The Varrow estate's grand hall was a quiet storm of activity as servants bustled to prepare for the arrival of an unexpected but significant guest: Crown Prince Kael himself. The announcement had sent a ripple of tension through the household, though Celeste remained outwardly composed.
Kael's arrival was a rarity. The Crown Prince did not often make casual visits, and when he did, it was never without purpose. Celeste had seen his cold, calculating nature firsthand in the novel. His words were as sharp as his blade, and his ability to unnerve even the most confident noble was infamous.
Yet, if Celeste wanted to survive this world, gaining Kael's favor—or at least avoiding his ire—was crucial.
When the heavy doors to the estate opened, Celeste stood at the center of the entrance hall, her gown of deep green flowing like water as she curtsied low.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice steady, "it is an honor to welcome you to the Varrow estate."
Kael stepped inside, his presence commanding. Clad in a tailored coat of dark navy, edged with gold embroidery, he radiated authority. His piercing blue eyes swept over the room, pausing briefly on her before offering a nod.
"Lady Varrow," he said, his voice smooth but distant. "I appreciate your hospitality."
Celeste straightened, keeping her expression neutral. "Your presence is always welcome, Your Highness. May I ask what brings you here today?"
Kael's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk. "A matter of diplomacy. But first, I would like to speak with you."
Her stomach tightened, but she gestured gracefully toward the drawing room. "Of course. Shall we?"
---
The drawing room was a study in muted luxury, with velvet chairs and a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow across the polished floor. Celeste waited until Kael had taken a seat before settling into the chair opposite him.
"I must admit, Your Highness," Celeste began, folding her hands in her lap, "I was surprised to hear of your visit. It's not often you grace our estate."
Kael leaned back, studying her with an unreadable expression. "And yet, here I am. Tell me, Lady Varrow, how do you find the state of the court these days?"
Celeste hesitated. This was no idle question. Kael was testing her, probing for weaknesses or insights. She chose her words carefully.
"The court remains lively, as always," she said. "Full of ambition, intrigue, and opportunity."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained even. "An interesting perspective. And where do you see yourself in that mix?"
Celeste forced herself to hold his gaze. "I see myself as someone striving to navigate it wisely. Mistakes have been made, but I am determined to learn and grow from them."
For a moment, Kael said nothing, his piercing gaze seeming to strip away her defenses. Then, to her surprise, he inclined his head slightly.
"A diplomatic answer," he said. "But perhaps not an untrue one."
Celeste felt a flicker of relief but didn't allow it to show. "I appreciate your understanding, Your Highness."
Kael shifted slightly, his expression turning more serious. "I'll be frank, Lady Varrow. Your family holds an influential position at court, but it is not without its detractors. There are those who question your loyalty—and your competence."
Her heart sank, but she nodded. "I am aware. And I am working to address those concerns."
"Good," Kael said. "Because loyalty is a currency I value highly, and betrayal is something I do not tolerate."
Celeste resisted the urge to swallow hard. "You have my word, Your Highness, that my loyalty to the Crown is unwavering."
Kael leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "Words are easy, Lady Varrow. Prove it."
---
The tension in the room was palpable as Kael rose from his seat. He turned toward the window, his back to her as he spoke.
"There is a small matter requiring attention," he said. "A trade agreement between the northern territories has been delayed due to interference from certain... parties. I need someone to handle it discreetly."
Celeste's mind raced. This was more than a simple task—it was a test.
"What do you require of me, Your Highness?" she asked, keeping her voice calm.
Kael turned back to face her, his expression unreadable. "Travel to the northern outpost. Meet with the trade envoy and ensure the agreement is finalized. Root out the cause of the delays, and handle it appropriately."
It was a daunting task, but Celeste knew better than to refuse.
"As you wish, Your Highness," she said, dipping her head. "I will see it done."
Kael's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he nodded. "Good. I'll have the details sent to you shortly."
He moved toward the door, pausing briefly to glance back at her. "Do not disappoint me, Lady Varrow."
Celeste rose, curtsying deeply as he left.
As the door closed behind him, she let out a slow breath. The stakes had just risen, and failure was not an option.
The Crown Prince had set the board, and now it was her move.
The carriage rattled along the uneven road, the thick forest on either side a blur of green and brown. Celeste sat upright, her back rigid against the cushioned seat as she reviewed the documents Kael's envoy had delivered before her departure. The trade dispute in the northern territories was more complex than she had anticipated.
The northern outpost relied heavily on trade routes for its survival, but delays in shipments of iron and grain had crippled its economy. At the center of the dispute was a noble family, the Valtins, known for their stubbornness and fiery tempers. They controlled a crucial bridge that connected the northern mines to the rest of the kingdom and had been accused of imposing excessive tolls on merchants.
If Celeste wanted to resolve the issue, she would need to navigate the volatile personalities of the Valtins while ensuring the Crown's authority remained intact.
