Morning light scattered through the Crystal Palace's white stone walls, casting patterns across its immaculate halls.
The structure, though smaller than the main Imperial Palace, commanded its own territory within the palace grounds - a significant estate covering several acres of carefully maintained gardens and auxiliary buildings.
The transfer of ownership had been absolute, the ancient wards recognising Mikhail's mana signature as their new master. Unlike typical imperial grants that merely allowed usage rights, the Emperor had completely surrendered the property to his son's control.
The Crystal Palace's defensive matrices, some of the most sophisticated in the empire, now responded solely to Mikhail's authority.
High walls rose in elegant spires, their surfaces somehow both delicate and impregnable. The white stone itself was a unique magical alloy whose creation methods had been lost to time.
Lydia had overseen the staffing personally, working closely with Gage to vet every servant and guard. The household staff had been handpicked not just for competence but for absolute loyalty.
The guards were particularly impressive. They maintained constant but unobtrusive surveillance, their presence subtle enough that most visitors remained unaware of just how thoroughly they were being watched.
The grounds stretched out in elegant terraces, each level showcasing different aspects of imperial landscaping. The highest terrace, where Valerie's wyverns made their home, offered commanding views of the capital.
Below, formal gardens displayed flowers from across the empire, many of them magical varieties that bloomed with enchanted light.
A series of interconnected ponds wound through the lower gardens, their waters enhanced by ancient magic to create perfect reflections of the white walls above. Carefully placed benches and pavilions provided quiet spaces for contemplation or private conversations, each one warded against eavesdropping.
Mikhail's private wing contained his study, personal library, and sleeping chambers, along with several secret rooms whose existence wasn't recorded in any official plans.
The laboratory wing, where Valerie conducted her research, had been specially modified to contain magical experiments safely.
Though grander than his villa, the Crystal Palace served different purposes. The villa remained his refuge, a place of familiar comfort where his most private work could continue undisturbed. But the Crystal Palace represented his new public role - a seat of power within the very heart of imperial authority.
The transfer of territory rights within the palace grounds was particularly significant. While other noble estates might be larger, having sovereign territory within the Imperial Palace itself was a sign of one's true power. It meant Mikhail could maintain his own guards, enforce his own rules, and even deny entry to other imperial authorities if he chose.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
The Crystal Palace's private study seemed designed to inspire confidential conversations. Valerie stood before Mikhail's desk, her usual scholarly composure slightly softened by emotion.
"I can never repay what you've done for my family," she said quietly. "Father's restoration, even limited as it is... it means everything."
Mikhail looked up from the documents he'd been reviewing. "House Draconus deserved justice," he replied simply. "Your father's honour was never in question."
"Still," Valerie continued, a slight flush coloring her cheeks, "I want you to know that you have my complete loyalty. Whatever you need, whatever plans you're making..." She paused, seeming to gather her thoughts. "Aria and I have even made a truce. We both want to help you however we can."
Something flickered in Mikhail's eyes - a darkness that made Valerie's next words die in her throat.
"Never trust Aria," he said softly, his voice carrying an edge that seemed to drop the temperature in the room. "Be cordial, be kind, work with her as needed - but never, ever trust her."
Valerie blinked, taken aback by the intensity of his response. "But she seems genuinely supportive-"
"She seemed genuine before," Mikhail cut her off, then caught himself. "Just... accept that I have reasons for this warning. Maintain the truce, by all means. She can be useful. But never forget that her loyalty is to herself first, House Terra second, and everything else a distant third."
The coldness in his voice shocked her. This wasn't the carefully diplomatic prince she was used to - this was someone who had seen behind masks she couldn't even perceive.
"I... I understand," she said, though clearly she didn't. "I'll be careful."
Mikhail's expression softened slightly. "Good. Now, shall we prepare for dinner? Your father is expecting us."
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
The private dining room of the Crystal Palace reflected its name, with walls that seemed carved from living crystal catching and amplifying the magical lights that floated near the ceiling.
Duke Draconus sat at one end of the elegant table, the Mark of Submission still visible on his face but his dignity undiminished. Aria occupied one side, her perfect court manners firmly in place, while Valerie sat opposite her.
Mikhail took his place at the head of the table, Aurora's invisible presence a comforting warmth within him. The sprite had opted to remain hidden for this particular gathering, though her amusement at the social dynamics was palpable.
"The Crystal Palace suits you," Duke Draconus observed as servants began serving the first course. "Though I admit, I'm surprised you chose to accept it alongside your villa."
"Different spaces serve different purposes," Mikhail replied diplomatically. "The villa has... sentimental value."
Aria's perfect smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "And such convenient research facilities," she noted. "Though perhaps those are less necessary now that your primary project is complete?"
Valerie tensed slightly, remembering Mikhail's warning, but the prince merely smiled. "There's always more research to be done," he said easily. "Speaking of which, Duke Draconus, I'd be very interested in your thoughts on draconic blood theory."
The Duke's eyes sharpened with scholarly interest, though his response was careful. "A complex field, and one that recent events have shown to be more dangerous than previously thought."
"Indeed," Mikhail agreed. "Though perhaps with proper study and control..."
The conversation flowed smoothly through several courses, touching on magical theory, court politics, and carefully edited versions of recent events. Aria demonstrated her perfect noble education, contributing just enough to show interest without revealing her own thoughts. Valerie occasionally added scholarly insights, while carefully observing the subtle currents of power flowing beneath the polite exchanges.
"House Terra's earth magic," Duke Draconus mused during the main course, "has always fascinated me. The ability to sense and manipulate fundamental forces... quite remarkable."
"You're too kind," Aria demurred. "Though perhaps not as remarkable as House Draconus's unique connection to wyverns. Such magnificent creatures, and so loyal to those they trust."
Valerie caught the slight emphasis on 'trust' and remembered Mikhail's warning. She kept her response pleasant but noncommittal.
As dessert was served - Mikhail steered the conversation toward future possibilities.
"The empire enters a new phase," he observed. "Old alliances shift, new opportunities arise. It will be interesting to see how various houses adapt."
"Indeed," Duke Draconus agreed, his hand unconsciously touching the Mark on his face. "Though some changes are more permanent than others."
"Everything changes," Mikhail said softly. "Even marks. Even memories. Even trust, once broken, can be reforged. It simply takes time... and wisdom to recognise true loyalty when it's offered."
The remainder of the meal passed in careful conversation, each participant monitoring their words with practised skill. When they finally parted for the evening, the farewells were perfectly cordial.
But Valerie, watching Aria's graceful departure, couldn't forget the darkness she'd seen in Mikhail's eyes when he'd warned her about trust. She wondered what memories lay behind that warning, what knowledge made him so certain of betrayal's possibility.
Some questions, she decided, were better left unasked. At least for now.