The urgent summons from Mother had left both Celia and me on edge as we hurried through the estate's corridors. The guard who'd interrupted our lesson maintained his brisk pace, his expression grim enough to suggest this wasn't routine business.
"Do you think something bad happened?" Celia whispered as we climbed the stairs toward Mother's private study.
"We'll find out soon enough," I replied, though I had my own concerns. Requests for sanctuary from the Archdukedom of Ardenfall weren't the kind of thing that happened during peaceful times.
We found Mother standing behind her desk, several letters spread before her. Her crimson eyes held a sharpness that spoke of serious deliberation, and when she looked up at our entrance, I caught a flicker of something that might have been worry.
"Sit," she said simply, gesturing to the chairs across from her desk.
We did as instructed, and Mother studied us both for a long moment before speaking. "I've just received correspondence from the Archduke of Ardenfall. He's requesting sanctuary for his heir, Edwin, citing increasing tensions along the western border."
"Sanctuary?" Celia asked, her curiosity overriding any nervousness. "Does that mean he's coming to stay with us?"
"For an extended period, yes," Mother confirmed. "The situation has escalated beyond normal border skirmishes. The Antalus Empire has been... flexing its influence in ways that have made the Archduke concerned for his son's safety."
I leaned forward slightly. "How serious are we talking about?"
Mother's expression grew more grave. "Serious enough that one of the most powerful military commanders in the empire feels the need to send his heir across the continent for protection. The Antalus Empire isn't making direct threats, but their recent movements along the border have been... significant."
The way she said it made my stomach tighten. From what I'd learned about imperial politics, it took considerable pressure to make someone like the Archduke of Ardenfall show weakness.
"The Antalus Empire is much larger than Killion," Mother continued, as if reading my thoughts. "Nearly twice our population, with military forces that dwarf our own. Under normal circumstances, they have little interest in direct conflict with us—the cost would outweigh the benefits. But lately..."
She trailed off, picking up one of the letters and scanning its contents again. "There have been reports of Antalus forces conducting 'training exercises' uncomfortably close to our borders. Trade caravans have been delayed by 'inspections' that seem designed more to gather intelligence than collect taxes. Their diplomats have been asking pointed questions about our military capabilities and alliance structures."
"Are they planning to invade?" Celia asked, her voice smaller than usual.
"Unlikely," Mother replied, though she didn't sound entirely certain. "A full invasion would be costly for both sides. But they may be testing our resolve, looking for signs of weakness they could exploit. The fact that even limited pressure is enough to make Ardenfall request sanctuary for their heir..." She shook her head. "It suggests the situation is more delicate than we'd prefer."
The implications settled over me like a heavy cloak. If the Antalus Empire was powerful enough to intimidate Ardenfall through mere posturing, what did that say about the balance of power in this region?
"When will Edwin arrive?" I asked.
"This afternoon," Mother replied. "The Archduke has sent an escort of Black Lion Knights—a dozen of his finest. The fact that he's willing to spare that many elite soldiers for escort duty tells you how seriously he's taking this situation."
Celia's expression brightened despite the serious circumstances. "A dozen knights? And Edwin gets to stay with us? For how long?"
"That remains to be seen," Mother said carefully. "The Archduke's letter suggests this arrangement may need to continue for several years, until the situation stabilizes. Given the forces at play, that could be... quite some time."
'Several years' in diplomatic language usually meant much longer than anyone wanted to admit. If the Antalus Empire was applying sustained pressure, this wasn't something that would resolve itself quickly.
"I expect both of you to treat Edwin with appropriate respect," Mother continued. "His rank is higher than yours—heir to an Archdukedom versus heirs to a Grand Duchy. But more than that, he's a guest seeking sanctuary in our home. That places certain obligations on us as hosts."
"What kind of obligations?" Celia asked.
"To protect him, to make him welcome, and to ensure that his stay here strengthens the bonds between our houses rather than straining them," Mother replied. "Edwin is eight years old, away from his family during a time of crisis. He'll need friends more than formal protocols."
I nodded, understanding the deeper implications. This wasn't just about hosting a noble guest—it was about managing a delicate political situation while two children formed relationships that could affect the future of both houses.
"Will he have his own tutors, or will he join our lessons?" I asked.
"He'll participate in your expanded education with Viscountess Rivelle," Mother said. "The Archduke specifically requested that Edwin continue his political and diplomatic training while here. Apparently, he wants his son to understand the broader imperial context, not just Ardenfall's perspective."
The sound of approaching hoofbeats interrupted our conversation. Mother moved to the window, and Celia and I joined her to look out at the estate's main courtyard.
The sight that greeted us was impressive and somewhat intimidating. A dozen riders in black plate armor had arranged themselves in perfect formation, their mounts standing motionless as statues. Each knight bore the black lion crest of Ardenfall, and even at a distance, their discipline was obvious.
