When the servant finally arrived with the bow—simple and of poor quality—Astor took it with both hands, letting the string creak slightly between his fingers. He feigned clumsiness as he positioned himself, poorly nocking the arrow as if unsure of what he was doing.
"Well... let's see how this goes," he said, letting his voice break slightly with nervousness.
He turned toward the target placed on the other side of the hall, a distance short enough that even a mediocre archer could hit it. Astor drew the bow with deliberately unsteady movements, tilting his body as though he had never learned the proper technique.
He took a deep breath, feeling tension run through him—not fear, but the precision he had to conceal. He released the string in such a way that the arrow barely flew straight, lodging itself near the bottom of the target, far from the center.
Edmund burst into laughter.
"Well, brother! You certainly didn't disappoint. I thought you wouldn't even manage to make the arrow fly straight. Congratulations on hitting the target."
Astor let his face contort with a touch of fake embarrassment and frustration, lowering his gaze as though ashamed of his performance. He knew this spectacle was exactly what his family expected.
However, Selene didn't react like the others. While Edmund laughed and Lady Eleonor smiled condescendingly, the baroness kept her gaze fixed on Astor. There was no mockery in her eyes, but something closer to curiosity.
"Do you always practice alone?" she asked unexpectedly.
Astor looked up for a moment, confused, before responding humbly.
"Yes… I've never had a teacher."
Selene nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on him as if trying to decipher something hidden. The silence that followed was dense, heavy with tension, and Astor felt his heart race.
Internally, he reminded himself over and over to stay in character. He had to remain the useless Astor everyone knew—nothing more. Yet he couldn't shake the feeling that Selene had seen something else in him, something he shouldn't have revealed.
Still holding the bow with trembling hands, Astor feigned discomfort after his poor demonstration. His gaze remained downcast, as if overwhelmed by shame. He wanted to leave and retreat to his room, where he could think calmly—far from Selene.
"If you don't need anything else..." he said weakly, stepping toward the door.
But Edmund, always eager to show off, stopped him with a sneering smile.
"Not so fast, brother. You wouldn't want to miss the upcoming show, would you?" His tone dripped with arrogance as he crossed his arms. "Stay and learn something from your elder brother."
Astor clenched his teeth silently, forcing himself not to respond. He knew objecting would only make his desire to escape more obvious, which would be suspicious in front of Selene. Instead, he maintained his timid and obedient facade, nodding slightly.
"As you wish, Edmund," he murmured, though inside he felt the growing weight of frustration and anxiety.
"Enough," Lady Eleonor said sharply, clearly wanting to change the subject before the spotlight remained on Astor for too long. "Lady Selene, let us move past this chatter between brothers."
Eleonor rose gracefully from her seat and cast a cold glance at Edmund, silently ordering him to stop laughing. Then, turning her attention to Selene, her voice took on a more amiable yet manipulative tone.
"Let us discuss something more interesting. Tell me, Lady Selene, have you considered your future lately? I mean, of course, your personal life."
Selene straightened her posture at the suggestion, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"My personal life is not something I usually discuss," she replied coolly, making it clear she was uninterested in the topic.
Unfazed, Eleonor continued in her syrupy tone.
"I understand, dear. But as a leader, it's important to consider alliances that could strengthen your position. Edmund, for example..." Eleonor gestured toward her eldest son, who was still smirking smugly. "He is a perfect candidate. An accomplished warrior and a natural leader."
Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Selene abruptly changed the subject.
"The war. Our kingdom is preparing to invade new lands, isn't it?" she said, her tone sharp, almost challenging Eleonor to persist with her insinuations.
The shift in topic momentarily unsettled the matriarch, but her quick adaptability came into play.
"Yes, of course. The war... A crucial matter. Naturally, the kingdom needs strong leaders at the front, and I'm sure you will be among the first in the battle line."
Selene nodded, her expression calm but filled with resolve.
"Indeed. I've been summoned to lead the main advance. The king has entrusted me with ensuring our offensive's success."
The hall fell silent, impressed by the news. However, the murmurs of admiration for Selene soon faded when she added, her voice firm:
"But I will not be alone. The Valenford family has also been chosen to accompany me in this campaign."
Eleonor visibly tensed but managed to maintain her smile.
"We hadn't received such a notification," she replied, her voice carefully neutral.
Selene pulled a scroll from her belt and spread it on the table. The royal seal, an unmistakable symbol of authority, gleamed under the candlelight.
"Here is the official order. The king has requested that the patriarch of your family lead a contingent."
Eleonor took the scroll with rigid fingers and read it silently. After a moment, she looked up with a forced smile.
"The former patriarch, my late husband, would have gladly accepted this honor. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. However, Edmund is now the head of our family and will be pleased to lead our forces."
"I'm sorry to hear about Lord Valenford, his strength in battle is famous throughout the kingdom," Selene said, as a sign of respect. "As I, as well as the entire kingdom, thank you for your willingness to cooperate even in this difficult time for your family."
Edmund, who had been enjoying the conversation thus far, straightened in his seat, visibly surprised.
"Of course," he said, though there was a slight hesitation in his voice. "I would be honored to fulfill our king's wishes."
Ever quick to seize an opportunity, Eleonor smiled broadly.
"Astor could also be of help in this task. It would be an excellent chance for him to learn something valuable."
Astor felt his blood run cold. This was a trap, clearly designed to dispose of him. But he couldn't refuse without arousing suspicion.
"If that is your will," he murmured, his tone submissive as always.
Selene regarded him for a moment, her gray eyes gleaming with something akin to curiosity. Then she nodded without further comment.
"Then it's settled," she said, turning her firm gaze to Edmund. "I hope you're prepared. War waits for no one."
The hall fell silent, and all eyes focused on Selene—imposing and serene, with an authority no one could ignore.
"My people and I will leave for the front no later than tomorrow," Selene announced, her voice cutting through the air like a well-honed blade. "I expect the Valenford family to be ready to join me before nightfall today."
Her declaration landed like a bucket of cold water on everyone present. Edmund tried to mask his surprise, though the slight twitch of his brow betrayed him. Eleonor, on the other hand, quickly regained her composure.
"Of course, Lady Selene," she said with a controlled smile. "We will ensure everything is ready for your departure."
Selene nodded briefly, signaling she had nothing more to say on the matter. She made her way to the door, her cloak billowing behind her, and exited the hall without another word. Her footsteps echoed down the corridor, followed by the sound of her men moving to regroup with her.
When the door closed behind Selene, the tension in the hall broke into a restrained murmur. Some nobles whispered among themselves, exchanging opinions about the baroness's behavior. There was something intimidating about her refusal to accept the castle's hospitality—a reminder that she did not play by the traditional rules of nobility.
Edmund scoffed, crossing his arms with disdain.
"How tactless," he muttered to Eleonor. "If I manage to make her my wife, I'll have to correct many of her attitudes."
Eleonor silenced him with a wave of her hand.
"Do not speak that way, Edmund. Lady Selene has the king's favor and half the kingdom's. We cannot afford to offend her."
"And Astor?" another noble interjected, pointing to the younger brother. "Is he ready for this campaign?"
Astor, who had remained silent, slowly raised his gaze. He knew the question wasn't mere curiosity but a veiled test.
"I will do as ordered," he replied calmly, maintaining his humble posture.
Eleonor smiled faintly, pleased with his response.
"Perfect. Edmund will guide you in everything you need. I want you to learn something valuable from this experience, Astor."
Astor nodded, but deep down, he knew those words weren't motherly advice but a sentence disguised as an opportunity. They were sending him to the front not to learn, but to dispose of him.