The High Council Chamber – Morning
The chamber was a grand hall carved from white stone, with towering windows spilling golden sunlight onto the obsidian floor. Twelve banners hung high—each bearing the crest of a founding noble family. In the center, on an elevated dais, sat Emperor Kaelen Romerro, dressed in imperial black and gold, his crown light yet daunting on his head.
Seated around the crescent-shaped table were the heads of the three great families—Adler, Verlice, and Hayes—along with the Imperial Generals, Magic High Court members, and his own trusted advisors. The air buzzed with unspoken intentions.
Emperor Kaelen leaned back in his throne, fingers steepled.
Emperor Kaelen: "The stability of this Empire depends not just on war or wealth—but on unity. The younger generation must reflect that. A marriage... may be the best solution."
A murmur passed through the council.
Lord DariusHayes: (Carla's father) lifted his chin. "The Crown Prince is of age. If unity is what Your Majesty seeks, then surely a marriage between him and a daughter of House Adler or Verlice would suffice."
Lord Everett Verlice (Winter's father) smiled politely. "My son is also of age. And unlike the Crown Prince, his record on the battlefield and in court speaks for itself."
Lady Syla Adler (Levi's aunt) interjected coolly, "Then perhaps the question is not who should marry, but who is worthy."
Silence fell. The Emperor's golden eyes glinted with amusement—or perhaps warning.
Emperor Kaelen: "Indeed. Worthiness is the question of the century."
He stood slowly, commanding attention with a simple motion.
Emperor Kaelen: "Crown Prince Beck... is the heir in blood. But this Empire has always rewarded more than blood—it rewards strength, wisdom, and vision."
The implication was clear. Some exchanged glances. Others stiffened.
Emperor Kaelen (continuing): "So I ask you, counsel: Should the Crown Prince marry to secure loyalty... or should the Second Prince marry to secure legacy?"
All eyes turned to Prince Alexander Romerro, seated quietly at the Emperor's right—expression unreadable. The room remained silent, the weight of the Emperor's words settling like dust in ancient corners.
Crown Prince Beck shifted in his seat, a faint scowl tightening his lips. He looked to his mother, Ivory Huston Hayes, whose serene smile never faltered.
Ivory Huston Hayes: "Your Majesty, loyalty is not something gifted—it is forged. My son has earned the devotion of the southern provinces. His marriage would solidify that loyalty into eternity."
Lord Maximus Adler (Levi's uncle) spoke next, his voice calm but edged. "And yet forging without vision leads only to rust. Lady Levi has the mind of a general and the heart of a scholar. Marrying her to a capable man would ensure both loyalty and legacy."
A flicker of pride touched Syla Adler's eyes, though she remained silent.
Lord Everett Verlice: "Winter Verlice stands as a symbol. He does not seek power, but power gathers where he walks. He has turned rebels into allies, and enemies into cautionary tales. If there is anyone who could stand beside Lady Adler… it is him."
The murmuring resumed—some agreeing, some protesting.
Then, surprisingly, Alexander Romerro rose to his feet.
Alexander: "Forgive me, Father."
The chamber hushed.
Alexander (firmly): "I have no desire for marriage that is forced by council or crown. If I am to marry Lady Adler, let it not be for politics, but because we are the future the Empire needs."
A rare flicker of approval crossed the Emperor's face.
Emperor Kaelen: "Spoken like a true son of Romerro."
His gaze swept over the room once more.
Emperor Kaelen: "Very well. I will not decide in haste. A marriage is more than a bond—it is a weapon, a promise, a throne shared in spirit and strength. I will observe them myself. The next few months will reveal more than this chamber can."
He sat again, signaling the end of the discussion—for now.
Emperor Kaelen (quietly, almost to himself): "Let the game begin."
Palace Staircase – Late Morning
The massive doors of the High Council Chamber creaked open, and one by one, the lords and ladies filed out. Their voices, restrained during the meeting, now broke free—whispers, jabs, and pointed laughter echoing down the marble staircase that led into the sunlit courtyard. Velvet-clad advisors and armored guards stood to the side, watching the Empire's elite move like pieces on a chessboard.
Lord Maximus Adler: "He didn't name anyone. But he might as well have placed a crown on Alexander's head."
Lord Darius Hayes scoffed beside him, adjusting the ruby pin on his collar. "You speak as if your niece has already agreed to be a bride. She's not known for obedience."
Lord Everett Verlice: "No, but she is known for brilliance. Which makes her precisely what this Empire needs." Their words carried in low, sharp waves. Tension flowed freely now—no longer bound by protocol.
High above, behind the stained-glass window of her lavish guest room, Ivory Huston Hayes stood alone, her fingers curled around the edge of a silk curtain.
The lace shadow fell across her face, but it could not hide the quiet storm behind her eyes.
Ivory (coldly): "Levi Adler."
She said the name like a curse.
Ivory (muttering): "A ghost in a girl's skin. That cunning little spider has wrapped herself around both the Verlice and the Emperor."
She turned from the window sharply, robes swishing behind her as she strode to her writing desk. Seated on a velvet chair, she dipped her quill into crimson ink, her lips barely moving.
Ivory: "If the Emperor will not protect my son's claim... then I will."
The door behind her creaked.
Carla Huston Hayes entered, dressed in mourning black though no one had died. Her fire-lit eyes searched her sister's expression.
Carla: "You called for me."
Ivory: "Yes, darling. We need to remind the Empire what happens when the Hayes are humiliated."
A slow, dangerous smile touched Carla's lips.
Carla: "Shall I start with her?"
Ivory (smiling faintly): "No. You'll end with her."