Year 1531 A.F.
Imperial Palace, Aurelia Solvanyr Empire
Every Eye Watches, Every Tongue Advises
The Imperial Council Chamber
The chamber of councils was vast, lined with polished obsidian floors that reflected the chandeliers of enchanted crystal. Tapestries depicted the Aurelia Empire's victories, including the last three wars on Gor'thak and Khar-Durim's siege of the northern passes.
At the high dais sat Emperor Aurelius IX, flanked by Empress Seraphina Solvanyr. Around the U-shaped council table were:
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr — Lightning Spellblade
Lady Aralyn Solvanyr — Advisor and Fiancée
Prince Darius Solvanyr — Aura Knight
Princess Elowyn Solvanyr — latent Air Mage
Prince Cassian Solvanyr (4), and younger siblings
Imperial Uncles and Generals — Lord Magnus Solvanyr, Duke Tharion Kaelthorn, Duke Edric Morvain, Duke Severus Eldric, Duke Alaric Valcaryn
Nobles — 12 Marquis, 28 Counts, 36 Viscounts, 48 Barons/Earls
At the far end were the intelligence representatives from each continent—special envoys or correspondences from Sylvarae, Khar-Durim, Mordraith, Gor'thak, Thalassyra, and Pyrael.
....
Opening Remarks
Emperor Aurelius IX raised his hand.
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Thank you all for attending. We convene not merely for ceremonial purposes but for the pressing intelligence regarding our realm and the Solvanyr-Solivanyr union."
He gestured toward Crown Prince Lucien and Lady Aralyn.
Emperor Aurelius IX
"This marriage will not be just domestic—it is continental. Reports have been consolidated from all seven continents. I want clarity, insight, and recommendations before any final announcement."
....
Discussion of Internal Imperial Affairs
Lord Magnus Solvanyr, Imperial Uncle and controller of the Western Military Regions, leaned forward.
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"The eastern provinces are stable. No rebellions among our counts, viscounts, or barons. However, some younger viscounts question the necessity of this marriage. I recommend showing Lucien's martial skill during a parade—reinforce authority."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn — husband of Princess Valeria Solvanyr spoke next.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"The eastern march is secure. My heir, Caelum, has conducted exercises with the spellblade corps. Demonstrations of skill will quell dissent and impress allied nobility."
Duke Edric Morvain added,
Duke Edric Morvain
"The Marovain line is ready to mobilize advisors for the engagement ceremony. Our eldest, Stephan, already coordinates with younger lords to ensure no baron or count acts without direction."
....
Cross-Continental Reports
Sylvarae — the Elven Forest Empire
Envoy Lady Thalira of the Tree-Throne Dynasty stood.
Lady Thalira
"The High Elves approve. Some minor forest houses question cross-continental politics, but the Tree-Throne's elders support Lucien's union. Lady Aralyn's integrity is noted."
Crown Prince Lucien
"Her influence among merchants in Sylvarae may ease trade. We should consider minor concessions to elven forest regions to reinforce loyalty."
Khar-Durim — Dwarves & Mountain Holds
Dwarven Ambassador Thrain Ironfist spoke, voice deep as mine tunnels.
Thrain Ironfist
"Our royal family views this union with curiosity. The Dwarves favor alliances that strengthen craft networks and mana trade. Lucien's lightning heritage intrigues the forging guilds. The Heir's acceptance is assured."
Duke Severus Eldric
"And no interference from the Mountain Empire's banking dynasties?"
Thrain Ironfist
"They wait for our approval. Once given, gold flows toward Solvanyr interests."
Mordraith — Necro-Empire
A shadowy figure emerged from a floating cube of soul-glass projection.
Death-Archbishop Malveon
"The Lich King and his heirs record every detail. They allow the marriage for observation and to maintain continental stability. Soul-led courts approve, provided contingencies are prepared."
Lady Aralyn
"Contingencies?"
Death-Archbishop Ilyssara
"Contingencies, Lady Aralyn, against unpredictable human variables. Do not misinterpret silence for blessing."
Gor'thak — Orcish Conquest
Ambassador Krug Bloodhorn's tusked face glimmered in the light.
