The visit to House Lotus was a resounding success, offering Riven crucial insights and securing a powerful ally in Archduke Theodore. After a final, lavish feast, Riven and Vaelorian continued their tour, heading directly to House Veridian, a major economic power due to its control over vital mineral deposits. This house was firmly on their route, but Riven knew the easy acceptance he found with Theodore based on authenticity wouldn't be repeated here.
Duke Corvus Veridian was known for his icy reserve and razor-sharp business acumen. However, the true challenge at House Veridian would be his daughter, Lady Patricia. Patricia is a beautiful, fiercely ambitious, and notorious throughout the Capital for her singular focus on social climbing—a focus that had recently fixed on the Crown Prince.
As Riven and Vaelorian's carriage pulled into the glittering courtyard, Riven could already sense the shift in atmosphere—it was colder, and more hostal than the cozy warmth of House Lotus.
Vaelorian leaned close to Riven. "Corvus cares only for profit and power. Don't let his coldness bother you, my love."
"I'm not worried about the Duke," Riven murmured, adjusting his clothes. "I'm worried about the Lady Patricia. I've heard the rumors. She thinks our engagement is just a temporary inconvenience needed to hush the fallout of your failed arrangement with Princess Lyra. Most people think that."
"Then we'll simply show her and everyone else that this relationship is permanent," Vaelorian said simply, giving Riven a gentle kiss on the cheek before the doors were opened. "You're the only one in my heart."
The greetings were formal and swift. Duke Corvus was polite but distant. Lady Patricia, however, was immediately present, attaching herself to Vaelorian with the tenacity of a politician on election day.
At dinner, she sat beside Vaelorian, showering him with compliments and asking pointed questions about the Northern tour that Riven should have answered.
"Your Highness, you simply must tell me how you endured the primitive conditions in the North," Lady Patricia purred, batting her impossibly long lashes at Vaelorian. "I cannot imagine you without silk and fine wine. I heard the food was dreadful. Lord Riven, you are so practical—surely you could have insisted on better comforts for the Crown Prince?"
Riven, seated across the table, met her gaze with a cool stare. "Lady Patricia, the Prince was busy ensuring the logistical integrity of the Imperial Army. We were not on a picnic. Besides, His Highness is quite laid back when he needs to be."
Lady Patricia ignored Riven, turning her focus back to Vaelorian. "Indeed, you are laid back. And so brave to take on the political risk of this new union. It must be such a burden to choose duty over... a more natural arrangement." The implication was clear: she was the natural arrangement.
Vaelorian, sensing Riven's rising temperature, cut in smoothly. "The choice, Lady Patricia, was made by me. Riven is the love of my life."
The situation became truly difficult later that night. Riven was in one of the guest chambers, reviewing some documents Vaelorian had requested from Duke Corvus, when a soft knock came at his door.
It was Lady Patricia. She entered without waiting for an answer, wearing a silk dressing gown that was deliberately revealing, and carrying two glasses of wine.
"Lord Riven, how tedious your work looks," she drawled, setting the glasses down. "I came to offer you an advantageous arrangement. We both know this engagement is just a formality. It's useful for Vaelorian right now, but it won't last."
Riven set down his stylus, resting his hands flat on the desk. He looked at her, his expression unreadable. "And what arrangement do you propose, Lady Patricia?"
"I want the Crown Prince. You clearly want the power and security," she said, moving closer. "Allow me to fulfill his... more traditional needs. You maintain your title and power—I'll even ensure you get a seat on the Imperial Council. You don't have to compete for his attention. You don't even have to fight for respect. Why choose a difficult life when you can choose a comfortable one?"
She stepped fully to the desk, her scent heavy and cloying. "Frankly, Lord Riven, I am much better suited to satisfy Vaelorian than you are. I am better suited to be Empress. You can't deny the natural order of things."
Riven looked at her, and the coldness in his eyes would have frozen the wine in the glasses. "Lady Patricia, you mistake me for someone who values comfort over truth. You mistake the Prince's dedication to me for a temporary whim. And most importantly," he stood, towering over her, his voice low and dangerous, "you mistake our love for a political facade. I don't need status, I have Vaelorian. I already have all the respect and power I need."
"The only thing unnatural here, Lady Patricia," Riven finished, his voice cutting through the air, "is your presence in my chambers. Get the fuck out!"
Lady Patricia's face flushed scarlet. She tossed her head, grabbed the wine glasses, and swept out, slamming the door. The immediate problem of the Duke's daughter wanting his man had been handled, but Riven knew this house would continue to fight them.