My Quartet System

Chapter Four: Female leading

The palace gardens were a sanctuary of beauty and serenity, a maze of blooming flowers, towering hedges, and sparkling fountains. Vin wandered through the pathways, the scent of roses and jasmine filling the air. He needed a break, a moment away from the heavy burden of preparation and reflection.

As he rounded a corner, he heard the sound of soft humming. It was a delicate melody, weaving through the garden like a whisper carried on the breeze. Following the sound, Vin found himself in a secluded section of the garden, where a young woman sat on a stone bench, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight.

She was dressed in a flowing gown of pale blue, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She turned at the sound of his footsteps, her bright green eyes widening in recognition.

"Prince Vin," she said, her voice as melodic as her humming. She rose gracefully, dipping into a curtsy. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Vin hesitated. He recognized her from the family gatherings but had yet to speak with her. "You're... Aster, right? The princess?"

She smiled, a hint of sadness in her expression. "That's correct. And you're my younger brother, though it feels strange to say that aloud."

Vin nodded, stepping closer. "It's strange for me too. I'm still... adjusting."

Aster gestured for him to sit, and he joined her on the bench. For a moment, they sat in silence, the sound of birdsong and rustling leaves filling the air.

"I've been meaning to speak with you," Aster said finally. "But with all the preparations for the First Battle, I wasn't sure if you had the time."

Vin turned to her, curious. "What did you want to talk about?"

She hesitated, her hands fidgeting with the folds of her dress. "It's about the First Battle. I know you're preparing for it, and I wanted to wish you luck. But..." She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the ground.

"But what?" Vin prompted gently.

Aster sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I wish I could participate. I've trained just as hard as you and the others. My magic is strong—I know it is. But Father won't allow it. He says it's tradition, that only the princes are allowed to compete. It's unfair."

Her voice trembled with frustration, and Vin felt a pang of sympathy. "What's your magic?" he asked, hoping to shift the conversation to something she was passionate about.

"Wind," Aster said, a hint of pride returning to her voice. "I can control the air, create gusts strong enough to topple a man, or breezes gentle enough to cool a summer's day. It's versatile, powerful. But it's not enough, is it?"

Vin frowned. "Why not?"

"Because I'm a princess," Aster said bitterly. "And in this kingdom, tradition matters more than talent."

---

They talked for a while longer, Aster opening up about her frustrations and dreams. She spoke of the hours she spent in the training grounds, perfecting her magic under the watchful eyes of her tutors. She spoke of the admiration she held for her brothers, despite the limitations placed on her.

"I want to prove myself," Aster said, her voice firm. "Not just as a princess, but as someone worthy of respect. But how can I do that when I'm always sidelined?"

Vin listened intently, her words resonating with him. He could see the fire in her eyes, the determination that mirrored his own.

"You're strong, Aster," he said. "Stronger than most people I've met. And if tradition is the only thing holding you back, maybe it's time to challenge it."

Aster's eyes widened, a spark of hope lighting within them. "You think I should confront Father?"

Vin hesitated. "I think you should fight for what you believe in. But if you want to change his mind, you'll need more than words. You'll need to show him why you deserve to compete."

---

Later that evening, Vin found himself standing outside his father's study. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before knocking on the heavy oak door.

"Enter," came Chaden's deep voice from within.

Vin pushed the door open and stepped inside. The king was seated at his desk, surrounded by maps and scrolls. He looked up as Vin entered, his piercing gaze assessing.

"Vin," Chaden said, setting aside his quill. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Aster," Vin said, his voice steady.

Chaden raised an eyebrow. "Aster? What about her?"

"She's upset that she can't participate in the First Battle," Vin said. "She feels like she's being held back because of tradition. I wanted to understand your reasons for excluding her."

Chaden leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Aster is a talented mage. I have no doubt about her abilities. But the First Battle is more than just a test of strength or magic. It's a test of leadership, of the qualities needed to rule. In this kingdom, the throne has always been passed to a prince. That is the way it has been for generations."

"But why?" Vin pressed. "Why can't a princess compete if she's capable?"

Chaden's gaze hardened. "Because tradition is the foundation of our kingdom. It is what keeps us united, what gives us purpose. If we start changing the rules for one person, where does it end? Chaos would follow."

Vin frowned. "But doesn't tradition need to evolve? If Aster is strong enough, shouldn't she be given a chance to prove herself?"

Chaden studied his son for a long moment before speaking. "You are bold to question me, Vin. That is a good quality in a leader. But you must understand that leadership is not just about strength or talent. It is about responsibility. Aster's role as a princess is to support the kingdom in other ways. She has her own battles to fight, her own contributions to make. That is her path."

Vin's fists clenched at his sides. He wanted to argue, to fight for Aster's right to compete, but he knew his father's mind was not easily swayed.

"Does she know that?" Vin asked quietly.

Chaden sighed. "Perhaps not. But she will, in time. She is young, and her heart is full of fire. She will find her place, as you will find yours."

---

As Vin left the study, his mind was heavy with conflicting thoughts. He understood his father's reasoning, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Aster deserved more. She was strong, determined, and passionate—qualities that any leader should possess.

Back in his chambers, Vin sat by the window, gazing out at the starry sky. His thoughts drifted to Aster, to her words in the garden, and to the fire in her eyes. She wasn't just a princess. She was a fighter, just like him.

Maybe one day, he thought, we can change this kingdom together.

For now, though, he had his own battles to prepare for. The First Battle loomed ever closer, and with it, the weight of expectation and destiny.