Ethan stood at the back of the great hall in the palace, as he was expected to. The enormous arched room was well lit with a combination of magical lighting in various colors, as well more traditional torches. It gave the room an odd ambience that felt quite alien, and it was only enhanced by the countless nobles meandering through the open area between the lavishly dressed dinner tables.

They were a sea of color, and Ethan finally saw how elaborate their dress could be, with far more frill and flare than the daily wear. Women wore extravagant dresses, some with awkward tails they needed to hold, while others had incorporated flowing cloaks to a similar effect. The styles seemed to transcend borders, as those of Arinae and Viridus were similarly attired. Although, the desert nation wore far brighter colors, leaning toward the greens and blue that their own sandy homeland lacked.

Ethan turned his eyes upward at the gift the Arinaens had brought, an immense hourglass that hovered near the ceiling. The sands inside were golden, and shone with their own light. The device didn’t appear to tell time, however, instead spinning slowly and continuously, causing the sand inside to swirl around endlessly, in a visually pleasing manner.

The first appearance of the visiting royals had been similarly ostentatious. The huge ship had ridden its magical wave of sand directly up to the moving city, and somehow managed to dock with the palace. Ethan had waited with a small army of local nobility to observe, and couldn’t deny that it was a remarkable sight.

Now he was among the mass of excited and rich people, each hoping to use the rare visit to negotiate one thing or another with their challenging Western neighbor. Ethan didn’t stand out by his outfit, at least, having been given an expensive dark suit with traditional high collar, the cuffs and seams being brocaded with white, much to his pleasure.

Now he was ostensibly ‘doing his duty’ by hiding near the back of the room, not drawing attention. In reality, he was a predator lying in wait, continually reviewing the absurd amount of information he’d absorbed in the last day. He knew as much as possible about Tempestia, his supposed home, as well as Viridus’ closest neighbors, and the turbulent history between them.

As he waited, he tested out the new trick he and Tomo had come up with. He would subtly approach a group of people, then speak in a voice that wasn’t his own. Heads would turn, looking for the woman, or old man that had commented, ignoring Ethan. It was an extension of what the Spirit Familiar had done to hide his voice, and one of the few weapons he had that was appropriate to this setting.

Other than that, it was just his few pieces of leverage, and what he’d learned about the prince and princess that were the true guests of honor. They had yet to arrive, and Ethan had to entertain himself by watching the Innevaros and Rovaros compete for attention. Daelin–an Innevaro herself–had explained the odd dynamic, but Ethan hadn’t been able to make sense of it until now.

Both families apparently had ties to the royal line, but were so ancient that neither could prove who was the true originator. It had spawned a rivalry that was now many centuries old, and it apparently was seen in everything from mercantile agreements to Hunter scions. Today it amounted to the two families effectively ambushing every visiting noble, and talking over one another in an attempt to dominate every conversation in the name of their respective family.

Still, none forgot what they were really waiting for, and every pair of eyes in the room would occasionally drift toward the massive double doors from which the pair was expected to enter. Through it all, Ethan’s nerves tormented him. He was going to take some big risks today, and he had to keep telling himself that they were smaller than continuing on his current path. What’s more, if the situation went truly out of control, he could always reveal himself as the real Chosen and defect to Arinae.

It wasn’t likely to be much better than his current situation. From everything he’d learned, they would use him for their own ends without hesitation, and likely with grander and darker ambitions. But it was still a way to flip the script, and start fresh if this all blew up in his face, and that offered some comfort.

When the royals finally arrived the sun had been down for some time, and many of the nobles had indulged in the plentiful drink. The entrance was predictably grand, as a procession of knights came first, clearing the way. There were two lines of the armored warriors walking abreast, one side being the familiar deep blue of Viridus, while the other was a rusty red representing Arinae. The columns spread out around the room, presumably keeping the place safe from unseen threats.

At last the royals appeared, likewise paired off. First came the princes, who were simultaneously similar, yet contrasting sharply. Calevaro was in his usual attire to protect his identity as a Chosen, his dark purple armor covered him from head to toe. Prince Thavin Halenaro was similarly garbed in light armor of a blood red color, though his face was uncovered, revealing copper hair and a cocksure smile.

The princesses came next, both wearing surprisingly sleek and form-fitting dresses, as if in open rebellion against the extravagance of the other women gathered. Once more the colors were purple and red, and the two princesses seemed intent on looking anywhere but at one another, splitting apart as quickly as decorum would allow. The king came last, alone, and dressed the same as the last time Ethan had seen him, his large robe layered over surprisingly sensible clothing.

