𝐘/𝐧'𝐬 𝐩𝗼𝐯
After our five days of paradise were up, it was time for me and my family to come back to Shurima.

I didn't want to leave Noxus behind, I made so many memories here, it was like my true home, and even with necklaces exchanged, I didn't want to leave Ambessa either.

We did make the days leading up worth it, training or doing other things together, never missing a moment without the other.

But it's all now bittersweet as I watched the last of my things being loaded up, Ambessa and her father seeing us off.

"Don't forget," "I know, the moment I get there, I'll write you," I spoke with a pained smile, my chest feeling tight as I looked up at my love, wishing for this all to be but a bad dream and I'd wake up in her arms without a single care.

But here we are, about to part ways for who knows how long, all because people thought it to be a good idea to stake the future of an entire land on a singular baby.

"I'll be looking out," and finally they had exchanged a kiss, one so deep that their lips were sure to bruise just slightly.

This kiss was one for the books, the two making sure they'd make it count as they expressed every emotion, every thought, and every memory into one singular kiss.

For a moment it even seemed like they wouldn't part, but once they did, the two had to suck everything back in, needing to stay strong for the time being.

"Don't forget about me, My star," "I won't, My sun"

With those final words, the two had parted ways, unaware that it'd be a while till a reunion would happen.

𝐘/𝐧'𝐬 𝐩𝗼𝐯
Now on the hot sandy land, I had parted from my family to ride Chaya who knew to just keep following my parents.

This small time alone allowed me to think for a bit.

It's not like I've never visited Shurima, usually, it's to show face and such, but moving back felt so weird, and that's not including the fact that I'll have to gain the trust and respect of everyone while also strengthening the land.

It was an advantage that the biggest religion was towards the celestials, and with me technically holding the title of longest ascendant, I knew that I'd have an easy time as long as I leaned on it correctly.

"*whisper* you'll stay by my side, right?" I asked Chaya, getting a bubble and enthusiastic response.

Time skip

After about two days and a half, we were finally at the capital of Shurima, all thanks to Chaya and the other sand swimmers.

But now here we had gotten a lot of attention from the merchants and other citizens.

"Great you're here safely, I'm Karissa, your soon-to-be advisor," the girl smiled at me, looking about Ambessa's age or a little older.
Karissa

"Oh wow you're beautiful, and I'm Y/n," I smiled, trying to make a good impression, which I think was a success.

After talking with my parents, we were now being guided into the palace.

"Here they'll guide you two to your room, and I'll show you yours," Karissa offered, which I didn't care about, just ready to sleep.

The palace was large and the inside was just as grand.

It was sort of a shame that the land wasn't flourishing as much as it could be, the beauties catching my eyes at every moment.

"Well look here, the little empress is here," a booming voice spoke out, Karissa and I turned around to see a tall white-haired man, sort of resembling Karissa.

"What is it, Keres?" Karissa asked "What? You think nobody else wants to see the chosen girl of Shurima?" Keres asked, and it was clear he didn't like me, his dark eyes staring me down as I stared back, shaking off any fears I had before.

"Hm, but you just got here, we'll meet later," Keres shrugged before making his exit.

"I'm sorry about my brother, he's just upset that he couldn't take over," Karissa explained, reminding me that many others have tried taking Shurima for themselves.

"It's fine, I've been through worse," I shrugged before we headed into my room.

It was a pretty large room, and I would have mistaken it for a small ballroom if it weren't for the bed and vanity.

But somehow the room captured my preferred style, which made me feel a little more comfortable.

"Tomorrow I'll give you a better tour of the palace, but feel free to do whatever makes you comfortable, I'll also be here to help," Karissa explained, her presence feeling nice as I nodded.

"Is there anything coming up that I need to be looking out for?" I asked, seeing her grin a bit "My, you do get to business, but you will have to go through the ceremonial trial that will determine if you're fit to rule, it'll be next month".

Damn, next month?

This ceremonial trial was the reason I had to be trained in Noxus. It was a type of trial that if you failed then it meant you were dead.

It was also a week-long trial, but for people undergoing it, it would feel as though years had passed, a dangerous situation as there have been few who couldn't stand the stress and took matters into their own hands.

"What happens after I make it out?" I asked "You'll be crowned as our ruler," Karissa spoke simply.

"Well before my trial, call a religious ceremony, I wanna gain the favor of whoever I can beforehand," I asked, my adviser, smiling at my words.

"Of course, Empress"

꧁꧂
𝐈𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐥
𝐖𝗼𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝗼𝐮𝐧𝐭: 969