The bells rang at dawn.
Not the war chimes.
Not the vault alert.
But the reception bells.
A delegation had arrived—escorted through the thorn gates with golden crests and carriages adorned in silk.
Kael watched from his study window as three carriages pulled into the inner courtyard.
Each bore a different crest.
Each represented a noble family from the capital.
Each carried one thing in common:
> A daughter.
---
The Summons
A servant knocked. "My lord, the guests await you in the Thorn Hall."
Kael didn't move from his chair.
"They came early."
Lyra leaned against the wall nearby, arms crossed, sword belted loosely at her hip. "They're eager. Maybe one of them's already picked her wedding dress."
Kael grimaced. "I hate politics."
"You hate dresses more."
Kael rose, brushing imaginary dust from his tunic.
"What about you?"
Lyra blinked. "What about me?"
"If they ask who you are, what should I say?"
She smirked faintly.
"Try 'terrifying bodyguard' first. 'Secret fiancée' if you're feeling suicidal."
Kael snorted. "Noted."
---
The Thorn Hall Welcomes All
The reception hall was dressed in modest splendor—thorn-laced drapes, polished silverware, and guards in ceremonial armor standing at attention.
Three noble daughters sat on velvet seats like rival queens.
Lady Virelle Oltara, daughter of the Duke of Southmere, wore red and gold. Her smile was sly, her eyes calculating.
Lady Elencia Farwell, of the scholarly Farwell house, looked more like a quiet poet than a suitor. Glasses perched on her nose, she offered Kael a shy nod.
And Lady Mira Celthane, the youngest, barely sixteen, who sat stiffly with a silver fan hiding her face.
Kael strode in.
All three rose.
Lady Virelle stepped forward and curtsied perfectly.
"My lord Vaelthorn. I come as my father's honored envoy, and as a humble... candidate."
Kael's eyebrow twitched. "Candidate."
"For unity, of course," she added sweetly.
---
The Interview Process
What followed was less a courtship and more a military interrogation wrapped in silk.
Lady Virelle spoke of alliances, territorial bonds, and advantageous heirs.
Lady Elencia asked about estate library sizes and offered a portfolio of her poetry titled "Thorns and Hearts."
Lady Mira said nothing. Just stared. The entire time.
Kael felt his headache bloom.
Lyra stood behind him like a shadow, expression unreadable.
Lady Virelle turned to her at one point.
"And this must be your… sister?"
"No," Kael said flatly.
Lyra smiled without warmth. "Bodyguard."
Lady Virelle tilted her head. "Ah. I see."
She didn't.
---
After the "Interviews"
Once the noble daughters were escorted to the guest wing—
Kael collapsed onto the Thorn Hall throne.
"That was torture."
Lyra tossed him a pear from the banquet table. "Better than assassination."
"Only slightly."
"She did flirt with you, though."
"Which one?"
"All three."
Kael bit into the pear. "I'm too tired for this."
Lyra sat beside him.
"Good. You'll need your energy. The next batch arrives in three days."
He groaned.
She smirked.
---
The Political Reactions
In the estate's upper chambers, the council convened.
Lord Trevane seemed especially cheerful.
"With the young heir's recent 'rise in profile,' it is only natural we secure a match."
Commander Veyr spoke gruffly. "He doesn't need a match. He needs time."
Lady Merien sipped wine. "What he needs… is stability."
She placed a sealed scroll on the table.
"I've already begun drafting the official engagement contract between House Vaelthorn and House Oltara."
Aldric raised a single eyebrow.
"You move quickly."
"I act in the interest of our name."
The Duke said nothing.
---
Kael's Problem Multiplies
That evening, Kael found a stack of new letters on his desk.
All from noble families.
All requesting an audience.
> Eight more daughters.
> Two widows.
> One crown cousin.
Kael stared at the pile.
Then turned to Lyra.
"I'm going to fake my death."
Lyra took the top envelope. "Too late. They already sent embroidered mourning scarves in case you're difficult."
Kael blinked. "That's a joke, right?"
She tossed one onto the desk.
It read: "In loving union with our House, even in spirit."
"…I hate this world."
---
Final Scene – The Threat in Silence
Late that night, Kael walked alone in the Vault tower.
The fourth chain had snapped days ago.
But nothing moved.
No whisper.
No breath.
Just silence.
He placed a hand against the seal.
"You're quiet now," he whispered. "Waiting for something?"
The air pulsed.
> "Waiting… for who you choose."
Kael exhaled.
Then left.
Back to noble daughters, awkward dinners, and Lyra's carefully unreadable smile.
---
End of Chapter 72