On the last day of the year, the Empire was overflowing with celebration. The streets shone with ornaments, while bards filled the air with joyful songs that mixed with laughter of commoners and merchants. In the Imperial Palace, high society gathered in the grand banquet hall to greet the new year.
All the guests who passed through the marble doors bowed respectfully before Emperor Rehael and Consort Cassander. The imperial couple, dressed in robes that emanated authority and splendor, received the congratulations with measured smiles and words of benevolence.
"I wish the Empire's sun a next year full of blessings and abundance. May your Majesties have a long and prosperous life."
"Let it be so also for my subjects" answered the Emperor with imposing voice.
When it came time for the Grimwood, the atmosphere changed subtly.
Lucian, next to Magnus, wore clothes that matched those of his husband, radiating elegance. His hair, caught in a ponytail, highlighted the refined and graceful features that seemed new to those who still remembered the neglected prince.
"The Grimwood family greets the imperial family" declared Magnus, bowing beside Lucian.
Consort Cassander, with a twinkle of tenderness in his eyes, was the first to speak.
"I see you're better, Lucian."
"Thanks to the care of my family and Magnus' efforts, I was able to escape the fate that the epidemic could have brought" replied Lucian with a restrained smile, his voice charged with gratitude.
The Emperor nodded lightly.
"Enjoy the party, then. Surely there is much to celebrate."
Magnus thanked with a half smile before driving Lucian to the hall, accompanied by Jesse, Victória Shang and Eugene. As expected, they were immediately surrounded by nobles eager to discuss business and strengthen alliances.
Lucian, however, kept a polite smile as his eyes swept the hall. He looked carefully for any sign of danger, recalling that in the original story, the New Year's Ball was an important milestone. Although now Magnus was alive and at his side, the villain could still try something.
When Lucian found no suspicious presence, he felt a slight relief.
"Mag is different" commented Eugene with a casual tone, but insinuating.
Lucian looked at the younger brother-in-law, his lips curving into an inquisitive smile. His eyes then went towards Magnus, who was engaged in conversation with a small group of nobles.
"Different? What do you mean?"
"I don't know, Your Highness. Maybe... more attentive. More focused. I don't think it's a bad thing."
Magnus seemed to realize that they were talking about him, and his crimson eyes met those of Lucian. For a brief moment, a blush rose up the cheeks of the Grand Duke, before he turned his face abruptly, as if to escape from a memory that deeply embarrassed him.
Lucian chuckled as he remembered the night of his statement. Kissing Magnus' feet had been an unexpected decision, but a moment full of sincerity. The prince felt victorious to see the effect that still had on his omega.
"I don't see Cadec around here" commented Lucian, diverting the conversation to something less personal.
Eugene gave a slight jolt, approaching Lucian to whisper, his cheeks slightly flushed.
"He sent me a message saying that he was checking something in the dungeons. Must be arriving late."
"I guess it's work. What about you two? Have you thought about how to tell Magnus and Jesse?"
Eugene's face became even more red.
"No... Cadec asked to wait. Things are very hectic in the Palace. He thinks it's better to keep this a secret for now."
Lucian nodded, fully understanding the chaos to which Eugene was referring. After all, the rumors about the temple and the recent epidemic continued to circulate, bringing tensions that could explode at any moment.
Soon the hall was filled with rumours and whispers as the paladin figures entered the banquet. All turned to the arriving priests, the first time they had been at a banquet in hundreds of years. The surprise that all the noble guests felt increased when they saw Skyler in front.
"My, that brazen" whispered a noble man.
"How dare him show up after what he did to the High Priest?"
Oh, so that's what Magnus had said. Lucian didn't realize the situation was so complicated. Sipping a sip of wine. He held Magnus' waist, who stood by his side watching the priests carefully.
Skyler stood before the throne, and all the paladins bowed in respect to the Emperor.
"The temple of Goddess Kronosis wishes prosperity for the Roveaven Empire."
Rehael looked at him and nodded calmly, maintaining the same attitude he had with the other nobles.
"We are grateful that the temple has graced us with your presence. Since we are fighting side by side to contain the epidemic, I hope that the priests can enjoy this small victory."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Although the Emperor said those words, the nobles refused to agree. The absence of the High Priest and Skyler in the position of interim worsens the image of the temple. The same harsh whispered words were spoken when the priests approached the Grimwood.
"Your Holiness... it's a relief to see you healthy" Skyler bowed respectfully to Lucian.
"Thank you, although I am very grateful that it was not serious."
Skyler looked at Magnus, an exchange of intense glances and full of displeasure. The priest seemed angry in some way, which made Magnus happy. Lucian even wanted to intervene, but he turned his face pretending not to notice the silent barb exchange.
