Betrayal Among Allies

LYANNA

Lyanna and her companions arrived at Frostspire Keep soon after Geralt's departure. By the time she stepped out of the carriage, Geralt had already left with Rein. As she disembarked, her gaze landed on Adeline and her children.

Lyanna, tall and graceful, had sleek black hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders and deep black eyes that shimmered with warmth. She was a vision of elegance in her deep blue gown.

Adeline and the others bowed and greeted Lyanna.

Lyanna approached Lyra and gave her an affectionate pat.

"People say you've got the most beautiful girl, Adeline," Lyanna remarked.

Adeline returned the smile warmly. "That's your kindness speaking, Your Majesty."

Lyra blushed at the remark, casting a bashful glance toward Lyanna, clearly flattered by the attention. 

Just then, the second carriage door swung open, drawing their attention.

A beautiful girl with long blonde hair stepped out, standing about 5'4". Her striking blue eyes sparkled with mischief. She wore a flowing white dress that fell just below her knees, featuring delicate lace trim and a silver belt at the waist.

Draped over her shoulders was a light pastel shawl, adding elegance to her look. On her feet were fitted leather boots, perfect for her movements. A small silver pendant glinted at her neck, completing her enchanting appearance.

While stepping out in a hurry she accidentally kept her boot on laces. Jareth tried to save her but a hand from inside of carriage grabbed her hand.Here's a revised scene incorporating that action:

As she stepped out in a hurry, her boot caught on the laces of her dress, threatening to trip her. Jareth instinctively reached out to catch her, but before he could, a hand from inside the carriage swiftly grabbed her wrist. A tall figure, 5'8" with striking blue eyes, tousled black hair, and a scar running over his left eye, pulled her back just in time.

He wore a fitted dark gray tunic, black trousers, and sturdy boots. A dagger with the Stormborn sigil adorned its sheath at his side. He shot Jareth a fierce glare before asking, "You good?"

She replied, "Yes, brother."

He released her, and she carefully stepped out of the carriage. After glancing at Jareth for a moment, she walked towards Lyanna. 

Turning to Adeline, she said, "I, Eira Stormrider, the Crown Princess of Indagian, greet the Lady of Coldcave."

Adeline responded, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess."

In the realm of Indagian tradition, lords reserved their greetings solely for the king and queen, while the duty of extending warm welcomes to the lords fell upon the shoulders of the prince and princess.

Lyanna glanced back and called, "Ansel, come on!"

Without responding, Ansel stepped out of the carriage, his right hand resting on the handle of his dagger. He shot an aggressive look at Jareth before glancing at his dagger and then moving to stand in front of Adeline. Lyanna shot him a pointed look, urging him to greet her.

With an annoyed expression, Ansel replied in a deep voice, "Ansel Stormrider greets you."

Lyanna glanced at Adeline, clearly embarrassed. She turned to Ansel, her voice sharp. "Do you want me to send you back to the king's court?"

Before Ansel could respond, Adeline quickly intervened. "It's alright, Your Majesty."

Ronan, however, wasn't having it. "It's not alright, mother," he said firmly, his eyes locked on Ansel. 

"No matter who you are, you cannot disrespect the Lady of Coldcave in Frostspire Keep—or anywhere."

Ansel's eyes narrowed at Ronan's words, and without hesitation, he marched toward him, his steps purposeful and menacing. "Respect?" he spat, his voice full of scorn. "You've got nerve, talking to me like that after what you did."

Ronan held his ground, his eyes cold. "What I did was necessary."

Ansel's hand drifted to the hilt of his dagger, his expression darkening. "Necessary? Then was this necessary aswell?" 

He pointed at the scar running over his left eye, his voice rising with anger. "You think I'll ever forget that?"

Ronan's gaze hardened. "Maybe you should."

With that, Ansel's temper flared, and his fingers wrapped around the dagger's hilt, beginning to unsheathe it. "We should have ended this back then—"

Before the blade could leave its sheath, a firm hand gripped Ansel's wrist. Ser Lucan, ever watchful, stepped between the two. His voice, calm but authoritative, cut through the tension. "That's enough, both of you. This isn't the time or place for settling old grudges."

Ansel glared at the knight, trying to wrest his hand free. "Let go, Lucan."

Ser Lucan didn't budge. "Not until you calm down."

Lyanna, exasperated, stepped in. "Ansel, stop! You're acting like a fool. We came here for a reason."

Ansel huffed, yanking his hand out of Ser Lucan's grip but keeping the dagger sheathed. He shot one final glare at Ronan before turning away. "This isn't over," he muttered darkly.

Ronan, unfazed, met his glare. "Whenever you're ready."

