The council meeting drew to a close with the air thick with anticipation and the weight of their discussions lingering. The Emperor, Xerxes, Lyra, Aero, and several Dukes departed, their minds already turning to the preparations that lay ahead. Duke Briston, however, remained seated, his expression pensive and distant.
As the chamber emptied, Duchess Celeste approached him, her footsteps soft against the marble floor. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "What has you so stiff, Briston?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.
Duke Briston sighed, brushing her hand off with a weary motion. "The war, obviously. The storm, the looming threat... there's much to consider."
She nodded, understanding the heavy burden he carried. "Indeed. It's a challenging time for all of us."
They sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling over them like a shroud. Finally, Duke Briston turned to her, his eyes searching. "What do you need from me, Celeste?"
Duchess Celeste smiled gently. "I wanted to ask about Khione. I understand she'll be heading off to the Imperial Academy in a few months. My own daughter will be attending at the same time."
A flicker of pride crossed Duke Briston's face. "Yes, Khione is eager to begin her training. The Academy will help her hone her magic and combat skills. It's a prestigious opportunity."
Celeste nodded. "It certainly is. And with the upcoming cohort, the Academy will be bustling with talent."
Duke Briston's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Indeed. Her Highness, Princess Helena Astera, will also be in attendance this year. And I've heard that Great Duke Valen's son is joining as well."
Celeste's eyebrows raised in surprise and delight. "Quite the distinguished group. It seems the Academy will be seeing a lot of stars this upcoming semester."
Briston nodded. "Yes, it will be a remarkable year. Our children will be learning alongside the best and the brightest. It's an opportunity not just for their personal growth, but for the future of our empire."
The Duchess smiled. "I'm sure they'll all do us proud. It's reassuring to know that the next generation of leaders and warriors will be well-prepared for the challenges ahead."
Duke Briston leaned back in his chair, the weight on his shoulders feeling slightly lighter. "Yes, it is. In times like these, we must trust in their potential and their determination."
They shared a moment of silent understanding, knowing that their children's futures were intertwined with the fate of the empire. As the storm raged outside, a sense of hope and anticipation filled the chamber. The Academy would be a beacon of promise, a place where the future of Asterios would be forged.
As they rose to leave, Duchess Celeste placed a reassuring hand on Duke Briston's arm. "We'll get through this, Briston. Our children will lead us into a brighter future."
He nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, they will. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."