Bratoviae Castle,
Bratovi.
Styx Bratoviae
Their journey led them to Sylvia's expansive office, a space resembling an enchanted forest, a large circular room shaped like a dome embellished with polished glass ceilings that offered a beautiful view of the night sky. The air within was rich with the scent of ancient tomes and the delicate fragrance of blossoming plants, creating a harmonious blend of knowledge and nature. Shelves carved from dark mahogany lined the room, carrying the weight of countless volumes ranging from weathered leather-bound tomes to delicate scrolls bound with silk ribbons.
As Sylvia settled into her meticulously crafted chair behind an ornate desk, the moonlight cascaded through the glass ceilings, casting a gentle glow upon the room. Silver hair illuminated by the ethereal light, she appeared as a guardian of wisdom. The occasional rustle of turning pages and the soft clinking of her golden jewelry, particularly the anklet of little bells on her ankle, made the office feel like paradise.
In the corner, a miniature fountain adorned with crystal-clear water gurgled softly, its soothing melody intertwining with the whispers of ancient texts.
Seated on a meticulously crafted chair behind an ornate desk, Sylvia met Styx's gaze as he positioned himself facing her. Inquisitively, he queried, "Why summon me to your office?" Sylvia, her hands gracefully lifting and interlocking beneath her chin, as she said. "I can break the curse for you. It's documented in one of the forbidden tomes under my care. However, be prepared for a week-long process, as I must aquire specific plants for the preparation of the nullification potion."
Styx, a palpable sense of relief coloring his expression, thought about the potential breaking of the curse. "I hope he possesses information about the agency. I must figure out the position of the Tenebrae Maleficae and their motives. Their sudden appearance aligns too closely with the impending Regnis War," he mused, punctuating his thoughts with rhythmic taps on Sylvia's table.
The conversation diverged into the political aspects of the Regnis War as Sylvia, revealed, "Today, a missive arrived announcing the formation of a Northern Coalition in the Regnum Northern houses. Mikhail Alexandriov, spearheading from the House of Alexandriov, initiated this alliance. The message was conveyed by my old friend , Ramona of House Reis." Styx, absorbing the message, maintained a contemplative silence.
Sylvia, suggesting a strategic move, continued, "Consider marrying one of the daughters of House Reis. It could disrupt the coalition, given their equal standing with the Alexandriov house in the north and their historical rivalry. A union between our houses would debilitate any coalition the Alexandriovs aspire to build." Styx chuckled at the unexpected proposition. "It's an intriguing development. I wonder if it's connected to the trafficking. While I believe I can handle any opposition without resorting to marriage, your suggestion is duly noted," he acknowledged, the rhythmic tapping on the table continues.
Sylvia, with a measured tone, conveyed, "Your father has mandated a gathering of the 13 houses. While I understand the strained relationship between you two, it is very important that you resolve the issue of the Tenebrae Maleficae before the assembly. Present no vulnerabilities; securing your father's support is crucial. Obtaining that particular artifact is paramount for your ascension as the new Regnis. I pledge my assistance with your condition." As she spoke, her words hung in the air, delicately echoing through the room.
Styx, with his jaw tightly clenched , eyes ablaze, and hands folded into fists by his side, couldn't suppress a laugh at the mention of his father. "I have no need for his approval. Abandon any notions of me seeking favor from that wretch," he retorted, the coldness in his tone cutting through the air. Sylvia, undeterred, said, "No enmity between you and your father should jeopardize the House of Bratoviae's grasp on power. I raised you to assume the role of Regnis, and I won't allow your childishness to jeopardize that legacy." As she stood up abruptly, her jewelry emitted a soft clink.
Taking his stand, Styx, smirking, toyed with a pen on Sylvia's table. "You seem to forget your place, Aunt. Make no mistake; you're not addressing Nikolai or other house members. You're addressing ME, Styx Bratoviae, Duke of the House of Bratoviae." As he rose to his feet, he added, "I don't tolerate insolence or disrespect." With a flash of a smile, he bowed respectfully before leaving Sylvia's office, the door closing behind him with a subtle yet resolute click.
Following Styx's departure from her cottage, within the myriad gardens sprawling across the grounds of Bratoviae Castle, his keen gaze lands on a figure with raven-coloreclocks, adorned in a lace yellow gown—Lilith. Her obsidian eyes shun in a manner that was unnatural. Clad in an ethereal yellow gown of delicate lace, she knelt amidst the foliage, convulsing. She was Kneeling on the ground with her head upturned towards the moon. Recognizing the telltale signs of her visionary state, Styx quickens his pace, walking towards her with a sense of urgency.
As he approaches, Lilith's eyes slowly open, fixing upon Styx. With an ethereal air about her, she imparts a foreboding message, "The allies of the mortifer have risen, bearing death in their wake. The land shall be painted with the color of blood, chaos descending upon Regnum, and mothers left to mourn their children." The weight of her prophetic words lingers in the garden, the moon casting an eerie glow upon the lace of Lilith's gown.