Magnus, with a half smile, let slip a casual but intent-laden response.
"I hope you can enjoy the banquet, priest. After all, not always the temple is so welcome in these events."
Skyler raised his eyebrows, but responded with a tone that mixed politeness and disdain.
"Certainly, Grand Duke. We will take this rare opportunity to show our goodwill."
The tension between the two was palpable, and Lucian, even tired, felt the need to intervene before something went out of control.
"Magnus, dear, let's sit down. I'm sure the priest wishes to join his companions."
Magnus cast a last glance at Skyler before turning to Lucian, his expression softening as he meets the eyes of the husband.
"As you wish, my alpha."
The Grimwood moved away, heading for their family's reserved area, but the atmosphere in the hall remained dense. The whispers of the nobles, increasingly audible, showed growing hostility.
"It's unacceptable! How can they allow him to enter here after contaminating the well?" whispered a grey-haired lady, shaking with an expression of indignation.
"If the High Priest is dead, what prevents them from trying something worse?" replied a young baron, nervously adjusting his tie.
The accusation hovered in the air, but it was then that a new murmur took hold of the hall. The doors opened again, revealing a figure no one expected to see: the High Priest himself.
Wearing the elaborate white and gold robes that symbolized his position, the High Priest walked with firm steps, accompanied by other high-ranking priests. His serene countenance contrasted with the restlessness that dominated the environment.
"The High Priest is alive?!" exclaimed someone among the guests, unbelief evident in tone.
Skyler, who until then had maintained a stoic posture, took a step forward and slightly bowed to the High Priest, his voice laden with respect.
"Your Grace, it is an honor to have you back among us."
The High Priest nodded, his gaze running through the room until he rested on the Emperor. He bowed in a sign of respect before speaking.
"I wish the Roveaven Empire a new year of peace and prosperity, and thank you for your patience during my absence."
The Emperor, whose expression was carefully neutral, rose from his throne.
"It is a relief to see you in good health, Your Grace. Many here were eager for your presence."
The murmurs of earlier turned into comments of surprise and, for some, even of relief. But Lucian's watchful eyes could see the lingering mistrust among the nobles.
"The temple was indebted to the Grimwood family" began the High Priest, his voice echoing through the hall. "It was thanks to them that I could recover from this illness and return to fulfill my duties."
The impact of the words was immediate. The shocked and indignant expressions of many nobles did not go unnoticed. Lucian shook hands with Magnus discreetly, feeling the tension build up around them.
The Grimwood would never ally themselves to the Temple, since they were opposite sides. The Temple has always repudiated the way the Grimwoods kill people at the Emperor's behest. It was the light and shadow that protected the crown, but repelled. Having Lucian as the Saint of the Goddess Kronosis and husband of the Grand Duke was already a hot gossip for connecting those two indirectly.
But this... this was completely different.
"This is absurd" whispered someone close. "How does the temple dare to ally with the Grimwood?"
"Now it is clear that they have more power over the temple than we should allow" murmured another.
Skyler, who until then had kept a controlled expression, approached the High Priest as if he wanted to share the burden of that moment.
"The temple thanks the generosity of the Grimwood family. Your help was essential in overcoming this challenge."
Magnus, noticing Skyler's discomfort in saying such words, leaned slightly into his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
"The Grimwood's family generosity has always been at the disposal of those who know how to recognize their value, priest."
Lucian, sensing the provocative tone of Magnus, intervened quickly.
"Magnus, dear, I think we should toast the health of the High Priest. After all, the new year deserves to start with hope."
The Grand Duke raised his cup, still with a malicious smile on his face.
"To the health of the High Priest and the prosperity of the Empire. Ah, and to the Grimwood's future heir."
Lucian turned abruptly, staring at Magnus with wide eyes. He thought he had heard wrong, which made him release his pheromones as he felt his heart accelerate.
"Magnus...?"
The Grand Duke bowed to him, whispering with a mischievous smile:
"I thought you'd like to know along with everyone, my little mouse."
Unbelief disappeared and Lucian embraced the waist of Magnus ignoring the glances of other nobles. He just hid his face in the omega neck and sighed heavy feeling his heart getting more cheerful and a wave of adrenaline fill his body. Surely Magnus also felt his happiness, as he also smiled — with arrogance — the lovely reaction of his husband.
"Are you crying already?" Asked the omega.
"No..." Lucian lied still hiding his face on the shoulder of the husband.
"So you can start, crying is free for you."
The murmurs in the hall grew. Some nobles cheered reluctantly, while others remained in shock. Skyler looked away, clearly uncomfortable, while the High Priest kept his composure.
Lucian forced a smile, but his mind kept anticipating the chaos that could unfold at any moment. The night was still far from over.