As the ship pulled into port after the long battle at sea, Prince Zephyrus stood on deck observing the crowd gathering on the docks. Most of the cheers and shouts of celebration were directed at his brother Cadmus, the commander of Sorenia's navy, while few acknowledged Zephyrus's own role in their victory as the lieutenant.

Zephyrus disembarked reluctantly, trying to hide his disappointment at once again being overlooked. As he reached the bottom of the gangplank, his eyes met those of someone in the crowd.

He holds their gaze for a moment. Though his brother received the lion's share of the crowd's praise, this one small acknowledgment eased some of the bitter taste of being forgotten. Whatever challenges lay ahead, at least this one pair of eyes had truly seen him that day.

With that small consolation, Zephyrus followed his brother off the gangplank, diving head-first to the crowds and their rousing cheers.