( two years year before the fall of Rosaria, At Twinside, the capital of the crystalline dominion)
(At the royal palace)
The grand crystal chandeliers of the Twinside palace ballroom shimmered. Inside, laughter and joy echoed through the polished halls, punctuated by the clinking of silver chalices against each other . Since there was no moon on that day, the light from the , the Mothercrystal of the Crystalline Dominion, Drake's Tail cast a eerie glue upon the lively city.
This was no ordinary social gathering, but the long-awaited Triunity alliance talks – a historic event that brought together representatives from the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, Rosaria and the Dhalmekian Republic. Several years ago the duchy allied with Dhalmekia against Waloed, who was allied with Kanver, an group of independant city states in the eastern region of the Dhalmekian Republic to gain a foothold on Storm. The Rosarian–Dhalmekian alliance was almost victorious, but Dhalmekia's best soldiers left the battlefield, leading to their defeat, and Kanver remained independent with Waloed's support. The main goal of the triunity was to To prevent the possibility of more city states like Kanver seeking independence.
Carriages, adorned with gleaming crests of the three kingdoms and , lined up in a patient, glittering queue. From within, emerged figures in finery that could blind the sun – women draped in silks the color of sapphires and emeralds, adorned with jewels that winked like captured stars. Men, wearing finely tailored coats adorned with intricate embroidery and polished buttons, adjusted their dresses. Several battalions worth of guards from all three kingdoms had been dispatched to the city to guard the city from any who dared to attack it.
Clive was standing near the entrance along with Tyler, his gaze fixed on the palace gates. He was no stranger to war, having witnessed firsthand the devastation it wrought. Tonight, however, a different kind of tension coiled within him. He was a shield, sworn to protect, and tonight, the fate of three nations rested on the shoulders of those gathered within the palace walls.
Suddenly His eyes widened when he caught sight of Julia, in a elegant gown. She winked at him and headed inside the ballroom. He turned to Tyler, " "Tyler, I have to go," he blurted out, his voice barely a whisper above the music"
Tyler gaped at him, "Wait, what? My Lord, what about—?"
Before Tyler could finish his question, Clive was already striding towards Julia, " Do something, I'll be back soon "
The moment he entered the ballroom he was hit by the aroma of hot food and fresh perfume. He scanned the crowd for any sight of Julia but to no avail, " Dammit! what is she doing here? I better find here soon "
But he soon realized the he would never find her. Just as he was thinking about this and walking he caught site of Julia again, although she was not alone. Two young men, dressed in expensive garbs and no older than Clive were standing right next to her talking and laughing and sipping wine. Although Clive hated to admit it he felt jealous. He had to get her alone somewhere without the other guests noticing, Suddenly it hit him, with the current light armor that he was wearing he could pretend to be a squire for Julia. He navigated the maze of dancers with practiced ease, dodging elaborately adorned ladies and their lumbering escorts to reach her.
He walked over to them, and bowed down to Julia and said, " My lady, The lord requests your immediate presence at the guest room "
Julia gave him a gentle smile. It was as if she was expecting this would happen. She waved to the two other men and followed Clive. After some time they had reached a secluded area of the ballroom surrounded by heavy curtains.
Clive," she greeted, her voice a melodic whisper that sent shivers down his spine. "You seem surprised.
"Surprised?" he echoed, trying to mask the fluster he felt under her gaze. He stumbled over his words for a moment, his usual bravado momentarily deserting him. "More like bewildered. What are you doing here, Julia?"
Julia gave him a sly smile, " Come on lord Rosfield, you don't think a young maiden can travel all the way from Isolde to Twinside? Do you think so low of me ? "
Clive winced, realizing his choice of words might have been less than tactful. "Julia, I never—"
She threw her head back and laughed, a sound as light and musical as the tinkling of wind chimes on a summer breeze. Her laughter, free and genuine, filled the air and momentarily drew the attention of nearby onlookers. "Oh, Clive, you always were such a terrible liar," she said, her eyes twinkling.
A blush crept up Clive's neck, a heat that rivaled the warmth of the surrounding torches. He hadn't realized how transparent his feelings were to her, how easily she could see past his carefully constructed facade. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "So, what brings you to Twinside, then?"
Business, I'm afraid," she said, her voice softer now, laced with a hint of worry. "The Master of our Scholae fell ill on the journey, forcing him to return to Isolde. I, being his most trusted student, was tasked with attending a meeting on his behalf.
