The champagne toasts and celebratory clamor of the Imperial engagement had cooled off, replaced by the polished stone of obligation. The Imperial Tour—a ceremonial circuit of the Empire's five great houses—was the official start of their new, joined life. It was a political necessity: to introduce Riven as the future Consort, to secure the loyalty of the most powerful nobles, and, critically, to show the realm that the Prince's unconventional choice had the full and unwavering backing of the Crown.
Their journey began, as protocol demanded, with the closest of kin: House Lotus, ruled by Archduke Theodore Lotus, the Emperor's youngest cousin. House Lotus was ancient, immensely wealthy, and wielded deep, discreet influence in the Empire's central finance and treasury.
Inside the carriage, the air was thick with a nervous excitement Riven couldn't quite contain. Vaelorian was the picture of calm—his hand resting easily on Riven's knee—but Riven felt the familiar prickle of pre-battle adrenaline.
Riven can outwit half the knights in the Capital. But this? This is different. Meeting Vaelorian's blood relatives. These are the people who truly understand what it costs to wear a crown. They'll be looking for a crack, a flaw in the Prince's decision
Riven adjusted the high collar of his elegant, newly tailored traveling tunic as their carriage slowed, the iron gates of the sprawling Lotus estate opening to swallow them whole.
"So," Riven murmured, forcing a lightness into his voice, "I survived your father, the Emperor. Now I have to face your first cousin once removed. Is he as dramatic as my old man? Also, if he's royalty, why does he have the title of an Archduke?"
Vaelorian smiled, his fingers tightening gently around Riven's hand—a steady, grounding pressure. Vaelorian knows Riven is trying to joke away the tension, he knows that look. Riven has never been more serious. Riven is ready to fight for them, but he's not familiar with royal politics. Theodore is the most honest of them, and if Riven can win him over, the rest will be easier.
"Theodore is different," Vaelorian finally replied, his gaze soft but serious. "He's blood, Riven. He's kind, but he is strict, and he cares deeply about the integrity of the line. He'll be watching your every move, especially your resilience, your core strength. Which means no mind control while we're with him. We're doing this the old-fashioned way. We need to genuinely know what they think about our union so we can decide how to deal with them later. As for his title...it's a unique honor bestowed upon the direct head of the oldest collateral line. I promise to explain the full details later."
Riven nodded, taking a deep breath. "Resilience, got it! I have plenty of that. I just hope he doesn't ask me questions about ancient royal history," he confessed, leaning in conspiratorially. "I spent my time learning supply routes and troop movements, not succession laws. If I mess up and confuse the Second Emperor with the Third, will you still marry me?"
Riven batted his eyelashes seductively. Vaelorian laughed softly, leaning in until their foreheads touched, his voice a low promise.
"I'd still marry you even if you didn't know how to count to ten, my love. Like I said, Theodore is all about authenticity. Just be yourself. The you that is strong, witty, and smart. He needs to see that you can be you despite your new status."
Archduke Theodore Lotus was a man in his late thirties, possessing Vaelorian's refined, classic features but overlaid with an air of settled, quiet power. He greeted them on the magnificent steps with formal warmth.
"Cousin Vaelorian, welcome!" Theodore said, embracing the Prince. He then turned his keen, intelligent eyes onto Riven.
"Lord Riven. It is a pleasure to finally meet the man who has managed to completely derail Imperial planning and secure Vaelorian's perpetual happiness in the process."
Riven offered a polite, practiced bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Archduke Theodore. I assure you, derailing Imperial planning was a bonus, not my primary objective. Vaelorian's happiness was and has always been my goal."
Theodore gave a genuine, appreciative chuckle that settled Riven's nerves instantly. "Ah, good. Honesty. A rare commodity in the Capital. Come inside. We have much to discuss. Vaelorian," Theodore added, his tone sharpening slightly, "I hope you understand that I must be blunt. I need to know you are making a sensible choice, not merely an emotional one."
Vaelorian nodded, his hand resting reassuringly on Riven's back. "That is precisely why we started with you, Theo. We welcome your constructive criticism."
Later that evening, after a formal, highly scrutinized dinner, Archduke Theodore led them into a dim, grand library filled with rich histories and the scent of aged leather. He poured Riven a strong glass of amber brandy.
"Riven," Theodore began, leaning back in his chair, his eyes unwavering. "You are marrying into a family that has ruled this empire for five centuries. We are not just titles; we are uncountable numbers of responsibilities. I know Vaelorian loves you. But I must know if you understand what it means to be the Consort."
This is the test, Riven thought. He wants to know if he's just just a handsome face.
"I might not know what it means to be royalty in the traditional sense, Archduke, but I understand that it requires constant vigilance and political maneuvering," Riven replied, sipping the strong drink. "I am prepared to be Vaelorian's shield, his strategist, his confidant—whatever he needs to succeed. I will not be a liability to the empire."
Archduke Theodore observed him closely, picking up an ancient, leather-bound tome. "Excellent. But you also need to know why we are like this." He tapped the cover of the book. "Our House, the Royal Lineage, has a shared history—a burden. We are all deeply connected. The political decisions of Vaelorian will affect me, affect my children, and affect the Empire itself even long after I'm gone."
He set the book down. "Vaelorian, your parents are worried Riven won't understand the nuance of our bloodline. You need to make sure that Riven knows what he's inheriting is more than a title."
Riven looked at Vaelorian, then back at Theodore, recognizing the profound, protective worry behind the Archduke's intense gaze.
"Archduke," Riven said, his voice earnest, his posture strengthening. "I may not be blood, but I know what family means. I watched Vaelorian nearly sacrifice himself for the sake of the royal family's expectation. I'm aware of how his parents agonize over his betrothal. The fact that Vaelorian now carries the weight of your entire house is not lost on me."
He paused, meeting the Archduke's gaze with absolute sincerity.
"You want to know if I'll protect this family. I have already proven I will fight for Vaelorian, even against the Emperor himself. I will be his anchor, so that he never feels the need to sacrifice himself again. His life, his happiness, his future, and this lineage. I will protect them all with my life."
Theodore let out a long breath, a slow, genuine smile finally spreading across his face.
"Vaelorian, you've chosen well. And Riven, like I mentioned earlier, you are not just marrying into this family for the title, but for the deep family bonds, and demanding responsibilities. I have no doubt that you'll carry out your duties because you already sound like you were born to it. Welcome to the family, Lord Riven. Consider me your ally."
Vaelorian stepped forward, resting a hand on Riven's shoulder, a silent vow of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Theodore. Your support means the world to us."