Royal House of Orlean - I

Trisha and Mara, worked with quiet efficiency, their hands moving swiftly to adjust his tunic and secure the silver clasps of his attire.

The outfit, made of deep blue velvet with silver embroidery depicting the empire's crest, was both elegant and commanding—a perfect choice for the day's formal occasion. Behind Liam, Edwin observed the process with his usual measured expression, ensuring every detail was perfect.

As Trisha adjusted the final folds of his sash, Liam glanced at her, his sharp eyes catching the faint weariness in her features. "Is everything alright, Trisha?" he asked, his voice calm but filled with genuine concern.

Trisha paused, surprised by the question, and offered a small smile. "Thank you for your concern, Master Liam. I'm perfectly fine. I was just up late last night attending a wedding ceremony."

"Wedding?" Liam raised a brow.

"Yes, my cousin's. It was a beautiful affair," Trisha said softly before resuming her work.

As Liam stretched his arms slightly, allowing the maids to make final adjustments, he turned to Edwin. "Who will be present today?"

Edwin adjusted his gloves, his voice steady and respectful. "Everyone from the royal family, Master Liam, except the Second Prince. His Highness has excused himself due to urgent matters elsewhere, thats why he was absent for your Rite of Recognition."

Liam nodded, his face neutral, though he noted the absence of his second brother with mild curiosity. "I see."

The royal dining hall was a grand, sprawling chamber designed to awe and inspire. The long table of polished obsidian stretched nearly the entire length of the room, its surface inlaid with delicate gold patterns. Above, a massive crystal chandelier hung like a crown, its countless facets scattering light into a dazzling display. Tall windows draped in deep crimson velvet allowed moonlight to stream in, casting the room in a regal glow.

On the walls, enormous oil paintings depicted former kings and queens of the Ironhelm Empire, their eyes seeming to watch over the current generation.

The royal family was already seated when Liam entered, each in their designated place.

King Elijah's seat at the head of the table stood empty, as he had yet to arrive. To the king's immediate right sat Queen Isabella, her elegant posture commanding yet warm. Beside her was Queen Elara, the third queen. Further down the left side sat Queen Seraphina.

The royal children filled the remaining seats, their places determined by age.

As Liam entered the room, all heads turned toward him. A brief silence fell over the hall, his siblings exchanging subtle glances. It was rare for Liam to join them for such formal meals, and his presence clearly unsettled some of them.

Queen Isabella rose gracefully from her seat, her expression shifting to one of motherly concern. She approached him, her gown of royal purple flowing like water behind her. "Liam," she said softly, her hands gently brushing his shoulders as she examined him. "Are you alright?"

She turned her sharp gaze to Edwin. "Is everything well with him?"

Edwin bowed slightly. "Master Liam is in perfect health, Your Majesty. He simply wished to attend today's gathering."

Isabella smiled faintly and placed a hand on Liam's back, guiding him to his seat at the far end of the table. As he sat, she leaned closer and murmured, "I'm glad to see you here."

The rest of the royal family exchanged quick glances, some curious, others wary.

As the servants began placing the first course on the table, the hum of conversation resumed. The clinking of silverware echoed in the grand dining hall, mingling with the quiet rustle of silk and the occasional polite cough. Liam, seated near the far end, still waiting for his father to arrive.

Finally, Crown Prince Adrian, sitting near the head of the table, broke the tension.

"Liam," Adrian began, fixing his younger brother with a pointed gaze, "where have you been the past few days? Your absence didn't go unnoticed."

Liam paused, lifting his gaze briefly before offering a vague reply. "I wasn't feeling well," he said simply.

Adrian arched a brow, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press the matter further. "I see," he replied, returning to his meal, though his sharp eyes lingered on Liam for a moment longer.

From further up the table, Prince Malcolm, the fifth-born and notorious for his humor, leaned forward with a grin. "Unwell, you say? What was it this time? Too much reading? Or too much sleeping?"

A ripple of quiet laughter spread among the princes near him. Liam gave a small smile, but his gaze remained calm. "I'll be sure to let you know if any of that happens, brother," he said dryly, earning a few chuckles from the younger siblings.