VERNON

Seraphina and Vernon arrived at the estate of House Darnell, a once-majestic structure now showing signs of neglect. The tall, ivy-covered walls whispered of former glory, and the air was thick with anticipation as they were led through the grand but dimly lit hallways. Seraphina straightened her back, her resolve firm despite the uncertainty bubbling inside her.

In the grand hall, Lord Darnell awaited them, flanked by his stern-faced advisors. The Lord's red hair contrasted sharply with the dark attire of his household, a testament to the family's fallen status. His piercing blue eyes studied them with an intensity that made Seraphina's heart race.

"Lady Seraphina, Master Vernon," Lord Darnell greeted, his voice a deep rumble that reverberated through the vast chamber. "To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your visit?"

"Thank you for seeing us, my lord," Seraphina replied, her voice steady.

She took a deep breath and began, "As you know—"

Before she could continue, one of Lord Darnell's advisors cut in sharply. "I know why you're here, girl."

Vernon and Seraphina exchanged a glance before the advisor continued. "You've come to ask for our help… to place you on the throne, haven't you?"

"No, it's not like that," Seraphina quickly responded.

"Then what is it?" Lord Darnell asked, his gaze sharp.

Seraphina hesitated, searching for the right words, but Vernon spoke up instead, a calculated gleam in his eyes. "If you aid us in securing the throne, we'll offer you Dripborn."

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Dripborn held the famed Voidstone caverns, a treasure trove over 2,000 kilometers wide. Voidstones, the most precious gems in Indagian, could buy a fleet of 1,000 ships with just a handful of stones.

Seraphina shot Vernon a look of disbelief; Dripborn had been intended for Lord Edric as part of their original plan.

Lord Darnell remained silent for a moment, visibly considering the weight of the offer before speaking again. "And how can I trust you?"

"You don't have to," Vernon said smoothly. "Once we claim Dripborn, our alliance will end, and we'll part ways. You need not concern yourself with the King's court after that."

Lord Darnell exchanged looks with his advisors before nodding slightly. "We'll need a moment to discuss this. Please, wait outside."

Vernon inclined his head in agreement and, grasping Seraphina's hand, led her out of the hall.

The moment the doors closed behind them, Seraphina yanked her hand away and glared at him. "What is wrong with you? We agreed to give Dripborn to Lord Edric. He was going to support us financially to secure the ships!"

Vernon placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice calm. "Don't worry. I've got a plan."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "What plan?"

Vernon's expression darkened with a twisted smile. "Lord Darnell has a son and a daughter. I'll kill his son and marry his daughter. That way, I'll take Dripborn for myself."

"And you think Lord Darnell won't have another son?" Seraphina shot back, incredulous.

"I'll ensure both father and son die in the battle for Dripborn," Vernon said, his voice cold and calculating.

Seraphina stared at him, a mixture of astonishment and sorrow clouding her features. Before she could say more, the doors to the hall opened once again.

Vernon dropped his hands, and they both returned to face Lord Darnell.

"The offer is intriguing, Vernon, but also dangerous," Lord Darnell said cautiously. "What assurance do I have that you won't break the alliance once you've taken Dripborn?"

Vernon met Lord Darnell's gaze with a confident smirk. "If I were to betray my strongest ally in this war, the rest of my supporters would quickly turn their backs on me."

 After a brief pause, he added with a calculating glint in his eyes, "And if it helps ease your concerns, I'll marry your daughter."

The room went quiet again as everyone exchanged glances, and a spark of satisfaction appeared in Lord Darnell's eyes.

"How does this sound?" Vernon added. "The daughter of House Darnell, Queen of the Nine Lands."

One of the advisors was about to suggest sending them out for further discussion, but Lord Darnell raised a hand. "House Darnell has always been loyal to Valnheron, the true heir to the throne," he said.

Later that night, Seraphina knocked on Vernon's door. He answered, looking groggy from sleep, but the sight of her at such an hour quickly sharpened his attention.

"What is it, Seraphina?" he asked, his voice curious.

Seraphina stepped inside without a word and sat on the edge of the bed. "I don't like this plan, Vernon," she said after a pause.

"Why?" Vernon asked, studying her.

She stood up, her frustration mounting. "If you marry Darnell's daughter, then what about me?"

Vernon's expression softened, and he moved closer. "She'll just be a wife in name. Once I'm on the throne, I'll get rid of her."

Seraphina's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"

Vernon cupped her face gently, his voice low. "Really."

They looked at each other for a moment, and then kissed, a brief but passionate connection. Afterward, Seraphina hesitated, staring into his eyes, the tension between them palpable. Without a word, she knelt before him, her gaze unwavering as she slowly loosened his belt, her intentions clear.