Vaelorian walked into his father's study, Sir Eryndor waiting outside the heavy doors. The air was thick with anticipation. He delivered the official report—the supply lines were fixed, the fortifications were sound, and the Emperor's will was enforced. He deliberately led with the facts before letting the General Korvan situation slip into the narrative.
The Emperor listened in silence, occasionally nodding at the impressive figures. The Empress, seated elegantly beside him, paid closer attention to Vaelorian's tone than the data. When Vaelorian finished, the Emperor leaned back with a rare, but pleased expression on his face.
"The success of the mission speaks for itself, Vaelorian. You demonstrated efficiency and resolve. The North is stable for now, and Lord Riven's overhaul of the logistical system is nothing short of genius."
The Empress, however, focused on the duel chimed in. "The reports about the duel were not so quiet, Vaelorian. You stood by and watched Lord Riven challenge a superior officer? A General, no less! He needs to control his impulses."
Vaelorian met her gaze evenly. "Mother, I reprimanded him immediately afterwards, of course. But you need to understand that General Korvan was attempting to undermine our entire mission, and by extension, my authority. He refused to acknowledge Lord Riven's technical expertise, openly questioning his character and judgment in front of the garrison."
"And your solution was to let your lover fight a duel?" the Emperor interjected, his voice stern. "That was reckless, Vaelorian. You risked a major political incident and placed yourself in a position where you could have been publicly embarrassed!"
"I understand your concern, Father," Vaelorian conceded, bowing his head slightly. "But Riven understood the nature of the problem. General Korvan is a man of tradition; he only respects power proven by force. A report would have been dismissed as 'court gossip.' A victory on the field of honor put the man in his place, secured the mission's success, and ensured my authority remained unquestioned by the men in the fort. Riven dealt with the problem the best way he could without causing more problems. The duel silenced his personal malice, which a order never could have done."
The Empress's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. She appreciated the ruthless logic. "It was certainly effective, Vaelorian. Though I suggest you stop Lord Riven from doing something like that next time."
The Emperor sighed, acknowledging the uncomfortable truth of his son's defense. "Very well. The outcome was favorable. But do not make a habit of this, son. Your authority should rest on Imperial decree, not duels."
With the talks of the mission formally concluded, the Emperor's expression grew serious again. He looked at Vaelorian, his gaze heavy.
"Now, Vaelorian, to another matter. A direct consequence of your... lover's actions."
"Yes, Father. What is it?"
"We have received notice from the Western Territories. Duke Ashbourne—Lord Riven's father—will be arriving at the Imperial Palace within the week."
The news hit Vaelorian with the force of a sudden cold wind. Duke Ashbourne. The man who had all but banished his own son by giving him the silent treatment for pursuing a life he deemed beneath him. Duke Ashbourne is a powerful, prideful, and notoriously difficult man to deal with.
"His purpose?" Vaelorian asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"He claims it is to discuss the newly profitable timber contracts you secured. But the timing suggests he wants to see, with his own eyes, what exactly his son has become in the Imperial Palace. You brought Lord Riven back into the fold, Vaelorian. Now you must manage his parentage." The Emperor leaned forward, his voice a low warning. "Duke Ashbourne is not easily impressed. Prepare yourself. This will be a difficult negotiation."
Vaelorian swallowed, the triumph of the northern mission instantly fading. The duel was a simple fight with swords. Dealing with Riven's own father will be a battle of entrenched wills and deep emotional history.
He needs to win.