Krug Bloodhorn
"The Orc Emperor welcomes the arrangement if it strengthens strategic interests. War remains inevitable, but this union buys time—time for armies to reorganize. Rukhar Bloodhorn sends congratulations… in his own blunt fashion."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Time bought must be spent wisely. I suggest reinforcing borders near Gor'thak-controlled territories."
Thalassyra — Maritime & Trade
Naval Envoy Admiral Selthara addressed the chamber.
Admiral Selthara
"The fleets approve cautiously. Merchant houses anticipate stronger mana routes and trade flows. The Solvanyr match stabilizes sea lanes, but some city-states are wary of monopolization."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"We will coordinate tariffs and trade agreements in advance. Aralyn's influence will be useful here."
Pyrael — Mage Empire
Mage Ambassador Aelthar
"Emperor Thalorion's court accepts the union for strategic mana and elemental exchange. They caution: the woman's lack of elemental mastery could introduce variable instability."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Aralyn's capabilities in diplomacy and trade may compensate. She's proven in prior negotiations."
....
Internal Strategy Discussion
Empress Seraphina Solvanyr
"Every continent has been accounted for. Now we must align internal households with external reality. The nobles must perceive the marriage as strengthening Solvanyr authority—not weakening it."
Duke Edric Morvain
"I recommend hosting a preliminary council with all 12 Marquis and 28 Counts. Let them voice concerns under supervision. Transparency will prevent whispers of dissent."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Barons and Viscounts? They will follow once senior nobility is unified. Do not underestimate the power of visible loyalty."
Lady Aralyn
"We should also consider entertainment and cultural displays. Demonstrations of skill, mana, and courtesy will persuade distant houses more than words."
Crown Prince Lucien
"Then let our demonstration begin with military exercises and diplomatic receptions. Nobility must see the alliance, not the arrangement."
....
Noble Council Interjections
Marquis Ironfold
"House Kaelthorn supports this. Our counts are instructed accordingly."
Count Valric Elden
"House Eldric expresses cautious approval. Lady Octavia's presence will reinforce confidence among viscounts."
Viscount Thelran
"Some of the younger houses doubt the efficiency of foreign alliances, particularly Mordraith and Pyrael. They need reassurance."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"We provide it. Lucien's skill, Aralyn's intelligence, and the imperial family's unity are sufficient proof."
....
Military Considerations
Lord Magnus Solvanyr
"Borders are secure. Forces are stationed strategically near Gor'thak, Khar-Durim, and Sylvarae. Mordraith remains unpredictable. Pyrael requires observation of mana fluctuations near the Solvanyr holdings."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"The Kaelthorn border troops are ready. Lysandra and Aethon have trained forces for escort duty."
Crown Prince Lucien
"The imperial fleet is in readiness, Thalassyra's channels are charted. Every continent has contingencies."
Lady Aralyn
"And intelligence gathering? We cannot rely on goodwill alone."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Already in motion. Agents from all continents report daily. We have a 24-hour intelligence cycle."
....
The Marriage Proposal Review
Emperor Aurelius IX
"We know the political, military, and mercantile implications. But have we considered succession? Will the children born from this union face immediate challenges from any noble house or foreign power?"
Princess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn
"Our internal lines are secure. Marquises and counts have pledged support. Gor'thak may contest indirectly, but only if provoked."
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"The eldest heirs in each Duke house—Caelum, Stephan, Octavia, Aethon—are prepared to act as intermediaries. We avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
....
Closing the Council
Emperor Aurelius IX
"Then it is settled. We proceed with the announcement of Crown Prince Lucien's engagement to Lady Aralyn. All houses, internal and external, are to be informed officially."
Crown Prince Lucien
"I accept this responsibility. Aralyn and I will represent the empire with strength, diplomacy, and care."
Lady Aralyn
"We will ensure the union is respected by every corner of the empire—and beyond."
Empress Seraphina
"Very well. Let the preparations begin. Let this council be remembered as the day the Solvanyr union aligned all continents without a single sword drawn."
....
Closing Observation
Outside the council chamber, the palace hummed with energy.
Couriers delivered orders to Gor'thak and Thalassyra.
Envoys from Pyrael and Sylvarae prepared for verification.
Merchant Houses recalculated contracts.
Military commanders adjusted deployments.
Every continent had spoken, and now the Solvanyr Empire would act.
Marriage was no longer personal.
It was strategy.
It was alliance.
It was history in motion.