Dawn had barely broken when Lysander heard the heavy footsteps outside his door. The imperial escort had arrived exactly as expected - not with the courtesy befitting a prince, but with the caution reserved for a threat.
"Your Highness," Cassius Drakos called through the door. "The Crown Prince's escort awaits."
Lysander opened the door to find Cassius flanked by two imperial guards in distinctive silver-trimmed uniforms. Their stoic expressions couldn't hide the magical dampening devices attached to their gauntlets.
"I trust I'm allowed time to bid farewell to my roommate?" Lysander asked calmly.
"Five minutes," Cassius replied curtly.
Marcus stood awkwardly by his desk, clearly unsure how to navigate this moment. "Will you return to the Academy?"
"That depends on my brother's intentions," Lysander said, just loud enough for Cassius to overhear. Lowering his voice, he added, "Remember what we discussed. The Broken Crown continues regardless of my situation."
"Be careful," Marcus whispered. "Court is more dangerous than the Academy."
"For them, perhaps." Lysander smiled slightly and gripped Marcus's forearm in farewell.
The journey to the Imperial Palace proceeded in tense silence. Lysander sat in a closed carriage with the two guards watching his every movement, while Cassius rode alongside. Through his enhanced senses, Lysander monitored their magical signatures - both guards were specialized in containment magic, undoubtedly prepared to suppress any display of power.
As they approached the city, Lysander extended his perception further, feeling the familiar magical currents of Aurenthia. The Imperial Palace rose in the distance, its crystal towers gleaming in the morning light. To ordinary eyes, it was a marvel of beauty and power. To Lysander's enhanced perception, it was a nexus of ancient magical energies - the heart of the Covenant itself.
"We're being diverted," Lysander noted as the carriage turned away from the main palace entrance.
"The Crown Prince arranged a private reception," one guard responded stiffly.
Interesting. In his previous life, Darius had staged a public humiliation. This private approach suggested increased caution - perhaps even fear.
The carriage stopped at the eastern entrance, used primarily for discrete diplomatic meetings. Lysander descended to find Lady Celestia Blackstone waiting, her amber eyes appraising him coolly.
"Prince Lysander," she greeted with a precise bow. "Welcome back to court."
"Lady Blackstone," he acknowledged. "An honor to have House Blackstone's heir as my reception committee."
"I merely guide you to your meeting." She gestured toward the palace gardens. "The Crown Prince awaits in the Whispering Gardens."
Perfect. The gardens offered strategic advantages with their unique acoustics and abundant plant life that resonated with his Anima abilities. Either Darius was overconfident, or someone had adjusted the arrangements.
As they walked, Celestia studied him with undisguised curiosity. "Reports of your Academy progress have caused quite a stir at court."
"Progress often does," Lysander replied mildly.
"Some call it more than progress. Some whisper of transformation." She paused at the garden entrance. "The Crown Prince has many questions about this... transformation."
"I'm sure he does."
The Whispering Gardens were eerily empty, cleared of the usual courtiers for this private confrontation. Lysander sensed magical monitoring devices throughout the space - House Silverwind technology, undoubtedly recording everything.
Crown Prince Darius stood beside the central fountain, resplendent in formal military attire adorned with the royal purple he favored. Princess Seraphina sat nearby on a marble bench, her silver-violet gown matching her calculating eyes.
"The prodigal brother returns," Darius announced, his voice carrying the precise mix of authority and condescension that had once intimidated Lysander. "And apparently much changed."
"Brother. Sister." Lysander bowed with perfect court precision - neither subservient nor challenging. "Thank you for arranging my visit home."
"Visit?" Seraphina raised a delicate eyebrow. "Is that what you consider a royal summons?"
"I consider it family concern," Lysander replied smoothly. "Though the armed escort suggested something more formal."
Darius circled him slowly, examining him with barely concealed suspicion. "Reports from the Academy describe remarkable developments in your magical abilities. Abilities that were notably absent during your years at court."
"The Academy provides excellent instruction," Lysander offered.
"Or perhaps," Seraphina interjected, "it provides something else entirely. Access to forbidden knowledge, perhaps? Experimental procedures?"
They were fishing for information about the unblocking procedures. Lysander maintained his composed expression, implementing the subtle containment techniques Thorne had taught him.
"I've simply applied myself to studies in ways I never did before," he said. "Motivation can accomplish wonders."
"Motivation alone doesn't transform a magically deficient prince into an Anima practitioner," Darius countered sharply. "Don't insult our intelligence, brother."
"I would never presume to do so." Lysander met his brother's gaze directly. "Just as I hope you wouldn't presume that my previous limitations were entirely natural."
The subtle accusation hung in the air between them. Seraphina's eyes narrowed fractionally - the only indication that his words had struck home.
"Careful, little brother," Darius warned softly. "Such insinuations border on treason."
"Merely observation," Lysander replied. "The Academy has been... educational in many ways."
Darius gestured to someone beyond the hedges. A robed man with the insignia of an imperial physician approached, carrying a crystal diagnostic orb.
"You will submit to magical examination," Darius commanded. "To ensure these sudden developments pose no danger to yourself or others."
This was the critical moment. Lysander had prepared for this confrontation, but the physician would detect at least some evidence of his unblocked pathways. The question was how much could be concealed.
"Of course," Lysander agreed with apparent ease. "Though I request Father's presence during the examination, as is my right as imperial blood."
Darius's jaw tightened - exactly the reaction Lysander had anticipated. Involving the Emperor would limit how aggressively they could move against him.
"Father is indisposed," Seraphina answered smoothly. "But we act with his full authority."
"Then I'm certain you have his written authorization for medical examination of an imperial prince," Lysander countered. "As required by royal protocol."
The siblings exchanged glances. Lysander had caught them in their own haste - they had arranged this confrontation without the Emperor's explicit approval, counting on Lysander's previous subservience.
"The examination will be postponed until Father is available," Darius conceded, his voice tight with suppressed anger. "In the meantime, you will remain in your palace quarters. For your own protection."
"House arrest, brother?" Lysander asked mildly.
"Royal security," Seraphina corrected with a diplomatic smile. "Recent Awakening incidents in the city have everyone concerned. We wouldn't want anything unfortunate to happen while you're adjusting to your... newfound abilities."
The first battle had ended in stalemate - precisely what Lysander had hoped for. As imperial guards escorted him to his chambers, he allowed himself a small smile. The game was unfolding exactly as planned.
Now he needed to connect with his allies in the palace, assess the Emperor's condition, and prepare for the next confrontation. The Broken Crown would continue its work at the Academy, but here in the heart of imperial power, Lysander would begin the next phase of his strategy.
The failed prince had returned to court. But this time, he returned with power.