{Alaz Continent, Roman Empire, Province of Light, capital Lutetia, Starlight family assembly hall.}
{In the main estate.}
The final rays of the setting sun pierced through the oculus (a circular opening in the ceiling of the atrium). The majestic hall, adorned with marble columns, was gradually filling with figures clad in white tunics. Their footsteps echoed against the walls, while muted voices wove an atmosphere of secretive anticipation.
Upon the dais, like the very embodiment of authority and might, sat Adam Starlight — the Governor of the Province of Light. The throne of redwood seemed to radiate an aura of grandeur. A snow-white tunic with crimson inserts emphasized the ruler's exalted status.
Adam looked like an ancient god descended straight from Olympus. Tall, nearly two meters in height, with the physique of an athlete and a face as if carved from marble. Light hair and a well-groomed beard framed his features, lending his appearance nobility and wisdom.
Adam had recently turned seventy, yet thanks to his status as a Holy Sage (6), he appeared no older than forty — at the very peak of masculine beauty.
In a world where magic and martial arts had reached unprecedented heights, ordinary "mortals" lived between fifty and seventy years. But Adam was far removed from the concept of "mortal." He stood on the threshold of becoming a Heaven-Dweller (7), and the prospect of living two hundred or even five hundred years was entirely real for him.
Adam lazily shifted his gaze from one attendee to another. His posture seemed relaxed, yet at the same time radiated indisputable authority.
Only upon closer inspection could one notice the faint crease of concern between his brows and the stiffness in his movements as he nodded in response to respectful greetings:
"Glad to see you in good health, my king."
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"My congratulations on the birth of two rising experts, Governor. The Province of Light is in reliable hands."
As the last remnants of daylight faded, plunging the atrium into mysterious half-shadow, all the invited guests finally assembled. Among them stood out several key figures whose presence lent the gathering special significance.
A fair-haired beauty in a white robe which, contrary to its intended modesty, only accentuated her striking charms. Eve Starlight, the Governor's first wife, priestess of the Church of Radiant Apollo and the anointed holy daughter of the deity, entered the hall accompanied by reverent and admiring gazes.
She was the most influential woman in the Province of Light. The pillar of her husband and of the entire province. Beautiful and detached, like a fairy. Her entire bearing radiated grace and confidence as she took her rightful place beside Adam.
Next to her, as if the embodiment of contrast, sat Luciel — the second wife. A dignified matron and the mother of two heirs of the Starlight dynasty. She glowed with pride and restrained arrogance, striving to emphasize her importance in the future of the province.
Cardinal Allaric, a loyal servant of the religion of Light and, concurrently, Adam's closest friend, sat quietly off to the side. A short brunet with slightly sunken eyes and a long nose, the man who bound secular and spiritual authority together. His presence served as a reminder of the close alliance between state and church in the Province of Light.
Among the noble guests stood out two more imposing figures — Claudius and Aurelius Starlight, Adam's elder brothers, as well as renowned centurions of the Roman Empire. They stood slightly apart from the others. Their stately forms, tempered in countless battles, radiated strength even at rest.
Once, these two had fiercely contended for the post of governor, but lost to their younger brother in the intricate webs of political intrigue. Now their gazes, fixed upon Adam, expressed a strange blend of ostentatious humility and poorly concealed ambition.
The authority of Governor Adam rested upon a solid alliance with the Church of Light. In the recent struggle for the throne, it was precisely Allaric and Eve who became his most important and devoted supporters, making his rise possible.
Though outwardly the Province of Light appeared to be an oasis of peace and prosperity, beneath its smooth surface dangerous currents churned. For over a decade, the region had existed in a state of uncertainty.
Having defeated his brothers, Adam Starlight assumed the post of governor, yet he was sorely lacking in military influence.
The Roman Senate had still not granted official recognition to his status. And this grim fact rendered his position precarious. The uncertainty left a loophole for his brothers, who, like hungry wolves, circled the throne.
They were always nearby, their eyes ceaselessly tracking Adam's every move, searching for the slightest weakness, any mistake that could become a pretext for a renewed struggle for power.
Regrettably, today they would indeed be given such a chance.
The atmosphere in the hall was electrified with anticipation. Every person present understood the importance of the assembly and treated it with utmost seriousness.
Receiving an approving nod from the governor, Allaric rose from his seat and spoke in a restrained yet confident tone:
"The reason for this extraordinary assembly lies in two events. First, His Majesty Adam Starlight has become a father for the fifth and sixth time on the same day. Her Majesty Catherine has given birth to twins...
Unfortunately, due to her condition, she will not be able to attend."
Allaric paused, allowing those present to process what had been said, then continued:
"The birth of the children was accompanied by phenomena also known as the recognition of the world. According to legend, such manifestations testify to the extraordinary talent of infants, a talent acknowledged by the heavens.
Quite recently, all of you could observe a rainbow spanning the entire province. As messengers of Light, we can state with certainty — this was nothing other than a heavenly manifestation, a sign of divine blessing from above!"
A wave of admiring sighs and hushed exclamations swept through the hall. The faces of those present lit up with joy and hope. It was truly happy news, long awaited by all. The Province of Light had finally gained worthy successors!
