As soon as the door opened, he was met with a sight that stole his breath. In the chamber, Queen Lythienne and Prince Alaric stared at him with the same shock. Lythienne was wrapped only in a thin blanket, while Alaric, who had been in the bed moments before, sprang up with an expression full of anger. “What do you mean, Kaelith?” Alaric’s voice was sharp, almost a threatening whisper. His eyes, deep dark blue, regarded Kaelith with a cold calm and an intimidating intelligence. His face was oval with a strong jawline and a slightly prominent chin, reflecting a dominant character. High cheekbones lent him an aristocratic, imposing air. His jet-black hair, long and tied back in a simple but neat style, was slightly disheveled from his sudden movement. A few strands fell beside his face, adding a wild charm that contrasted with his cold demeanor.

  He hurriedly pulled on his clothes in rough movements, his body still radiating the warmth left from the moments they had shared. Kaelith swallowed. “The King ordered the soldiers to summon the Queen to the banquet. I held them back, but I fear they might return—or worse, the King himself might come.” Alaric spat a curse under his breath, snatched his cloak, and passed Kaelith with a piercing look. He said nothing more as he left the chamber.

  Kaelith still stood in the doorway as Lythienne slowly rose from the bed. The Queen approached, her body draped in a thin cloth that merely covered her shoulders. Her posture remained graceful and upright, the bearing of a true leader accustomed to command. Her skin was pale with a faint peach flush, flawless in the dim light of the room, a sharp contrast to the black hair flowing freely down her back. The scent of roses from her oils mixed with the faint trace of sweat and something more intimate—an aroma not easily mistaken. Her hazel eyes gleamed with something unreadable, as if weighing each of Kaelith’s movements with precise calculation.

  “Kaelith.” Her voice was soft, but there was calculation in every word. “Come closer.” Kaelith swallowed. He stepped forward, his heart pounding. Lythienne turned, exposing her slender back and the graceful line of her neck, flawless and unblemished. She instructed him to tie the ribbons of her gown, and Kaelith could see how the fine fabric clung perfectly to her, accentuating the curve of her slim waist and shoulders that were strong yet feminine. Kaelith’s fingers trembled slightly as he pulled the silk ribbon, tying it carefully.

  Then Lythienne spoke in a measured, cool tone. “You are talented, Kaelith. Very talented. If you wish to survive in Valterion, you must know your place. I can see to it that your future remains secure.” Kaelith nodded slowly, still trying to steady his heartbeat. Suddenly he felt something else. Lythienne, still turned away, reached back with a movement both smooth and certain. Her fingers, soft yet strong, closed on him in the most unexpected place, freezing Kaelith instantly. Her naturally red lips curved into a thin smile, almost like a predator that has found its prey. His breath caught.

  “If you dare betray this, or change your mind… you will lose this,” Lythienne said, her voice sweet as poison wrapped around a dagger, her fingers holding gently but with menace. Kaelith froze, his body strung tight between fear and a darker sensation creeping through his thoughts. “Because you were faithful today,” Lythienne continued in a low, clear voice, “this is your reward.” Her grip, which had pressed, softened and shifted into a more tantalizing touch. Kaelith’s tense breath relaxed into heaviness as the sensation crept through him. His fingers, trying to stay focused on tying the knot at the Queen’s back, began to lose their steadiness. His vision wavered, his mind scattered. Before he could finish the final knot, an involuntary sound slipped from his lips, impossible to hide.

  Lythienne smiled at the proof of the effect she had on the young man. She chuckled softly, a satisfied, delicate sound. “Too quick for a young man like you.” Kaelith paused, breath ragged, before Lythienne’s voice reminded him again. “Finish your task, Kaelith.” Trembling, he hurried to complete the last knot although his fingers remained weak from the aftershocks of sensation that had overtaken him. When his task was done, he remained rooted to the spot, unaware that Lythienne had already walked toward the door. Only when her command came again did he jolt. “Open the door.”

  Kaelith hurried to the doorway, his hands shaking slightly as he grasped the handle for the Queen. His body still felt hot, his thoughts disordered, and worse—the stain on his clothing was a real reminder of what had just occurred. Awkwardly, he cleaned himself as best he could, trying to return his expression to neutrality before following Lythienne out toward the banquet.

  Lythienne and Kaelith entered the great hall with light, assured steps. The air inside carried a mixture of ebony wood, softly burning candles, and the faint trace of red wine poured into silver goblets. “Sorry to keep you waiting; I had a small matter,” Lythienne said in a gentle but authoritative tone. Kaelric turned, his sharp eyes scanning his wife’s form before he nodded and indicated the chair beside him. The small gesture carried deeper meaning—not merely an invitation, but recognition of the Queen’s presence.

