Duke Alaric sat at his mahogany desk in the quiet solitude of his private chamber. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. He had been deep in thought about the coming weeks—the Awakening Ceremony was approaching swiftly. His mind wandered between thoughts of the twins, Astor's boundless energy, and Nyx's quiet brilliance. Both of his sons were nearing their sixth year, and anticipation for the ceremony swirled through his mind. Soon, their destinies would be revealed.
A soft knock on the door broke his train of thought. It was Ivor, the family's loyal and ever-dutiful butler.
"Your Grace," Ivor began with a slight bow, his voice calm and steady as always, "a royal messenger has arrived bearing a decree from the capital."
Alaric leaned back in his chair and let out a small, knowing sigh. "It's about time," he murmured. He had been expecting this. The Awakening Ceremony drew closer, and the kingdom always followed a formal protocol for these matters. He looked up at Ivor and nodded. "Bring him here, Ivor. Let's hear what the king has to say."
The butler bowed once more and exited the room swiftly, returning a moment later with a man dressed in the deep purple and gold attire of the Valencrest royal court. The royal messenger, a young man with sharp features and a polished demeanor, entered and gave a deep bow.
"Your Grace," the messenger began, "I bring greetings from His Majesty, King Aldric Valencrest, and an official royal decree regarding the upcoming Awakening Ceremony."
Alaric motioned for him to continue, his expression calm but attentive.
The messenger unfurled a scroll, the royal crest of House Valencrest gleaming on the parchment. He cleared his throat and began reading.
"By the will of His Majesty, King Aldric Valencrest, the Grand Awakening Ceremony for all noble children of age shall be held on the 10th day of Flare, in the year 456. The ceremony will take place in the grand halls of Valencrest Castle, and all noble houses are required to attend. Furthermore, His Majesty extends a personal invitation to Duke Alarion Shadowstar and Duchess Elyndra Shadowstar, former rulers of the Silvershadow Duchy, to attend the ceremony and the festivities preceding it."
Alaric's eyes flickered slightly at the mention of his parents. It was no surprise that the king had extended the invitation to them—after all, their influence and power were still revered across the kingdom. His father, Duke Alarion, had long commanded respect for his strength and strategic brilliance, while his mother, Duchess Elyndra, was known for her wisdom and grace in the political sphere.
"Thank you, messenger," Alaric said after a moment of thought, standing from his chair. "You've fulfilled your duty well. Convey my thanks to His Majesty and inform him that we shall attend as requested."
The messenger bowed again, rolling up the decree with practiced precision before departing the room with Ivor.
Alaric stood there, his gaze fixed on the sunlight outside the window for a few moments longer. The 10th of Flare—it was only a month away. Soon, Nyx and Astor would stand among the other noble children in the great hall of Valencrest Castle, their futures unfolding before the eyes of the kingdom.
He would need to prepare the family for the journey to the capital. And now, with the king's personal request for his parents' presence, there was even more to consider. His father, Alarion, had always been the guiding force of their house, and his mother, Elyndra, possessed a sharp mind that had long navigated the delicate politics of the kingdom.
With a steady breath, Alaric made his way to the study to speak with Selene. Preparations for the ceremony were already underway, but this new development called for a discussion. The king's extended invitation had added yet another layer of complexity to an already important occasion.
The Awakening Ceremony would soon be upon them, and with it, the destinies of not only his sons but the entire duchy might be influenced in ways even he could not yet foresee.