The hall still carried the scent of roasted meats and honeyed bread when Valerian rose from his chair.
His storm-gray eyes flicked toward Vaelric, who sat beside Aurelia, still nibbling at the edge of his pastry.
"Come with me," Valerian said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Vaelric blinked up at him, crumbs dusting his lips. "Now, Father?"
"Now," Valerian repeated.
The boy set his pastry down reluctantly, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and slid from the chair.
Aurelia looked uncertain, her hand lingering at Vaelric's sleeve until the boy gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be fine," he whispered to her before hurrying to catch up with his father.
Kaelen, Rael, and Therion fell into step behind them as Valerian led the way out of the dining chamber and through the winding corridors of Caelmont's fortress.
Servants bowed as they passed, and whispers followed in their wake, but none dared linger in the Storm Lord's path.
Once within the Storm Lord's chamber, Valerian closed the door behind them.
The carved runes along the frame pulsed faintly with his power, muting the sounds of the citadel outside.
The room was vast, the hearth smoldering with low embers, shadows flickering against the stone walls.
He guided Vaelric to the long cushioned seat by the hearth, resting a hand on his small shoulder before sitting opposite him.
Valerian gestured for his son to sit.
"Sit, Vaelric."
The boy obeyed, perching on the edge of the cushion chair. His legs dangled above the floor, his small hands clasped tightly together.
Valerian folded his arms, looming over him. "Now tell me," he said slowly,
Vaelric," Valerian said quietly, his storm-gray eyes studying the boy with both pride and worry.
"When you called upon my oath, I honored it. But now I must understand. Why was the price you demanded of me to marry Lady Aurelia?"
The chamber quieted. Even the crackle of the fire seemed to still.
The boy held his father's gaze, small hands folded on his knees.
"I can't tell you yet," Vaelric answered, his voice calm but resolute. "Not until I have all the evidence I need."
Valerian leaned forward slightly, brows furrowing. "Evidence? What evidence, little storm? What is it you are trying to prove?"
Before Vaelric could answer, Rael stepped forward, arms crossed over his broad chest.
His tone was not unkind, though curiosity edged his words. "It seems, my lord, the little heir is keeping secrets from us. Secrets that, perhaps, we could help unravel if only he shared them."
Kaelen smirked faintly from where he leaned against the wall, though his eyes stayed fixed on Vaelric.
"The boy speaks like a tactician already. Almost makes me wonder if he inherited too much of his father's cunning."
Therion, ever more patient, inclined his head. "Young master, if there's danger in what you're plotting, letting us in may spare you the weight of bearing it alone."
Vaelric's gaze shifted between them all before finally returning to his father.
He thought for a moment, chewing the inside of his cheek, then shook his head.
"I will not say it yet. You must trust me. All of you. Have patience. It is not time."
Valerian's jaw tightened. "You test my patience, son. Do not forget who you speak to."
"I do not forget, Father," Vaelric replied, his voice steady though his hands trembled.
"I am your son. And I would never cheat you into anything that could harm you.
Valerian exhaled slowly, his hand brushing through his son's dark hair with a gentleness that rarely left him.
"You know I trust you with my very breath, Vaelric. But as your father, as the one sworn to protect you, I cannot help but worry when you speak in riddles.
What are you asking of me, truly?"
"I am asking you to believe me," Vaelric said firmly, his young voice carrying the weight of someone far older.
"I would never cheat you, Father. Never trick you into doing something that would harm you or weaken your throne.
I made you keep your word because I know this will not harm you. Marrying the Lady Aurelia… it is not a bad thing."
Valerian tilted his head slightly, his storm-gray eyes narrowing in thought.
"You speak as though you've seen more than you should."
"I've seen enough," Vaelric whispered. "And once I have everything I need, once the truth is clear, you will understand why I did this. It will all make sense."
The chamber fell into a heavy silence. The crackle of the hearth was the only sound that dared intrude. The three subordinates exchanged uncertain looks but held their tongues.
Finally, Valerian drew his son into his arms, pressing his chin atop the boy's head.
"Then I will wait, Vaelric. For you. I swore in the name of Vireon that I would honor your call, and I do not break oaths.
If patience is what you ask of me, then patience you shall have. But do not carry this burden longer than you must. My shoulders are broad enough to share it."
Vaelric hugged him back tightly, murmuring into his father's chest, "I know. And when the time comes, I'll tell you everything."
Rael muttered under his breath, shaking his head, "Storms and secrets… what a pair the two of you make."
Kaelen gave a quiet chuckle. "He's truly his father's son."
Therion said nothing, only watching with thoughtful eyes, as though sensing there was more to the boy's words than any of them grasped.
---
By midday, Caelmont's great courtyard thrummed with activity. The five monarchs and their entourages prepared for departure, carriages and horses gathering, banners fluttering in the crisp breeze.
Servants darted back and forth, securing luggage and harnesses. The air carried both anticipation and relief; weeks of council had left even kings eager to return to their realms.
Yet none could depart without the Oracle's blessing. Tradition demanded it...the gods must have the final word before sovereigns returned to their thrones.
Aurelia stood near Gwen at the edge of the courtyard, her veil catching the sunlight.
She felt the weight of countless eyes upon her. Whispers rippled among the gathered nobles and guards.
The cursed bride of the Storm Lord. The scarred queen-to-be.
Her pulse quickened, but she kept her head bowed just enough to hide her trembling lips.
Then Vaelric appeared, darting through the throng until he reached her side.
He slipped his hand into hers, grinning up at her. "See? I told you. They look, but they dare not speak."
Aurelia's chest eased, her smile faint but real. "You are braver than you know, Vaelric."
Before she could say more, Valerian approached, his presence scattering whispers into silence.
His gaze settled briefly on her before sweeping the courtyard. "Come," he said, his voice low but firm.
"We have matters to settle before we leave."
Together they crossed the courtyard, their steps drawing them toward the Ashmere delegates.
The banners of Emberhold...scarlet and gold, marked with the sigil of the flame...fluttered proudly in the breeze.
At their head stood Lord Azarion Flameborne, his hair catching the sunlight like strands of fire, his expression sharp as the edge of a blade.
The moment stretched as the Storm Lord and his new bride approached the Lord of Emberhold.
The storm and the flame.
And the gods, watching through the eyes of their Oracle, had yet to speak.