With the groundwork laid, the high-stakes political operation kicked into gear, playing out simultaneously in the opulent halls of the imperial Palace and on the rough-hewn estates of the Marches.
The Empress wasted no time. Her target was the Sorverigen delegation, and specifically, Princess Lyra, during the subsequent diplomatic functions. She approached the problem not by praising Vaelorian, but by subtly validating Lyra's growing suspicion of his instability. During the diplomatic luncheon, the Empress steered a private conversation with Lyra toward the Prince's recent spending habits.
"Princess Lyra," the Empress began, her voice low and laced with profound disappointment. "I must confess, your discernment is admirable. This foolishness Vaelorian has taken to... the gold carriages, the diamond turtles... it is a deep worry to the Emperor and myself. We taught him better."
Lyra, ever the pragmatist, narrowed her eyes. "Your Majesty, there are rumors that suggest his behavior is a calculated effort to force a break in the treaty."
The Empress sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "I wish he were so calculated, my dear. I truly do. But sadly, Vaelorian has always been susceptible to whimsy. Now, with the pressure of the Crown, the foolishness has simply amplified. He is showing a dangerous lack of seriousness that could genuinely compromise the stability of our alliance."
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "He is an emotional Prince, Princess Lyra. He puts his passions ahead of his duties. A woman of your political acumen deserves a partner who brings order, not chaos, to your future throne. If you find he is not the strong, reliable partner you require, I hope you would not hesitate to communicate that to your Emperor. We value the treaty, but we value the stability of our future emperor more."
The Empress's message was clear: Vaelorian is a political liability, not an asset. You are too smart to tie yourself to his instability. Demand the annulment for the good of your own political future, and we will not blame the treaty.
Lyra met the Empress's gaze, a slow, amused smile spreading across her face. "I believe I understand your concerns completely, Your Majesty. I assure you, my focus remains only on the stability of my empire." The Empress had given her permission—and the justification—to initiate the break Vaelorian so desperately needed.
The day after the Empress's calculated meeting, Princess Lyra requested a private audience. She found the Empress in her sitting room, expecting to discuss the details of the afternoon's diplomatic schedule. Instead, Lyra chose a different path.
"Your Majesty," Lyra began, her voice crisp and formal, "I want to be perfectly clear about the state of my engagement to your son. I am fully aware of Prince Vaelorian's campaign of self-sabotage."
The Empress maintained her composure, though her mind raced. "Princess, I am not sure I understand your meaning. My son is simply under great strain—"
"Please, Your Majesty," Lyra interrupted, her tone sharp but respectful. "Let us dispense with polite fiction. Vaelorian is not a fool; he is just acting like one. He is intentionally manufacturing his unsuitability to force my hand, thereby giving our alliance an honorable means of dissolving the treaty without escalating tensions."
Lyra paused, her gaze direct and powerful. "I also know why he is doing it. I know about Lord Riven of House Ashbourne. I saw the look in his eyes when he greeted him at the ball. The Prince is deeply in love, and his loyalty is already spoken for. I can't compete with that."
The Empress felt a rush of both relief and caution. She had a brilliant, formidable ally. "And what do you intend to do with this knowledge, Princess?"
"My goal is stability and leverage for Sorverigen," Lyra stated plainly. "An emperor who is emotionally dependent on his lover is a political liability, especially if the consort is not the one he's in love with. However, I am not a savage. I won't ruin your son's life, and I won't risk a war over a broken heart. I am ready to do whatever it takes to make my father call off the engagement. We will present this as a failure of Vaelorian's character, saving the face of both our houses, and I will be free to negotiate a more advantageous, less complicated alliance."
The Empress finally offered a genuine, relieved smile. "Princess Lyra, you are precisely the kind of political mind Lumina needs—but thankfully, not as my daughter-in-law. We are in agreement. We will move quickly to provide you with the necessary ammunition to convince your father."
While the Empress managed the dissolution of the engagement, Riven and Barron were already back in the Manor, implementing their ambitious new strategy. The old routine was gone, replaced by a hyper-focused, ruthless plan aimed at transforming the Ashbourne estates into a model of Imperial excellence.
The first step was a comprehensive audit of the entire regional economy. Riven, fueled by a fierce determination, sat in his study, no longer merely balancing the books, but analyzing market trends and military supply chains.
"We need to move beyond grain," Riven stated, sweeping a hand over a map of his lands. "The Empire is constantly rebuilding. They need timber, iron, and horses. Our northern forests are untapped, and our stables are underperforming. We need to secure the Imperial contract for warhorse supply."
Barron, invigorated by the new political focus, stepped into his role as the boots on the ground. "To win an Imperial contract, we need flawless infrastructure. That means repairing roads, upgrading the stables, and dealing with the bandits who harass the northern logging routes. My Knight Squad training will finally be put to use for something other than looking pretty at court."
"You're ridiculous but also correct," Riven confirmed with a smile, his eyes sharp. "We are going to prove that a Lord can be a more vital political asset than any foreign princess. If Vaelorian steps down for me, he only loses power, but they'll lose their future leader. If he stays for me, he gains an economic and military powerhouse. We are going to make our competence the Emperor's greatest reason for supporting Vaelorian's choice."
Over the next few weeks, the Marches became a hive of activity. New roads were surveyed, timber was processed with unprecedented efficiency, and the local guard, now personally trained by Barron, became ruthlessly effective against banditry. Riven was playing the statesman, and Barron was playing the strategic general. Their work was not for profit; it was for power, security, and a future where Riven could stand beside his Prince, unashamed and indispensable.