The morning sun bathed the city in warm light as Seraphina and Allira wandered arm-in-arm through the busy marketplace. The streets were alive with activity, vendors shouting out their wares, carts rattling over cobblestones, and children chasing each other through the crowd.

  Seraphina moved slowly and peacefully, pausing every few steps to admire something that caught her eye. Meanwhile, Allira stayed alert, her eyes constantly flicking across the crowd, watching for trouble.

  “Ooh, what do you think of this?” Seraphina held up a delicate silver bracelet shaped like twisting vines. “It’s lovely, don’t you think?”

  Allira glanced and said, “It looks fragile.”

  Seraphina sighed dramatically. “You need to work on your enthusiasm. Jewelry is important. Just as important as having a few dresses ready for any occasion.”

  Allira raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never had much use for trinkets or dresses.”

  “Well, get used to it,” Seraphina said with a sly smile. “David loves making jewelry. He crafted our rings and a necklace that made the entire court crazy when they saw it. Soon, you’ll have your collection of beautiful pieces. And besides,” she gently bumped Allira with her shoulder, “what kind of sister would I be if I didn’t spoil you?”

  Allira blinked. “Sister?”

  Seraphina beamed. “I’ve never had one at home. Well, I do have an older one, but she moved out years ago. A sister and a wife. I get the best of both.” She almost skipped a step forward. “So don’t think you’re going to hide in your little corner when we get back to the inn.”

  “What?” Allira frowned.

  “You’ll be moving your things into our room,” Seraphina chirped, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  Allira looked stunned. “That wait, already?”

  Seraphina nodded. “Of course! How are we supposed to be a family if you’re across the hall? You belong with us. Also, David loves unwrapping me when I’m wearing a dress. So, we need to get a special one for your unwrapping.” Seraphina gave her a wicked grin. “Oh, don’t blush. Trust me, it’s fun. David did tell me something about whipped cream. Oh, truly yummy.”

  Allira opened her mouth, then closed it again, clearly at a loss. Her ears flushed crimson. “Gods, what have I gotten myself into?”

  “A very lucky situation,” Seraphina said with a teasing lilt, looping her arm through Allira’s. Her smile warmed. “Also, what did our husband engrave inside your ring?”

  Allira looked down, her fingers gently brushing the silver band as if it were made from something more valuable than metal. “He said it means ‘one path, two hearts’ — in a language from his world.” She slid the ring off and held it up to the light. “Una via, duo corda. If I’m understanding it correctly.”

  Seraphina’s eyes softened. “He told me the language was called Latin. Dead where he’s from, he said, but not forgotten.” She touched the ring on her hand. “Mine says amor vitae meae. He said it means ‘Love of my life.’”

  Allira smiled faintly, the emotion too big for her voice. “That doesn’t sound dead to me.”

  “No,” Seraphina murmured, her gaze far away. “It sounds like a promise from a romantic.”

  By the time they reached the gates of the Royal Barracks, Allira had fully regained her composure. The guards recognized her on sight and opened the way without a word.

  The training yard beyond was alive with the sounds of sparring wooden weapons clashing, boots scuffing, and shouted drills cutting through the dusty morning air. Dozens of shirtless men moved with fierce intent under the late morning sun.

  Seraphina slowed to a stop, taking it all in with wide, appreciative eyes. “Well then,” she murmured. “That’s a lot of sword practice for one morning.”

  Allira arched a brow but kept walking. “They’re soldiers. It’s their job.”

  Seraphina sighed dramatically, one hand over her heart. “I’m just admiring the commitment. Purely academic.”

  “Right. Purely,” Allira said dryly, not bothering to look.

  “Oh, relax. You know we’ve got the best one at home," Seraphina winked. “Still, the rest are decent models for a painting for lonely girls.”

  “Sure,” Allira said with a grin. “You ogle. I’ll steer.”

  “I’m multitasking,” Seraphina replied, strolling after her. “And besides,” She gave one last glance at the yard. “None of them have David’s arms. Or that voice. Or the way he says ‘I need you to hold this’ and hands you some newly created mithril jewelry like it’s a love letter.”

  Allira laughed. “You’re the one being romantic now.”

  “I’m just well-fed,” Seraphina said, smirking. “Happily spoiled and entirely biased.”

  Their walk through the complex was often interrupted as Seraphina paused to admire things: tapestries, paintings, and a particularly ornate suit of ceremonial armor. Allira waited each time, arms crossed, until they reached the steward’s desk just outside General Hakenton’s office.

  The steward looked up and gave a respectful nod. “Captain Dennes. A surprise. And Lady Robertson, I presume?”

  Seraphina smiled. “You presume correctly. We’re here to speak with the General, if he has a moment.”

  The steward disappeared into the side room and reemerged moments later, holding the door open. “He’ll see you now.”

