The bells of Solvelyn rang loud and long
Today was meant to be a celebration.
A royal wedding, binding two kingdoms by blood and oath.
Yet inside the grand cathedral, the air was cold and tense.
Elira stood at the altar, draped in a gown of silver thread and pale diamonds, her face hidden behind a veil.
Across from her, Prince Kael looked every inch the empire's weapon—clad in black and crimson, a sword strapped to his side even on this sacred day.
His expression was a mask. Cold. Formal. Untouched by joy.
The High Priest spoke the ancient words, blessing the union before the gods, before the court, before the empire.
There were no whispered endearments.
No tender vows.
Only silence.
When the priest paused, inviting the prince to seal the union with a kiss, Kael simply reached out and clasped Elira's hand.
It was firm. Steady.
Utterly devoid of affection.
The crowd murmured, but no one dared to speak.
The marriage was done.
A union built not on love, but on necessity and every one in the cathedral knew it.
Later, as the feasting and hollow celebrations died down, Kael found Elira alone on the balcony. She didn't move as he approached.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Kael said, his voice low and cold, "Stay out of the court's games, Elira."
She turned to face him, searching his eyes.
"Why?" she asked softly, almost curious.
Kael's lips curved—not into a smile, but something colder.
"Because here," he murmured, "they don't kill you with blades. They kill you with smiles."
He stepped closer, his presence a wall of heat against the night chill.
"And if you're not careful… you won't survive."
Elira held his gaze, refusing to flinch.
I survived Elyndor's fall, she wanted to say. I can survive this too.
But she said nothing.
Kael stared at her for a moment longer, then turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving only the warning and the weight of it behind.
Elira gripped the cold stone railing, her new wedding band felt like a shackle on her hand.
Beneath the silence, the games of Solvelyn had already begun.
And she would not be the first to go down.