Meanwhile, in the royal castle, King Varyndor sat alone in his private chamber, his eyes fixed on the mirror, though his mind wandered far from his reflection. The dim light of the room cast long shadows, mirroring the murkiness of his thoughts. A stack of documents lay untouched on the desk, the pen in his hand spinning idly, a subtle reflection of his inner turmoil.
The soft rustle of silk preceded Queen Celestia Aelthor's entrance. Her serene presence was like a moonbeam cutting through the king's clouded musings. "You look as though you've been outmaneuvered in your favorite game," she remarked with a wry smile, her voice laced with both curiosity and teasing affection. "Was it the demon lord? Did he rattle that infamous composure of yours?"
King Varyndor gave a low chuckle, his gaze still fixed on the mirror. "The demon lord? Hardly. He's all fire and fury—predictable, really. That meeting was just the usual chest-puffing and empty threats. No, my dear, something far more... curious has taken root in my thoughts."
Celestia tilted her head, her sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Curious? From anyone else, that might mean gossip. From you, it sounds like a problem."
The king leaned back in his chair, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "It's not a problem... yet. Tell me, Celestia, are you acquainted with Seraphina Nightvale?"
"Seraphina?" Celestia's face softened as she folded her arms, recalling the name. "Of course. A capable woman—sharp, resourceful. Though if memory serves, our daughter is far closer to her than I am. Why do you ask? Has she caused a stir?"
"Not her." Varyndor tapped the desk lightly, his voice dropping to a thoughtful murmur. "It's her son. Poll Nightvale."
Celestia blinked, her brow furrowing in surprise. "Her son? If I'm not mistaken, he's a child—a clever one, but still a child. Why would a king find interest in an ordinary boy?"
"Ordinary?" Varyndor scoffed softly, his expression darkening with intrigue. "Oh, there's nothing ordinary about that boy. He has a mind sharper than most men thrice his age and a tongue to match. He's dangerous, Celestia, not because he wields power, but because he knows how to make others wield it for him."
Celestia raised an eyebrow, intrigued but unconvinced. "A child who threatens the stability of your court? Surely you jest."
The king's smile grew sharper, his tone laced with amusement and an undercurrent of unease. "Jest? No. He's no sword-swinging rebel, but mark my words, Poll Nightvale is playing a game most wouldn't even know existed. He walked into my chamber today and spoke with the confidence of someone who's already calculated every move I might make. It was like staring at a boyish shadow of myself."
Celestia's lips curled into a faint, sly smile. "Now you have my attention. So, what did this prodigy do to leave you so unsettled?"
"He hinted at a plan," Varyndor said, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "A proposition that left me questioning whether I was the king in this scenario… or a mere piece on his board."
Celestia chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that filled the room. "My dear, you always claim to enjoy challenges. Perhaps this boy is the rival you've been secretly yearning for."
"Rival?" The king let out a low laugh, though his eyes gleamed with an edge of something darker. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now, he's just a boy—a fascinating, clever boy. But I've learned one thing today: we must watch him closely. If left unchecked, he could grow into something... problematic."
"Problematic," Celestia repeated, her tone teasing. "Or useful?"
"Both," Varyndor admitted, rising to his feet and gathering the stack of documents. "It's a delicate balance. One wrong move, and he could tip the scales in a way neither of us would enjoy."
Celestia's gaze lingered on her husband, her curiosity sharpening. "Very well, my king. I'll heed your request. But if you're so fascinated by this boy, perhaps I should meet him myself. I'm curious to see what kind of child can leave you in such a state."
Varyndor's smile widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, you'll meet him soon enough, my queen. And when you do, I'll wager he'll leave quite the impression."
With a final glance at the mirror, the king straightened his cloak and turned to leave. "I have papers to send. Don't wait up for me."
As the door closed behind him, Celestia sank into the chair he had vacated, Looking at the mirror, her mind already whirring with possibilities. A boy who could manipulate a king? This game was starting to look far more interesting than she had anticipated.