  Inside, General Hakenton stood tall behind his desk, several senior officers flanking him. All of them were hovering over a map of the kingdom. His eyes flicked from Seraphina to Allira and back.

  “Lady Robertson,” he greeted formally. “Captain. What can we do for you today?”

  “Thank you for your time,” Seraphina said graciously. “We won’t keep you long. I have a request, but it’s not for myself. It’s for my husband.”

  The General’s tone shifted immediately. “Then what can we do for the Earl?”

  Seraphina smiled and spoke plainly. “The gods have blessed him. As of yesterday, he now has a second wife.”

  There was a moment of stunned silence before everyone looked at Allira. She stayed strong.

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  “It’s true,” she said. “I am now Allira Robertson, second wife to Earl David Robertson.”

  One of the officers raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just meet him a week ago?”

  Allira nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  The Hakenton sighed, folding his arms. “Well, that changes a lot.” He gestured to the chairs. “Please, ladies. Sit.”

  Seraphina and Allira accepted the offered seats. The other officers respectfully stepped back, allowing the conversation to settle.

  General Hakenton looked at Allira thoughtfully. “You’re one of our best officers, Captain. But this changes everything.” He hesitated, his brows furrowing. “Forgive me, but… would you be willing to show me, and only me, your status panel? Just to set all doubts aside.”

  Allira stiffened slightly at the request, her eyes flicking toward Seraphina. For a moment, the two women held each other’s gaze. Seraphina gave the barest of nods, calm and assured.

  With a slow breath, Allira lifted her hand and summoned the panel. The glowing text floated in the air between them, her name and class clear, and beside it, the unmistakable line of her title: Wife of Earl Robertson.

  The General studied it for a long heartbeat before nodding, his expression shifting to something more solemn. He, like many, knows that one’s status panel is a gift of the gods and can reveal nothing but the truth. “Thank you for that. Now that you carry a noble title, my options are limited. Either I promote you to a rank that reflects your new position, or I release you from service.”

  Seraphina leaned forward, calm yet firm. “With all due respect, General, Allira acts as the liaison between my husband and the crown. That role still matters. I’ve even helped her write the reports.” She offered a gentle smile. “Some of David’s behavior is difficult to explain without context.”

  The General nodded slowly.

  “We don’t want to cut that connection,” Seraphina continued. “It’s too important for our family and the crown.”

  One of the officers spoke up. “And how much information are you prepared to share?”

  “Anything that isn’t personal,” Seraphina replied smoothly. “His class, his stats? That’s David’s to reveal, if he chooses. The same goes for us. But if there isn’t any conflict, I’d be willing. He’s our Earl. Our husband.”

  The General smiled at that, then steepled his fingers. “Reasonable. And understood.”

  A steward quietly entered and set a tray of tea and biscuits on the table in front of the women. They nodded in thanks.

  General Hakenton took a sip of his tea before making his decision. “Let’s see, the Duke and, by extension, the King want the Earl protected, so now I also have my back against the wall. This is how I see it. Captain Dennes, you have two options: you can resign your commission or accept a promotion to Lieutenant General.”

  A soft murmur spread among the officers.

  Hakenton continued, “I would prefer you take the promotion, but the decision is yours. If you accept, you'll stay on as liaison to the capital. You’ll command the Brackenreach regiment.”

  Another officer raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t the Earl be involved in this decision?”

  Before Allira could respond, Seraphina stepped in, her tone calm and resolute. “This is Allira’s decision. And hers alone. My husband supports her completely, and he made that very clear.” There was a pause. No one argued. All eyes focused on Allira.

  She didn’t hesitate. “No matter what choice I make, I’ll be at my husband’s side.”

  Seraphina reached over and placed a hand on Allira’s arm, smiling.

  The General stood and extended his hand. “Then allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Lieutenant General Robertson.” Allira rose and shook his hand, pride and disbelief crossing her face.

  Seraphina also stood. “Thank you for your time, General. I believe we’re done here.”

  He nodded. “Lady Seraphina, one last thing, now that she’s going to be assigned to Brackenreach, her salary and expenses are your responsibility.”

  Seraphina chuckled. “We’ve got that covered.”

  She slipped her arm through Allira’s. “Now, come on. David’s working on your new armor, and I want to see how far he’s gotten. Also, we need to get you into that dress for tonight.” They turned to leave.

  “Armor?” the General asked, blinking.

  “Yes,” Allira said over her shoulder. “He didn’t like this set. Started sketching a new one this morning. Orichalcum, I think.”

  Behind them, the officers began a quiet but urgent conversation. Words like orichalcum, custom forging, and noble outfitting were exchanged.

  The General lazily sat back in his chair, sipping his tea. A slow laugh escaped him.

  The officers turned around in shock. “Sir?”

  He shook his head, chuckling. “Gods help us. The Earl’s only just arrived, and already the whole kingdom is in an uproar.”