It was strange to know the man was Twilight rank, evidently a powerful warrior in his own right. When Valanar had told him of the king’s rank, Ethan had only considered it academically, but with his improved spiritual senses it felt like the man was pulling the whole world toward him. Without conscious thought, Ethan’s vision slipped into the Astral, and he gazed upon true power for the first time.

Everything was abruptly bathed in the familiar haze that was the metaphysical world, the light in the Great Hall seeming to stretch and warp. Ethan had eyes only for King Rothavaro, however, as the man was giant in this world. The spiritual form of the Twilight Hunter was a shade of purple so vibrant it made a mockery of the royal color.

The king appeared to be eight or nine feet tall, and he strode imperiously through the hall, not deigning to interact with the countless lesser forms in his path. Runes covered his form, reaching from his chest outward across the glowing body, well past his elbows and knees. But in spite of the impressive figure, as usual it was the man’s Familiar that stole the show.

The towering monster’s head nearly scraped the ceiling, and it looked like a gorilla that had been dipped in lava. The creature’s muscled form literally dripped blobs of scalding rock, and several other Spirit Familiars fled to avoid being burned. The gorilla didn’t seem to notice, appearing bored of the entire affair, and looked grateful to collapse into a lazy sit when the king reached his table.

At last Ethan was able to look away, his eyes drawn to the two princesses, now on opposite sides of the room. The familiar spider hovered over Ellevaro, but he was surprised to see something like a caterpillar behind Olivia. In the Astral, both princesses were weaving continuously, though the royal of Arinae appeared to be using some kind of silk rather than a web.

Ethan forced his vision back to normal, still shuddering slightly at the power he felt from the Twilight king. He idly wondered if Tomo would be able to do anything against a Spirit Familiar of that power, but he’d insisted the demon remain hidden for now–despite Tomo’s insistence that it would be fine. His previous master had been vastly more powerful before they’d encountered any Chosen, and Ethan wanted to manage the risk of one of his increasingly long list of secrets getting out.

Finally another figure exited the double doors, but rather than the intense whispers and general excitement that accompanied the royals, the man in the dark robe was greeted by nervous silence. If the king had felt powerful, this man radiated it like heat from the sun. A quick, tentative glance into the Astral showed Ethan nothing, however, and he joined the rest of the guests in simply staring.

The hooded figure wasn’t tall, and his robe covered anything that might give some clue to his identity. The man simply walked through the silence of the Great Hall, his footsteps echoing, and stood behind the king. The entire assembled group seemed unsure how to proceed, until Rothavaro himself began to speak.

“We welcome the delegation from Arinae,” he said simply, sounding no happier than he had when Ethan had first met the man. “You will all treat Princess Olivia and Prince Thavin with the respect they are due.” He gestured lazily behind him at the cloaked man. “As tradition dictates, a Chosen is here to ensure the safety of all. Now eat, drink, dance, at your pleasure.”

The king was joined by a few nobles who were apparently welcome at his table, but both princes and princesses immediately went to work, swooping in on specific groups like predatory birds. In each case, the princes seemed like reluctant participants, speaking little, and mainly looking around the room–more often than not, at each other.

While Olivia and Ellevaro appeared to be making deals and managing relationships, the two young men appeared to be assessing one another. Ethan smiled from his lonely corner of the room, his confidence growing. Knowing his own role would likely be later in the evening, he turned his attention to the Chosen.

For all of his research on nations, and royals, the Chosen remained a black box, despite Ethan being one. He’d gained more information on Champions, at least. They were the most Elite Hunters who’d fought their way across the world, demonstrating their capabilities against Masters in each nation. Once hailed as Champions, they’d move on to some nebulous purpose, often known only to themselves.

Chosen, on the other hand, were somehow trapped between myth and politics. Dalen was either unwilling, or incapable of giving him more information, and asking around town had provided him with nothing but vague stories of power and protection. Indeed, those were the only two constants–the Chosen possessed powerful Familiars, and would often be called in to protect kingdoms. Or to keep the peace, as the one was doing here today.

Still, it almost seemed like no one truly understood why. It had simply ‘always been that way’, seemingly for thousands of years. It was such an ingrained part of society now that a nation simply possessing a Chosen would elevate them politically, granting respect, and deference that might otherwise be undeserved. It also sparked considerable jealousy, which Ethan hoped to use today.

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Arinae didn’t have a Chosen.

Still, Ethan had to wait for his moment, which proved both boring and exhausting. He’d already been up for a day and half, taxing his mind with Knowledge Stones and traditional studying, and as the hours ticked by, he found himself growing restless, and even pacing slightly to keep his energy level up. Unfortunately it didn’t go unnoticed.

