Year 1527 A.F. | Mid-Autumn
Marquis House Velthorin — Silverleaf Estate, Morning
Marquis Eldric Velthorin stood on the balcony overlooking the estate's orchard, the sunlight glinting off the dew-laden leaves.
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Sir Jerran, the trade caravans must leave today. Sylvarae merchants arrive this season, and we cannot afford delay."
Captain Jerran
"Understood, Your Grace. The wagons are ready, the guards briefed. No merchant will be left unattended."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Good. And the council of our lesser houses? Have they been reminded that observation is as much a duty as loyalty?"
Advisor Miriel
"They have been summoned. The Velthorin influence spreads across five counties now, yet all await your word, Marquis."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"And it shall be given. The Empire watches, but they do not see everything. That is our advantage."
....
Velthorin Estate — Council Chamber, Midday
Lord Halven, a vassal of House Velthorin, presented his report.
Lord Halven
"Trade routes from Ironveil are delayed. Sylvarae emissaries wish to renegotiate tariffs, citing scarcity of goods."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Scarcity is a tool, not a misfortune. Respond with measured courtesy and offer a token shipment—enough to flatter, not enough to empower."
Lady Miriel
"And the Khar-Durim envoy?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Send gifts that remind them of our utility. Gold, iron, and the subtle influence of minor wards. The child Cassian need not see it yet, but the Empire will notice our diligence."
Lord Halven
"And the whispers among neighboring houses, Marquis?"
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Ignore them. Let them speak. Only those who act when observed matter. We prepare; the rest chatter."
....
Velthorin Estate — Private Study, Afternoon
Marquis Eldric Velthorin poured over maps, tracing trade routes and troop deployments. His eldest daughter, Lady Selene Velthorin, entered quietly.
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Father, the emissary from Thalassyra seeks an audience. They wish to discuss maritime trade, but I suspect a secondary motive."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Observation first, Selene. Words follow understanding. Never forget: every envoy carries the intentions of more than one hand."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"I understand. But sometimes, their gestures tell more than their words."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Indeed. And that is why the Velthorin name persists. You see, Selene, attention to small gestures preserves houses through centuries."
....
Velthorin Estate — Late Afternoon
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Prepare my carriage. I will attend the Imperial council in Aurelion tomorrow. Lady Selene, ensure the estate's books are ready for inspection. Every detail matters."
Lady Selene Velthorin
"Yes, Father. The records are complete."
Captain Jerran
"The guards are ready. Your Grace, the roads are secure. No rival house will interfere."
Marquis Eldric Velthorin
"Let them watch, let them whisper. We move in silence and precision."
....
Duke House Kaelthorn — Ironspire Keep, Evening
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn stood atop the battlements, watching the sunset over the Ironspire Mountains.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Send word to the Imperial council: Kaelthorn troops are ready for inspection, and the academy students are prepared for demonstration."
Advisor Lorven
"Yes, Your Grace. But the Velthorin House has already sent their representative ahead. They seek favor with the Empire early."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"I expected nothing less. Let them parade their diligence. It will reveal more than words. We prepare, they reveal themselves."
....
Kaelthorn Keep — Strategy Chamber, Nightfall
Captain Reldin
"Your Grace, merchants from Khar-Durim arrive with gifts for the Empire. Some may wish to negotiate directly with our house for influence."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Let them approach. We hold the proper station. Observation first, diplomacy second, leverage always."
Advisor Lorven
"And the Imperial family? Cassian has been receiving envoys from Sylvarae and Thalassyra this season."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Let the child learn. By the time he walks into these chambers, the court will already know his measures. We must ensure that our house is among those they remember."
....
Kaelthorn Keep — Private Quarters, Night
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Lorven, remind me again—who among the minor counts will attend the Imperial council? Their whispers are dangerous."
Advisor Lorven
"Ironford, of course. Others—several Marquises, including Velthorin, as you know."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Then we must be precise. Every smile, every bow, every word calculated. One misstep could allow Velthorin to gain influence over trade, or worse—Cassian's favor."
Lorven bowed.
"We will prepare, Your Grace. And the child?"
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"The child watches and learns. So must we. Always."
....
Across the Empire
Night settled across the lands.
Marquis Velthorin reviewed trade routes, ensured caravans, and prepared his house for Imperial scrutiny.
Duke Kaelthorn plotted strategy, observed rival houses, and ensured every gesture would count at the coming council.
Aurelion Prime remained unaware of the subtle positioning happening in these lesser houses—yet every word, gift, and gesture would ripple back to Cassian and the Imperial family.
The Empire moved not only through kings and emperors, but through the silent diligence of those who whispered in the halls and courtyards.
Observation, patience, precision: the true power of the lesser thrones.