The towering gates of the royal palace loomed ahead, gilded with intricate carvings that depicted the kingdom's long and storied history. Duke Reynard Aeternis dismounted from his horse, his boots landing softly against the cobbled path as his knights fell into formation behind him.
The royal summons had been abrupt, but not unexpected.
As he stepped forward, a royal steward approached, bowing respectfully. "Duke Aeternis, His Majesty awaits you in the grand hall. This way, please."
Reynard nodded, following the steward through the lavish corridors of the palace. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the golden chandeliers overhead cast a warm glow upon the polished marble floors.
At last, they arrived before the grand doors of the throne room. The massive double doors creaked open, revealing the vast hall beyond. Nobles lined the sides, whispering in hushed voices as Reynard strode forward. At the far end, seated upon an ornate throne of gold and sapphire, was King Aldric von Erelia.
The king regarded him with an unreadable expression, his piercing blue eyes betraying nothing. At his side stood Prince Alistair, his gaze cool and composed.
"Duke Aeternis," the king's voice carried effortlessly through the hall. "You have kept us waiting."
Reynard bowed slightly, his posture respectful but not submissive. "My apologies, Your Majesty. The journey from Aeternis lands is not a short one."
The king's lips twitched in amusement. "Indeed." He leaned forward slightly. "Let us not waste time, then. You are aware of why you have been summoned?"
Reynard's gaze flickered toward Prince Alistair before returning to the king. "I presume it is in regard to my refusal of the prince's proposal concerning my son."
A murmur rippled through the gathered nobles.
The king's expression did not change. "You presume correctly."
Prince Alistair stepped forward, his tone measured. "House Aeternis is an ancient and noble house, but times are changing. The kingdom has great need of strong alliances, and my offer to guide your son was made in good faith—for the benefit of both your house and the realm."
Reynard met his gaze evenly. "And yet, my son's place is within House Aeternis. His future will be shaped under my guidance, not as a ward of the royal family."
The tension in the hall thickened.
King Aldric tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. "Duke Aeternis, your house has long been a pillar of the kingdom, but isolation will not serve you. Already, House Valmore extends its hand to you. Do you believe you can stand against the tides of change alone?"
Reynard's lips curled slightly. "House Aeternis has never stood alone, Your Majesty. Nor shall we now."
The king studied him for a long moment before exhaling softly. "Very well. Your decision is noted. But be warned, Duke Aeternis—there are forces at play greater than any one house. I hope you have the strength to weather the coming storm."
Reynard inclined his head. "House Aeternis always endures."
The audience was over, but the battle had just begun.
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From the shadows of the grand hall, a figure watched the exchange unfold. Cloaked in darkness, their presence went unnoticed by all. A soft chuckle escaped their lips as they turned away, slipping silently into the hidden corridors of the palace.
"So… House Aeternis refuses to bend."
Golden eyes gleamed in the dim light.
"Interesting."