Year 1531 A.F. | Early Summer
Aurelion Prime — The Solar Palace
The Solar Palace stirred awake beneath the golden light of early summer. Courtyards filled with measured footsteps, banners shifted gently in the breeze, and the sound of distant bells marked the passing of the morning hour.
At the heart of it all, the Imperial family gathered—not for ceremony, but for matters that would shape the Empire's future.
....
Lucien Solvanyr
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr stood by the tall arched window of the eastern solar, hands clasped behind his back. At twenty-four, he bore the weight of the Empire with practiced calm—tall, composed, his presence commanding without effort.
Lucien Solvanyr
"They arrive today, don't they?"
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr, seated nearby with a book half-forgotten in her lap, looked up.
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"The envoys? Yes. Midday, according to the chamberlain. You sound as though you already know the answer."
Lucien Solvanyr
"I do. I was hoping it might change."
Elowyn smiled faintly.
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"You always say that before something important happens."
Lucien Solvanyr
"Because important things rarely arrive quietly."
....
Valeria Solvanyr
Princess Valeria Solvanyr entered the chamber with confident steps, her attire reflecting both imperial elegance and the subtle influence of the eastern marches.
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"Lucien, you're brooding again."
Lucien turned, offering a small smile.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Am I that obvious?"
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"To me? Always. Marriage has sharpened my observational skills."
Elowyn raised an eyebrow.
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"You mean ruling Eastmarch beside Duke Alaric has."
Valeria chuckled softly.
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"That too. Though I must say, the silence of the palace feels strange without him."
Lucien Solvanyr
"Eastmarch needs him. The frontier is never quiet for long."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"True. Still, today's meeting concerns you more than me."
She met his gaze steadily.
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"The proposal?"
Lucien exhaled slowly.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Yes."
....
Magnus Solvanyr
Heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor as Lord Magnus Solvanyr, the Emperor's younger brother, entered the chamber. His presence carried the unmistakable weight of command—battle-hardened, sharp-eyed, and unyielding.
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"You're all here already. Good."
Princess Elowyn rose and bowed slightly.
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"Uncle Magnus."
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Elowyn. Valeria."
He turned to Lucien.
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Crown Prince."
Lucien inclined his head respectfully.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Uncle. You've returned sooner than expected."
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Western borders don't sleep, but they're stable—for now. I came because this concerns the Empire."
Valeria folded her arms lightly.
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"A diplomatic marriage always does."
Magnus gave a short, humorless smile.
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Marriage is a weapon, Valeria. One that cuts both ways."
....
Darius Solvanyr
The doors opened again, revealing Prince Darius Solvanyr, dressed in the practical uniform of the Imperial Academy. His posture was disciplined, his expression alert.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Apologies for my lateness. Training ran long."
Lucien Solvanyr
"No apology needed. Sit."
Darius glanced between the assembled family.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"This is about my brother's marriage, isn't it?"
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"You're learning quickly."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"At the academy, everything is either preparation for war or politics. Sometimes both."
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"A useful lesson."
....
The Proposal
A chamberlain entered quietly, bowing low.
Chamberlain
"Your Highnesses, the envoys from the Kingdom of Sylvarae await audience."
The room fell silent.
Lucien Solvanyr
"So it begins."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"An elven alliance is no small thing."
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Nor a simple one. Elves do not give daughters lightly."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Is this about peace, or leverage?"
Lucien Solvanyr
"Both, most likely."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"And you?"
Lucien met her gaze.
Lucien Solvanyr
"I will listen. That is my duty."
....
Imperial Council Antechamber
As they prepared to move, Magnus spoke quietly.
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Lucien, remember this—alliances built on desperation crumble quickly. Demand clarity."
Lucien Solvanyr
"I will."
Princess Valeria Solvanyr
"And remember that marriage is not surrender. It is negotiation."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"If you accept, the academy will feel it too. Every cadet watches the Crown."
Lucien smiled faintly.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Then I must give them something worth watching."
....
Closing
As the Imperial family moved toward the council chamber, banners of gold and white lining their path, the Empire held its breath.
A single marriage proposal—spoken politely, negotiated carefully—had the power to alter borders, secure peace, or sow quiet resentment that would take decades to surface.
And at the center of it stood Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, bearing the weight of a name that had shaped history—and would shape it again.