Year 1531 A.F.
Eastmarch Duchy — Valcaryn Citadel
The Valcaryn Citadel overlooked the eastern plains like a watchful lion, its banners—silver lightning on deep blue—snapping in the afternoon wind. War councils were usually held here. So were judgments, treaties, and drills.
Today, however, the great solar had been cleared for something rarer.
Family.
....
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
Duke Alaric Valcaryn removed his gauntlets and handed them to a waiting attendant.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Tell the steward we'll dine early. If Thane arrives late again, he eats cold."
The attendant bowed and hurried away.
From the balcony doors, Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn watched him with faint amusement.
....
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn (Imperial Princess)
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"You say that every time. And every time you wait."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Because he's still learning punctuality."
She crossed the room, imperial poise softened by familiarity.
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"He's sixteen, Alaric. Late is his natural state."
He snorted.
....
The Children of House Valcaryn
Lord Caelum Valcaryn — Age 21
Heir of Eastmarch | Spellblade (Lightning)
The doors opened sharply.
Lightning crackled—brief, controlled—around Lord Caelum Valcaryn's fingers before he dismissed the spell.
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"Father. Mother."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Inside, Caelum. This isn't the parade ground."
Caelum smiled faintly.
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"Reflex."
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"You'll set the drapes on fire one day."
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"I'll compensate the duchy."
Alaric grunted, which in Valcaryn terms was affection.
....
Lady Marienne Valcaryn — Age 19
Betrothed to Marquis Ironfold
Lady Marienne Valcaryn entered with measured grace, parchment under her arm.
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"Mother, Father."
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Still studying Ironfold trade charters?"
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"If I am to marry into stone and steel, I should understand both."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"A better answer than most diplomats give."
Caelum leaned closer.
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"He still bores you, doesn't he?"
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"He listens. That already puts him ahead."
....
Thane Valcaryn — Age 16
Imperial Military Academy Cadet
Boots thundered.
Thane Valcaryn
"I'm not late."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"You're breathing hard."
Thane Valcaryn
"Ran."
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Wash. Then sit."
Thane obeyed instantly—Imperial blood remembered discipline even when youth resisted it.
....
Other Children of House Valcaryn
Lady Selene Valcaryn — Age 14
Studying court etiquette and healing arts
Lord Rowan Valcaryn — Age 11
Fostered with a loyal baronial house to learn governance
Lady Elayne Valcaryn — Age 8
Still blissfully uninterested in politics
Selene whispered to Elayne as they entered.
Lady Selene Valcaryn
"Don't stare."
Lady Elayne Valcaryn
"But everyone's here."
Selene smiled.
....
The Concubines of Duke Valcaryn
Lady Isolde — Age 32
Mother of Selene and Rowan
Lady Isolde bowed respectfully to Valeria.
Lady Isolde
"Your Grace."
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Lady Isolde. Please sit."
There was no tension—only structure.
....
Lady Nerissa — Age 29
Mother of Elayne
Lady Nerissa arrived last, guiding Elayne gently.
Lady Nerissa
"She refused to nap."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"A Valcaryn trait."
Valeria allowed herself a small smile.
....
The Family Table
Platters were laid. Wine poured. The hall warmed.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Caelum. Your progress?"
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"Spellblade synchronization is improving. Lightning still resists restraint."
Thane Valcaryn
"Because lightning doesn't want restraint."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Which is why discipline exists."
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"Ironfold sent word. They approve the winter timetable."
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Good. Snow reveals character."
Selene looked between them.
Lady Selene Valcaryn
"Will the Empire change soon?"
Silence.
Then Valeria spoke gently.
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Yes. But change does not always mean loss."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"And Eastmarch stands ready, regardless."
Caelum met his father's gaze and nodded.
....
Closing Moment
As dusk settled, laughter replaced strategy.
Thane argued with Caelum.
Marienne corrected both.
Selene listened.
Elayne slept against Nerissa's shoulder.
Valeria watched it all.
Duchess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"For all our titles… this is what matters."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Agreed."
Outside, the banners held steady.
House Valcaryn endured—not through fear or ambition, but through family.