A cold wind swept through the grand halls of House Aeternis, rustling the banners that bore the sigil of the once-mighty house. Within the dimly lit study, Seraphina Aeternis sat near the window, her sharp gaze fixed on the sealed missive in her hands. The royal summons had come and gone, yet the undercurrents of danger remained.
She turned to the sound of approaching footsteps, her golden eyes meeting the weary but resolute gaze of her husband. Reynard entered the room, removing his heavy cloak and setting it aside.
"How was the meeting?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
Reynard exhaled, pouring himself a glass of wine before settling into the chair across from her. "Predictable," he muttered. "The king wanted to pressure me into submission, but he stopped short of making an open threat."
Seraphina's fingers tapped against the armrest. "And House Valmore?"
"They're watching. Waiting." Reynard's expression darkened. "Duke Valmore will not let this matter rest. If they cannot control us through marriage, they will find another way."
A tense silence fell between them. The pieces on the board were shifting, and House Aeternis stood at a precarious crossroads.
Seraphina leaned forward. "We must prepare. House Valmore is not our only concern. There are whispers—about a faction moving in the shadows. I do not know their purpose yet, but they are watching us."
Reynard nodded, his mind already formulating countermeasures. "Then let them watch. We will ensure that when they strike, we are ready."
Their gazes met, a silent understanding passing between them. House Aeternis would not fall without a fight.
---
Within the royal palace, Prince Alistair stood by the balcony of his chambers, his hands clenched into fists. The cool evening breeze did little to calm the storm of frustration brewing within him.
"He refused," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening.
Across from him, Duke Alric Valmore watched with a knowing smirk. "Did you truly expect him to accept? Reynard Aeternis has always been a stubborn man."
Alistair turned sharply. "That stubbornness will cost him. The king may have allowed him to walk away today, but his defiance will not be forgotten."
Valmore chuckled, sipping from his goblet. "Indeed. Which is why we must ensure that House Aeternis is left with no other choice but to submit." He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "There are… other ways to bring them to heel."
Alistair narrowed his eyes. "What do you propose?"
Valmore's smirk widened. "House Aeternis has many enemies. It would be a shame if, say, certain factions learned of their… vulnerable position. A few well-placed whispers, a few nudges in the right direction, and suddenly, their enemies come knocking."
The prince's eyes flickered with understanding. "You would force them into a war?"
Valmore shrugged. "A conflict of their own making, of course. And when the dust settles, they will have no choice but to turn to the royal family for protection."
Alistair hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Do it. If House Aeternis refuses to see reason, then we will ensure they have no alternative."
In the dim light of the chamber, two shadows plotted against a house that had once been untouchable.