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Night.
Third Prince Chambers
Wyfkeep Castle, Wyf-fellon.
Wyfn-Garde.
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Salvia awoke that night to visit the privy, and found that her husband still wasn't back. She felt better than she did before she'd slept earlier, so she added a candle and decided to go back to bed after looking outside the window and finding nothing but a breeze too cool.
As Salviana climbed into bed, her skin soft and sweet, she curled around herself and let her mind drift to this morning with Sarah. After they got through half of the names, they took a little break, and when they returned, Sarah had leaned closer, her voice low but lively.
"Alright, how do I even continue? The Velthornes… they're complicated. The second concubine, Lucille Velthorne, she's something else—dark brown hair, almost black, blue eyes, and this... voluptuous, curvy figure. But don't let her looks fool you. She's known for her charm and manipulation. Lucille can bend anyone to her will."
Salviana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is she that powerful?"
Sarah nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Oh yes, politically too. She knows how to play the game, always watching, always maneuvering. Then there's Lawrence Velthorne, the King's brother. He's golden blonde, with hazel eyes. Tall, lean… very charismatic, but not particularly interested in politics. He's more... passive, you could say."
Salviana listened closely, her curiosity growing. "Does that make him a threat or an ally?"
Sarah chuckled softly. "Neither, really. He's just... there, aged gracefully but doesn't interfere much. His wife, Agatha Velthorne, is just as quiet. She's more supportive of Lawrence than anything else, a silent observer."
Sarah paused, taking a breath before continuing, "Their sons though, that's where things get interesting. The first one, Waren Velthorne—light brown hair, blue eyes, tall and stocky—he's humble, dutiful, and often the one who settles disputes in the family. Strong, too, he has a rather neglected bastard daughter."
"Sounds like a good man but neglectful?," Salviana mused.
"He is. May God help him," Sarah wished.
"Then there's his younger brother, Enid Velthorne. Golden blonde, green eyes, slim and athletic. He's quiet and brooding, more of a thinker than a talker. Known for his sharp wit. People underestimate him, but I think he's one to watch."
Salviana tapped her fingers lightly on her lap, trying to absorb all the details. "What about the Queen's sister? Diana?"
Sarah's smile widened, clearly loving that Salviana was now asking questions. "Ah, Diana Reed. Blonde, blue eyes, slim build. She's bold, outspoken, and rebellious. She loves the royal traditions and is afraid to defy them, sticker of the rule. The King's always had a hard time dealing with her."
Salviana felt a spark of admiration for Diana for being able to conform so well but also a hint of sympathy. "It id be hard to live in a world where everyone expects you to conform." She mumbled to herself.
"Oh, it is," Sarah agreed, "but she doesn't care. Now, the King's children from his concubines are a whole different story. Take Jaron Velthorne, the first son of the first concubine—light brown hair, dark blue eyes, and built like royalty, strong and broad-shouldered. He's assertive, confident, but a bit arrogant. He's always vying for more recognition and power. Some say he's a rival to the elder brothers."
Salviana frowned, "So there's rivalry within the family?" Of course she already knew he had issues but asking questions was her forte.
Sarah nodded eagerly. "Definitely. And then there's his younger brother, Alfie Velthorne, the second son of the first concubine. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, lean but strong. He's still in his late teenage years, so he's quiet and reserved, but people are starting to notice his intelligence."
The names kept coming, and Salviana felt like she was unraveling a web of intrigue. "What about Benedict?" she asked, remembering the young boy's red hair. There was something about him that stood out in her mind.
Sarah's expression softened. "Ah, Benedict Velthorne... He's not a legitimate Velthorne, you know. He's the bastard of the second prince, with fiery red hair and green eyes like yours. He's intelligent and respectful, with a passion for painting. Always quiet, but you'll find him observing everything around him. His paintings are... extraordinary."
"Do they treat him differently?" Salviana asked, a note of concern in her voice.
"Yes, but not in the way you'd think. He's respected for his talents, but he'll never be part of the true royal bloodline. It's sad, really, because he has so much potential." Sarah sighed wistfully.
The conversation continued as the sun shifted in the sky. Sarah explained more about the concubines and their children, the tensions and alliances, and the personalities that filled the palace.
Salviana learned about Lucas Velthorne, the fifth prince—athletic and responsible, yet with a playful rebellious streak—and Jennifer Velthorne, the second concubine's daughter, who was sweet but longed for more attention. Florence Velthorne, Lucas's wife, stood out as graceful and nurturing, often mediating between factions in the family.
They discussed the royal children too—Simon, the crown prince's arrogant son, and Madison and Anastasia, the blunt and shy daughters of Jaron. Even Eva, the so-called crown prostitute, didn't escape Sarah's detailed description.
Salviana found herself becoming engrossed in these stories, and as Sarah animatedly described each character, Salviana began to see the layers of power, ambition, and vulnerability that wove through the Velthorne family.
By the time the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the garden, Salviana felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, but also impressed.
"So much... history. So much to remember," Salviana murmured as they both stood to leave.
Sarah gave her a playful nudge. "You'll get used to it. The Velthornes... they're unforgettable."
That night, as Salviana lay in her bed, she reflected on everything Sarah had shared. The names, the faces, the dynamics between them all played in her mind like pieces on a chessboard.
Abigail's rebelliousness lingered in her thoughts, and so did Benedict's quiet intelligence. There was so much to uncover, so much beneath the surface.
With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, knowing that the palace and its inhabitants would reveal even more secrets as time went on.
What Sarah knew was almost totally different from what Salviana has started to notice, and so she believed she needed to find out herself because it appears they were different people to her.