Duke Etien's footsteps hit the marble hard, reverberating down the corridors as he made his way to the meeting chamber, the one place where he was sure he'd find the Emperor. Since taking the throne, the man had been drowning in administrative reforms: rewriting old laws, restructuring the trade guild regulations, recalibrating tax rates, and tackling a mountain of other responsibilities that came with ruling an empire.
And the only logical place for all that work to unfold? The meeting chamber, the epicenter of imperial affairs, where every person with power and influence convened to deliberate on the future of the realm.
After a grueling journey by horse-drawn carriage, punctuated by a portal jump that shaved days off the trip, Etien finally arrived in the capital. Two days and two nights on the road, and now, here he stood.
"Where's His Majesty?" Etien asked a guard stationed at the entrance to the chamber—Solatium.
"The Emperor is still in discussion with the trade guild leaders. Should wrap up in about two hours," the soldier replied, his stance rigid, his deference to Etien unwavering.
Two hours was a hell of a long time to wait. But Etien had no choice, he needed answers. The letter that had arrived two days ago had blindsided him. Glen had taken it upon himself to decide Etien's future bride. Just like that.
"If he's done, let him know I'm here."
"Understood, Duke. We'll inform His Majesty," the guard assured him.
Frustration simmered beneath Etien's composed exterior. He hated waiting. But if he was being honest, he hadn't exactly given the Emperor a heads-up, either. He hadn't sent a response to Glen's letter, hadn't indicated he was coming. Just showed up. That was on him.
He had sworn he wouldn't return to the capital after his stay in Winterbraun. And yet, mere days after leaving, it had drawn him back in. This whole thing was insane. Since when did the empire dictate a man's marriage? And Glen of all people? The Emperor had never so much as hinted at an interest in romance. No lovers. No flings. No scandals.
"What gives him the right to drag me into this mess?" Etien muttered, barely suppressing his irritation.
Sure, he didn't know who he was going to marry, but if he had to choose, it made far more sense to wed a woman from Winterbraun. That would fortify his homeland, lock out spies, shut down any chance of hidden threats creeping in. It'd also give him the perfect excuse never to step foot in the capital again, no more politics, no more imperial affairs. Just Winterbraun.
And yet, here he was. The Emperor he had fought to put on the throne had turned the tables on him. He had believed Glen's reign would bring stability. But now, somehow, it had become a personal liability. Why the hell was he meddling in Etien's marriage?
Shoving aside his frustration, Etien made his way to the quarters the palace steward had set aside for him. Just as he reached for the door handle, a presence approached, a man dressed in velvet, suited for the sweltering heat.
"A rare sight, indeed. An honor to witness the mighty Duke of Winterbraun gracing the palace today," the older man said, his voice smooth, his smile unfamiliar.
Viscount Caelan Harrington. The ruler of the West.
Etien hadn't seen him since their collaboration a year ago, back when they tackled the security dilemma at the western border. A vast stretch of mountains and deep forests, prime territory for rebels to hide. Etien had stayed in the West for months, hunting insurgents. Harrington had ensured he was well supplied, with food, weaponry, everything.
Etien met his outstretched hand with a firm grip. "Feels like yesterday we parted after conquering the enemy, Sir Harrington."
"You were the one in such a hurry to return to Winterbraun," Harrington chuckled. "I was hoping to greet you after the Emperor's coronation, but you were already gone."
"Had matters to attend to after four years away."
"I'd imagine they piled up. Four years isn't a short break," Harrington mused.
Etien gave a nod. The conversation carried on as they settled into the room, palace servants bringing them cups of tea. It wasn't why Etien was here, but at least it helped pass the time.
Then the door swung open.
The Emperor entered, flanked by his guards, who came to a halt at the threshold.
Etien and Harrington stood instinctively, but Glen waved them down.
"No need for formalities," Glen said, eyeing Etien with a smirk. "It's good to see you two getting along so well without me."
Harrington replied smoothly, "I've been wanting to greet Duke Etien ever since the reforms ended, but never had the chance. Now, that wish is granted. A pleasure indeed, Your Majesty."
Glen's smirk deepened. "Of course. Duke Etien practically ran from the capital the second my coronation ended. Claimed he couldn't stand the heat, unlike Winterbraun, with its eternal snow."
Etien bristled at the remark. Glen's tone dripped with sarcasm. But he kept his temper in check.
"So tell me, Duke," Glen continued, leaning in slightly, "what brings you back to this unbearably hot city?"
Etien knew that smile. It wasn't one of welcome, it was one of amusement. Mocking amusement.
He thought of the letter, the ludicrous proposal Glen had sent, and anger coiled in his gut. But with Harrington still present, it wasn't the time.
Setting his cup down, Etien rose to his feet. Glen and Harrington exchanged glances, taken aback by the sudden movement.
"I'll leave you two to talk first. When you're done, we'll discuss my reason for being here, Your Majesty." Etien said, preparing to exit.
Before he could leave, Glen's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"If it's about the letter, then let's discuss it now. Because Viscount Harrington's daughter is the one I intend to introduce to you."