Bond of Steel and Silk

Music echoed through the grand chamber as nobles from every corner of Eldorath mingled in celebration. They danced, toasted, and indulged in the lavish feast that the kingdom was known for, the air thick with the sweet aromas of delicacies and the soft hum of conversation. From their thrones, King Varrick and Queen Catelyn overlooked the gathering.King Varrick, a burly man with a simple crown resting on his head, tugged at his beard while glancing impatiently at a pocket watch. Beside him, Queen Catelyn's brown hair, streaked with gray, framed her face, a symbol of the wisdom and beauty she carried through the years. Her hand rested on his as she offered him a soft, knowing smile."If you ask me again, you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight," Queen Catelyn teased with an exasperated sigh.Varrick groaned. "How is she late to her own party? A party we spent weeks planning!" He tapped his foot against the marble floor."I'm sure Elara has her reasons," the queen said, gently squeezing his hand. "Now, enjoy the festivities. She'll be here soon."King Varrick huffed, then nodded. "At least let me send someone to hurry her along.""If it helps you relax, then by all means," the queen replied with a laugh.The king scanned the room before his eyes landed on a knight engaged in a lively discussion with one of the kingdom's philosophers. The knight was young, with jet-black hair and striking yellow eyes, wearing a formal military uniform: a blue tunic, white cape, and gleaming gold buttons. A sword hung at his side."Ser Aedric Valemar!" the king called.Aedric excused himself from the conversation and approached the royal couple, taking a knee. "My liege, my lady. How may I serve you?"Queen Catelyn smiled. "Are you enjoying the party, Ser Valemar?""I feel out of place, Your Majesty," Aedric said with a playful grin. "I'm better with a sword than a wine glass."King Varrick chuckled, though his expression quickly turned serious. "Do you see the problem with this evening?"Aedric's eyes swept the hall before returning to the king. "The princess isn't here.""Exactly. Correct that for me," Varrick ordered."It will be done, my liege," Aedric replied, standing and bowing before making his way out of the chamber.The Knight made his way through the castle, assisting some hand-maidens with picking up some towels that fell out of the cart, or providing directions to a foreign dignitary that got lost, and even joking with his fellow knights before coming upon the large door belonging to the princess. He would look around before knocking on the door.As Aedric navigated the castle's grand corridors, he paused briefly to help handmaidens gather fallen linens and gave directions to a lost dignitary, his usual dutiful nature on full display. His journey brought him to the large, ornate door leading to Princess Elara's chambers. He knocked.The door opened slightly, revealing Seraphina, the princess's lady-in-waiting and closest friend. Her blonde hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, and she wore a flowing silver dress."Oh, it's just you, Ser Aedric," Seraphina said, smiling."You look lovely, Seraphina," Aedric complimented."Flattery will get you nowhere. What brings you here?" she asked with a teasing smirk."King Varrick sent me to fetch Her Highness. She's late for her own celebration," Aedric replied.Seraphina turned her head towards the room. "Your Highness! You're missing your party!"A loud groan followed from within. "I can't decide! Wait—who's out there?""It's Ser Aedric, Your Highness.""Tell him to come in!"Seraphina opened the door wider, allowing Aedric to step inside. Princess Elara's chambers were a whirlwind of fabric and fashion. Mannequins lined the walls, each draped in exquisite dresses, while sewing kits and bolts of cloth were strewn across the floor. The princess herself sat on her bed, a vision of natural beauty with silver hair that cascaded down her back and striking blue eyes that sparkled with frustration."Aedric!" she cried, gesturing dramatically toward the piles of dresses. "Which one should I wear?"The knight glanced at the array of dresses. "Your Highness, I've seen you in all of them. Why not just pick one?"Elara shot him a look of mock horror. "Pick randomly? Each dress is a statement! This black gown, for instance, was a gift from the Elven Clan of the South. It shows my mystique, my elegance! This red one, from our town's tailor, represents my fiery passion and love for Eldorath! And this green one—" she held it up like a banner—"is a symbol of diplomacy, my role as a bridge between our kingdom and others!"Aedric nodded, half amused. "I'm sure each dress has its charm, but I doubt the nobles downstairs are as interested in their symbolism as you are, Your Highness.""I liked you better when you were just a squire," she huffed, falling back onto her bed dramatically. "Maybe I'll skip the party altogether!""Now, now, Princess," Aedric said with a smile as he sat beside her, glancing at the many dresses strewn about. "Your father ordered me to bring you, and between you and him, I fear him more."Elara gave him a playful punch on the arm. "I can be scary too!""Of course, Your Highness."Seraphina appeared from the wardrobe, holding two more dresses: a simple silk gown with pearl details and a blue dress lined with gold."What about these?" she asked.Elara sat up, looking at the new options with a defeated sigh. "I can't decide... It's hopeless!"Aedric exchanged a glance with Seraphina, then stood up. "Wait here. I'll be right back."He returned a few minutes later, carrying a box. Both Elara and Seraphina turned to him curiously as he set it down on the bed."What's this?" Elara asked, eyes narrowing. "It better not be one of your tricks, Aedric.""Open it and see," Aedric replied with a grin.Elara hesitated, then lifted the lid. Her breath caught as she pulled out a maroon-colored dress, simple but striking, with delicate embroidery around the neckline. The fabric shimmered faintly in the candlelight."Where did you get this?" Elara asked in awe, holding it up to her."I made it," Aedric said, smiling. "Your mother's been teaching me to sew. I was going to give it to you on your birthday, but I thought... maybe now's a good time."Elara clutched the dress to her chest, a warmth spreading through her. "Aedric, you must have worked so hard on this. It's beautiful, but—""No buts. Do you love it?""I... I do," she admitted, smiling softly. "Thank you.""Then wear it. I'll be waiting for you on the dance floor," Aedric said, giving Seraphina a high-five as he left the room.Elara stared at the dress for a long moment, the warmth lingering in her heart. Then, with renewed determination, she began the task of putting it on.