Year 1700
"The Court calls Witness Serenya Calwyne to the Podium!" A booming voice rang out from the front of the room.
The court went silent as a girl of ethereal beauty walked in. She couldn't have been any older than 12, with her innocent eyes, elegant figure, short stature, and still vibrant, golden hair. Her hazel eyes pierced everyone's souls without even looking at them as she took to the stand in Court in front of countless other nobles.
"Hello. My name is Serenya Calwyne."
"Miss Calwyne, did you, or did you not see the vassal of House Dreyos tamper with the paintings and statues at the museum?" The lawyer representing the other side spoke with a chilling calmness.
"No. I did not. In fact, he could not have, since he was escorting my family the entire time."
"Then, Miss Calwyne, are you perhaps suggesting that your entire family is responsible as well for the damages delivered to these works of art? The likes of which can never be reproduced again?"
"No. I am not. You are suggesting that."
"Then who do you believe is responsible for the damages, Miss Calwyne?" The room went silent for what seemed like minutes.
"Actually, I believe that no one is responsible for the damages. You see, among the art community, which I so proudly invest myself in, there is a certain material that we no longer use that was once embedded in the best of the best artworks."
"Judge, this is irrelevant!" The owner of the museum shot up from his chair, raising his cane and yelling.
"Let the girl speak." The Judge looked back at Serenya, letting her continue.
"Um... The material that was once used is called Artherium. I'm sure most artists now know not to use it, but centuries ago? Of course, they wouldn't know. Artherium degrades catastrophically over time compared to most other materials. When used as paint, the paint may end up drying and turning into ash. When used in its raw form, it is prone to chipping and breaking."
"Take the girl off! Take the girl-!" The owner proclaimed once more.
"ORDER."
"The paintings and structures damaged themselves. My family is innocent. And so is the vassal of House Dreyos. Not that I am affiliated with them in any way whatsoever besides being escorted throughout the museum. However, on account of defamation, I believe that you should perhaps get ready to find yourself here again soon."
Serenya spoke clearly to the owner, who was now looking everywhere but in front of him, sweat dripping down his forehead from the glares of every noble in the room.
Thus, the world had been introduced to the next star of high society. Serenya Calwyne of the Marquisate of Calwyne.
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The following months were quite tiresome for Serenya. She proceeded to go to several more court hearings regarding the counter-case against the owner, where she delivered several key testimonies.
However, Serenya had caught the eye of two people. Two very important people.
Duchess Dreyos was a profound and smart woman. She was in her forties, and with her sons soon approaching the age of 18, it was time for her to look for possible wives for them.
She had two children, both boys, Kaelith and Aric Dreyos. Kaelith was 14 at this time, while Aric was 12, the same age as Serenya.
Now, with the appearance of one of the best marriage prospects in the kingdom, the Duchess wasn't going to take any chances, immediately acquiring relations with Serenya and the Marquisate of Calwyne, and it definitely helped that Serenya had just defended a Vassal of House Dreyos.
The Duchess, under the pretense of repaying a debt for saving the vassal, took Serenya under her wing to give her a better education than Marquis Calwyne could offer, so naturally, he had no qualms.
However, a second agenda was at play. One that greatly aligned with the Duchess's needs. The second person whom Serenya caught the eye of.
King Vernon Solaris.
Only, the king didn't see a marriage prospect. He saw a girl who could lead a future rebellion. His only choice? Marry her off to the house of his loyal subjects, it coincidentally being House Dreyos.
It may be an understatement to say that the Duchess was overjoyed upon receiving a letter from the king. And it may be an overstatement to say that the Duke was surprised.
Their eldest son, Kaelith, was set to marry Serenya. She would come to the Dreyos Estate once she turned 18.