Year 1527 A.F. | Early Summer
Aurelion Prime — Solar Palace, Morning
Emperor Aurelius IX Solvanyr
"Open the registry. I want last season's reports before the first council convenes."
Chancellor Remian Holt
"Right away, Your Majesty. Taxes and levies from Verdant Crown, Ironveil, and Starwatch are compiled. I also included merchant tariffs from Silverflow Basin."
Aurelius moved to the window overlooking the palace courtyard. Knights practiced drills, the sunlight glinting off their armor.
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"I hear the northern envoy from Khar-Durim will arrive today."
Aurelius turned, lifting an eyebrow.
"It is unusual for them to send a delegation this early. Curious timing."
....
Aurelion Prime — Nursery Wing
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"Mother, he's awake."
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Let him rest. The boy grows quickly; the season of peace is short."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"He already outshines me in stillness, apparently."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"Don't tease him, Lucien. He hasn't even spoken."
The infant stirred, a small curl of black hair catching the morning light. Seraphina smiled faintly.
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Patience, all of you. You will meet him properly at the naming ceremony. Until then, let the court prepare."
....
Aurelion Prime — Council Chambers
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Eastern garrisons report routine patrols. No orcish movements detected in Ashen Borderlands."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Agriculture taxes are stable. Grain stores sufficient for six months, provided shipments aren't delayed."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Magic academies are aligned. Spellblade apprentices ready for inspection."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Legal complaints from viscounts remain minimal. Any issues are being mediated by local councils."
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Good. Keep reports concise this season. I do not wish to be buried in bureaucracy before the foreign envoys arrive."
....
Sylvarae — The High Kingdom, Afternoon
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Preparations for the embassy are nearly complete. The Valtherion child has arrived, I hear."
Prince Caelion
"News travels quickly. Perhaps too quickly for comfort. Our ambassadors must tread carefully."
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Then they shall. The court will be welcoming. They will not know they are being assessed for character and intent."
....
Khar-Durim — Deep Holds, Late Afternoon
High King Brokk Ironvein
"Ensure the iron shipments to the Empire are prioritized. Delay could upset trade agreements."
Trade-Lord Varrin Goldmantle
"Of course, High King. The caravans are ready to depart at first light."
High King Brokk Ironvein
"Good. I want every lord aware that Valtherion may call for a summit. Preparation is key."
....
Thalassyra — Free City of Azurewake, Evening
Councilor Maribel Sanz
"Our ships have the proper escort. Merchants from Valtherion will arrive this season."
Councilor Demos
"I expect the talks to focus on trade tariffs, not alliances. Yet whispers always accompany children of empires."
Maribel Sanz
"True. Especially the heir of Valtherion."
....
Aurelion Prime — Evening Reception
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Dukes, ensure your households are prepared. Foreign envoys will dine with the court tomorrow."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Orders will be executed, Your Majesty."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"Will the Sylvarae princess attend?"
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Yes. And the dwarven ambassador. Perhaps even the city-states' representative. You will observe them carefully. You never know which hand is extended in friendship—or in guile."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"It feels like a game already."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"It is. And one day, we will all play our parts fully. Starting with Cassian."
The infant slept quietly in the nursery. Outside, the world moved, continents turned, and the Empire prepared to welcome visitors.