It was the second time Lorian again entered the heart of Gilded Spire, the palace that dared to rival the splendor and power of Auric Spire- the center of power of Veridia. How the situation had changed in the same day, within a few hours. When he had stepped foot in the hall for the first time, it felt like a lamb entering a den of wolves, while guided by an old lion. The hungry wolves were drooling at the lamb, waiting for an opportunity, any opportunity, to pounce upon and tear it to shreds. Lorian could sense the mockery in the eyes of the denizens of Gilded Spire.
However, this time it was different. Now, as he was treading confidently in the hall, he could see fear and restlessness in their eyes. Some had anger and hatred, but it was mixed with helplessness. Lorian cherished the scenario. For the first time, he felt he could savor the fear, the helplessness around him. The anger and hatred felt like a little spice sprinkled on the food, making it more delicious. It was awesome. Lorian realized, maybe that's how real power feels- so enticing, alluring, addictive. Fear has its own distinct taste.
In the center of the hall, a servant was standing still, awaiting Lorian and Lucien's arrival. He bowed and conveyed the Lady's message, asking for Lorian's opinion on where he would prefer to meet her, and whether he would like to meet her alone or not. The Prince tilted his head backward, closing his eyes and thinking for a while. He took a deep breath and expressed his willingness to abide by any setting the Lady would feel comfortable with. "I would be comfortable as long as the lady is."
The Servant was a bit taken aback by this kind of reply, however, with an utter display of professionalism, he masked his surprise and requested the Prince to follow him. Lorian was a bit surprised, as he had anticipated the servant to convey his message to the Lady first, and then guide them to the desired location. Seeing the servant directly guide them instead meant two things: either he was well aware where the girl would be awaiting them, or she had already anticipated what his response would be and guided the servant accordingly. Lorian felt a bit uncomfortable with the second possibility, as it would either mean she was too clever to correctly guess the decision of a guy (Adrian) she had not met; or the real Lorian's trait was rubbing off on Adrian to make his footsteps predictable for those who knew Lorian closely. His face turned grim, his mood solemn.
As Lorian and Lucien passed through the hall, the guards and servants bowed to the duo, this time not purely out of courtesy like earlier, but more out of genuine respect. That's how quickly power shifts.
Again, like earlier, they approached a closed door, as the servant knocked. But this time, a female voice promptly asked them to enter, opening the door. There was a mix of fear, worry, and rush in that voice, but all of those were surpassed by a melodic, gentle quality that seemed too dreamy.
As Lorian entered the room, accompanied by Lucien and guided by the servant, they entered a beautifully decorated room. The room's decoration was a glaring contrast to the rest of the building- as if it was taken from somewhere else and inserted forcefully, making it an odd misfit. While the entire architecture of Gilded Spire exuded Affluence, Power, Ambition, and Order; this room was like a warm hearth: minimalistic, simple decorations, yet beautifully arranged, like a picture. In the center, was sitting a girl- so beautiful it felt she was out of a fairy tale. If fairy tales were true, she would be the Princess fairest of them all. Lorian felt he could cry out of joy just by witnessing the beauty.
Suddenly Lorian felt a smack at the back of his head. He knew who it was, and he smiled. He knew it was needed or he would get carried away with this otherworldly beauty.
There were two more girls in the room. One was in heavy armor, another in plain maid's clothing. Both looked beautiful in their own right; but their beauty faded in the presence of the Pearl of Bistro, like the shining stars lose their charm around the full moon in the night sky.
The girl stood up from her chair and bowed to the guests. "Bianca Bistro, daughter of Baron Bisfront Bistro, welcomes the esteemed guests in her humble space, and conveys her sincere gratitude and indebtedness for granting her wish." The other two ladies also bowed following her, but their actions seemed to be lacking in genuineness and willingness.
"Your Royal Highness," she continued in her cool and perfectly modulated voice, carrying just a trace of melancholy, "And Commander Lehance. Welcome. Please forgive the... sudden change in circumstance within Bistro Manor. Though I confess, I had hoped that after so long, our next meeting would be under less turbulent, and far happier, stars."
Lorian did not speak anything, just nodded in reply. He was feeling alert around her, as if he should not speak anything careless in her presence by mistake, or it could make him regret it later.
The three girls were a bit surprised by Lorian's such controlled response. She resumed, "I sincerely apologize for the necessary, yet clumsy, manner of your summons. I request you to kindly take your seats. I understand fully that unfortunately my father, Baron Bisfront Bistro, is now under the authority of House Thorne. However, this matter- our matter- is separate. I invited you here to ensure the future remains clear, despite the current unpleasantness."
Lorian gave her an amused look as he took the seat opposite to Bianca. "our matter?"
While entering the hall, Lucien had briefed Lorian about the chain of events that had happened between the two after they were born. Bianca was born a few days before Lorian. With her birth, the whole of Veridia came to know that a girl of great beauty and grace, fitting for an Empress, was born in the House Bistro. Everyone was happy except Baron Bistro, who had wished for a son who would take over him and eventually dethrone the Thornes to be the ruler of Veridia. But after Lorian was born, things changed dramatically. Lord Elmsworth was well aware of the ambition of the Baron, and the birth of his son gave him a good opportunity to change the scenario. He offered the Bistros a matrimonial alliance, between Lorian Thorne and Bianca Bistro. The cunning lord knew this was a proposal the Baron would find too good to refuse.