Evan walked slowly down the grand staircase, watching the commotion in the main hall. Servants rushed around with trays, guards lined up in a solemn guard, and at the main entrance stood a group of strangers in blue and white robes - the color of the House of Ice.
— Have you finally decided to join us? A familiar voice rang out. Kai came out from behind the pillar, adjusting his gloves. —Father has already sent for you twice.
"I didn't know that the embassy required my presence," Evan replied, noting the unusual nervousness in his brother's behavior.
— This is not just an embassy. Kai lowered his voice. "Lady Victoria d'laurin has arrived with them. Serafina's aunt.
Evan's memories immediately provided him with the necessary information. Victoria d'laurin is the sister of the current lord of the House of Ice, known for her uncompromising stance towards the House of Flame. In the original chronicle, it was she who convinced Serafina to marry the Duke of Shadows after Kai's death.
"I wonder what brings the ice snake here,— Evan muttered.
Kai looked at him strangely:
"You've become surprisingly observant." You weren't interested in political games before.
"I had no reason to be interested before," Evan replied evasively, heading for the door of the council chamber.
The council chamber was full. Lord Artorius sat on a stone throne, surrounded by his advisers. Opposite, in a chair made of carved ice (magical, as Evan immediately realized), sat a tall woman with snow-white hair gathered in an intricate hairstyle. Her piercing blue eyes coldly scanned the audience.
—... and that's why the House of Ice considers it necessary to review the terms of our agreement," she said in a clear, ringing voice when the brothers entered.
All eyes turned to them. Evan noticed how Lady Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly when she saw him.
—Ah, here are my sons," said Lord Artorius. — Kai, you've already met Lady Victoria. Evan... There was a slight doubt in his voice, "I don't think you've met."
—Oh, but I've heard a lot about Junior D."Arclente," Lady Victoria smiled, and there was nothing kind in that smile. "Yours.".. reputation precedes you.
Evan made a perfect bow:
— I am flattered by the attention of such an outstanding lady. Although," he looked up, meeting her gaze, "I doubt that the rumors about me are worthy of your attention.
There was a tense silence in the hall. Even Lord Artorius looked surprised—the old Evan had never been known for diplomacy or wit.
—How charming,— Lady Victoria finally said. "However, I didn't come here to exchange pleasantries. She turned to Lord Artorius. "My brother requires your presence at the Council of Five in three days." After... the incident between our houses.
"What incident?" Kai asked sharply.
"Your youngest son,— Lady Victoria glanced at Evan, —insulted not only the Duke of Shadows, but also my niece's honor. Serafina was in the Council Chamber when he allowed himself... inappropriate remarks.
Evan felt all eyes on him. The old Evan's memories didn't contain anything like that. Moreover, he knew from the chronicles that during this period Serafina was supposed to be in the northern possessions of her House.
"It's a misunderstanding," he said calmly. "I don't remember."..
—Oh, I'm sure there's a lot you don't remember,— Lady Victoria interrupted. "But the words have been spoken, and the House of Ice demands satisfaction.
Lord Artorius looked at his son gloomily,
"Is there something you wanted to add?"
Evan knew he was trapped. Either Lady Victoria is lying, or key points were deliberately erased from the memories of the former Evan.
—Just that any insult, if it was really inflicted, was undoubtedly unintentional," he said, choosing his words with the care of a diplomat. "And I'm ready to personally apologize to Lady Serafina."
Lady Victoria chuckled:
"How touching." But words are one thing, and actions are another. My brother is waiting for you at the Council. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm tired from the journey.
When the embassy left, an oppressive silence reigned in the hall.
"To my office." Now," Lord Artorius said through clenched teeth.
His father's office looked even darker than usual. Lord Artorius stood by the fireplace, clutching a goblet of wine.
"Do you even realize what you've done?" — he began, without turning around. "Insulting the Duke of Shadows is one thing. But the House of Ice? Do you know what that means?
"Father," Kai began cautiously, "there may be some misunderstanding here...
— There are no misunderstandings! He slammed the goblet on the fireplace. "This one.".. The incompetent managed to put us at odds with two Great Houses in one week!
Evan was silent, analyzing the situation. There are too many inconsistencies. Serafina shouldn't have been in the capital. The old Evan did not leave any memories of this incident. And now suddenly it turns out that there is some kind of history between them...
—Father,— he finally said. "Let me look into this matter. If I really offended Lady Serafina, I will find a way to make amends.
—Oh, you will definitely find it," Lord Artorius turned to him, and there was a cold fire in his eyes. "Because you're going to their northern residence tomorrow." And you will return only with written apologies and guarantees that the House of Ice will not support the Shadow Forces in the event of war.
—Father, this is madness! — Kai exploded. - Send him alone...
— Shut up! "He started this mess himself, let him handle it himself. Now come out, both of you. I have a headache.
When the brothers went out into the hallway, Kai grabbed Evan by the sleeve.:
"What kind of game are you playing?" You know that the northern lands are the lair of the House of Ice. They'll just kill you there!
Evan looked into his brother's eyes:
"Then I should hurry up with my preparations, shouldn't I?"
He turned around and walked down the corridor, leaving a confused Kai behind. A plan was already forming in my head. Traveling north gave him a chance to understand the mystery surrounding the relationship between the former Evan and Serafina. And at the same time, perhaps, to learn more about those gaps in memory that someone has so carefully created.
But first, he had one more thing to do. A late-night rendezvous with the mysterious "V", who, as he now realized, could be the key to many mysteries.