The morning of King Wilhelm's arrival dawned crisp and golden, the early autumn sun casting long, slanted beams through the stained-glass windows of the Vaelcrest estate.
The castle grounds were a flurry of movement—banners of deep crimson and gold unfurled from the tallest spires, servants rushed to and fro, and knights stood in perfect formation along the stone pathway leading to the grand gates. The scent of freshly cut flowers mingled with the rich aroma of roasting meats, filling the air with a sense of both celebration and unease.
Duke Aldric Vaelcrest stood at the forefront of his family, his broad shoulders squared, his polished armor gleaming under the morning light. His face was impassive, but his fingers twitched at his side—a rare show of nerves from the otherwise formidable man. Beside him stood Lady Evelyne, his wife, regal in a deep emerald gown, her poise betraying no hint of the anxiety in her eyes. Their children stood in a line just behind them: Sophia, elegant and composed in a sapphire-blue dress, Lucian in a dark velvet coat that felt like a prison. He was constantly shifting on his feet with impatience.
A distant rumble signaled the approach of the royal entourage. Moments later, the first standard-bearers came into view, their banners billowing in the wind, bearing the golden sun emblem of the Celestian Empire. Behind them, a procession of armored knights rode in tight formation, their lances gleaming like silver spears beneath the sunlight. The royal carriage then came into sight and it was drawn by six powerful destriers draped in silk-embroidered barding.
Then came the King.
King Wilhelm rode at the head of the company in a regal white cloak trimmed with gold, his tunic adorned with the imperial sigil. His presence was unmistakable—he bore the weight of his crown with effortless authority, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd as if seeing more than what was before him. His golden-blond hair, streaked with silver at the temples, caught the light as he pulled his horse to a slow stop before the awaiting nobility.
Behind him, Queen Margaret disembarked from the carriage with practiced grace, her delicate features composed into an unreadable expression. At her side, a small boy clung to her hand—Prince Dorian, heir to the throne, a five-year-old with cherubic curls and wide, intelligent eyes.
The trumpets sounded once more, and then all fell into expectant silence.
Duke Aldric stepped forward and bent into a deep bow, his voice firm as he greeted the monarch.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to receive you at Vaelcrest Hold. My halls are yours for as long as you wish."
King Wilhelm dismounted smoothly, handing his reins to a waiting squire before turning his full attention to Aldric. A slow smile spread across his face as he clasped the Duke's arm in a firm grip.
"Aldric," he said, his voice carrying the warmth of old friendship. "It has been too long."
The Duke allowed a brief smile in return. "Indeed, it has, Wilhelm."
Wilhelm's gaze then swept over the rest of the Vaelcrest family. "Lady Evelyne, ever as radiant."
The Duchess inclined her head gracefully. "Your Majesty flatters me."
His attention turned next to Sophia, whom he regarded with mild amusement. "Sophia, I see you took after your mother in beauty. In a decade or so, suitors would be flooding your castle."
Sophia smiled demurely and brandished a small sword. "I'll fend them off with my sword, Your Majesty."
"Witty girl" The King chuckled before glancing at Lucien, who was assessing him curiously. "Lucien, news of your birth reached me but this is the first time I'm setting eyes on you. Very much a chip of the old block. You'll be every bit as brave and wise as your father was."
There were furtive looks from the others gathered around but nobody countered the King.
Lucien ignored them and bowed to the King. "I will be the greatest fighter in the empire one day!"
King Wilhelm saw the earnestness with which the little boy said it and recognised the look. It was the same fire he had had as a boy himself.
"I like him," He said, turning to Duke Aldric who to his surprise looked a bit worried.
Laughing loudly, he ruffled the boy's hair before stepping past them all to address the waiting crowd.
"People of Vaelcrest, I thank you for your welcome. Today, we celebrate the bonds of loyalty and friendship. Let the feast begin!"
A cheer erupted from the assembled knights and servants as the royal party was escorted inside.
Inside the Great Hall of Vaelcrest Hold was a spectacle of grandeur. Chandeliers glowed over the polished oak tables, which were laden with delicacies from across the empire—roast venison, honeyed figs, spiced wines, and golden loaves of bread still steaming from the hearth. Minstrels played lively tunes, and courtiers danced in swirling silks, their laughter mingling with the clink of goblets.
At the high table, the King sat at the Duke's right, the Queen at his left. Lucien sat stiffly beside his mother, feeling like a shadow in the midst of the brilliance around him.
Conversation flowed easily, touching on matters of trade, court gossip, and idle pleasantries. But Aldric knew his old friend too well—Wilhelm was not a man to journey across the empire merely for the sake of pleasantries. He suspected that something was wrong.
As the feast went on, Wilhelm leaned toward Aldric. "Walk with me."
They left the hall and stepped out into the cool night air of the castle gardens. The scent of jasmine flowers were in the air and the noise of the feast gradually faded away as they walked beneath the archways.
Aldric waited, waiting for his friend to speak but after walking for a while in silence, he decided to take the initiative.
"How's Dorian? The last time I saw him, he was a wee little thing"
"He's fine. He's going to turn out a scholar with the way he reads. Nothing like me, don't know who he takes after."
"And the Queen?"
"Ahh, forget all that. They're all fine. Something bigger is at hand."
"I didn't come here on a casual visit, Aldric. Something very disturbing on a large scale has happened and I need your help."
The Duke nodded. "I assumed as much. What troubles you?"
Wilhelm hesitated and looked around as if to ensure that they were truly alone. Then, his voice dropped even lower.
"There is a plot to end magic."