The pre-dawn air hung heavy with mist as Mikhail stood on an observation platform, watching the carefully orchestrated scene below.
Imperial guards lined the exercise yard's perimeter, their weapons charged with containment magic, while Valerie moved among her family's wyverns.
"Remarkable creatures," Gage commented quietly, materialising from the shadows behind Mikhail. The spymaster's dark clothing seemed to absorb what little light the approaching dawn provided. "Though perhaps not as remarkable as High Priest Darius's sudden good fortune."
Mikhail didn't turn, keeping his eyes on the yard where a young wyvern stretched its wings for the first time in days. "Oh?"
"His grandson's appointment to Grand Mage Thorne's apprenticeship was announced this morning. Quite the honour for a boy who, by all accounts, showed only modest magical talent."
Gage moved to stand beside his prince, his voice dropping further. "And his granddaughter's quiet acceptance into the Royal Infirmary's advanced program was equally... unexpected."
Below, Valerie guided the wyvern through its first tentative flight in days, her voice carrying faintly as she encouraged the creature. The guards tensed, but Mikhail had been very clear about their role - observe, do not interfere.
"Interesting timing," Mikhail murmured. "Any other changes in the good priest's circumstances?"
"There are whispers about him being considered for Imperial Archpriest. A position that's been conspicuously vacant for years." Gage's tone remained carefully neutral. "All this good fortune, coming right after the Emperor's... unfortunate condition."
"And I assume you've been watching the priest's movements?"
"Of course. He's made three visits to the Imperial Treasury, though officially only to perform standard blessings. His private meetings with the Empress have increased significantly. And his family..." Gage paused meaningfully.
"Yes?"
"They've quietly purchased an estate in the capital's most exclusive district. A property they shouldn't be able to afford on a priest's salary, even one of his rank."
Below, another wyvern took flight, its cry of joy echoing across the yard. Mikhail watched Valerie's face light up with genuine happiness for the first time in days.
"It's almost too sloppy. I suppose they're extremely confident. Continue watching him," Mikhail instructed. "Every movement, every purchase, every conversation. Pay particular attention to any interactions with my sister or mother."
"And if I find proof of... impropriety?"
"Then we'll have another piece of the puzzle." Mikhail finally turned to face his spymaster. "But be careful. If Darius is what we suspect, he's protected by powers far greater than his own."
Gage bowed slightly. "Understanding the game is half the battle, my prince."
A commotion from below interrupted them. One of the younger wyverns, overcome with excitement, had swooped too close to the guards. Several raised their weapons before Valerie's sharp command brought the creature back in line.
"Report to me again tonight," Mikhail said, his attention returning to the scene below. "For now, I have another performance to give."
Gage melted back into the shadows as Mikhail made his way down to the exercise yard. By the time he arrived, Valerie had already landed the excited young wyvern and was softly scolding it.
"I see someone's feeling energetic this morning," Mikhail called out, approaching at a measured pace that wouldn't alarm either the guards or the creatures.
Valerie turned, and for a moment, her smile was genuine before politics reasserted themselves. "Prince Mikhail. I... thank you for arranging this. They needed it desperately."
"Of course." He moved closer, pitching his voice so only she could hear. "Though perhaps we should work on young Stormwing's discipline before he causes an incident?"
Her eyes widened slightly at his use of the wyvern's name - a detail he shouldn't have known. "You've been studying our breeding records?"
"Know your allies," Mikhail said softly. "And their charges." He raised his voice to normal levels. "I trust everything is proceeding safely?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the guard captain reported crisply. "Lady Draconus has maintained full control of the creatures."
Mikhail nodded approvingly, playing his role of responsible overseer. "Excellent. We'll continue these morning exercises as planned. The empire can't afford to let such valuable assets deteriorate, regardless of current... political complications."
The rest of the morning passed in carefully choreographed movements.
Valerie worked with each wyvern individually, demonstrating both her expertise and her family's irreplaceable knowledge. Mikhail observed, occasionally asking questions.
As the sun rose fully above the horizon, Mikhail knew his next appointment approached - a private audience with his mother. The thought of facing the Empress again while maintaining his mask made his stomach churn, but he had played this game before.
"Lady Valerie," he said formally as the guards began herding the wyverns back to their stables. "Walk with me? I'd like to discuss the creatures' dietary requirements under these restricted conditions."
She fell into step beside him, maintaining proper distance. They walked in silence until they reached a spot Mikhail knew was just beyond the guards' hearing.
"There's been a development with your father's case," he said quietly. "I can't say more yet, but... don't lose hope."
Valerie's step faltered slightly. "Can you at least tell me if he's... if he's being treated well?"
"As well as can be expected. The Mark limits his magic, but not his dignity." Mikhail paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Watch for my signal in the coming days. Things are about to change."
Before she could respond, another figure appeared - an imperial messenger in formal clothing.
