"I appreciate your honesty, Your Imperial Majesty," Elara said, setting her cup down without a sound. "In Valerion, we also dislike being used by nobles who hide behind desks while others fight their battles."
She leaned forward slightly. "But you are wrong about one thing. I am not here because the nobles forced me. I am here because I chose to come. I am a Princess of the North, and my duty is to ensure my people never see another war. If this alliance protects them, then I will stand here and face your cold eyes every single morning."
Khavan's calm eyebrows lifted just a fraction. He was used to people trembling in his presence, not challenging him over breakfast.
"So," Elara continued, "since we both dislike the nobles' games, why don't we make a deal? Let them think their plan is working. We can be allies in public to keep the peace, but in private, we can remain as we are—strangers. It gives you your freedom and me my peace."
Khavan stared at her for a long time. The curly hair falling over his face didn't hide the look of genuine surprise in his eyes. He realized then that the "Living Light" was not a fragile candle, but a steady flame.
Khavan stood up from the table. The breakfast was barely touched, but the air was now filled with a new understanding.
"Very well, Elara," he said, using her name for the first time without her title. "We shall play their game. We will be the perfect alliance in the eyes of the court, but behind closed doors, we owe each other nothing."
He looked out at the garden for a moment, "The nobles will expect us to be seen together soon. They are like vultures, waiting for a sign that their plan has succeeded."
He turned back to her, his cold eyes narrowing slightly. "I have much to do today. My aide will come for you later. He will show you the rest of the palace and explain what is expected of you during the evening's formal walk."
Without a smile or a handshake, he gave a short, stiff nod and walked out of the pavilion, his dark tunic disappearing into the bright sunlight of the gardens.
Elara sat in the pavilion for a long time after Khavan left. She sighed deeply, the weight of their "deal" sitting heavy in her chest. She needed to be surrounded by books—the only things that didn't play political games.
She found the head maid near the garden entrance. "Please," Elara said softly, "could you show me to the Library? I need somewhere quiet to think."
The head maid nodded and led her deep into the heart of the Golden Palace. They stopped before two massive doors carved from dark cedar wod. When the doors opened, the smell of old parchment and vanilla filled the air.
The Great Library was magnificent. It was a circular room with balconies that spiraled up toward a glass dome. Thousands of books lined the walls, their spines shimmering in the sunlight
Elara walked to a window seat. She found a book about the history of the Southern sun-gods and began to read, trying to understand the culture of the man she had just made a deal with.
An hour passed in peaceful silence. Elara was deep into a chapter about the "First Phoenix" when she heard the sound of footsteps on the marble floor.
It was the Emperor's aide. He looked at the Princess sitting among the books and bowed low. "Your Highness, the Emperor has finished his meetings. It is time for our walk through the city so the people may see the 'Living Light' and the 'Iron Sun' together."
The time for their public appearance had arrived. The capital city was buzzing with excitement, and the town square was filled with thousands of people hoping to see the "Living Light" of the North and their own "Iron Sun."
Elara and Khavan stood together on the high balcony of the Golden Palace, looking down at the cheering crowd. To the people below, they looked like the perfect couple.
Khavan acted his part perfectly. He stood close to Elara, his cold eyes softening just enough to look like a man in love. He even reached out and placed his hand over hers on the stone railing—a gesture that made the crowd roar with happiness.
Elara smiled warmly, her skin glowing in the afternoon sun. She looked at Khavan with a look of polite and accepting grace, as if he were the only man in the world. No one could tell that just hours ago, they had agreed to remain strangers.
Khavan stepped forward and raised his hand for silence. His deep voice echoed across the square.
"People of the South," he announced. "The shadows of the past are behind us. Today, we look toward a golden future. I am proud to announce that Princess Elara of Valerion will become your Empress. Our wedding shall take place when the moon is full."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Khavan turned to Elara and, in a move that surprised even her, leaned down and kissed her hand with royal elegance.
"Well played, Princess," he whispered under his breath, so low that only she could hear.
The heavy oak doors of the Great Hall swung open, and the Empress Dowager entered, her silk robes trailing behind her like a golden cloud. She saw Elara and Khavan standing together near the balcony, still dressed in their formal finery.
Her face lit up with a genuine, beaming smile. She hurried toward them, her jewelry clinking softly.
"Wonderful news!" she cried, her voice echoing with joy. "The bells are ringing throughout the city! I heard the announcement from the road."
She reached out and took both of their hands—Elara's in her right and Khavan's in her left. "I am so happy for you both. This is exactly what the Empire needs. A union of North and South, of Light and Iron."
She looked at Khavan, her eyes searching his calm, cold face for any sign of happiness. "And you, my son... I haven't seen you stand so close to anyone in years. My heart is finally at peace."
Khavan didn't pull his hand away, but he remained silent, giving Elara a quick, meaningful glance. He was staying true to their "deal," playing the part of the happy groom perfectly for his mother.