Lysander made his way to the Imperial Library with measured strides, nodding politely to courtiers who watched his passage with poorly concealed curiosity. Two guards followed at a discreet distance—his brother's eyes and ears, reporting every movement.
The massive library doors stood open, revealing towering shelves that stretched toward a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes from Valterra's founding. Unlike the Academy's practical organization, the Imperial Library was designed to impress, with rare volumes displayed in crystal cases and reading areas furnished with ornate furniture.
"Prince Lysander," greeted an elderly man with spectacles perched on his nose. "What an unexpected pleasure. We had heard you were occupied at the Academy."
"Master Thaddeus," Lysander responded, recognizing the head librarian from his previous life. "My studies continue, though temporarily from the palace."
The old man's eyes twinkled with subtle understanding. "Looking for anything in particular? Historical texts on magical development, perhaps?"
"Actually, I've developed an interest in palace architecture during my absence," Lysander replied casually. "The Academy's structures are fascinating, but they lack the historical significance of the imperial seat."
"Architecture! A wonderful subject." Thaddeus gestured toward a reading area far from the entrance. "We have several volumes on the palace's construction. Some quite ancient."
As they walked between the towering shelves, Lysander noted the guards remaining near the entrance, unable to overhear their conversation.
"Lyra mentioned you might visit," Thaddeus murmured once they were safely distant. "The Broken Crown extends beyond Academy walls, Your Highness."
"How long have you been involved?" Lysander asked quietly.
"Since the first Awakening incidents in the city two years ago. My grandson manifested unexpected abilities." Thaddeus selected a large tome from a nearby shelf. "The imperial family's response convinced me change was necessary."
This was new information—in his previous life, Lysander hadn't known the librarian had personal connections to the Awakening phenomenon.
"I need to access the original palace plans," Lysander said. "Particularly the servant passages connecting to the royal wing."
Thaddeus nodded. "Officially restricted, of course. But fortunately, I organized the restricted archives myself decades ago." He pulled another volume from the shelf. "This architectural history contains more detail than most realize."
Lysander accepted the heavy book, sensing faint magical energy emanating from its pages—a subtle preservation spell common on ancient texts.
"Page ninety-seven shows the original passage network," Thaddeus whispered. "Most were sealed during Emperor Darius II's reign, after the assassination attempt."
"Thank you." Lysander moved to a reading table positioned to keep his back to the wall, allowing him to monitor the guards while studying the text.
The book contained exactly what he needed—detailed floor plans showing a network of narrow passages designed for servants to move throughout the palace unseen. Most had indeed been sealed, but several connecting to the royal wing appeared to have been merely walled over rather than structurally removed.
As he studied, Lysander extended his magical senses cautiously, reaching toward the restricted section of the library. There—behind heavy magical wards—he detected texts pulsing with ancient energy, likely containing information about the Covenant itself.
"Your father used to study here often," Thaddeus remarked, approaching with another volume. "Before his illness became more... persistent."
"Has he visited recently?" Lysander asked carefully.
"Not in nearly six months." The librarian placed the new book beside the first. "Though he did send for specific texts about magical blockages and Anima practitioners three weeks ago."
Lysander stilled. In his previous life, he'd never known his father had researched these specific topics—and the timing aligned perfectly with his arrival at the Academy.
"Did Crown Prince Darius or Princess Seraphina request similar materials?"
"The Princess consulted our genealogical records recently, particularly those pertaining to your mother's lineage." Thaddeus adjusted his spectacles. "Quite extensively, in fact."
Seraphina researching their mother? Another deviation from his previous timeline.
"Master Thaddeus," called one of the guards from the entrance. "The Crown Prince requests your assistance in the eastern archives."
The librarian bowed. "Duty calls. Those volumes should keep you occupied, Your Highness. Much can be learned from studying the past."
After Thaddeus departed, Lysander continued memorizing the servant passage layouts while appearing to merely browse architectural history. His enhanced memory made the task simple, allowing him to create a mental map of potential routes to the royal wing.
One passage in particular caught his attention—an entrance hidden behind a decorative panel in his own chambers, providing direct access to a network that connected to the Emperor's private study. If it remained unsealed, it would offer the perfect means to reach his father undetected.
A flicker of magical energy alerted him to a new presence moments before Lady Celestia appeared between the shelves.
"Found something interesting, Your Highness?" she asked, glancing at the architectural tome.
"The palace's history is quite fascinating," Lysander replied, closing the book casually. "Did you know the eastern wing was rebuilt three times due to magical experimentation accidents?"
"I did, actually. House Blackstone maintains extensive records of palace security incidents." She sat across from him, amber eyes watchful. "My father believes understanding past vulnerabilities prevents future ones."
"Wise philosophy," Lysander agreed. "Though some vulnerabilities aren't architectural but personal."
"Indeed." A slight smile curved her lips. "Like suddenly changed loyalties or unexpected abilities."
"Or assumptions about unchanging patterns," Lysander countered smoothly.
Their verbal sparring was interrupted by a palace attendant in formal livery. "Your Highness, Crown Prince Darius requests your presence in the Hall of Military History before dinner. Lady Blackstone, your presence is also required."
Rising, Lysander returned the books to a nearby cart. "Another summons from my brother. His interest in my activities is touching."
"The Crown Prince takes family matters seriously," Celestia replied, falling into step beside him. "Particularly when they intersect with imperial security."
As they walked through the palace corridors, Lysander mentally reviewed what he'd learned. The servant passage offered a potential route to his father. Thaddeus provided an unexpected ally with access to restricted information. And most intriguingly, both his father and sister had recently researched topics directly related to his blocked abilities and maternal lineage.
The game grew more complex by the hour, but Lysander welcomed each new revelation. Knowledge was power in the imperial court, and he was accumulating it rapidly.
Now he needed to survive dinner with his siblings while planning his clandestine visit to the Emperor. The failed prince was failing no longer, and soon the imperial family would understand exactly what that meant.