Chapter Sixteen: Unexpected Guest and a Ball

*Back at the Argent Duchy*

*Duke Argent's Office*

In front of Duke Argent's table stood Zephyr, Kaius and Sage. Each were dressed in their training outfits. Blue, grey and black respectively.

Duke Argent cleared his throat as he looked at his children. "We will be having a guest with us,"

"Who is this guest?" Zephyr questioned. His eyebrows furrowed.

"An important one."

"Well that does not answer the question, now does it?" Sage quipped.

Kaius nodded in agreement.

Sighing, Duke Argent continued, "Your Uncle, Emperor Raoul, wants us to keep Prince Zenith under our surveillance."

"Is it because of the war?" Sage questioned.

Duke Argent paused, before nodding.

"Seeing how you know of the war, did the Raiders come back." Zephyr asked as he looked at Sage.

Sage turned to look at him. "No, but I do have my ways of finding stuff out,"

Kaius who was in the middle of the two raised his hands as he asked, "Father you said the guest was coming. So the guest is Prince Zenith?"

Duke Argent nodded. "He will arrive at high noon,"

"How long will he be staying?" Kiaus questioned.

"That I do not know. Probably when the war starts he will go to war with us,"

Sage and Zephyr looked at each other and felt that things were going to became more complicated.

A knock was heard on the door followed by Duke Argent's swift response. "Come in,"

Butler Rashford bowed as he greeted. "Good morning, My Lordship. Young Master Zephyr, Young Master Kiaus and Young Mistress Sage. Her Ladyship request your presence."

The three men froze. Sage looked at her father and brothers with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, will be there. You may go," Duke Argent said as he quickly rained in his expression.

Butler Rashford bowed and left.

Sage looked at them once again with a gentle smile. "You guys have not visited Mother in while it seems."

Kiaus pouted as he questioned, "What are gloating about? You haven't either."

"Well unlike you three. I was stuck in my room for a week thanks to Father wrapping me up in a cotton wool. And I found out I only needed three days of rest. My powers kept my body safe while I was asleep." Sages smile widened as she said.

Zephyr and Kiaus looked at their father.

"I wanted to be sure," Duke Argent stressed.

Zephyr and Kiaus looked at Sage.

"I wouldn't have minded if you told me yourself,"

Zephyr's eyes seemed to say 'I told you so.'

"Let's talk about this on other date. Your Mother is waiting for us." Duke Argent quickly changed the subject.

*In The Family Room*

The four Argent's entered the room. On the sofa sat a woman with light blonde hair.

Duke Argent walked towards her with a gentle smile. "Ophelia, why did you call?"

Duchess Argent shot a side glance at her husband. "What? I can't call my family?"

Zephyr, Kaius and Sage felt what their Mother was saying felt familiar.

Duke Argent nervously chuckled and sat beside Duchess Argent, taking her hand in his. "Of course, my dear. I just wasn't expecting it."

Duchess Argent's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I wanted to discuss the ball with all of you, but some people seem to have forgotten me."

Zephyr, Kaius, and Sage exchanged curious glances. There was something about their mother's tone that seemed... off.

Sage spoke up, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, joy. The ball. Because that's exactly what we need right now. More politics and fake smiles."

Duchess Argent shot Sage a warning glance. "Sage, behave. Your Aunt, Empress Elianna, has put in a lot of effort to plan this ball for you."

"Wait, what?!" Sages signature gentle smile faded a little.

"Sage, please go. I agreed when you were younger that you did not have to go to balls. But, I want to celebrate the fact that after 3 years you're awake." Duchess Argent walked towards her daughter and held her hands. She emotionally looked at her Sage.

Sage sighed. "Fine. I'll go."

Duchess Argent smiled at her daughter.

Duchess Argent's eyes shone with tears as she hugged Sage tightly. "Thank you, dear. I promise it will be a wonderful ball. And who knows, you might even enjoy yourself."

Sage rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I doubt it, but I'll try."

Zephyr and Kaius exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing. Sage was only agreeing to this because of their mother's emotional appeal.

Duke Argent smiled, relieved that the conversation had ended on a positive note. "Excellent! I'll make sure to clear my schedule for the ball. We'll all attend together, as a family."

Sage nodded, feeling a sense of resignation. She knew she couldn't avoid the ball now, but she was determined to make the most of it.

"When is it?" Sage asked.

"It has not been decided yet so I'll be going to the Imperial Palace to discuss it with your Aunt." Duchess Argent replied.

Letting go of Sage, she said, "Elianna and I have a lot ahead of us, bye now."

Duchess Argent, took her gloves. Kissed Duke Argent on the cheek and walked out of the family room.

"Well, that's taking care of." Kaius said.

Zephyr looked at his Father. "I'll go tell Rashford to prepare the room for Prince Zenith."

"I'm going to train," Kaius added.

"I'll join you," Sage said.

Duke Argent sighed and watched his children walked away.

'I should go back to work.' Duke Argent left the Family room.