Before the teasing could continue, Princess Cassandra, seated near the middle of the table, interjected with a warm smile. "Well, it's good to see you here now, Liam. It's been a while since we've all had a meal together."

Liam nodded slightly in acknowledgment, but before he could respond, Princess Evaline and Princess Elaine, sitting a few seats away, leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.

"Are you really unwell, Liam?" Evaline asked, her tone softer than Adrian's but no less inquisitive.

"And what brought you here today, then?" Elaine added, tilting her head as she studied him.

"I'm feeling better now," Liam replied evenly, sidestepping the question about his sudden appearance. "I thought it was a good day to join the family."

The twins exchanged knowing glances, clearly unsatisfied with his vague answers but too polite to push further.

Directly across from Liam, Cecily, the youngest of the royal children, sat quietly, her large, curious eyes fixed on him. Her small frame nearly dwarfed by the high-backed chair she occupied.

Liam noticed her gaze and reached into the folds of his robe. Pulling out a small, intricately embroidered golden pouch, he leaned forward and placed it on the table before her.

"For you, Cecily," he said softly.

The young princess's eyes widened in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment before carefully picking up the pouch. Untying the drawstring, she peeked inside and gasped with delight as she saw the small gold coins and a delicate charm shaped like a star.

"Thank you, brother!" Cecily beamed, her voice bright and genuine. She held the charm up for the others to see. "Look! Isn't it pretty?"

The sight of her excitement brought a faint smile to Liam's lips, and even some of the older siblings softened slightly at the innocent exchange.

"Careful, Cecily," Malcolm joked lightly. "If Liam's giving you gifts, he probably wants you to spy on the rest of us."

Cecily puffed her cheeks indignantly. "He does not! You're just jealous you didn't get one!"

Cassandra laughed softly, tilting her head at Liam. "Jealous? Not quite. But now I'm wondering why you didn't bring anything for the rest of us, Liam. Don't we deserve something too?"

From further up the table, Evaline chimed in with a playful smirk. "Exactly. Where's my golden pouch, little brother?"

Elaine nodded in agreement, leaning forward. "Or at least a charm for us older sisters. You're spoiling Cecily."

Liam sat back in his chair, arms loosely crossed as he replied smoothly, "It's simple. Younger ones get gifts from their elders, not the other way around. Cecily is the youngest, so it's only fair that she gets something from me —"

Liam raised an eyebrow and leaned slightly forward, his tone light and teasing. "— and by that same logic, where are my presents?"

The older siblings exchanged amused glances, and Cassandra was the first to reply with a wry smile. "We already gave you your presents, Liam, don't you remember? At the ceremony."

Evaline grinned. "But you took off before you even saw them. Maybe you should ask Butler Edwin where they went."

All eyes turned to Edwin, who stood silently behind Liam's chair. At first, Edwin looked slightly startled, but his composure quickly returned. "Your gifts, Master Liam, were placed neatly in your cupboard. I assumed you had already seen them."

Liam blinked and turned to look at Edwin, his lips parting in mild surprise. "In my cupboard?"

"Yes, Master Liam," Edwin replied. "They were wrapped and left prominently on the top shelf."

Liam paused, his face betraying a flicker of embarrassment. "Oh… So that's what those were…" He trailed off, clearly scrambling for a better explanation. He straightened in his seat and cleared his throat. "Well, thank you, sisters. They were… lovely. I appreciated them very much."

The table erupted in laughter at Liam's obvious attempt to cover his tracks. Cassandra shook her head, smiling. "You didn't even open them, did you?"

Evaline raised a hand dramatically. "I feel so appreciated, truly."

Liam held up a hand, his voice light and dry. "Alright, alright. Thank you, truly. But don't expect me to return the favor when your birthdays come around. Only Cecily will get something from me."

He cast a glance at the youngest princess, who was still admiring her golden pouch. "Right, Cecily?"

Cecily beamed, holding the charm close to her chest. "Right!"

Malcolm leaned back, shaking his head with a grin. "I see how it is. Playing favorites, are we?"

"Always," Liam replied with a sly smile, drawing another round of laughter from his siblings. For a moment, the dining hall felt more like a home, the formalities melting away. in the warmth of shared humor.