  Around the long table, nearly all the guests had gathered. Alaric sat casually, one arm draped on the chair’s armrest, his gaze never leaving the elves present. There was something in his look—an assessment, perhaps a hint of curiosity, or even wariness. Six Elder Dukes of Valterion had taken their places, each bringing a distinct, commanding presence. Murmured conversations rose in low tones, but the room remained thick with an almost tangible tension. From Thalasson’s side, not only Kaela and Vaelvalis were present, but several guards stood rigid behind them. Their silence said more than words, as if shadows ready to strike in a critical moment.

  Kaelric glanced at Lythienne. “Where are the children?” Lythienne smiled faintly, the corner of her mouth curving. “They are with your mother. Queen Ismeria watches them.” Kaelric nodded, but before he could speak, Vaelvalis interrupted in a tone urgent and firm. “King Kaelric, we cannot stay long. If this luncheon suffices, may we speak on matters of greater importance?” Kaelric raised a hand slightly, a movement of calm control. “Just a moment more. We will wait for my mother and my children.”

  As if answering Kaelric’s words, the hall doors opened gently. Footsteps echoed across the marble floor as Queen Ismeria Valterion entered gracefully, accompanied by her three grandchildren—Aeliana, Aric, and Varian II. The aging queen looked radiant, Varian II still holding her hand tightly. Aeliana, Kaelric’s eldest, walked with a self-assured air though she knew her role here was chiefly to observe. The girl stood by her mother with an upright posture and a calmness uncommon for her fifteen years.

  Kaelric addressed his guests. “Allow me to introduce my children.” Kaela smiled faintly, studying the three youngsters keenly. When her gaze fell on Varian II she paused, as if weighing something. “So your name is the same as your grandfather’s, the legend,” she said softly. “Do you wish to be as strong as him one day?” Varian II, who had been silent until then, lifted his face and nodded without hesitation. There was no anxiety in his eyes, only an unexplainable resolve. Kaela looked closer. There was something different about the boy. Perhaps it was more than a name—something greater, still hidden behind his young years.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  The banquet began. The carefully prepared dishes were eaten in a hush heavier than casual dining. The clink of cutlery and the occasional sip of wine formed the only soundtrack in the great hall. When the final dishes were cleared, Kaelric leaned back calmly. “All who are not concerned, please leave the hall.” One by one, attendants and guests without standing rose and departed. The guards followed, leaving only those with true stake in the matter.

  Remaining in the hall were Kaelric, Ismeria, Alaric, Lythienne, the six Elder Dukes, General Aelorian, and Aeliana who was allowed to stay as an observer. When the great doors finally closed, silence settled in, heavier than before. Kaelric exhaled softly and then spoke. “Very well, let us begin.”

  Before anyone could reply, Alaric rose with sudden motion, his gaze sharp and his voice filling the hall. “What is your interest in Aurelion? Why should we care for that kingdom?” His tone was cutting, full of impatience. The strain on his face was obvious, made worse by the earlier incident he’d had to restrain. He disliked unfinished business, especially when he was forced to hold back his temper. Kaela opened her mouth to answer, but Alaric raised a hand and cut her off firmly. “I do not care for your explanations. If you attack our fleet, you will fight us—and we will ensure you side with Aurelion. This is our war; you need not choose sides.”

  The air in the hall shifted immediately. Like a wave rising without warning, magic thrummed in the atmosphere. Prince Vaelvalis stood abruptly, his bright blue eyes flaring with anger. A magical aura began to seep from him, radiating a hot pressure that filled the room. The Valterion soldiers on guard braced, some instinctively reaching for their weapons. Among them, General Aelorian Valthirion stepped forward. As an elf, his instinct for magical energies was keen, and he activated his own aura, letting a coldness mingle with the intensity emanating from him. Tension tightened to a breaking point, like a drawn bowstring.

  Yet before things could spiral, a far greater pressure swept the room. As if a storm had arrived unexpectedly, Kaela’s magic washed the hall with a terrifying grace. It felt like a sea wind swelling into a great wave that pressed upon everyone within. Even Alaric, rarely surprised, felt the pressure crawl across his skin as though confronting a force greater than he had anticipated. The charged atmosphere fell into silence. Kaela turned to her brother, her gaze sharp. “Sit,” she said softly, a command that brooked no refusal. Vaelvalis clenched his fist but, after a moment, drew a long breath and resumed his seat, turning his attention to the table.

  Kaela faced Kaelric. “Your Majesty, if anyone cannot control their temper, they should leave. We are here to discuss this with cool heads, not to display strength.” Her eyes swept Alaric and then her brother. “If you wish to remain, restrain your anger.” Before Alaric could react, Queen Ismeria’s authoritative voice cut the silence. “Control yourself, Alaric! What are you doing?” Her sharp gaze fixed him with authority. “Do you wish to start a new war? Your father sacrificed much to end our long conflict with Aurelion, and now you would begin a new conflict with another kingdom?” Alaric turned his head away but offered no rebuttal. Ismeria nodded briefly before turning back to Kaela. “Please continue.”

