The morning after the celebration found the Imperial Palace sharply divided between the lingering scent of perfume and the intense tension of politics. Vaelorian emerged from his personal chambers looking tired but possessing a fragile sense of peace. He found his mother, the Empress, in her private sitting room, not engaged in needlework or correspondence, but looking fierce and focused.
She gestured for him to sit. "How did it go last night, Vaelorian? Did you speak to him?"
"Yes, Mother," Vaelorian admitted, a weary smile touching his lips. "He accepted my apology. With a slight... condition." He briefly rubbed his abdomen, remembering the sharp, accurate blow.
The Empress raised an eyebrow. "Good. He is justified. Now, we move. Your father will be in the Morning Study until noon. I'm going to him."
"Mother, wait," Vaelorian pleaded, suddenly anxious. "You can't just tell him everything! He'll see it as treason, a political risk. He'll lock me in a tower if this gets out in court!"
The Empress placed a calming hand on his. "Your father cares about two things: the stability of the Empire and your succession. He is pragmatic, Vaelorian, not romantic. I am not going to confess that you were crying over a boy at your own birthday party. I am going to present this as a political problem that requires a new solution."
She rose, her silk robes rustling. "I will tell him that the Princess Lyra has been questioning your stability, and that your elaborate scheme to make yourself look incompetent is, quite frankly, working too well. I will tell him that a politically savvy bride like Lyra will become a dangerous enemy if she feels humiliated by a fool-husband. I will also remind him that an emperor with a hidden weakness—like true love—is a vulnerability waiting to be exploited. He needs a clean break, not a diplomatic disaster."
"And Riven?" Vaelorian asked, his breath held tight.
"Lord Riven is the solution, Vaelorian. A strong, landed noble, trained for the military. I will present him not as your lover, but as the kind of stable, trustworthy Consort who can manage the King's reputation and provide a solid succession line, provided we control the terms. Leave the Emperor to me. But you," she added, her eyes narrowing in warning, "you will go to court, look miserable, and continue to act like you've ruined your life over your own folly. Understood?"
"Understood, mother." Vaelorian breathed, watching his mother leave to engage in the most dangerous political battle of her life.
Meanwhile, the main Imperial Court was already assembling. This was the required formal audience for the visiting nobles, a chance for the Emperor to recognize their loyalty and for them to press their petitions.
Riven and Barron stood among the other high-ranking Lords, looking every bit the part of successful, self-made young men. Riven was impeccable in his black coat, his expression cool and distant. Barron, in his Knight's uniform, was a study in reliable competence.
"Remember the plan," Barron muttered, keeping his eyes forward. "Look rich, look bored, look like you'd rather be anywhere but here."
"I am actively plotting my escape," Riven replied under his breath. He had to resist the urge to glance at Vaelorian, who had just taken his place beside the Emperor—looking pale and deeply unhappy, exactly as the Empress had instructed.
The real test came when Princess Lyra entered the hall with her delegation. She caught Riven's eye, offered a tiny, almost imperceptible nod, and then focused her entire attention on the political game at hand. Riven felt a pang of grudging respect. Lyra was indeed a force.
As the morning dragged on, Riven kept his composure, successfully avoiding any direct eye contact with Vaelorian. He presented his Duke's brief petition on border security and received the Emperor's acknowledgment.
Finally, the Emperor concluded the formal business, and the nobles began to file out. Riven felt a rush of relief; freedom was just outside the doors.
"Ready to go, My Lord?" Barron asked, already moving toward the exit.
"I was born ready," Riven confirmed. They quickly moved toward the palace gates, leaving the intrigue and the golden cage behind them. Their carriage ride back to the home would be quiet, but their future would be anything but that.