The court has taken notice — but in a place where alliances shift like sand in an hourglass, one victory only sets the stage for the next trial. Let's see where fate leads you next.
---
Chapter Two: The King's Invitation
The feast lingers long into the night, but you notice that the most powerful figures retire early. Duke Valen Ravenspire slips away first, followed soon after by Lord Garrick Ravenscroft and Queen Elira. The court continues to drink and celebrate, but the heart of power has shifted elsewhere.
Just as you contemplate excusing yourself, a royal steward approaches. He bows low and speaks quietly, his voice almost lost beneath the music.
"The King requests your presence in his solar, my lord."
A summons — and not one to be ignored.
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The King's Solar
King Alden awaits you in a private chamber, the room illuminated only by a crackling hearth and the moonlight spilling through an arched window. He's not alone. Duke Valen stands beside him, his expression unreadable, and Lady Selene Hawthorne reclines in a chair by the window, swirling a glass of wine.
The king studies you for a long moment before speaking. His voice is low, but commanding.
"House Blackthorn has always served the crown well. Your father is a man of honor — and now, I wish to know what kind of heir his son will be."
You barely have time to respond before he continues.
"I have a task for you. A delicate matter, requiring someone with both discretion and courage. An envoy from Vasheer has gone missing on the road to the capital. His caravan was found abandoned — no sign of him or his guards. If word of this spreads, it could shatter the trade negotiations."
The king leans forward.
"Find him. Quietly. Bring him back, or uncover what happened. Succeed, and you will have earned more than a seat at my court — you will have my trust."
---
Your Choice:
This is more than a task — it's a test. And perhaps, an opportunity.
1. Accept the mission without hesitation. This is your chance to prove yourself and secure the king's trust. Even if the task is dangerous, you know the rewards could be great.
2. Negotiate for greater influence. The mission is risky. Perhaps you can leverage this moment to ask for a more formal title — perhaps even a seat on the king's council — in exchange for your success.
3. Express caution, but agree. You need more information before charging into the unknown. Ask for details: where the envoy was last seen, who benefits from his disappearance, and whether this could be an internal betrayal.
The court is watching, and the king himself waits for your answer.
What will you do?