Kate rose the moment she saw Amber approaching and swiftly pulled her aside. Margaret was nowhere to be seen—she had gone off with Duchess Eleanor and Baroness Hauser to the inner guest wing.
Amber, speaking in a low, trembling voice:
"Kate… it seems Rosaline was right. I think they mean to marry me off to the baron's son!"
She looked at Kate with desperate eyes:
"Please… what are we going to do? This cannot happen—it's impossible! Please, Kate…"
Then, her voice breaking, she whispered:
"I… I… may I see Eric now? Right now?!"
Kate placed her hand on Amber's shoulder to calm her.
"Amber, Eric is busy now. You both agreed to meet at nine—remember."
Amber, her voice filled with dread:
"I know… I know… but I'm afraid, Kate. I'm so terribly afraid."
Kate glanced quickly around, then spoke with firm resolve:
"Wait here. I will take care of it."
---
She moved lightly among the guests until her eyes found Aaron standing quietly behind one of the marble columns, a glass in his hand, his gaze unreadable as he watched the dancers sway to the music. Kate lifted her hand to signal him—
But suddenly, a voice rang out above the hall:
"The Royal Advisor has arrived!"
At once, all turned their heads. Claudion and Margaret straightened at once, the servants and attendants preparing themselves.
Through the entrance strode the advisor—a man in his fifties, draped in formal robes striped with gold, a platinum medal of the realm gleaming upon his chest. His name was announced with solemn dignity:
"The Honorable Advisor, Adrian Valtamore."
All bowed with reverence, and he returned their greeting with a measured nod.
Adrian, surveying the family:
"Ah… the Claudions. What a distinguished house."
His gaze shifted to Aaron.
"And this one? He seems… different."
Claudion, smiling with pride:
"My pupil, my lord advisor."
Adrian:
"Another talent, then? … Very well. I trust we shall speak again later."
With that, the royal advisor entered deeper into the hall, the guests and attendants bustling to receive him with due ceremony.
---
At that moment, Aaron stirred slightly—only to feel a hand seize him and draw him behind one of the tall, gilded curtains. He turned quickly.
"Aaron?!" he whispered. "Kate? What are you—?"
Kate hushed him at once.
"Shhh, keep your voice down! Aaron… Amber wants to see Eric now."
He looked at her in disbelief.
"Now? But they agreed to meet at nine!"
"I know, I know! But something's happened—apparently the baroness is scheming to marry Amber to her son, Lucien. She's terrified, Aaron… you don't understand how deeply this fear has gripped her."
Kate's hands held onto his arms tightly, her eyes wide as she looked up at him, far too close. For a fleeting instant Aaron's heart stumbled in his chest, caught off guard—yet he forced himself back into focus.
Aaron, steady and resolute:
"Very well… I'll fetch Eric. Just keep Amber hidden until we return."
In the southern wing of the palace, where the council chamber lay hidden behind towering wooden doors, Claudion sat at a round table among the gathered dignitaries. At his side was his son, Peter, while to his left sat Baron Hauser. Across from him took his seat the royal advisor, Adrian Valtamore, and beside Adrian was Count Alfred de Lacour, one of the north's most influential nobles.
Adrian placed a small map upon the table and tapped it lightly with his silver-tipped staff.
Adrian:
"The railway project, stretching from the capital to your province, will bring a sweeping economic change. We require a secure and swift passage to the south—and your leadership, Lord Claudion, will be vital in making this possible."
Claudion inclined his head with calm assurance.
"With pleasure. I shall personally oversee the project. The province knows me well, and I can guarantee both the loyalty of the workers and the discipline of its execution."
The baron interjected with a heavy smile:
"And since there will be such a demand for iron, I can assure you of a steady supply from my southern mines—ample quantities, delivered in record time."
Count Alfred replied with a sidelong smile:
"Provided, of course, that the prices do not soar as they did at the eastern port, Baron."
A ripple of laughter passed around the table, then the discussion shifted back to its serious tone.
At that moment, Aaron slipped out of the chamber, having caught Kate's subtle signal. He soon found Eric near the back stables, watching the horses with quiet focus.
Aaron, in a hurried tone:
"Eric, you need to see Amber—now. I know it's earlier than planned."
Eric looked up at him in surprise.
"Now?"
Aaron studied him with a doubtful glance, then pressed:
"Yes, now. Didn't you get her message?"
Eric raised his brows.
"What message? I received nothing."
Aaron let out a soft sigh, then spoke clearly:
"Never mind that. What matters is that Amber is waiting. Kate is keeping watch for you both—she's in the back garden, under the eastern balcony overlooking the river."
Eric fell silent for a heartbeat, then nodded quickly.
"I'll go at once."
---
By now, night had begun weaving its veil over the garden trees, their leaves swaying to the whispers of the breeze. Eric approached the spot, where Kate watched carefully from behind the shrubs.
Kate, in a hushed voice:
"She's waiting for you there. Don't be long—Amber… she needs to tell you something important."
Eric gave a quick nod and hurried toward the balcony where Amber stood, gazing at the river, her long hair cascading like a silken curtain over her trembling shoulders.
Kate exhaled in quiet relief as she watched the two of them finally meet, hidden from all other eyes. She remained by the balcony, with Aaron now at her side. From within the palace, the music swelled again—enchanting notes spilling into the night like soft moonlight.
Kate noticed Aaron's distant gaze lingering on the dancers.
Kate, with curiosity:
"Why don't you join them? You seem to like the music."
He smiled faintly.
"I only watch… In my homeland, our dances are different. I don't know how to move as they do here."
Kate laughed, her voice laced with light-hearted excitement:
"You mean you don't know how to dance like us? Don't worry—it's simple. And this… is the perfect moment to learn!"
Aaron, slightly unsettled:
"Ah… I don't know. I'd only make a fool of myself."
She stepped closer, taking his hand gently in hers.
"You won't look foolish. I'll teach you."