Year 1527 A.F. | Late Summer
Kingdom of Sylvarae — High Court, Morning
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Caelion, you must understand that the Valtherion court observes every gesture."
Prince Caelion
"I know, Mother. But they also note what is unsaid. The child—Cassian, they call him—he will be the one to watch most carefully."
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Exactly. He is only a week old, and already he shapes alliances without knowing it. That is the power of bloodlines."
Lady Ambassador Selindria
"Your Majesty, the emissaries of Gor'Thak have arrived. They requested an audience immediately after our session with the Valtherion delegation."
Prince Caelion
"Gor'Thak… the warlords. I hope they brought more than dust and threats."
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Then let them speak. Diplomacy is our first shield; wisdom is our second."
....
Sylvarae — Training Grounds, Midday
Prince Caelion watched Sylvarae soldiers practice maneuvers with slender elven spears.
Captain Elenion
"Observe, Prince. The enemy is not always before you. Sometimes, it is the silent hand behind the banners."
Prince Caelion
"I will remember, Captain. Even the smallest gesture may hide intent?"
Captain Elenion
"Yes. Especially among humans. They speak less with words and more with eyes."
A scout hurried up.
Scout
"Your Majesty, I bear news. Khar-Durim's envoy will be departing within two days. They expect a response from the Sylvarae court regarding trade agreements."
Prince Caelion
"Then we must prepare. Ensure the treaties are ready, but with care—we cannot show weakness."
....
Khar-Durim — Royal Works, Afternoon
High King Brokk Ironvein
"The iron shipments are ready, and the dwarves have inspected each wagon. But I want a gift suitable for an imperial child. Something to remind them we are indispensable."
Trade-Lord Varrin Goldmantle
"I suggest refined steel for swordmaking, enchanted with minor protective wards. The boy may be too young to wield a sword, but the gesture carries weight."
High King Brokk Ironvein
"Good. And ensure the spellguards accompany the caravan. Nothing leaves the holds without protection."
Varrin Goldmantle
"Yes, High King. And the envoy to Valtherion?"
Brokk grinned.
"He will deliver gifts and a reminder that Khar-Durim's loyalty is not free. Every alliance comes with a price."
....
Aurelion Prime — Solar Palace, Morning Council
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Eastern garrisons report unusual troop movements near the Ashen Borderlands. Nothing alarming yet, but worth monitoring."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Academy students note minor fluctuations in elemental currents. Nothing dangerous, but… curious."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Grain shipments are stable, but merchants whisper that Thalassyra may raise tariffs again this season."
Emperor Aurelius IX
"All noted. Let it be recorded, but no action is needed. Our guests are arriving; diplomacy comes before conflict."
....
Aurelion Prime — Nursery Wing, Midday
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"He stirs again. Should we bring him to observe the council?"
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Not yet. Let him remain quiet. Observation comes before participation."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"He may see more than us in this room already."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"Perhaps. He listens, watches, remembers. You think he is small, but his mind is sharp."
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Patience. He is only a week old. The court will not wait for him, but he will learn at his own pace."
....
Sylvarae — Embassy to Valtherion, Late Afternoon
Lady Ambassador Selindria
"Your Majesty, the escort from Valtherion is impressive. Guards at every gate, magic sigils around the courtyard."
Prince Caelion
"They fear something, yet I see nothing that threatens them. Perhaps they fear what they cannot see."
Queen Althiriel Moonbloom
"Precisely. And we shall observe accordingly. Remember, Caelion, a kingdom may rise or fall based on how carefully it watches another's heir."
Lady Ambassador Selindria
"Do we proceed with the gift exchange now, or wait until the ceremony?"
Prince Caelion
"Wait. Ceremony first. Timing is a language of its own."
....
Aurelion Prime — Grand Hall, Ceremony Preparation
Duke Severus Eldric
"Ensure seating is correct. No one may sit outside their station—especially the foreign delegates."
Captain Renald
"All arrangements verified, Your Grace. Sylvarae, Khar-Durim, and Thalassyra have confirmed positions. No overlap detected."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"I will greet the Sylvarae princess, if I may?"
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"You will observe first. Courtesies are more than words—they are strategy."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"And if strategy bores us?"
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Then watch Cassian. He will teach strategy without a single word."
....
Evening — Pre-Ceremony Banquet
Guests arrived in full regalia. Music played softly, yet conversations were sharp. Every noble and envoy measured each other.
Lady Ambassador Selindria
"I hear the Ironford family whispers of potential marriages with Valtherion houses."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"The Count of Ironford? Bold of them. And curious."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Marriage proposals are often more about alliance than affection. Observe the families' reactions closely."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"And we will. Let them speak, while we listen."
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Exactly. Patience is a crown that even the heir must wear before it is given."
....
Nightfall — Reflections
The infant heir slept quietly in the nursery. Courtiers and envoys returned to their quarters, exchanging whispers and notes.
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Today was a success. Observation, diplomacy, and courtesy—all in balance."
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"And tomorrow? More councils, more envoys, and the first lessons for the child."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"He will grow up surrounded by intrigue. Even if small, he will not escape it."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"And that is the way it must be. Knowledge comes first. Power later."
Outside, the moonlight bathed the palace, a reminder that while the world rested, all seven continents were moving, preparing, and watching the heir who would inherit it.