Despite the fact that this joyous event should have strengthened Adam's position, there was neither joy nor excitement on the governor's face — only gloom and concern.
Meanwhile, Aurelius and Claudius smiled with relaxed anticipation, eagerly awaiting the priest's next announcement.
Allaric did not keep them waiting long:
"Unfortunately, as you all remember, the heavenly manifestation was interrupted by an unexpected eclipse. Night descended upon the entire province and, according to information from our informants, spread far beyond its borders. Most likely, it enveloped the entire Roman Empire or even the whole continent."
Recalling this frightening phenomenon, the faces of those present instantly lost all excitement. It was as if they had come to their senses again, and a deathly silence wrapped itself around the hall.
"As everyone knows," Allaric continued calmly, "night at an untimely hour is considered an ill omen. Worse still, it interrupted the heavenly manifestation, as a result of which the younger son's hair turned dark!"
This sensational news had the effect of an exploding bomb. It was as if a short circuit had occurred in the minds of everyone present. All of them stared at the governor in astonishment.
Outwardly, Adam appeared unperturbed, but inside, beneath the searing gazes of the nobility, he was boiling with rage and humiliation. This was a bitter pill he was forced to swallow.
Aurelius leaned toward his brother, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight:
"Ahahaha, looks like our little brother finally became a cuckold. What nonsense about an omen? He's clearly trying to cover himself," Aurelius whispered into his elder brother's ear.
"Hold your tongue, Aurelius. We should not cast doubt upon the family's honor! Our reputation is at stake. This is a blow not only to Adam, but to all of us," Claudius replied in a low voice.
Aurelius lowered his voice further. "Do you think he'll send Catherine into exile?"
"He wouldn't dare," Claudius shook his head. "Have you forgotten that she is the strongest practitioner in the province? Just a little more, and she will become a Heaven-Dweller (7). Adam would sooner exile himself than risk offending her. Even if she did betray him."
"And what about the opinion of the masses?"
"Do you even remember what Catherine looks like? She's so beautiful that even I would be willing to kiss her feet. What was our brother even thinking, leaving her in a cold palace? His own fault. He's simply reaping what he sowed."
Meanwhile, Allaric continued his speech:
"We are still awaiting an official statement from the capital regarding the causes and consequences of the eclipse. On our part, the Church of Light, under the guidance of the holy daughter, will request an audience with the divine messengers."
Allaric paused, as if weighing his next words:
"With a heavy heart, I must inform you that His Majesty Adam Starlight has issued an urgent decree. By this decree, the newborn loses his status as an heir. The Province of Light cannot fall into the hands of an unlucky star!"
A murmur of surprise and anxiety swept through the hall. Allaric raised his hand, calling for silence:
"The child will be raised in the royal palace. There will be no unjust treatment. His awakening ceremony will proceed without any changes; however, he will not be able to lay claim to the throne."
With these words, the cardinal concluded his speech and stepped away from the dais.
A heavy silence hung in the hall, followed by muted whispering. Aurelius once again leaned toward Claudius and asked quietly:
"What do you think, will this decision greatly anger Catherine? Should we contact her?"
Narrowing his eyes, Claudius replied:
"I don't think the time has come. Catherine is not foolish. She will understand that Adam's decision is the only correct one. He is doing everything in his power to preserve her reputation. He still acknowledges this bastard as his son, but he cannot allow him to claim the throne. From his side, it was an extremely restrained move."
"You're right," Aurelius agreed. "But don't forget that women are never reasonable when it comes to their children."
"Perhaps," Claudius said thoughtfully, "but I still propose that we delay our involvement. There is nothing preventing us from staying on the sidelines and observing for now. Adam will not be able to completely wash away his shame. His reputation will be stained one way or another."
"I must admit, I'm impressed by his composure," Aurelius added. "He managed to restrain his rage and try to steer the rumors in the right direction. The eclipse truly happened, and everyone witnessed it. Commoners might buy this story. Who now will say that the boy is the result of simple adultery? With this statement, Adam will minimize the damage."
Meanwhile, Eve tightly held her husband's hand, silently expressing her support. Her touch was both comforting and тревожным for Adam.
The governor knew perfectly well that he had neglected Catherine. She did not know the whole truth, and he had ignored her for far too long. In that case, why wouldn't she find someone else with black hair? Adam understood all this, yet he still could not remain calm.
Although outwardly Eve supported Adam, secretly she envied and resented Catherine. Her face remained calm, but inside she seethed with jealousy.
"How could that bitch give herself to someone else? She dared... She dared to take my place, and that's still not enough for her?! Damn whore! Why should I cover for you? Why did he choose you instead of me? I am just as beautiful. I served him faithfully and loyally. But he chose you. How could you sleep with someone else?"
Though Adam and Eve both burned with indignation, they could not openly accuse Catherine. They could only continue to justify her before everyone. The best option for all was to present the dark-haired boy not as the product of adultery, but as an unwilling victim of mysterious circumstances.
And all of this was because the third majesty was the strongest person in the entire Province of Light — a Holy Sage (6) of the highest stage, almost a Heaven-Dweller (7).
Catherine's power was so great that even the governor himself could not openly oppose her. He could only wait and plan.