The Varrow estate's library was a cavernous expanse of polished mahogany shelves, their surfaces lined with thick tomes and delicate scrolls. A soft hush lingered in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of paper and the occasional crackle of the fireplace.
Celeste stepped inside, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. The library had always been one of the estate's quieter corners, a refuge from the constant swirl of politics and gossip. Tonight, however, it wasn't solace she sought.
"Lady Varrow."
The deep, resonant voice cut through the stillness, and Celeste turned sharply toward its source.
Duke Durand stood near one of the grand tables, a thick volume open before him. He was a man of commanding presence, tall and broad-shouldered, with streaks of silver running through his dark hair. His piercing gray eyes fixed on her, sharp and assessing.
"Your Grace," Celeste said, dipping into a respectful curtsy. She kept her expression calm, masking the flicker of unease that rose in her chest.
"What brings you to the library at this hour?" he asked, closing the book with a deliberate motion.
"I might ask you the same," Celeste replied with a polite smile, stepping closer. "Though I imagine your reasons are more scholarly than mine."
Durand's lips twitched into something resembling a smirk. "Flattery won't get you far with me, Lady Varrow."
Celeste's smile didn't falter. She had expected this—Durand was known for his no-nonsense demeanor, his loyalty to the Crown, and his disdain for courtly games. Winning his favor would require more than charm.
"I'm not here to flatter," she said evenly. "I came to seek your advice."
That caught his attention. He raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue.
"I've been reflecting on the upcoming tournament," Celeste said, taking a seat across from him. "It's a pivotal event, not just for the competitors but for the court as a whole. The alliances it could forge—or break—are significant."
Durand leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "And you wish to discuss alliances with me?"
"I wish to understand them better," she replied. "You've always been a pillar of wisdom and strategy in the court. I'd be foolish not to learn from you."
For a moment, Durand said nothing, his sharp eyes studying her. The silence stretched, and Celeste resisted the urge to shift under his gaze.
"You've changed," he said finally, his tone laced with curiosity.
Celeste tilted her head. "How so, Your Grace?"
"In the past, you were... brash. Impulsive. More concerned with appearances than substance."
The words stung, but Celeste nodded, accepting them. "You're not wrong. I've made mistakes—many of them. But I'd like to think I'm learning from them."
Durand's expression softened slightly, though his scrutiny didn't waver. "And what is it you wish to learn from me, Lady Varrow?"
"How to avoid repeating those mistakes," Celeste said. "How to navigate this court with integrity and purpose."
A small, surprised chuckle escaped him. "Integrity? That's not a word I often hear in these halls."
"Perhaps it should be," she countered.
Durand leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "If you're serious about this, Lady Varrow, then answer me this: What is your goal?"
The question caught her off guard, and she hesitated. What was her goal? Survival, of course. But was that enough to satisfy a man like Durand?
"To prove I'm more than the person they think I am," she said finally. "To earn the respect of those who have written me off. And perhaps, to leave this court better than I found it."
Durand regarded her for a long moment, then nodded. "A noble answer. But words are easy, Lady Varrow. Actions are what matter."
"I understand," she said. "And I'm willing to act."
He tapped a finger against the table, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Very well. If you wish to prove yourself, I'll give you a chance. The tournament is an opportunity—not just for the competitors but for those who can see its potential."
Celeste leaned forward, her pulse quickening. "What do you mean?"
"There are young knights competing this year, many of them untested but promising," Durand explained. "One in particular has caught my attention—Sir Edrick of Vannor. A skilled swordsman, but inexperienced in politics. He'll need guidance if he's to succeed."
"You want me to guide him?" Celeste asked, her brow furrowing.
"I want you to mentor him," Durand said. "Teach him how to navigate the intricacies of court. Help him secure alliances that will ensure his future—and yours."
Celeste blinked, taken aback. Mentoring a knight? It was an unusual request, but the logic behind it was clear. If she succeeded, she'd gain Durand's favor—and perhaps a valuable ally in Sir Edrick.
"I'll do it," she said, determination hardening her voice.
Durand's smirk returned, faint but approving. "Good. I'll arrange an introduction tomorrow. Let's see if you can turn your words into actions, Lady Varrow."
---
As Celeste left the library, her mind raced with possibilities. This was more than a test—it was a chance to change her narrative.
She clenched her fists, her resolve firm.
If the Duke wanted actions, she'd give him actions. And she'd ensure they were impossible to ignore.
Morning sunlight spilled through the grand arched windows of the Varrow estate's central hall, casting golden streaks across the marble floor. Celeste adjusted her gloves, the soft leather snug against her hands, as she waited near the entrance. Her thoughts churned, replaying Duke Durand's challenge from the night before.
