Year 1531 A.F. | Early Autumn
Imperial Palace — Solvanyr Grand Dining Hall
The Solvanyr Grand Dining Hall stretched vast and glittering, its marble floors reflecting the sunlight that poured through towering stained-glass windows. Banners of the Empire, deep gold trimmed with sapphire, hung from the vaulted ceiling. The room was filled with family, advisors, and subtle tension, for today, the matter on the table was marriage for the Crown Prince—a matter of state and heart alike.
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Present at the Table
Emperor Aurelius IX — Age 58
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr — Age 53
Three Imperial Concubines:
Lady Miraleth — Age 35
Children:
Lord Kaelen Solvanyr, 16 (Aura Knight)
Lady Ilyra Solvanyr, 14 (latent Fire Mage)
Lady Veyra — Age 32
Children:
Lord Renar Solvanyr, 15 (Lightning Spellblade)
Lady Selina Solvanyr, 12 (Earth Mage)
Lady Thessa — Age 29
Children:
Lord Corin Solvanyr, 13 (Knight Aura)
Lady Elara Solvanyr, 10 (latent Air Mage)
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Imperial Children:
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, 22 (Lightning Spellblade)
Prince Darius Solvanyr, 20 (Aura Knight)
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr, 18 (latent Air Mage)
Young future Emperor Cassian Solvanyr, 4
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Family Assembly Begins
Emperor Aurelius IX presided at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet weary from decades of rule. The Empress Seraphina sat to his right, radiant and watchful.
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Today, we speak of Lucien's future. Marriage is not merely a personal matter—it is the stability of the Empire. And stability comes first."
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, seated beside his betrothed, Lady Aralyn, nodded silently. Aralyn's posture was composed, her sharp green eyes flicking across the dining hall.
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Introducing the Concubines' Children
Lady Miraleth, seated near the eastern wall, nudged her eldest.
Lady Miraleth
"Kaelen, remember your manners. Speak only when asked."
Lord Kaelen Solvanyr, 16, tall and imposing, inclined his head.
Lord Kaelen Solvanyr
"Understood, Mother."
Lady Ilyra, 14, fiddled with a pendant, curiosity in her eyes.
Lady Ilyra Solvanyr
"Will this marriage bring new alliances?"
Prince Darius, ever aware, leaned slightly toward her.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Alliances shape nations, Ilyra. But hearts… hearts shape history."
Lady Veyra whispered to Lady Miraleth.
Lady Veyra
"The children are too young to see it, but even they sense the weight in the room."
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Crown Prince Lucien and Lady Aralyn
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Father, Mother, I understand the importance of the proposal. But…"
Empress Seraphina raised a hand, patient yet firm.
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Lucien. We have heard your words before. Now is time for counsel, not hesitation."
Lady Aralyn, elegant and poised, spoke softly.
Lady Aralyn
"Your Majesty, Crown Prince Lucien honors his position. I am prepared to serve the Empire as well."
The young prince shifted slightly, acknowledging both duty and personal connection.
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The Younger Princes and Princesses Observe
Prince Darius Solvanyr, 20, smirked faintly.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Lucien, do not falter. It is one thing to train with spells and swords; another to navigate the table of royalty."
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr, 18, absent-mindedly toyed with her fingers, her latent air magic causing a slight draft across her plate.
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr
"And yet… a marriage does not move as the wind does. It is heavier, slower… but necessary."
Lucien glanced at her, appreciating her insight, before bowing slightly toward his father.
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Concubines Weigh In
Lady Thessa, youngest of the concubines, spoke up, her voice firm.
Lady Thessa
"My sons and daughters will serve the Empire as their father and their half-brother do. This marriage strengthens ties, but the heart… must not be ignored."
Lord Corin, 13, seated beside her, whispered under his breath.
Lord Corin Solvanyr
"Heart or duty… can we have both?"
Lady Thessa smiled faintly.
Lady Thessa
"Perhaps, in time. Perhaps."
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The Young Future Emperor Cassian
At the far end, Cassian Solvanyr, age 4, tugged at the hem of his nursemaid's gown.
Young Future Emperor Cassian Solvanyr
"Papa… Lucien marry?"
Empress Seraphina smiled, bending slightly to his level.
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Yes, little one. Lucien must help keep the Empire safe."
Cassian frowned, clearly unimpressed with politics.
Young Future Emperor Cassian Solvanyr
"Safe… but happy?"
Lucien's hand brushed lightly over Aralyn's.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"That is the hope, my little future emperor."
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Family Debate and Discussion
Emperor Aurelius IX cleared his throat.
Emperor Aurelius IX
"We have heard words, we have heard concern. Let us decide with clarity: this proposal brings political alliances, stabilizes borders, and honors our family. But any objections?"
Lady Miraleth spoke cautiously.
Lady Miraleth
"Only that the Empire's heirs must remember loyalty first, then heart. Kaelen and Ilyra watch, as do all younger children. The example you set matters."
Lady Veyra added:
Lady Veyra
"Lucien must also consider the people, not only the palace."
Duke Aurelius IX
"So noted. Lucien—your choice is guided, not free—but informed."
Crown Prince Lucien nodded.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Then I accept the responsibility. And I will do my best to honor both duty and… heart."
Lady Aralyn inclined her head.
Lady Aralyn
"And I shall support him in all ways the Empire requires."
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Closing Family Reflection
The dining hall settled into calm. Some children played quietly at the edges, others observed their parents' and older siblings' discourse. The concubines whispered, not in secrecy but in strategy—each noting alliances and potential influences for the future.
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"We are the Solvanyrs. Duty, legacy, and strength bind us. Tonight, let it also bind our hearts."
Emperor Aurelius IX
"And tomorrow, the Empire awaits us again."
The children murmured assent. Even Cassian giggled, a small spark of life in the vast hall of legacy.
The Imperial family—emperor, empress, crown prince, princesses, princes, concubines, and all heirs—sat united, their future and politics entwined as tightly as their bonds of blood.