"I can't afford to misstep," she murmured to herself, her fingers tracing the edges of the parchment in her lap.
Scruffing sounds from across the carriage made her glance up. Sir Edrick, her newly appointed charge, was seated across from her, his armored frame looking distinctly uncomfortable in the confined space. Kael had insisted he accompany her—a gesture that was equal parts protection and observation.
"Are you always this quiet?" Edrick asked, his tone light but curious.
Celeste gave him a small smile. "Only when I'm thinking."
"Then you must think a lot," he said with a grin.
Her smile widened slightly. "This mission requires it. Diplomacy isn't as straightforward as a duel, Sir Edrick. It's less about strength and more about strategy."
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "And you believe the Valtins will respond to strategy?"
"They'll respond to leverage," Celeste corrected. "The challenge is identifying what matters most to them—and using it to secure their cooperation."
Edrick tilted his head, considering her words. "And what if they refuse to cooperate?"
Celeste's gaze hardened. "Then we make them understand the consequences of defying the Crown."
---
By the time they reached the northern outpost, the sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the settlement. The air was colder here, carrying the faint tang of iron and pine.
The outpost itself was a modest collection of buildings, their sturdy wooden frames reinforced with iron supports. Merchants bustled about, their carts laden with goods, while soldiers patrolled the streets with wary eyes.
As Celeste and Edrick stepped out of the carriage, they were greeted by a stern-faced man clad in a navy-blue tunic adorned with the Valtin crest—a silver wolf on a black field.
"Lady Varrow," the man said, bowing stiffly. "I am Captain Roderic, appointed liaison for the Valtin family. They are expecting you."
Celeste inclined her head. "Thank you, Captain. Lead the way."
---
The Valtin estate loomed ahead, a fortress-like structure perched atop a rocky hill. Its stone walls were weathered but imposing, and the flicker of torches along the battlements gave it an almost ominous aura.
Inside, the great hall was no less intimidating. Massive wooden beams stretched overhead, and the air was thick with the scent of smoke and mead.
At the far end of the hall, seated in a high-backed chair, was Lord Valtin himself. He was a broad-shouldered man with graying hair and a scar that ran from his temple to his jaw. His dark eyes assessed Celeste as she approached, flanked by Edrick and Captain Roderic.
"Lady Varrow," Valtin said, his voice a deep rumble. "You've come a long way. I trust this matter is as urgent as the Crown claims."
Celeste curtsied, her expression calm but firm. "It is, my lord. The delays in trade are causing significant strain on the northern territories. I am here to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly."
Valtin's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Fairly? That is an unusual word in matters of politics."
Celeste allowed herself a small smile in return. "Fairness does not preclude firmness, my lord. The Crown values your contributions, but it also expects cooperation."
Valtin leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "And what does the Crown propose as a solution?"
Celeste stepped closer, her voice steady. "A reduction in tolls, with oversight from the Crown to ensure transparency. In return, the Crown will provide additional support for maintaining the bridge and the surrounding roads."
The hall fell silent as Valtin considered her words. His expression was unreadable, but Celeste could sense the tension in the air.
"And if I refuse?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual.
Edrick stiffened beside her, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword. Celeste raised a hand, signaling him to stay calm.
"If you refuse," she said, meeting Valtin's gaze, "the Crown will be forced to take measures to secure the trade routes. Measures that could... complicate matters for your family."
Valtin's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
Celeste pressed on. "But I believe such measures can be avoided. You are a respected leader, my lord. Work with us, and we can ensure prosperity for your family and the region."
The silence stretched, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air.
Finally, Valtin chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "You're more persuasive than I expected, Lady Varrow."
Celeste inclined her head. "I'm pleased to hear that, my lord."
Valtin stood, his imposing frame casting a long shadow across the hall. "Very well. I will agree to the Crown's terms—on one condition."
"And that is?"
"I want a representative from the Crown stationed here to oversee the agreement. Someone who can ensure both sides hold to their promises."
Celeste considered the request carefully. It was a reasonable condition, one that could solidify the Crown's control while appeasing Valtin's desire for security.
"Agreed," she said finally. "I will arrange for a suitable representative to be appointed."
Valtin's smirk returned. "Then we have a deal."
---
As Celeste and Edrick left the estate, the chill of the night air seemed less biting. The negotiations had been tense, but she had succeeded in securing Valtin's cooperation without bloodshed.
"You handled that well," Edrick said, his voice tinged with admiration.
Celeste glanced at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Thank you. But this is only the beginning. There will be others watching, waiting for an opportunity to exploit any weakness."
Edrick nodded, his expression serious. "Then we'll deal with them, too."
Celeste's gaze shifted to the horizon, where the faint glow of the outpost's torches marked their path back.
The game wasn't over. But tonight, she had gained another victory.