Page 50 of Sundered By Fate

"I have big plans for this city, Aric. I want to usher in a new era of prosperity and peace, free from the shadow of war." His voice was fervent now, his eyes distant as if envisioning that future even now. "With your help, I believe we can make that dream a reality."

Aric felt a weight settle in his chest—a mix of awe and apprehension at the task laid before him. He had come here seeking answers about the anomaly, but it seemed he had stumbled into something far greater than he could have imagined.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cityscape, Valerian turned to face him once more. "I will send word with details about tomorrow's ball and our strategy meeting." His hand lingered on Aric's arm. "For now, rest well and know that you are safe here."

Safe.Such a subjective word.

Aric couldn't help but wonder if all he'd really done was escape one cage, only to fall into another trap.

Twelve

As Aric entered the grand ballroom of the Regalia Palace, the sheer opulence of the setting nearly took his breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the marble floors, while sweeping curtains of gold and crimson framed the enormous stained glass windows that looked out over Astaria. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings depicting legendary battles and mythical beasts—though none could rival the fierce beauty he had glimpsed firsthand in the demon realm.

He was painfully aware of the eyes upon him as he moved further inside—noble ladies in glittering gowns, lords with polished armor glinting under the lights, mage scholars sporting embroidered robes that matched their guilds' colors. All were caught up in a whirlwind of movement and music and power.

"Did you hear?" one of the guests was saying to her companion. "They say the king's health is failing faster than we thought."

Aric's stomach tightened at this revelation, but there was no time to dwell on it as another voice joined the fray:

"They say Lord Regent Valerian has his own plans in motion. Rumors about alliances with mages from beyond our borders?—"

Aric ground his teeth together as he adjusted his cravat once more, his formal attire suddenly feeling too tight. He couldn't let their idle gossip distract him now; he needed to focus on his own mission for the evening.

He found a quiet corner near one of the banquet tables and surveyed the room from there, forcing himself to ignore both the sumptuous feast laid out before him—more food than most saw in months, with endless possibilities for seasoning if not spice—and those unnerving whispers that seemed to follow him everywhere he went.

But most of all, he tried not to think about Valerian—his impassioned voice calling for change, for progress and innovation?—

His closeness in that starlit stroll across Astaria's bridges—each touch burning more than golden flames ever had.

"Lord Regent." The other nobles lowered their heads in deference. "Will you join us for this next dance?"

Valerian's piercing blue eyes swept over the group, assessing, before settling on Aric.

"Actually, if you don't mind, I would ask Solarian here to join me for a waltz."

The air seemed to still at Valerian's words. Aric's heart thudded in his chest. He caught a glimpse of Cyrus's eyes narrowing as he realized Valerian had turned from him, that smug leer twisting into a snarl before he turned away.

"I—yes, of course."

Valerian took Aric's arm, leading him toward the center of the dance floor. Even through his gloves, Aric felt the heat of Valerian's touch.

The music shifted into a waltz, and they began to move together, Valerian's hand firm on Aric's waist, his other holding Aric's in a grasp that was more than guiding.

"You look very handsome tonight," Valerian said in a low voice meant only for Aric.

Aric's cheeks heated. "Thank you, my lord."

They moved in time with the music, Valerian leading them across the floor with a grace that spoke of countless evenings like this one.

"You've caused quite a stir since your return," Valerian said. "I've heard many whispers about you."

"I imagine not all of them favorable."

"Perhaps not. But the court loves nothing more than an enigma." Valerian's eyes locked onto Aric's, an intensity in his eyes that made Aric's breath catch. "And you are certainly that."

Aric fought to hold his composure as they turned and swirled with the other dancers. The scent of Valerian—some kind of sandalwood cologne—was intoxicatingly close.

"What is it you wish to know, my lord?" Aric asked carefully.

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