As the laughter at Liam's expense began to subside, the grand doors at the far end of the dining hall swung open with a measured creak. King Elijah entered, his commanding presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. The royal children straightened in their seats, and the queens inclined their heads respectfully.

Dressed in a dark tunic with gold embroidery and a cloak that trailed behind him, Elijah moved with an air of unshakable authority. Without pausing, he made his way to the head of the table.

Taking his seat, he glanced at the spread before them and then at the gathered family.

"Why hasn't anyone started yet?" he asked, his tone firm but not harsh. "I was a little late, but that's no excuse. Meals are to begin on time."

The queens exchanged subtle glances before responding, their tones measured and polite.

Queen Isabella, ever composed, offered a gracious smile. "We waited because we value your presence, Your Majesty. It would not have felt right to begin without you."

Queen Seraphina added, her voice soft but steady, "Your time is precious, my king, and we were happy to wait."

Queen Elara, smiled slyly. "Besides, it gave the children time to chat. I believe they were catching up."

Elijah's sharp gaze softened slightly. "Very well," he said, gesturing to begin the dining. "Let's not delay further."

Elijah turned his attention to his sons, his keen eyes scanning each of them in turn. His voice carried a weight that demanded respect.

"Adrian," he began, addressing the crown prince. "What news from the council this week? Have the negotiations with Arvandor progressed?"

Adrian straightened in his chair, his tone calm and precise. "Yes, Father. The Arvandorian delegates seemed inclined toward an agreement, though they've made it clear they expect certain assurances. I've outlined a strategy to meet their expectations without compromising the kingdom's position."

Elijah nodded approvingly. "Good. We'll discuss the details later. Keep pressing them, but don't let them dictate terms."

His gaze shifted to Edgar, the third prince. "Edgar, what of the military reports from your town? Have you reviewed the latest troop assessments?"

Edgar nodded, his voice cool and collected. "I have, Father. My town's borders remain secure, though there have been minor skirmishes with the Valtorians. Nothing significant, but it warrants vigilance."

"Prepare a detailed report for me by tomorrow."

Elijah's gaze lingered on Liam longer than it had on the others, a faint crease forming on his brow. It was clear he had expected something, his expression tightened slightly, though he maintained his composed demeanor.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his voice low and measured. "Trisha asked for a leave recently. Was there some issue with the meals, for you to come here at the dining hall?"

Liam blinked at the unexpected question but maintained his composure. "No, Father," he replied carefully. "Edwin brought me something new from the dining hall recently, and I quite enjoyed it. Trisha just needed some time away for her own matters."

Elijah's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, studying Liam for a moment. He nodded slowly, though his silence seemed contemplative, as if still piecing something together.

The conversation shifted again as the second course was served, but it wasn't long before Elijah addressed Liam once more, this time in a tone that carried greater weight.

"On the matter of your birthday," Elijah began, placing his utensils down and sitting back in his chair, "the ceremony was cut short due to your early departure. However, I intend to make things clear now. You are of age, and as tradition dictates, you will be granted a barony to oversee. You will run it for eight years, and upon completion, your performance will determine whether you are a viable contender for the throne."

All eyes turned to Liam, who stiffened slightly at his father's words.

Liam took a deep breath before replying, "Father, I am honored by your decision, but I must respectfully decline. I do not intend to run for the throne. I am still far from breaking through the Initiate realm, and without achieving that, I don't believe I am fit to take on such a responsibility."

Elijah's expression didn't waver, but the faintest flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes. "You underestimate yourself, Liam. Running a barony is not just a privilege; it is your duty as a prince of this empire. And as for your realm, progress can be made. You are young and capable, far more than you seem to realize."

Liam held his father's gaze, his heart pounding. "I will, of course, serve the empire in any way I can, Father. But I believe that pursuing mastery in the arcane arts is where I can contribute best. Managing a barony would take me away from that focus."

For a moment, there was silence. Finally, Elijah exhaled through his nose, his tone shifting to something firmer.

"You have time to think on this, Liam. The decision is yours to make, but I will give you until the end of the month to prepare yourself."

Liam bowed his head slightly, signaling his reluctant acceptance, though the unease in his chest remained.