The Spring Summoner and the Winter Duke

Unfamiliar Faces, a Bold Bargain

Adelaide’s laughter danced on the wind as she sprinted through the dawn, her movements light and swift. The rush of air through her hair and against her cheeks felt like freedom, her body in perfect sync with the elements. Each leap across the rooftops was seamless, as if the wind itself carried her, pushing her forward toward her destination, the Valhyris Spire.

She paused briefly behind a chimney, her heart racing with the thrill of escape. Herr emerald eyes darted down at the vendor below. He scratched his balding head in bewilderment, puzzled by something he couldn’t quite place.

She giggled, the sound almost musical in the quiet of the alley. Adelaide blew a playful kiss in his direction, her magic danced from her fingers to the stall. The apples and pears shimmered with a newfound lustre, catching the morning light like precious jewels.

Small blessings for the innocent, she thought with a soft chuckle before taking off once more.

The vendor blinked, then shrugged, returning to his work, none the wiser to the playful spirit that had just passed by. As she ran, the imperial palace loomed ever larger in her vision. Its majesty was undeniable. The white marble and obsidian towers rose in elegant, slender lines that seemed to defy gravity, piercing the night sky like a sentinel watching over the city. The Valhyris Spire, the tallest of them all, shimmered against the backdrop of stars, its very presence commanding attention. It was said to be visible from the farthest reaches of the empire, a constant reminder of the power that resided within its walls.

Adelaide’s eyes narrowed as she focused on her path. The spire was growing closer, but with it came a sense of foreboding. The imperial palace, once a symbol of security, now felt like it housed unknown dangers. Someone had been manipulating events, working behind the scenes to confine her. Whether it was to control or eliminate her, she couldn’t be sure—but she would find out soon enough.

As she approached the palace walls, Adelaide slowed, her breath steady but her mind racing. She couldn’t risk being seen—not yet. Her presence here would raise questions, and she needed answers first. Her green eyes darted around, searching for the nearest hidden entry. There were several, but she needed the one least guarded.

The wind carried whispers of voices from the ground below, knights exchanging idle words, their patrols vigilant but unaware of her. Perfect.

She crouched low, blending into the shadows, and her magic once again responded to her command. The wind swirled around her, muffling her presence, hiding her from prying eyes. With one final glance at the imposing spire above, she made her way toward a forgotten side entrance, one she had used long ago during her training days. It had been years since anyone had thought to monitor it.

As she approached, the stone seemed to hum with familiarity. Her fingers traced the old carvings on the door, and with a soft whisper, the ancient wards unlocked.

Now, she thought, it’s time to uncover the truth.

Adelaide’s fingers brushed against the smooth marble as she walked, the dress flowing around her as if it were a living thing. With each step, the pastel pink fabric shifted, flowers blooming along the seams, vines curling delicately across the sheer white top layer. The air around her was fresh, fragrant with the scent of spring, and she relished the feeling of life blossoming under her touch.

As she moved through the familiar halls of the Valhyris Spire, the intricate carvings came to life beneath her fingertips, the stories of mythical creatures and elemental symbols whispering their histories into her skin. Each step resonated with memories of her childhood, filled with laughter and lessons learned under the watchful eyes of the great Summoners. The massive banners fluttering gently overhead, emblazoned with the golden phoenix of the Valhedran dynasty, reminded her of the legacy she was a part of, the unbroken rule that had shaped her empire.

Adelaide paused momentarily, letting the beauty of the palace wash over her. The flora in the halls blossomed in her wake, vibrant greens and delicate blossoms thriving in her presence. But the Hall of Flames called to her, and she approached the double doors, anticipation thrumming through her.

As she entered the hall, the guards greeted her with knowing smiles, their faces familiar and comforting. “My lady,” one of them said, bowing slightly. “What brings you here unannounced?”

“I seek an audience with the emperor,” she replied, her voice bright. The great Summoners were bound by duty but also held a unique position of respect that allowed them to bypass many formalities.

The guards exchanged glances. “The emperor is currently in a meeting, but we’ll inform him of your arrival,” one said, his expression thoughtful.

“Thank you,” Adelaide said, turning to find a suitable spot to wait. She felt at home in the hall, even as she turned away. But then her keen hearing caught a sigh, heavy with weight. She strained to listen, the familiar voices sending a chill down her spine.

“I say this not as your cousin Avric, but as the highest power in this land. I, the Emperor Ardentis Valhedran III, issue an imperial decree: you, Duke Aric Belfort, must be married by the end of the year for the sake of Aurenfell.”

Aurenfell? The winter dutchy?

Without thinking, she pushed past the startled guards, her feet moving swiftly as they faltered, momentarily taken aback. “I can help with that, Your Majesty!” she chirped, her voice ringing with excitement and a hint of mischief.

The emperor and Duke Aric turned simultaneously, their expressions a mix of surprise and bewilderment. Ardentis, regal and imposing, stood tall in his golden robes, while Duke Aric's brow furrowed in confusion."Adelaide," Emperor Ardentis said slowly, his tone caught between authority and amusement. "This is a private meeting. How did you—"

"I do apologize for interrupting, Your Majesty," Adelaide interjected with a smile, her green eyes sparkling mischievously. "But I couldn't help but overhear something about the Duke’s... predicament." She glanced briefly at Duke Aric, who was staring at her with perplexed, piercing grey eyes.

The duke, tall and broad-shouldered, frowned. His sharp features wrinkled under the weight of his thick brows. His skin was pale as you'd expect of someone living in the north, but all it did was make his darker features more striking. Adelaide had never met a black-haired northerner before. His hair was short, and combed neatly away from his face, showing the tips of his slightly pointed ears.