Mentoring a knight was a delicate task. Sir Edrick of Vannor, though skilled with a sword, was a blank slate in the court's treacherous game. Guiding him meant shaping not just his actions but his alliances, his reputation, and ultimately, his loyalty.
"This is my chance," Celeste muttered to herself. "I can't afford to waste it."
The sharp click of boots on marble drew her attention. A figure approached, clad in polished armor that gleamed in the morning light. Sir Edrick of Vannor was younger than she expected—perhaps nineteen or twenty, with tousled brown hair and a face that still held traces of boyishness. His steel-blue eyes, however, were sharp and focused.
He stopped a few paces away, bowing respectfully. "Lady Varrow," he said, his voice steady. "Duke Durand informed me of your... mentorship. It's an honor to meet you."
Celeste noted the slight hesitation before "mentorship." It wasn't surprising. She knew her reputation preceded her, and not in the best way. But this was her opportunity to rewrite that narrative.
"The honor is mine, Sir Edrick," Celeste replied, offering a polite smile. "I've heard much about your skills on the battlefield. I trust you'll bring the same dedication to the challenges ahead."
He straightened, his expression a mix of determination and caution. "I will do my best, my lady."
"Good," Celeste said, gesturing for him to follow. "Come. We'll begin with a walk through the estate gardens. There's much to discuss."
---
The gardens were alive with color, their carefully maintained flowerbeds and winding paths offering a serene backdrop. But Celeste's mind was far from serene. As they strolled, she studied Edrick out of the corner of her eye, gauging his posture, his demeanor. He carried himself well—confident but not arrogant. That was a good start.
"Tell me, Sir Edrick," Celeste began, her tone casual, "what do you know of the upcoming tournament?"
He glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's an opportunity to prove my skill," he said. "To show the court that I'm worthy of my title."
Celeste nodded, though inwardly she sighed. His answer was earnest but naive. The tournament was about far more than skill.
"It is that," she agreed. "But it's also a stage—a place where alliances are forged and reputations are solidified. Winning is important, yes, but how you win matters just as much."
Edrick's steps slowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "How I win?"
"Perception is everything," Celeste explained. "The court will be watching, not just to see who emerges victorious, but to see who aligns themselves with whom. Your actions on and off the field will shape how you're viewed—and who will support you in the future."
He nodded slowly, his gaze turning distant as he absorbed her words. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"That's why I'm here," Celeste said, her smile faint but genuine. "To help you see beyond the battlefield."
---
They reached a quiet corner of the gardens, where a stone bench overlooked a small fountain. Celeste gestured for Edrick to sit, taking a seat beside him.
"Now," she said, folding her hands in her lap. "Let's talk strategy."
Edrick straightened, his attention fully on her.
"First, you need allies," Celeste said. "The tournament is as much about who supports you as it is about your skill. Have you given any thought to whom you might align yourself with?"
He hesitated, then shook his head. "I haven't. I thought... I thought I would simply fight and let my actions speak for themselves."
Celeste resisted the urge to groan. "That's admirable," she said instead. "But it's not enough. You need to actively cultivate connections. There are certain families—certain individuals—whose support could be invaluable."
Edrick frowned. "And how do I earn their support?"
"By showing them you're worth supporting," Celeste replied. "That you're not just a skilled swordsman, but a capable and intelligent ally. That means more than winning matches. It means understanding what they want—and offering it to them."
Edrick's expression grew troubled. "Isn't that... manipulative?"
"It's politics," Celeste said bluntly. "And like it or not, it's the reality of the court. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise your values. You can play the game and still be true to yourself."
He was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the fountain. Then he nodded. "I understand."
---
Over the next hour, Celeste laid out a plan. She named key figures who would be attending the tournament, explaining their strengths, weaknesses, and potential value as allies.
"Lady Sophia Durand," she said, watching Edrick's reaction carefully. "She's kind-hearted and well-connected. Earning her favor would go a long way in securing support from her family."
Edrick tilted his head. "How do I approach her without seeming... opportunistic?"
Celeste smiled. "By being genuine. Sophia values honesty and kindness. Treat her with respect, and she'll see your sincerity."
They continued, discussing strategies for building alliances and managing perceptions. Edrick listened intently, asking thoughtful questions and offering his own insights.
By the time they returned to the main estate, Celeste felt a glimmer of hope. Edrick wasn't just capable—he was teachable. With the right guidance, he could become a valuable ally, not just for the tournament but for her survival.
As they parted ways, Edrick bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lady Varrow. I'll do my best to follow your advice."
"I have no doubt you will," Celeste replied. "Remember, Sir Edrick—this is only the beginning. Stay sharp, stay focused, and you'll go far."
He nodded, determination etched into his features.
As Celeste watched him walk away, she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile.
One piece was on the board. Now, it was time to move the others.