"A meeting, huh?" Clive raised an eyebrow, skepticism lacing his tone. Despite the elegant ballroom setting, a chill ran down his spine. "And who exactly is this patron you're meeting with ?"
Julia hesitated, her fingers nervously twirling a stray strand of hair. The crystal pendant glowing dimly around her neck. "He… he wishes to remain anonymous for now," she mumbled, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Clive asked, " Him..? What's so special about him ? "
" He is supposedly one of the biggest patrons of our and requested this meeting personally"
Clive felt a pang of possessiveness, a feeling he couldn't quite explain. It was like a territorial instinct, a protective urge that surprised him. The idea of Julia meeting with a mysterious benefactor filled him with an unease he couldn't shake. "And when is this meeting supposed to take place?"
"In a few hours," she replied, her voice barely audible, almost swallowed by the music.
The music swelled, a new song taking hold of the ballroom. The lords and ladies began to sway to the rhythm, their movements a graceful tapestry of romance and elegance. Clive extended his hand towards Julia, a silent invitation.
"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked, his voice laced with a newfound confidence.
Julia's lips curved into a smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Why, Lord Rosfield," she teased, taking his hand, "I thought you only danced with knights in shining armor."
Clive chuckled, a genuine laugh escaping his lips. "Perhaps," he said, leading her onto the dance floor, "but tonight, I'm content to dance with a lady instead."
As they moved together, their bodies swaying in time with the music, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Clive realized they were so close together. Her breath falling on his neck. He hoped this moment would last forever but alas the dance came to an end all too soon, leaving them breathless and a little bit closer. Clive escorted Julia to a secluded corner of the ballroom, its shadows offering a brief respite from the watchful eyes of the crowd.
"Julia," Clive began. She turned to him expectantly. His voice hesitant, "there's something I… never mind."
She turned to him expectantly. The words caught in his throat, the fear of rejection holding him back. He saw the look of brief disappointment cloud her eyes, a flicker of sadness replacing the earlier smile.
Julia spoke, " Well then, I suppose I will be doing some mingling with guests. See you later Clive " With that that she walked back towards the ball
Clive saddened looked over at the other side. His younger brother, Joshua sat at another corner of the ballroom, talking to another young boy. It took Clive a moment to realize who the other younger boy was, " Is that....Dion Lesage? the crown prince of the holy empire of Sanbreque ! "
Clive thought to himself, " Well it looks like Joshua is already making friends at high places, i better stay here and keep an eye on for some more time "
(In a secluded room somewhere in the palace.....)
Two figures sat by the fireplace conversing in a serious tone
A heavy silence descended after Sylvestre finished his sardonic question. "You would have me believe you intend to destroy everything you and your family stands for, all for a child?"
Anabella rose from her chair and walked over to Sylvestre, " A leader's duty is not protect his people or kingdom but his source of sovereignty, the noble blood that flows in his veins and unlike my husband, i intend to succeed "
Sylvestre studied her for a long moment, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. "A child, above blood ties and family honor? That is a bold claim, Duchess."
"A very bold claim," she agreed, her voice dropping to a low rasp. "But one I am forced to make."
Hesitantly, she returned to her seat. This time, however, she did not resume her place across from him. Instead, with a calculated grace, she glided closer, settling on the edge of the chair next to the Emperor. The movement, subtle yet deliberate. She then kept her hand on his lap and began to stroke it gently
"Your Radiance," she began again, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, "understand this – I do not take this action lightly. My actions are not a betrayal of Sanbreque, but a desperate attempt to ensure its future."
Sylvestre looked at her, clearly taken aback. He didn't flinch at her closeness, but his nostrils flared slightly, betraying a flicker of awareness. He gently removed her hand from his lap and proceeded to speak, " Very well...duchess. I will dispatch a detachment and squad of dragoons to kill everyone at your signal." He paused for a moment, " Including your first son I presume ? "
Anabella lashed out, " He means nothing to me, do with him as you wish. but Joshua is not to be harmed "
The emperor nodded in agreement and got up and headed for the door. Before he exited the room he turned back," I hope you realize what you are doing Anabella. I am a man of honor and-"
Anabella cut him off, " And i am a mother who only wishes what is best for her child "
" Very well then, it shall be done "