He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "Lady Adelaide," he acknowledged, his voice deep but edged with a restrained irritation. "This is hardly a matter—"

"I can help!" she chirped again, stepping forward confidently. "You need a bride, Duke Belfort, and I happen to be... well, free." Her eyes remained on his ears, they weren’t as pointed as her own, but his apparent capacity for magic made her smile.

The silence that followed was deafening.

The emperor blinked, momentarily taken aback. “You… what did you say?”

Duke Aric’s eyes narrowed. “You cannot mean this in earnest.”

“I assure you, I do,” Adelaide replied, taking a deliberate step toward him. Though her frame was slight, her presence was commanding. “You are unwed, as am I. Our union would only serve to strengthen the bond between the Empire and Aurenfell.”

Ardentis reclined in his chair, studying her with deep intent. “Adelaide, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. You have only just recovered—”

“I am fully capable of making this choice,” she interjected, turning her gaze squarely upon the emperor.

Duke Aric’s expression shifted, disbelief yielding to something more cautious. “You would wed me so readily, then? Merely for political advantage?”

Adelaide held his gaze, her voice steady and unwavering. “I would wed you to safeguard that which is vital to us both—your people and mine. This is far more than a political manoeuvre; it is a duty I am prepared to undertake.”

The duke was silent for a moment, clearly grappling with the weight of her words. Finally, he turned to Ardentis. “Your Majesty?”

Emperor Ardentis, who had been observing the exchange with quiet amusement, let out a soft chuckle. "It would appear, cousin, that the question of your marriage has resolved itself.”

Resigned, the Duke inclined his head. After a measured breath, he softened his expression before lifting his gaze to meet hers. “I would not compel you to this,” he said quietly. “But if you believe it to be in our mutual interest, then… I shall not refuse your offer.”

Adelaide’s heart raced, though her outward composure remained unshaken. “Then it is settled,” she said, turning to the emperor. “Shall we proceed, Your Majesty?”

Emperor Ardentis grinned, clearly amused by how events had unfolded. “It seems, Lady Adelaide, that fortune has woven its threads most cleverly today. Very well, I shall see to the necessary announcements.”

“Splendid!” she exclaimed, a bright note in her voice. “Then it is decided. We shall be wed before the year’s end.”

The emperor’s eyes flicked from Adelaide to the Duke as she nodded, her bright smile unwavering. He arched a brow, half-expecting her to say more. When she remained silent, he glanced at his cousin, who, with a slow nod, offered a formal bow before turning to leave. Duke Aric’s eyes lingered on Adelaide for a moment, a look of quiet curiosity crossing his features before he exited the chamber.

The emperor turned his full attention to Adelaide. His amusement faded, replaced by a look of genuine curiosity. “So, you were here on another matter as well, I gather?”

Adelaide’s warm smile returned, and she inclined her head. “Indeed, Your Majesty. I had another purpose for calling on you today—one aside from proposing marriage.”

Ardentis raised an eyebrow, interest sparking in his gaze. “Oh? And pray, what purpose would that be?”

Adelaide’s expression grew sober, though her eyes retained their look of determination. “I must request permission to leave the capital, Your Majesty.”

The emperor’s casual air vanished instantly, replaced by a grave seriousness. “Leave?” he repeated, leaning back, clearly troubled. As one of the Great Summoners, Adelaide was bound by law to remain close to the capital, except under explicit permission. “To what end?” he asked, his brow creasing.

She hesitated only briefly, her gaze steady as she answered. “There is something amiss within the capital—an unseen threat that I must investigate. And it appears there are forces at work to keep me from doing so.”

Ardentis’s expression darkened, concern drawing lines across his face. “What sort of threat?”

“I am not entirely certain,” Adelaide admitted, though her voice was unwavering. "But tell me, is there not a temple along the western border of Valestra?”

The emperor’s brow furrowed further. “Yes… on the western edge, the Riftspire citadel does have an ancient temple there, a place of healing. Why do you ask?”

Adelaide’s gaze sharpened, her tone careful and deliberate. “I was held there, was I not?”

“Yes.” Ardentis sat upright, a sudden alertness in his eyes. “Are you saying you have not since left the temple?” Noting her confusion, he continued, “Following your encounter with the Aedra, you were sent there for healing. The priests employed their divine arts to stabilize you, and I was under the impression you were returned to the Summit of Seasons once you had improved.”

She let out a soft, bitter laugh. “I was told I was to remain until I fully recovered, by your order.”

The emperor’s face grew stony. “I issued no such command.”

Adelaide’s smile faded, confirming her suspicions. “Then it is as I thought. Someone has been attempting to keep me from the capital.”

The silence that followed hung heavy between them, weighted with unspoken implications. The emperor rose from his seat and began to pace the room, his mind clearly racing to piece together the implications of her words.

Finally, he turned to face her, his gaze intense. “And you suspect the answers lie in the north? In Aurenfell?”

“I do,” she replied, her voice unwavering. “I believe this is bound to the Aedra—and where better to begin than the great rift in the north?”

The emperor held her gaze, fully absorbing her request. At last, he nodded, his voice resolute. “Very well. I shall see that the arrangements are made. You will depart for Aurenfell at dawn.”

Adelaide’s shoulders relaxed, a look of quiet relief crossing her face. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

She turned to leave, but as she reached the doorway, the emperor’s voice softened behind her. “Adelaide… take care. These forces have gone to considerable lengths to keep you at bay. Do not underestimate them.”

She paused, and with her back still to him, she replied softly, “I will not.”