  Kaela inhaled, then looked at Kaelric with steady conviction. “We, Thalasson, remain neutral as long as our kingdom is not harmed.” She folded her hands on the table. “But Valterion has placed its fleet in waters that sever our trade with Aurelion. This directly impacts our kingdom’s economy. Moreover, that area lies too close to our border. What if we station our fleet near your waters? Would you accept that?” Kaelric studied her with an inscrutable expression, then heard the elderly Duke Roderian Davorian speak up. “Why not let Thalasson help Valterion? If you aid us, this war could end sooner.”

  Kaela turned to the senior duke and smiled thinly, but her voice remained firm. “I respect your proposal, Your Grace, but our kingdom cannot take risks that endanger our people. We have our own problems to address.” She paused and looked around the chamber. “Something approaches. A prophecy that grows clearer with time. I cannot describe it here, but I cannot risk my kingdom for a war that is not ours.” The room fell silent again. Kaelric interlaced his fingers on the table and drew a long breath before speaking. “So you want us to withdraw our fleet from that area?”

  Kaela nodded. “We do not want war with Valterion. But we cannot ignore the presence of large warships so close to our waters. Our people are beginning to feel unsafe.” Kaelric regarded her for a long moment, then turned his gaze to the Elder Dukes as if weighing his options. Slowly he leaned back in his chair. “I understand.” The strain in the room eased somewhat, yet the discussion was far from over.

  The remaining dukes exchanged glances, their voices lowered into near whispers. The melting wax of candles mingled with warmed ebony wood, filling the chamber with a soft scent that almost soothed, though tension still hovered. After a while, Duke Eldranor Seraphelle cleared his throat and raised his chin. “Thalasson may feel secure,” he said at last, voice calm and assured. “This war is ours against Aurelion. We do not expect you to join. There is no need for you to worry.”

  Kaela listened closely, but her expression remained steady. She tapped a finger lightly on the table, the soft sound nearly drowned by the hearth’s crackle. “You may attack them,” she said finally, “but do not establish bases near our waters.” Some dukes’ gazes sharpened, but Kaela continued. “Your fleet’s presence not only disrupts our trade with Aurelion but also with Arliendor. Many kingdoms depend on these routes—not just us.”

  Kaelric, who had listened closely, finally spoke in a measured, controlled tone. “Do not worry about materials and metals from the Dwarves. Valterion can provide those as well, and we are willing to trade them to you,” he said, casting a glance at the Elder Dukes. “We can increase supplies to Thalasson. Your economy will not falter. We will ensure you receive food and other necessities.” Kaela nodded slowly, realizing how much her realm relied on land-supplied goods from Aurelion. Their seas yielded abundant catches, but Aurelion’s produce was crucial to Thalasson’s balance. Such an offer, if genuine, would close a gap that had left them dependent on others.

  Before Kaela could respond, Lythienne’s voice cut in. “What do you mean?” she asked, smooth but sharp. Her eyes watched her husband with scrutiny. Kaelric turned, his expression calm. “At present, war consumes resources. We need sufficient supplies to fund a large fleet to cut Aurelion’s supply lines.” Lythienne narrowed her eyes. “So you intend to redirect all of our food production?”

  Kaelric nodded and then addressed Elder Duke Eldranor Seraphelle, his adviser on agriculture and provisioning. “Can we increase production?” Eldranor nodded confidently. “My son who governs Thalvoria has proven capable. The city has flourished and can supply nearly all of Chalentos. If you ask whether we can boost production, the answer is yes.” Kaela remained silent, but in her mind she began to calculate. The offer would be beneficial, yet risky if Valterion used it to control Thalasson. She had to ensure her nation retained control of its trade.

  Lythienne still regarded Kaela with suspicion. “I wish to know,” she said softly, “why you care so much about Aurelion. How great is the impact on your kingdom?” Kaela met the queen’s gaze. “Trade is the lifeblood of our realm,” she replied without hesitation. “It is not merely Aurelion. If our trade routes are severed, the repercussions will be broader than you imagine.” Lythienne lifted her chin slightly. “Very well, then I will set one condition.” She glanced at Kaelric briefly before returning her gaze to Kaela. “If you agree, you must not interfere with our fleet again. Additionally, all trade with Aurelion must cease.”

  Silence returned to the chamber. Even the hearth seemed to dim within that quiet. Kaela weighed the condition in her mind. If she accepted, Thalasson would lose one of its major trading partners, yet on the other hand, they would gain a guarantee of stability from Valterion. A dangerous exchange. “I agree,” she said at last, her voice firm. “But if a single Valterion ship hinders ours without cause, the agreement is void.” Kaelric nodded. “Fair.”