Chapter 4 — Prey and Predators

The morning was especially quiet in the marble halls of Casa Valemortis. Even the servants, usually so coordinated in their affairs, moved with unusual caution. There was something in the air, a subtle tension, like the smell of ozone before a storm.

Elyandra had already finished her morning workout with Dalia, and, as always, she wore the set of grayish clothes, simple and functionally cut, which she had chosen herself. Her long silver hair was tied back with a black bow, leaving her face completely visible, a strategic choice. Noble clothes would only hinder her movements, and the austere appearance was a clear tribute to her tutor.

Dalia was, as usual, in the shadow of a column, with her arms crossed. Her violet gaze swept the corridor like a mute sentinel.

"They have arrived. Announced a servant, bowing to the entrance of the inner courtyard where Elyandra was resting with a glass of mineral water, delivered by Dalia a few minutes before. "The Marquis de Sorell and his entourage were welcomed by Master Valemortis and walked to the drawing room.

Elyandra placed the glass on the table with a slight jingle.

"What a splendid reception for such a modest title. He commented sweetly, crossing his legs with childlike grace. "Come on, Dalia." I want to take a closer look.

Dalia remained silent, but she followed her pupil only because she had nothing else to do.

As they entered the hall, the young woman immediately felt the weight of the Marquis's gaze. He was a robust man, with a meticulously trimmed beard and expression constantly twisted into a calculated smile. The kind of person who praises the brilliance of a diamond while trying to steal it with their eyes.

Beside him, a boy with golden hair and soft features tried to keep up with his father's pomp. He was handsome and elegant, with white linen garments embroidered with the Sorell's coat of arms. His eyes, however, gave away his real age and innocence: he watched Elyandra with almost childlike wonder.

Behind them, in silence, came another boy. The latter, with dark brown hair and eyes cold as old steel, wore a discreet costume, almost without coats of arms, and carried on his countenance the discomfort of someone who was outside his own kingdom. His eyes did not wander like the other boy's, on the contrary, they fixed on Elyandra for a moment... and then they turned away.

Elyandra, for her part, took two graceful steps forward, tilting her head slightly. It was enough to appear polite and noble, but not submissive.

"Welcome to Casa Valemortis." I hope that the road so far has not been heavy for them. He said in his soft, well-placed voice.

"Oh! What a lovely reception. said the Marquis, smiling with his eyes on Elyandra. "I can't believe how the young woman has grown. What a divine rarity... almost priceless.

His father, Lord Valemortis, cut through the atmosphere with a single step forward.

"There are things in this world whose value is so high that they cannot be measured with numbers.

The Marquis laughed, as if the comment were just a noble joke between equals. Elyandra, however, noticed the microexpression of frustration that flashed in his eyes before he pulled himself together.

While the adults talked about politics, land and imperial obligations, Elyandra approached the two boys.

"Your name, sir?" He asked the blond, with curious eyes.

"I am Arcturus of Sorell!" He replied with a wide, excited smile. "And you're... Elyandra, right? Want to play later? I brought some magic cards from my castle, they are very cool!

"Magic cards?" Why, what a gentleman..." She smiled with a charming sweetness. "Maybe, if my time permits."

His eyes then slid to the second boy.

"And you?" Not going to perform?

He hesitated. It was Arcturus who spoke for him.

"Oh, he's just... a friend of my father's. It's been following us for a while, you know?

Elyandra understood. Too much even.

"I see..." he mumbled, lowering his tone, staring directly at the boy's cold gaze. "Then a friend... temporary?

He looked at her, and in that brief contact, she knew, he was not a guest. It was political insurance.

Elyandra smiled, feigning innocence.

"I hope you enjoy your stay." We may not have golden gardens like Sorell's, but we do have good shade... for those who need to rest.

Dalia, close to the wall, raised an eyebrow with a half-smile.

Elyandra turned and took Arcturus by the arm gently.

"Come, let's see if your magic cards impress me."

As she walked away, Elyandra looked discreetly over her shoulder at the hostage boy. The calculated sparkle in his eyes showed that, inside, he was already beginning to draw a board.

Two pawns in play.

...

Hours passed between innocent games and small talk. Elyandra studied them in silence, as if evaluating pieces before a real tournament. The blond was an energetic boy. The other, a potential problem that could be polished like a future blade.

