, saluting sharply before turning to leave. A pang gripped my heart as his footsteps faded. Foreboding formed a pit in my stomach, cold and unyielding. The Titans had always protected him, and Retas was no frail soul—but even the mightiest had limits.