(Chapter 46)
The Emperor invited Lorcan Frostborne to the palace to congratulate him on his achievements. However, for Lorcan, the recognition felt long overdue. Still, he harbored no anger, as this invitation gave him a reason to reunite with Clarisse Faeloria, his wife. The days without her presence had soured his mood, his growing frustration manifesting in the cold, intimidating gaze he cast upon those around him.
Aedric Thornshade, his loyal adjutant, silently bore the weight of Lorcan's increasingly severe demeanor. Though troubled, Aedric remained composed before his lord.
"Is everything ready?" Lorcan asked, his voice flat yet filled with anticipation.
"Yes, Your Grace," Aedric replied, though concern still lingered in his heart.
Lorcan wished to see Clarisse first, but Aedric wisely advised him to meet with the Emperor beforehand. Lorcan relented, though his mind was already picturing their reunion—the moment he would embrace her, kiss her, and spend a passionate night by her side.
Yet, reality rarely aligns with one's desires.
Lorcan was forced to endure lengthy meetings and tiresome speeches, making him regret following Aedric's advice. He should have gone straight to Clarisse, taken her away from all this pomp and formality.
"And so, I bestow upon you a gold mine as a token of appreciation..." the Emperor's voice echoed through the grand hall, but Lorcan was no longer listening. His thoughts revolved solely around Clarisse; he yearned to be by her side.
Among the gathered nobles, many cast envious glances in Lorcan's direction, resenting his achievements. Kaelion Arvasyn, standing amidst them, couldn't conceal his disdain.
"When we needed aid, they had countless excuses. But now, when someone succeeds, all they can do is envy. How pathetic," Kaelion murmured.
As Lorcan hastily attempted to leave the gathering, Kaelion called out to him. But one look at Lorcan's icy gaze made him reconsider, allowing him to depart undisturbed. When Kaelion recalled that Clarisse was in the capital, he briefly considered visiting her—until Caelira Duskthorn approached.
"Your Grace..." Caelira's soft voice pulled Kaelion from his thoughts.
Some time ago, Kaelion had agreed to marry Caelira, and since then, she had grown bolder, watching him more intently. This shift in her demeanor unsettled him—there was a possessiveness in her gaze that hadn't been there before. The once-gentle and innocent Caelira now exuded an obsession that sent a chill down Kaelion's spine.
"Your Grace, why are you so quiet?" she asked again, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Apologies, I was lost in thought," Kaelion replied, averting his gaze. "I heard Clarisse has returned. I was thinking of visiting her."
"Why?" Caelira tilted her head slightly. What once seemed endearing now felt different to Kaelion.
"What do you mean, why?" he asked, puzzled.
"Why do you want to meet the Duchess of the North?" The question escaped her lips before she could stop herself, her tone sharper than intended. After all, Clarisse was Kaelion's friend, and she hadn't meant to sound disrespectful.
Kaelion, now recognizing the shift in Caelira's behavior, chose to let it slide. He knew she was jealous. This time, he could no longer feign ignorance.
"If Your Grace is going, may I come along?" Caelira suddenly asked.
"You want to come?" Kaelion eyed her in surprise.
"Yes, I haven't seen her in a long time. I'd like to greet Clarisse."
Kaelion studied Caelira, taking a deep breath. "From the way you speak, it seems you don't particularly like Clarisse? Weren't you two quite close before?"
Caelira lowered her gaze, avoiding Kaelion's piercing eyes. Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, but she fought to keep them from falling.
Kaelion sighed deeply. "To be honest, your behavior lately has been making me uneasy. I don't understand what's going through your mind."
Caelira could no longer hold back her tears. They spilled over, though she struggled to keep herself from sobbing in front of him.
Kaelion felt a growing frustration with the situation—never had he expected things to turn out this way.