Lyra was escorted from the air ship to the palace. She had never been in such a luxurious place, where everything seemed to be soft and comfortable, with servants waiting at your fingertips.

Yet, Lyra couldn't shake off the feeling that people were staring at her, as if expecting something of her. It made her uneasy, and a little anxious.

The vizier, who was now walking with her, explained the etiquette for greeting the king.

"Bow, don't curtsy. Treat him with utmost respect, and not the general respect you show the higher class. Always address him with 'your highness', 'your majesty', or your gracefulness.' Not a simple 'sir'. Keep your sentences to the point and short, am I clear?"

Lyra swallowed. "Crystal."

The vizier opened the door to the king's office. The king was sitting behind a desk, writing something on a tablet. Lyra bowed immediately, and then stood up slowly again. "Your majesty."

The king regarded her. He had red hair that was turned slightly gray, and looked to be around forty. He had sharp, unforgiving eyes, and Lyra shifted uncomfortably.

The king then broke into a smile without any warmth. "Hello, Lyra. I heard much about you?" Lyra bit her lip. "You did? I mean, you did your majesty?"

The king nodded, and ran his finger across his desk. "I believe you're the, 'healer', who nearly killed one of my soldiers." "I wouldn't say killed, your gracefulness." Lyra laughed nervously.

"Tell me, Lyra, where did you learn War Playing?" The king looked out the window. Lyra stiffened.

Learning War Playing without the king's permission was a one-way trip to prison, and if you learned enough, a death sentence. Lyra was unsure if she should answer.

The king raised an eyebrow, and then sighed. "You will be executed if you don't tell me. Where did you learn?"

Lyra swallowed. "I learned it from an old woman in my hometown. She died about seven years ago." The king tapped his chin. "Show me your skills."
"Your majesty? How can I-"

A servant came forward, cowering. The king held out a hand. "Play, if you will."

Lyra paled as her violin was handed to her. She looked at her violin, which felt more like a weapon against herself more than ever. "You're majesty, I'd rather use a target..." "You had no problem with attacking my soldier? Why do you have a problem with attacking a lowly servant?"

The servant looked at her, pleading in his eyes. Lyra's fingers moved slowly towards the strings. She finally took a deep breath, and lowered her violin.

"I'm sorry your majesty. But I only play for self-defense." The king's eyes flared. He picked up an axe against the wall, and threw it directly at Lyra. Lyra flinched and plucked some notes. The axe was deflected, and zoomed to hit the wall behind the king with a loud thunk.

The king stared at her. "How...how did you do that? And you weren't even playing arco?" Lyra brought the violin closer to herself. "I...practiced, your majesty." The king smiled an evil grin. "And you will be practicing. In my army, at least. "Your majesty?"

The king gestured towards the window. "Look for yourself." Lyra walked slowly towards the window, and peered downwards.

It was awful. Many, many men and women were destroying everything with their instruments. Any servants who got in the way were immediately thrown backwards, or murdered. Spikes lined all the instruments, and all of them seemed to rip apart anything in the playing field, not afraid to hurt their fellow comrades.

Lyra gasped and stepped backwards. "Your majesty, with all due respect, I refuse to go out into that hellhole." The king suddenly grabbed her throat. "If you don't, I will show you hell. You're already lucky you're not dead from killing my soldier-" "-Not really killing" "Shut up! Now listen to me. I will give you one more night of luxury." He released her throat. "And your training begins tomorrow. Are. We. Clear?"

Lyra rubbed her throat and looked hard at the king.

"Crystal."

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Hey guys! Sorry about not updating as much cuz I've been busy. But, I'll try and update more!

-Clo