The other Chosen had remained behind the king for the entirety of the celebration thus far. He didn’t speak, nor was he spoken to, and he certainly didn’t deign to eat. But he did watch Ethan. At first it was just a vague impression, as the hooded figure appeared to be staring forward blankly. When Ethan began walking back and forth across the hall, however, it became clear the man’s head was turning to follow him.

Please just be looking at an unimportant lunatic, pacing around a party like he’s in withdrawal. The Chosen was very much not part of the plan, and Ethan simply didn’t have the information to include him. He had to table that worry, when at last Princess Olivia waved him over with an imperious gesture.

Ethan quickly made to obey, noticing the eyes of many–notably Ellevaro–on him as he did so. When he reached the princess he made a sloppy bow, in keeping with both his actual identity and his false one. When he rose back up, he was given his first close look at the visiting royal.

She had red hair, darker than her brothers, and piercing green eyes beneath. Back home, Ethan definitely would have found a way to mention that he was a doctor–a single doctor–to the beautiful woman as quickly as possible. Eyeing her pale skin, he wondered how in the hells she kept such a complexion in a desert kingdom.

“You are the one I’ve heard about,” she said in a curious tone. “The one who managed to befriend the famously aloof Prince Calevaro.”

“Ethan Bishop,” he replied. “But I don’t know if you could call it friendship, princess. I certainly wouldn’t presume. I was just lucky enough to embarrass myself in his general vicinity, and he took pity on me.” He eyed Prince Thavin, wondering if he should address the man, but the warrior looked so bored and disinterested that it wasn’t clear that he was aware of Ethan’s existence. That would change.

“Of course, something about a monster attack. How remarkably fortunate for you,” Olivia said, making no effort to hide her disbelief. “And I understand you’re not even a citizen of this realm. Calevaro is truly the heroic sort.” This time it was clear that Thavin was listening, as his face screwed up in irritation.

“Indeed, princess. I hail from Tempestia, where I was lucky enough to gain my first Bond. I was searching for my second when the prince was forced to intervene on my behalf.” This part of the story was well-rehearsed, but Ethan knew the true test was about to begin.

“Ah, Tempestia, a lovely place. I visited there myself once,” the princess responded.

“Of course, Princess Olivia. I believe it was seven years ago, now. Not something anyone could forget. Sadly I was working the docks at the time, and couldn’t have been farther below your notice.”

“Indeed,” she said. “And how is Lady Allistead? She was such a kind host.” First real test, but a simple one.

“Your pardon, princess, our particular accent had claimed another victim it seems. Lady Allisteed is quite well, though she retired last year.” Hopefully a believable flattery. Ethan had been worried about his language being discovered, but apparently translation runes were so cheap and plentiful that virtually no one learned foreign languages in this world.

“Ah yes, you’re right. It was such a long time ago. And such a great distance. How did you get to Viridus, of all places?”

“People are still kind to Pilgrims, princess, though the road was long. I was actually on my way to your own great nation when I ran into monster trouble. There was a small rift. It was no difficulty for a company of knights, but surely a death sentence for someone with a single Bond.”

“Indeed, very frightening,” she said. “And you came through the Eastern Pass through the swamplands as well? Truly a pilgrimage to be remembered.” Another test? If so, it’s an odd one.

“Forgive me, princess, but I did not. Perhaps someone braver than I might have risked it, but the swamplands are terrifyingly dangerous. I came through the Northern pass, by way of Nixus. I tell you, it was quite cold in the snowlands after growing up in Tempestia!”

Olivia’s entire countenance changed, and suddenly she was looking at him like an insect in her web–or silk, in this case. “Oh really? And how precisely did you get by the Eastern blockade in Nixus? Their borders have been sealed for months. It’s not a well-known thing, of course, Nixus doesn’t like to broadcast their border disputes. But obviously you’d know, having somehow found a way across.”

Here we go. I should look like a believable spy, now I just need to look like she’s caught me. Ethan sputtered, eyes darting around the room–as if looking to flee. His gaze happened to land on Dalen, who was standing with Princess Ellevaro, clearly watching the exchange. Okay, I have the whole audience, they both need to believe this.

“Well, I must have crossed before the border was sealed, of course,” he answered lamely.

“Ah, naturally. That must be it,” the princess said, eyes boring into him. “Because, if that weren’t the truth, then the only way you could possibly have made it here would be if you were actually from Nixus.” Ethan chuckled awkwardly, but she kept going. “You’re certainly not from my nation, after all. I checked. And the only thing to come out of the swamplands lately are horrific undead abominations.”

