After the Imperial Consort interrupted the duel, the guests were gathered again inside the hall. The night had barely begun, and succulent gossip already serpentine the wicked mouths. The Grand Duke's pregnancy, the Eighth Prince and the young Baragnon, a knight wielding his sword against royalty, the First Prince was marked by the young Grimwood and... a duel.
The year would end in an explosive way with so many gossip to fill social circles. Cadec was absent for medical treatment, but the Grimwood brothers prevented Eugene from going after him. Stephen was in a corner with his family, seemed bothered by the unfolding of the situation.
Mainly for being the target of intense and cold looks from Magnus Grimwood, who would love to skin him alive for daring to try to tarnish the Grimwood's reputation by approaching Lucian. It was no wonder that the atmosphere in the whole imperial hall was so intense.
Cassander looked at the Emperor, squeezed his hand discreetly as a secret message.
"Let's begin the imperial ball!" Ordered the Emperor.
The music played and the couples gathered to dance and have fun. All commenting ecstatically on the events, imagining that this would be the end. What was a beautiful mistake.
The marble doors were opened and two distinct figures made a great entrance. The Second Princess made her entrance wearing a beautiful dress, next to her husband. The few nobles who had secret lives in the Underworld recognized the pirate in their formal costumes, shocked by the sudden appearance of one of the underworld's names. Others who did not know him, seemed hostile to an unknown figure.
The two went to the center of the hall and bowed to the Emperor and the Consort. Surprised by the sudden appearance, the Emperor leaned slightly on his throne watching attentively his daughter.
"Second Princess, Dahlia, and her husband Rayland greet Their Imperial Majesties."
Rehael stared at Rayland, narrowing his eyes. Whether he was disgusted with the news or not, no one would know. But the whisperes filled the imperial palace once again, all surprised by Dahlia appearing accompanied by a husband.
"When did she get married?"
"Was it a secret marriage? I heard that His Majesty was against your engagement."
Rayland discreetly looked at the Grand Duke, the corner of his lips curving into a discreet smile. The Grand Duke only returned the look with coldness, knowing that everything was going according to plan for now. Sipping a sip of wine, Magnus turned his attention to the nobles in the hall, observing their naturally shifting focus.
"I see you followed your heart, Princess" Rehael said firmly "I thought you would continue to run away from your father after having achieved what you wanted."
"Not at all, my father. I was just preparing the best opportunity to come." Dáhlia bowed her head and rose again looking at the pirate.
As soon as Dahlia and Rayland retreated to the area reserved for the most prestigious guests, the attention of the nobles began to divide. The initial shock gave way to curious whispers about the unusual couple, while music filled the hall. After all, the nobles were afraid of new faces whose past was unknown.
It was then that Rayland, with his air of challenge and natural charisma, took a step forward and raised his voice.
"I ask for a moment of everyone's attention."
The whole hall was silent, except for the sound of music that gradually decreased. Magnus, who until then remained at a distance, watched the scene carefully, analyzing each movement.
"As a gift of celebration and to honor this magnificent occasion, I have brought something special to entertain everyone tonight." Rayland smiled mischievously, but there was a calculated control in his posture. "The Golden Troupe, recognized for its innovative theatrical pieces, will present something unforgettable."
The nobles, confused and intrigued, began to whisper. Many believed that the performance was a surprise prepared by the imperial family, a conclusion that Rayland had clearly predicted. Not only him, but everyone involved in that plan.
On Rayland's signal, the side doors of the hall opened, and members of the Golden Troupe began to enter. They wore colorful and elaborate costumes, with ornate masks that shone under the light of torches. The hall was taken by a different vibe, something that mixed curiosity and enchantment.
Dahlia watched next to Rayland, with a smile that mixed satisfaction and relief.
Magnus, however, knew exactly what it meant: the perfect smoke screen.
The hall had been filled by the troupe that began to make a staging. The theatrical performance in the middle of the New Year's Eve dance was the ideal disguise that Magnus needed to leave, for now the focus of the nobles would be diverted from him.
Seizing the chance, Magnus turned to leave the ballroom, escorting a few imperial knights into a silent corridor. With every step he took, it was a nerve of his that caused him pain.
Magnus' expression was a mask of determination, but inside, his mind was in turmoil. He remembered Lucian's words, the vivid descriptions that his husband had given about the original story and the fateful fate that he feared to repeat.
Lucian had warned him, and even though he was careful, in the end his husband disappeared under his nose. The feeling of powerlessness was too bitter for his taste.
"Report" Ordered him firmly.
A knight hastened his steps to walk beside Magnus.
"Sir, the nobles identified on the list are already being questioned. The Emperor personally leads the seizure orders. Also, this message was just delivered."
The knight handed a piece of paper to Magnus, who immediately pulled it out and quickly read it. A clear message from Ethera stating that Brighton kept control in the Underworld. Soon the evidence would arrive.