"Your Highness," the messenger bowed deeply. "Her Imperial Majesty requires your presence immediately. There's been a change in the Emperor's condition."
Mikhail felt Valerie tense beside him. "Of course," he replied smoothly. "I'll leave immediately."
As he turned to go, Valerie caught his sleeve - a breach of protocol that made the guards shift uneasily. "Mikhail," she whispered, "whatever happens... thank you. For everything."
He met her eyes briefly, seeing the mix of fear and trust there. Then he turned away, his mind already shifting to prepare for his mother's tests.
Behind him, a wyvern's cry split the morning air - a sound of freedom tinged with warning. Mikhail smiled slightly as he walked away.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Sunlight streamed through enchanted windows of the Empress's private study creating an ethereal atmosphere that made visitors feel as though they stood in the presence of something beyond mere mortality.
Mikhail had always appreciated the psychological warfare inherent in the room's design.
"My son," Empress Camilla greeted him, her voice warm but careful. "Thank you for coming so quickly."
"Of course, Mother. The messenger mentioned Father's condition...?"
"Ah, yes." She gestured for him to sit. "The healers report some improvement in his vital signs. He's showing remarkable resilience."
Mikhail carefully arranged his features to show relief tinged with hope. "Then he might recover?"
"The situation remains... delicate." The Empress's perfect composure cracked slightly as a messenger entered, bearing a sealed scroll marked with the symbol of the Dragon Scale Mountains. "What is it?"
The messenger bowed deeply. "Urgent news from the northern observation posts, Your Majesty. Grand Mage Thorne has disappeared."
Both Mikhail and his mother stiffened. "Disappeared?" the Empress asked, her voice dangerously soft.
"Yes, Your Majesty. His last report mentioned the discovery of ancient planar coordinates in the mountain ruins. He went to investigate personally and hasn't been seen since. The local garrison is maintaining observation of the area but awaits further instructions."
The Empress was silent for a long moment, her fingers tracing patterns on her desk that Mikhail recognised as fragments of containment spells. "Thank you. Dismissed."
After the messenger left, she turned back to Mikhail. "Interesting timing, wouldn't you say?"
"The Dragon Scale Mountains have always been unpredictable," Mikhail offered carefully.
"Perhaps." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "But for now, we observe. The empire has enough challenges without adding mountain mysteries to the list." She paused, studying him. "Speaking of challenges, I understand you've been quite busy with the Draconus wyverns."
"They're valuable imperial assets," Mikhail replied smoothly. "Their deterioration would only harm the empire's interests."
"Indeed." The Empress's approval felt like a snake coiling around his shoulders. "You show remarkable maturity in handling this situation. Which is why..." she paused for effect, "I've decided to grant your request to visit your father."
Mikhail allowed his eyes to widen with genuine surprise. "Really?"
"Under supervision, of course. The healers will be present throughout your visit." She reached out to touch his cheek in a rare display of maternal affection, that made his skin crawl. "He would be proud of how you've conducted yourself these past weeks."
"Thank you, Mother," Mikhail whispered, letting his voice crack slightly. "When can I...?"
"This afternoon. The healers will be expecting you." She withdrew her hand. "Now go, prepare yourself. Your father's condition may be... distressing."
Mikhail bowed and left, his mind already racing with possibilities. Finally, a chance to use Divine Insight on the Emperor's condition.
After he departed, Crown Princess Lyanna emerged from a hidden alcove. "Are you sure about this, Mother? Letting him near Father..."
"The healers are loyal to us," the Empress replied calmly. "They'll ensure he does nothing besides look at his poor, suffering father." Her lips curved in a slight smile. "Besides, it maintains my image as a doting mother. His constant requests to meet him have been weakening the council's view of my leadership."
Lyanna moved to pour herself a glass of wine. "He's stronger than we expected. Both of them are. The poison should have worked faster."
"We rushed the enchantments on the chalice," the Empress admitted. "I honestly did not believe that my husband possessed such power. He's kept much hidden from me. The original plan called for three more years of preparation. Still..." she traced the rim of her own wine glass, "it's only a matter of time. Your father's strength is remarkable, but even he cannot fight forever."
"And Mikhail? He's been surprisingly... competent in his new role."
"Let him play at politics," the Empress said dismissively. "His handling of the Draconus situation actually works in our favour. It makes the whole affair seem more legitimate when even the 'innocent' young prince maintains proper oversight of the accused."
Lyanna sipped her wine thoughtfully. "The Grand Mage's disappearance complicates things."
"Or simplifies them," her mother corrected. "Depending on what he found in those mountains. For now, we wait. The game proceeds at its own pace."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Meanwhile, Mikhail strode through the palace corridors, maintaining a carefully measured pace despite his inner excitement.
Soon he would see his father's condition for himself, and Divine Insight would reveal what even the Empress's pet healers might have missed.
[System Alert: Critical observation opportunity approaching.]
[Warning: Multiple hostile observers likely present during upcoming interaction.]