The Soliel family estate was drenched in gold, so much so that parts of it reflected the torchlight to such strength that it hurt to look at it.
It hadn't even been a full year since the last time Eirian had been here, but it felt like it had. It was so different from the barren black stone of the Camelia and the long expanse of horizon in all directions. She couldn't even see the city wall and the Still Water beyond it because all the buildings were so high.
Eirian was still in blac,k but her new dress was more sleek, cute to the eastern style to match Chenzhou's robes and accented with the Camelia's blood red. She'd even borrowed a ruby necklace and tiara from Helena, who'd always favored less dramatic colors.
Chenzhou was dressed to match her. Only Eric was dressed completely in black except for the crown on his head.
Helena had decided not to attend. A subtle rebuke to Francis for daring to throw the ball himself. She'd promised to work her sources instead and to find out if any of the families in the court of the Camelia had strong ties to anyone in Aontacht that might hint at a power play.
Eirian and Chenzhou had already announced that they couldn't stay much longer. Letters from Mingzhe, Yuze, and, surprisingly, Finn were keeping them up to date, though Finn's were mostly just entertaining.
She doubted Finn even realized how obvious he was being, reaching desperately for a familial connection. She didn't mind, either. It was nice to have someone who just wanted to be around without any ulterior motive, and he had a surprisingly fresh outlook on the world, not colored by the disappointments and betrayals most of them carried.
He'd already found a few things missing from the Vault, but none of them seemed to be related to the pendant. Moreover, they'd found a secret entrance that had caved in. They estimated it was a few decades old, but it was more than enough proof that there were ways to access it outside the front door. Eirian was eager to get back and take a look herself.
Chenzhou had been furious when she'd told him. The Vault was his responsibility to protect, and he'd already been struggling with feelings of failure. Eirian wasn't sure if it helped him when she offered encouragement or not, and she hadn't really been feeling up to finding out.
She was in such a terrible mood at the idea of facing her father that she'd probably just make it worse.
Eric had insisted on having Eirian and Chenzhou ride with him, and Eirian had made them wait to leave until she was sure they'd be the last to arrive. None of them had responded to her father's household to let them know they were coming.
Small power plays that were common among high society but seemed to completely bewilder Chenzhou, who'd been anxious about being late, on top of being angry about the vault.
Thankfully, arriving last meant they didn't get stuck behind anyone else's carriage.
Chenzhou and Eric helped her step down without catching her dress on anything. The footmen at the bottom of the steps did an impressive job of looking unsurprised by their arrival, bowing respectfully and not saying a word as Eric strode inside, with Eirian and Chenzhou on his heels.
Chenzhou offered his arm and tucked Eirian in close as they made their way to the Sun Hall, the great hall of the Soliel Estate. The sounds of the party echoed through the house. The music had already started, light and airy, and the scuffle of footsteps that signified dancing.
Eirian missed dancing. She'd always enjoyed physical activity and music, and dancing was the best way to merge the two.
Did Chenzhou like to dance? She studied him as they walked through the halls she'd ruled as a child. Chenzhou stood tall, held himself like he was going into battle.
No, he didn't enjoy dancing.
The realization brought a small smile to her face. Dancing required a partner, someone you didn't always know and didn't know if you could trust. It required someone to put themselves out there with no idea of the outcome.
Of course, he didn't like dancing.
She'd have had to get him on the floor before they left tonight.
The Head Butler was waiting at the doors to the Sun Hall. Eirian hadn't seen the old man since the day she'd left. Poor George looked too old to still be carrying out duties. He'd been Head Butler before Eirian was even born.
It almost seemed like he didn't recognize her at first, but the Assistant Butler next to him did.
"Your Grace!" He was only a couple of decades younger than George, which still made him a few decades older than Eric, Eirian, and Chenzhou. "Your Grace. Lord…Ye?"
"That's correct." Eric drawled. "Please announce us."
Poor George looked like he was about to have a heart attack. "My apologies, Your Grace. We weren't prepared."
"It's quite all right, George." The old man was nothing but an innocent bystander, and Eirian took pity on him. "We're the last to arrive."
The Assistant Butler quickly alerted the servants and guards nearest to the door.
The music cut off a moment later.
Chenzhou and Eric both faced forward, like they were preparing to charge into battle.
Eirian grinned.
"Announcing His Absolute Grace, First of the Land of Sorrow and Lord Protector of Aontacht. The Sun King Eric Soliel."
Eric stepped into the hall, and Eirian and Chenzhou waited a beat before stepping out after him.
"Announcing Her Absolute Grace, First Duchess of Aontacht and heir to the Sun Throne, Lady of the Camelia, Princess Eirian Soliel - Ye and her husband, First Blade of the Crimson Army, Lord of the Camelia, Ye Chenzhou."
The hall was already on bended knee for Eric when Eirian and Chenzhou stepped into the hall. Even the musicians and servants, who normally continued their work when someone was announced.
At the far end of the hall, beneath the huge golden sun that Eirian's ancient ancestor had hung above the dais, Francis and Brigitta were dressed in enough jewels that most people wouldn't be able to move.
They stood on the dais, startled out of their chairs by the surprise arrival, and as Eric stepped further into the hall and the crowd bowed lower, her father and stepmother seemed too shocked to remember what they were supposed to do.
~ tbc