A Bold Proposal

The chamber grew silent as Emperor Thalor's golden gaze fell on Duke Lorian. "Duke Briston," he began, his tone contemplative, "who do you believe is most suited to represent the empire as an ambassador to the Isles of Azeroth?"

Lorian rose to his feet, his every movement exuding confidence. "Your Majesty, if strength and wisdom are the qualities we must display, I would recommend none other than Bella Wright, the current vice-captain of the Imperial Sentinels."

Whispers rippled through the room. The Imperial Sentinels were the most elite force in the empire, handpicked to serve as the Emperor's personal protectors and enforcers. For Lorian to name Bella Wright, their vice-captain, was a calculated suggestion that immediately caught everyone's attention.

The Emperor leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "Bella Wright… an intriguing choice. Elaborate, Duke."

"Bella Wright is a paragon of strength and strategy," Lorian began. "She has been with the Sentinels for over a decade, rising through the ranks not by birthright but by sheer ability. She is an elite-ranked magic wielder with an epic-ranked Lightning affinity, and her combat skills are unparalleled. Beyond her strength, Bella is known for her composure and keen intellect. She has mediated disputes among military divisions, quelled uprisings without unnecessary bloodshed, and has even led successful negotiations with rogue states in the past. The Isles of Azeroth value power, but they also respect cunning and restraint—traits Bella embodies."

Several nobles nodded in agreement, their murmurs of approval more audible now.

The Emperor's expression remained unreadable as he absorbed Lorian's reasoning. "A sound choice, indeed. Bella Wright it shall be then"

But before the Emperor could move to the next topic, Lorian continued, his voice steady but firm. "Your Majesty, I have one additional suggestion."

Khione, seated beside her father, turned her head slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"I believe it would be prudent to send my youngest daughter, Khione Briston, along with Bella Wright on this mission," Lorian declared.

The chamber erupted into hushed conversations, nobles casting curious glances at Khione, who was too stunned to react. She stared at her father, her azure eyes widening in disbelief. Of all the possibilities she had considered, this suggestion had never crossed her mind.

The Emperor's gaze shifted to Khione before returning to Lorian. "Your daughter?" His voice carried a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "You propose sending a child of the Briston family—your youngest daughter, no less—to a nation we are not yet allied with. Do you truly wish to risk her safety?"

Lorian's response came without hesitation. "Your Majesty, the Isles of Azeroth are many things, but they are not fools. They understand the weight of the Briston name. If they were to harm Khione, they would invite the wrath of the empire itself. No ruler would risk such a mistake."

The Emperor's expression remained contemplative, but his gaze sharpened as it settled on Khione. "And what of the child herself? What do you say to your father's suggestion, Lady Khione?"

The question caught Khione off guard. Her heart raced, the pressure of so many eyes on her making her palms clammy. She had no idea how to respond. She glanced at her father, who gave her a small, reassuring nod.

Steeling herself, Khione rose from her seat, clasping her hands in front of her to mask their faint trembling. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice soft but steady, "it would be an honor to accompany an ambassador to the Isles of Azeroth. While I may not have the experience of my father or siblings, I would hope to serve as a symbol of the empire's trust and strength."

The Emperor's lips curved slightly upward, not quite a smile but an acknowledgment of her composure. He leaned back in his throne, studying her for a moment longer before addressing the chamber. "Then it is decided. Bella Wright will be our official ambassador to the Isles of Azeroth. She will be accompanied by Lady Khione Briston."

The chamber remained quiet as the Emperor continued. "This mission is of great importance. Ensure that every preparation is made for their journey." His tone carried a note of finality, and with that, the matter was closed.

Lorian sat back down, his face calm and unreadable. Khione returned to her seat as well, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She barely noticed as the Emperor moved on to other topics.

This was no small matter. The Isles of Azeroth were an unpredictable force, known for their independence and formidable naval power. She would be venturing into foreign lands, representing the empire and her family's legacy.