"The Black Lion Knights," Mother said quietly. "Some of the finest heavy cavalry in the empire. The fact that the Archduke could spare them speaks to both the seriousness of the situation and the importance he places on his son's safety."
At the center of the formation, a smaller figure sat on a horse that was clearly chosen for size rather than intimidation. Even from the window, I could see that this must be Edwin—dark hair, straight posture, and a bearing that suggested formal training despite being the same age as us.
"Should we go meet him?" Celia asked, her earlier enthusiasm returning despite the serious circumstances.
"Yes," Mother replied. "Both of you, remember what I said about appropriate respect and genuine friendship. This young man is likely frightened, regardless of how composed he appears."
We made our way down to the courtyard, where the household staff had already assembled in formal greeting formation. The Black Lion Knights maintained their positions as we approached, their armor gleaming in the afternoon sunlight.
Edwin dismounted with practiced ease, and I got my first clear look at our guest. He was eight years old like Celia and me, but carried himself with the kind of composed bearing that spoke of intensive courtly training. His dark hair was perfectly arranged despite the long ride, and his clothes bore the subtle but unmistakable marks of the finest tailoring.
But beneath the formal presentation, I caught glimpses of something else—tension in his shoulders, the way his eyes moved constantly to assess his surroundings, the slight tightness around his mouth that suggested carefully controlled emotion.
"Welcome to Silvaria, Lord Edwin," Mother said, inclining her head in a gesture of respect that made several of the Black Lion Knights straighten with obvious approval.
Edwin bowed formally in return. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace. My father sends his regards and his gratitude for your willingness to honor the ancient bonds between our houses."
The words were perfectly diplomatic, delivered with the kind of polish that came from extensive training. But I noticed the slight tremor in his voice that betrayed the strain of maintaining such formality at our age.
"These are my children," Mother continued, "Lancelot and Celia."
Celia stepped forward first, as was her nature, offering a curtsy that managed to be both formally correct and genuinely welcoming. "It's wonderful to meet you, Edwin! We're so glad you're here. I hope you'll like staying with us."
Her warmth was immediate and unforced, the kind of natural friendliness that could put almost anyone at ease. I saw some of the tension leave Edwin's posture as he smiled—a real smile this time, not the diplomatic expression he'd been wearing.
"Thank you, Lady Celia," he replied, his voice noticeably more relaxed. "I'm grateful for your welcome."
I stepped forward next, offering a respectful nod. "Welcome to our home, Edwin. I hope your stay here is pleasant, despite the circumstances that brought you."
Edwin's gaze met mine, and I saw intelligence there along with careful assessment.
"Thank you, Lord Lancelot," he said. "I look forward to getting to know both of you better."
The captain of his escort approached, removing his helm to reveal a weathered face marked by decades of military service. "Your Grace," he addressed Mother, "I bring greetings from the Archduke and assurances of his continued friendship. He hopes this arrangement will prove beneficial to both houses, though the duration remains... uncertain."
"Captain, you and your men are welcome to rest here tonight before returning," Mother replied. "I'm sure the Archduke is eager for word of his son's safe arrival."
"That's very kind, Your Grace, but we'll depart within the hour. The Archduke prefers his forces remain concentrated during these... uncertain times."
The captain turned to Edwin, his formal demeanor softening slightly. "Lord Edwin, remember your lessons. Your father expects regular correspondence about your studies and... observations."
Edwin nodded solemnly. "I understand, Captain Aldric."
After the formal courtesies were concluded and the Black Lion Knights had departed, the three of us found ourselves standing somewhat awkwardly in the main hall. Edwin's formal composure had returned now that the adult supervision was gone, and I could see him struggling to figure out how to relax after what had probably been a very formal upbringing focused on political training.
"Are you hungry?" Celia asked, breaking the silence with characteristic directness. "The kitchens make amazing honey cakes, and if we ask nicely, Cook might let us have some before dinner."
Edwin blinked, clearly not having expected such a mundane question. "I... yes, actually. The journey was quite long."
"Perfect!" Celia beamed, taking charge with the kind of natural leadership that made people want to follow her. "Come on, I'll show you to the kitchens. And then we can give you a tour of the estate. There's a really good view from the east tower, and the gardens have some interesting hiding spots if you ever need to get away from boring adult conversations."
As she chattered away, leading Edwin deeper into the house, I caught sight of his expression gradually relaxing. Whatever fears or uncertainties he'd brought with him, Celia's genuine warmth was already working to dispel them.
'Several years,' I thought, following behind them. 'This is going to change everything.'
The political implications alone were staggering, but beyond that, we were about to gain a friend—and potentially a future ally—whose family commanded one of the most powerful military forces in the empire.
As for the larger situation with the Antalus Empire... that was a problem for another day. For now, it was enough that we'd gained a new addition to our small family, and from the sound of Celia's laughter echoing down the hallway, it was going to be a welcome one.