Year 1531 A.F. | High Summer
Aurelion Prime — The Grand Solar Hall
The Grand Solar Hall had not seen such attendance in years.
Golden pillars rose like frozen sunlight, banners of the Empire hanging in perfect symmetry. At the far end of the hall, the Imperial dais stood elevated by three marble steps, flanked by ceremonial guards in white and gold.
This was no celebration.
This was judgment.
....
The Assembly of Power
The court assembled in precise order.
At the forefront stood the four ducal pillars of the Empire present in the capital:
Duke Alaric Valcaryn, Lord of Eastmarch, husband to Princess Valeria Solvanyr
Duke Edric Morvain, Warden of the Northern Trade Roads
Duke Severus Eldric, High Duke of the Central Plains
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn, Lord of Ironspire and Military Patron
Behind them, arranged by seniority and precedence:
12 Marquis
28 Counts
36 Viscounts
48 Barons and Earls
Every house stood in silence. No one spoke. No one shifted unnecessarily.
They were here to witness history—or to survive it.
....
Lucien Solvanyr
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr stepped forward beside the Imperial throne, posture immaculate, expression composed.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Let the record show that this audience is convened under Imperial law, for the consideration of a diplomatic union between the Empire of Valtherion and the Kingdom of Sylvarae."
The scribes' quills moved instantly.
....
The Envoys of Sylvarae
The elven delegation advanced.
At their head stood High Envoy Letharion Silversong, robes woven from living silk, his movements fluid yet restrained. Beside him walked Lady Aralyn Sylvaris, her presence calm, her gaze observant.
High Envoy Letharion Silversong
"Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, we thank the Empire for this audience. Sylvarae comes not in demand, but in offer."
Lucien inclined his head.
Lucien Solvanyr
"Then speak plainly. The Empire values clarity above ornament."
A faint smile touched Letharion's lips.
High Envoy Letharion Silversong
"As expected of a Solvanyr."
....
The Proposal
High Envoy Letharion Silversong
"The Kingdom of Sylvarae proposes a union between Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr and Lady Aralyn Sylvaris, niece to our reigning monarch. This bond would formalize peace, secure shared borders, and bind our peoples in trade and defense."
A controlled murmur rippled through the hall.
....
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
Duke Alaric Valcaryn stepped forward, armor ceremonial but functional.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Eastmarch shares borders touched by Sylvarae's influence. What guarantees does this union offer against future ambiguity?"
High Envoy Letharion Silversong
"Mutual patrol rights. Shared intelligence. And open arbitration under Imperial authority."
Alaric nodded once.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Acceptable terms—if honored."
Princess Valeria watched him closely, saying nothing.
....
Duke Edric Morvain
Duke Edric Morvain adjusted his gloves before speaking.
Duke Edric Morvain
"Trade routes pass through my lands. Will Sylvarae honor Imperial tariffs without exception?"
Lady Aralyn Sylvaris
"Sylvarae will honor Imperial tariffs on all shared routes. No exemptions. No hidden levies."
A murmur of approval passed among the counts.
....
Duke Severus Eldric
Duke Severus Eldric spoke next, voice calm and sharp.
Duke Severus Eldric
"Elves live long. Humans rule briefly. What assurances prevent this marriage from becoming symbolic rather than functional?"
Lucien answered himself.
Lucien Solvanyr
"The Empire does not deal in symbols alone. Any union I enter will be governed by treaty, oversight, and succession law."
Severus inclined his head slightly.
Duke Severus Eldric
"Then the Empire remains intact."
....
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn spoke last.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Military cooperation. Will Sylvarae commit forces when called?"
Lady Aralyn Sylvaris met his gaze steadily.
Lady Aralyn Sylvaris
"Yes. Under defined conditions. Sylvarae does not hesitate when honor is invoked."
Tharion studied her for a long moment.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Then you understand the Empire."
....
The Lesser Nobility
Among the marquis, counts, viscounts, and barons, quiet calculations unfolded.
Countess Renara Volthis
"An elven Crown Princess would shift court influence."
Viscount Halric Dorne
"Or stabilize it."
Baron Edrin Falk
"Only if the Crown controls the narrative."
Every whisper carried weight.
....
Lucien's Decision
Lucien stepped forward once more.
Lucien Solvanyr
"The Empire acknowledges the proposal. We will not answer in haste."
He turned to Lady Aralyn.
Lucien Solvanyr
"You will remain in Aurelion as our honored guest. We will observe, learn, and decide."
Lady Aralyn inclined her head gracefully.
Lady Aralyn Sylvaris
"That is all Sylvarae asks."
....
Closing
As the hall slowly emptied, one truth settled among the assembled nobility:
This was not merely a marriage proposal.
It was a test of balance, a negotiation of futures, and a reminder that even in peace, the Empire moved with caution.
And at its center stood Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, calm beneath the weight of history, already proving that rulership was not seized—but measured.