When the dinner bell rang, a maid approached discreetly:

"Miss Elyandra, the table is set.

She nodded with grace and accompanied the boys to the great hall, where everyone was already at the table.

The Marquis de Sorell, his father, mother and Dalia were present. Dalia, now wearing a dark gray dress dress, sat next to Altheria, maintaining her composure and silence, her eyes lost in the meal itself, oblivious to the political movements of the room.

Elyandra watched Dalia for a moment and noticed how, even outside of her military uniform, she looked like an imposing presence. Those dark hairs tied in the same loose braid as always and the firm bearing contrasted with the dress, revealing a cold, almost cruel beauty.

"Even in civilian clothes she looks like an idol carved in granite..." Elyandra thought, hiding the thought with a slight smile.

She sat next to her father. Arcturus and the hostage boy took their places next to the Marquis.

The meal began with soft exchanges of words, but soon the tone rose. Lord Valemortis and the Marquess argued over imperial taxes, caravan routes, and the recent Crown decrees.

"The new tariffs on maritime transport have hit our coastal region hard. - commented the Marquis. "We hoped that the Crown would offer support through the central houses, such as yours, Valemortis.

— Logistical support will be offered to those who show administrative self-sufficiency. Elyandra's father replied, in a neutral tone. "The Empire of Celestial Light cannot afford local incompetence under the pretext of centralization.

"Unyielding as ever..." The Marquis smiled. "But understandable."

Dinner followed, and in time, the subject naturally slipped into religion. The Goddess of Light was often mentioned, especially in relation to the last ascension festival, where priestesses and nobles gathered to renew vows before the solar altar. Devotion to the Goddess was the backbone of the imperial structure.

"Speaking of faith..." The Marquis looked at Elyandra, with a new twinkle in his eye. "Your daughter is a true living blessing. It would be an honor... For both houses, to unite our young people by a sacred contract. My son is noble, in good health and unwavering devotion. Elyandra would be treated like a jewel.

Elyandra remained silent, lifting her chin slightly. His father, however, did not even blink.

"Contracts are not sealed with adornments. He said. "And my daughter is not a fair commodity.

The Marquis smiled, but there was tension beneath the surface.

"But she... sports an earring. A rare symbol, isn't it? A mark of the Ancient Blood. With this level of purity, even though it is noble, it can still be purchased by the law of the Crown. There are precedents.

The hall was silent for a brief second. Altheria said nothing, keeping her eyes downcast. The final authority at the table was not hers.

Valemortis slightly took a knife to the front of his plate, cutting a piece of meat with surgical precision.

"The law allows it, yes. But only for houses with enough power to dispute influence with the Crown.

He looked up at the marquis, humorless.

"You're not one of them.

The Marquis smiled, and Elyandra could see the flash of frustration once more.

As tension hung in the air, Dalia took another sip of wine and cut a piece of bread, without looking up. His expression was neutral. That didn't interest her at all.

Elyandra folded her hands on her lap, serene.

"How fascinating..."

Religion, always present in the corners of the Empire, now hung like mist on the table. The Goddess of Light was worshipped as a spiritual guide and sovereign, and many believed that her will was manifested in the purity of ancient blood.

It was at that moment that the Marquis cast a calculated glance at Elyandra.

"What about you, little lady?" Have you thought about your future? Do you intend to follow in your mother's footsteps, perhaps, or to tread another path under the light of the Goddess?

All eyes turned to her. Elyandra, for a moment, remained silent, reflecting. His tone, when he finally spoke, was delicate, without arrogance.

"I don't know for sure yet, my lord. I have a lot to learn, but... I intend to continue my studies. She looked up softly. "I may wish to join the Royal Academy of Magic, if the opportunity arises."

Her mother looked slightly surprised, blinking only once. The father, however, remained neutral, as if that was already expected. Dalia, on the other side, cut a piece of meat with the same calm as always, completely indifferent.

The Marquis smiled with an almost predatory gleam in his eye.

"Refined ambition. A devout and studious spirit... admirable features. My son Arcturus could benefit immensely from the company of someone so... Lit. He raises the glass, in a symbolic toast. "After all, he will also attend the Royal Academy.