  It was late in the evening when the messenger arrived.

  King Thorne and Queen Margaret were in their private chambers. Nearby, Princess Elyra and young Prince Darian sat cross-legged on the carpet, laughing over a card game. The Queen watched them with a warm smile, while the King stood near the war table with his brother, Duke Alaric, and Crown Prince Kaelen. They studied scattered maps and battlefront reports.

  The doors opened with a knock, and a steward stepped in, bowing. “Your Majesty. An envoy from Eldros requests immediate audience.”

  The King exchanged a glance with his brother. “It’s late, never mind. Send them in.”

  Moments later, the chamber doors opened, and five cloaked figures entered. Leading them was an elderly man with a weathered staff, who bowed deeply.

  “Your Majesties, I am Magister Veralt, Arch Mage of Eldros. Accompanying me are four senior mages from the circle and Prime Minister Halbrecht of Ironholt.”

  Each bowed in turn. Before anyone could speak again, Arch Mage Vael entered from a side corridor, his face lighting up with recognition.

  “Veralt! It’s been far too long.”

  “Much too long. Work keeps me shackled from getting over there,” the old man replied with a dry chuckle. The two embraced briefly.

  Then Veralt straightened and addressed the King. “Your Majesty, I’ve come seeking one of your nobles. A man we believe may be the key to halting this demonic incursion, Earl David Robertson.”

  Queen Margaret sat up. “You’re sure?”

  Veralt nodded. “The Chamber of Everticatt was activated four weeks ago. A single star lit the northern crystal, and it points directly to this kingdom.”

  Vael blinked in shock. “A single star? It’s pointing here?”

  “Yes,” Veralt said grimly. “It hasn't glowed in over two centuries, since the last engineer vanished.”

  Prince Kaelen furrowed his brow. “What is this, Everticatt?”

  Vael turned to him. “A powerful artifact, left by the last engineer before he disappeared. He said it would show the path when another came.”

  King Thorne frowned. “So you’re telling me a magical compass built by a vanished myth points to my kingdom?”

  Prime Minister Halbrecht stepped forward. “Yes, it points here, Your Majesty. We believe that your Earl could help us locate this engineer. We also think a crucial event is approaching, and we need assistance. Since, if everything we hear is correct, a man is forging mithril. That alone narrows the possibilities to him, or possibly knowing where to start searching.”

  Queen Margaret unfastened the brooch pinned to her shoulder and handed it to a steward. “He made this.”

  The steward brought it to Veralt, who handled it with reverent fingers. “By the gods, this craftsmanship!”

  Prince Kaelen unsheathed a sword and held it up. “This, too. Received it yesterday. A mithril blade.”

  Veralt looked at Vael. “So he also can make weapons.”

  Vael cleared his throat and pulled out a scroll. “That’s not all. This is my report on what happened a couple of days ago.” He handed it to the King.

  King Thorne read silently. As his eyes moved over the page, the color faded from his face. “Are you sure?”

  “I held the blade myself,” Vael said. “It’s beyond words."

  Queen Margaret took the scroll from her husband and skimmed it. “A soul-bound weapon?” she said in disbelief.

  “That would explain how he summoned it,” said Duke Alaric. “The sword, when he defended himself the other day?”

  Vael nodded. “Yes.”

  The Queen turned to Veralt, eyes sharp. “So you believe this Earl can help you find the next engineer?”

  Veralt hesitated. “There is another possibility that he is the same engineer that we are seeking.”

  “There seem to be too many coincidences,” Vael added.

  The King called a steward. “Send for Earl Robertson and his wife.”

  “Wives,” Queen Margaret corrected with a subtle smirk.

  The King looked up. “More than one?”

  “It seems the gods chose to bless him again,” she said. “Captain Allira Dennes was wed to him yesterday.”

  “Well,” the King murmured, amused. “He’s been busy.”

  Before another word could be spoken, the chamber doors burst open. Several soldiers hurried in, escorting a breathless messenger.

  "Sire! It’s the rift. It’s breached. We’re holding, but multiple demons and flyers are heading south. They’re coming this way. They should arrive within the hour."

  All lightness disappeared from the King’s face. “Get the mages. Sound the alarms. We seal the skies and prepare the walls.”

  He hurried out of the room with Prince Kaelen and Vael by his side. Guards trailed closely behind.

  Duke Alaric turned to Veralt. “This may not be the best time.”

  Prime Minister Halbrecht turned to the Queen. “Where is Earl Robertson now?”

  She didn’t hesitate. “He’s at the Copper Candle Inn.”

  Alaric nodded. “Then that’s where we’re headed next. But we’re bringing a squad.”

  The Queen met Veralt’s eyes. “If he truly is what you think, then we need him more than ever.”

  Veralt bowed his head. “May the gods help us, Your Majesty.”