The evening's formalities gave way to quieter moments as the gathered nobles moved to more relaxed corners of the villa. In the garden, Lucius found himself alone with Lady Adelheid. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Adelheid stood by the edge of a marble fountain, her red hair cascading down her back.
Lucius had already formed an impression of her as your typical composed and traditional noblewoman, raised to value propriety and duty above all else. In truth, he didn't expect much. "Lady Adelheid," he began, his voice calm and polite, "I trust the journey from the core worlds here wasn't too taxing?"
She turned to him, her movements graceful and deliberate, her blue eyes lifting to meet his with a soft, demure expression. "Tolerable," she replied, her tone respectful. "Your villa, however, is a welcome reprieve. It's not as bad as I imagined it to be."
Lucius nodded, her demeanor confirming what he had expected. She seemed the archetype of a dutiful core noblewoman perfectly in line with expectations. "I'll take that as a compliment to House Vasilier's hospitality," he replied, his tone matching her formal poise. "Please, drop the formalities. We are to be married, after all."
Adelheid hesitated for a moment as if considering his request. Then, to his surprise, her lips curved into a faint smile, not the restrained kind he anticipated, but one laced with subtle mischief. "Very well, Lucius. But only if you promise to do the same."
There was something different in her tone now, a playful edge that caught him slightly off guard. "Agreed," he replied after a pause, a touch of humor creeping into his voice. He suddenly found her interesting…
As they stood by the fountain, the gentle sound of trickling water filled the air. Lucius found himself studying her more closely. She leaned lightly against the fountain's edge, her posture relaxed yet poised. Her calm, composed exterior began to give way to something far less predictable.
"It's strange, isn't it?" she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth now. " The concept of being engaged to someone you've just met."
Lucius considered her words, his gaze steady. "Strange? Why would you think that? Arranged alliances are not just traditions; they're laws under the Empire. It's how we ensure stability and the preservation of noble lines. Surely, you've always known this would be your duty, as I have mine."
Adelheid chuckled softly, the sound catching him off guard. It wasn't the delicate, rehearsed laughter he expected, but something richer, more genuine. "Duty. Such a heavy word for something," she added, her eyes glinting with mischief, "at least you're certainly not difficult to look at."
Lucius blinked, momentarily caught off guard. That wasn't the kind of remark he expected from someone so composed. "I'll take that as a compliment," he replied cautiously.
"You should," she quipped, stepping closer. Her movements were smooth, almost predatory, as though she was testing his reactions. The neckline of her gown dipped slightly as she shifted, drawing his eye before he quickly looked away. Her small, knowing smile told him she'd noticed.
"You're... not quite what I expected," Lucius admitted, his voice measured but curious.
Adelheid tilted her head, her smile deepening. "And what did you expect?"
He hesitated, realising too late that he'd walked into her trap. "Someone... quieter," he confessed. "Traditional, perhaps."
Her laughter this time was unrestrained, ringing out like a melody. "Oh, Lucius," she said, her tone dripping with amusement. "I'm afraid you've misjudged me. I've spent years perfecting the art of appearing exactly as people expect. It's useful, don't you think? But no, I'm not certainly quiet."
Lucius's composure wavered for a moment as she leaned in, close enough for him to catch the faint scent of roses in her hair. "I'm someone who goes after what I want," she murmured, her voice low and intimate. "And right now, I want to know the real you not the lord, but the man"
He swallowed, unprepared for the sudden shift in her demeanor. "I... suppose that's fair," he said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Adelheid's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Good. Then let's talk, Lucius. Tell me what do you desire most?"
Caught between fascination and unease, Lucius found himself smiling despite the tension. "I value loyalty and ambition. I want to build a future where my house prospers, where the Empire thrives."
"Hmm," she mused, trailing a finger along the edge of the fountain. "Boring...! Tell me what about passion?"
Lucius blinked again, her question pulling him further off balance. "Passion?"
"Yes," she said, her voice softer now, almost a purr, her blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Do you believe in it, Lucius? Or are you content with duty alone? Because I must warn you," she added, stepping closer and tilting her head ever so slightly, "a lover of mine would need to be more than dutiful. Passion, after all, is non-negotiable."
For the first time, Lucius realized he'd underestimated her entirely. Adelheid was no passive partner, no simple noblewoman content with following orders. And so so different to his Adeline.
"I believe passion has its place," he admitted cautiously.
Her smile was slow and knowing, her blue eyes locking onto his. "Good. Then perhaps this arrangement won't be as dull as I feared."
The intimate moment between Lucius and Adelheid was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps on the cobblestone pathway. Both turned to see two figures emerge from the shadows. Viktor, Lucius's grandfather and the head of House Vasilier, and Adelheid father, Lord Adalard Von Eltz.
Viktor's broad shoulders and piercing gaze conveyed authority, while Adalard seemed like a jolly man, though less physically intimidating, still exuded a quiet confidence that spoke of his noble lineage.
"Ah, there you are," Viktor said, with his deep voice. His sharp eyes flicked between Lucius and Adelheid, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I trust you two have been getting acquainted?"
Adelheid's poise returned instantly, her mischievous demeanor replaced with a respectful nod. "We have, Lord Vasilier. Your grandson is... quite intriguing."
Lucius suppressed a smile at her choice of words, knowing full well it was meant to unsettle him.
Adalard stepped forward, his expression measured as he regarded his daughter and her betrothed. "That's good to hear. A strong bond between you both will ensure the strength of our families' alliance."
Lucius inclined his head. "Of course, Lord Adalard. It is my honor to uphold the union of our houses."
Adalard gaze lingered on Lucius for a moment before he spoke again. "Your honor will be rewarded, young lord. As a gesture of our commitment to this alliance, House Eltz has decided to bestow a significant gift upon you."
Lucius glanced at Viktor, whose expression remained unreadable. "A gift, my lord?"
Adalard nodded. "Yes. The Eltz genecode."
The words hung in the air. Lucius's eyes widened slightly, and even Adelheid seemed momentarily surprised by her father's announcement. The Eltz genecode was equivalent to being born into high nobility! No lesser nobles would even dream of acquiring it within a generation. A carefully engineered genetic lineage that had produced generations of exceptional individuals known for their beauty, intelligence, and physical prowess.
"Father," Adelheid said, her voice suddenly revealing her true self tinged with caution, "are you certain? Such a gift is... monumental."
Adalard's expression softened as he turned to his daughter. "This is no ordinary union, my dear. Viktor here has proven himself that he will be a great help to our house. We are going to the deep end together"
Lucius, honored, replied. "I am grateful for such a gesture, Lord Adalard. I accept such a gift most humbly."
The genecode would enhance him physically and intellectually, elevating him to the level of the most elite in the Empire.
Adelheid stepped closer to him and whispered her expression unreadable. "This changes things, doesn't it?" she said softly, her voice laced with an undertone of challenge.
Adalard face lit with approval. " The procedure will take place in the coming weeks. Until then, I suggest you and Adelheid continue to build your bond."
Viktor placed a firm hand on Lucius's shoulder. "You've made me and your father proud, boy. This is an opportunity few would ever receive. Do not squander it."
Lucius nodded solemnly. "I won't, Grandfather."
As the two older lords departed, Adelheid lingered behind, her blue eyes searching his face.