Considering Rayland's appearance, the pirates must have taken over the sea near the Port of Baydenn. The advantage was on their side.
"Divide into teams and make rounds near the Abandoned Palace." Ordered Magnus coldly, turning the corridor "If you see the Eighth Prince inside, you are allowed to invade and arrest absolutely everyone who is inside."
"Yes, sir!"
The Logos knights split up under Magnus's orders. Being followed by a few, Magnus finally reached an empty room where he could think clearly. Loosening the tie of his frock, he took a deep breath feeling nauseous and angry.
"If you know where he is, why isn't you attacking?"
Skyler's sudden voice increased Magnus' irritation. He had not noticed that the priest was following him. Your focus of attention also seemed to be messed up because of your anger or because of the pregnancy.
"I don't remember leaving the window open for doves to come in."
Skyler hastened his steps to get close to Magnus.
"You made me say those things in front of all the nobles just to compromise the temple with the Grimwood. Don't act like you're the king."
"I always think that I am as powerful as a king"
"Magnus Grimwood..." Skyler took a deep breath, struggling not to fall into his provocations "I saw a servant taking His Holiness, but I did not see where. I believe he was unconscious."
Magnus felt his throat close as well as his fist. Lucian was taken... haa... a predicted situation and it kept irritating him even more.
"Probably went to the Abandoned Palace. He knew this was going to happen."
"And yet you left him in danger?" Skyler growled.
"Everything is under control."
"How much more do you intend to expose the prince?" SKyler breasted him "Use his knowledge about the future for your petty..."
"This goes beyond my personal wishes" Magnus growled back, holding SKyler by the collar "Don't you dare say such a bestier, since you are one of the ones responsible for this mess..."
"What are you two doing?"
The dominant presence of the Emperor and Consort made Magnus drop SKyler against his taste. He wanted to confront Skyler, but now was not the time.
"And the ball..."
"That bunch of clowns you called are doing their job. Everything should go as planned" Rehael said as he approached them "Ordered the knights to patrol the Abandoned Palace?"
"Sure. I gave permission to lock everyone up if Lucian was seen inside."
Cassander approached Magnus and touched his shoulder gently.
"Sit down. Remember that you are no longer alone, the baby may suffer from your stress."
Biting his cheek, Magnus forced himself to accept such kindness. He sat down in a nearby chair and sighed heavily. Everything was under "control", so why did he feel desperate? It was as if this control wasn't really in his hands. It was like losing something, a bad and distressing feeling.
While Magnus was sitting, his thoughts still swirling, a hasty knock echoed through the door of the room. A knight entered, his face marked by urgency.
"Sir, we found traces in the Abandoned Palace. There are signs of recent movement, but no visual confirmation yet."
Magnus immediately rose, the weight of his determination radiating in his posture.
"Organize the troops. Do not leave gaps. I will personally."
Skyler took a step forward, preventing Magnus from leaving.
"If it's that direct, it can put Lucian in more danger. We need to approach this with caution. I can feel his presence, so take it easy."
Magnus stared at him, his crimson eyes burning with fury.
"And how much longer should I wait? How much more should I risk leaving it in the hands of that snake? You all knew what was going to happen. It was you who put him in such danger, knowing well who was behind all this..."
Cassander, always attentive, intervened with a calm but authoritarian tone.
"Magnus, control is your greatest weapon. You cannot let yourself be consumed by despair."
Those words, though harsh, brought Magnus back to reason. According to what Lucian had said, his parents probably did not know that the First Princess was behind it, which justified their request to collect evidence against her before they did anything. Still, for Magnus that was not a justification.
Lucian was in danger because he went back in time. They played with his soul as if it were a child's toy. It irritated Magnus even more because he witnessed how hard his husband was trying to keep them alive. Taking a deep breath, he passed his hand over his face before fixing his eyes on the knight.
"Proceed with caution. I want the area surrounded. Do not let anyone leave."
While the knight retreated to carry out the orders, Magnus turned to Skyler.
"You said you can feel Lucian's presence. I need you to tell me exactly where he is."
Skyler closed his eyes, concentrating deeply. After a few moments of silence, he spoke firmly.
"He is there. The core of his divine essence vibrates in that direction. But beware, Magnus... there's something else. Something dark. His fate has not yet been changed."
Magnus nodded. Now he would fight against time. His steps echoed through the room as he prepared to leave. But before crossing the door, he looked back, his voice a whisper charged with intensity.
"No matter what happens, I will bring him back."
Cassander, watching the Grand Duke disappear down the corridor, turned to Skyler.
"He is stubborn, but I trust that Magnus will do the necessary. Now, I hope you are ready to fulfill your part in this, priest."
The silence that followed was heavy, but full of determination.