Again Ethan glanced at Dalen and the Ellevaro, and clearly no help was coming. “Princess, I can assure you that–”

“No one can hear us, spy,” she said calmly, gesturing to a series of runes on her dress that glowed softly. “You can stop wasting my time and start speaking plainly. What is Nixus doing here?”

Ethan looked at the other guests only a few feet away, clearly trying to act normally, despite the two royals being so close. Indeed they didn’t seem like they could hear. Ethan took a long, calming breath, then put on his best smile. “I’m just a humble pilgrim who was lucky enough to make some unusual friends. Surely you would have a better grasp of inter-kingdom politics than I?”

She smiled back, though it didn’t touch her eyes. “Nixus wants what it always wants: Viridus as another vassal state. They want this land to send all its food to that frozen wasteland, freeing them to spend their precious resources on what they truly care about: conquest.”

Ethan shrugged. “So the people of Nixus might say about Arinae. Perhaps you could enlighten a simple commoner like myself? If that’s always true, then what could possibly have changed to cause the snowlands to take action now?”

She narrowed her eyes, but seemed content to play the game. “It’s not the swamplands, they’ve been a threat for decades…” she trailed off, following her silent brother’s gaze across the room, to where Calevaro stood impassively. “The Chosen?” she said, sounding surprised. “What could that possibly change? If anything it would make Nixus less likely to invade.”

“You tell me, princess,” Ethan said, smiling a knowing smile. “Arinae and Nixus both lack Chosen of their own,” thank you for that Dalen, “why would Viridus reclaiming their own possibly make Nixus consider invasion?”

The princess glared, seeming to care less and less what the rest of the room might think about their private conversation. “It wouldn’t,” she said with some irritation. “And that certainly wouldn’t explain you. How would any of this relate to the prince making a new friend–” her eyes widened suddenly.

Ethan grinned back. “As I said, ‘friend’ is a difficult word. What about ally?” The princess’s cheeks colored.

“You can’t be serious! There’s no way Viridus would consider such an alliance. Sharing their Chosen is unthinkable!”

Ethan shrugged again. “It would certainly take some convincing. You’d need just the right people at just the right time. Like, hypothetically, a brand new Chosen with more power and influence than he’s ever experienced, and an unlikely companion, one with a very different perspective on Nixus than he’s used to.”

The princess stepped closer. “Nixus would be mad to try this!”

Ethan shrugged. “Would they? I’m just a pilgrim, of course, but what wouldn’t they do for a Chosen of their own? And what could they possibly set their sights on that would be worth going to that much trouble?”

“He’s talking about us, sister,” Thavin said, speaking for the first time. “They’re setting their sights on Arinae!”

“Quiet, Thavin! Let me handle this.”

“Yes, Prince Thavin, listen to your good sister. There’s nothing you can do anyway. As long as Viridus has the Chosen, they’re the ones with the real power. And it’s not like Prince Calevaro is going anywhere, he’s a Champion in the making. You should have seen him at the arena yesterday–”

The prince turned to look at Ethan. “Calevaro is nothing! He hides behind the power of the Chosen because he has no strength of his own!”

Ethan put on a chastised look. “I’m sorry, prince, I’m a foreigner in these lands. Perhaps I shouldn’t be listening to the stories everyone tells of your former encounters with Prince Calevaro.”

“Stories!” Thavin hissed, and Olivia reached out, trying to pull her brother back. “Stories of children! Stories of the boys we were, not the men we are! Calevaro is a coward and a cheat!”

Thavin pushed Ethan out of his way suddenly, storming across the Great Hall. Princess Olivia whispered at her brother to stop, but he was moving too quickly, drawing too much attention. She turned to Ethan instead. “What have you done?! Why would you goad him like that?”

Ethan put on his best shocked expression, in case Ellevaro was watching. “I don’t know what you mean. What possible benefit could there be to your clearly hotheaded brother getting so upset?”

The two of them, along with every set of eyes in the Hall turned suddenly at a loud clang. Thavin was standing over Prince Calevaro, who’d clearly just been sucker-punched by a gauntleted hand. “In front of all these witnesses, I, Thavin Halenaro, hereby challenge you to a duel!”

Princess Olivia’s mouth fell open, and she turned to look back at Ethan, fury in her eyes. Across the room, Princess Ellevaro’s expression was remarkably similar. Ethan made himself appear panicked, and desperate, though inwardly he was smiling. Half the night’s plan was right on track.

Arinae thinks Viridus is considering an alliance against them with the snowlands…that should keep Ellevaro busy. And it would seem that Prince Calevaro is going to need a body double earlier than expected. It looks like I didn’t need an entire year to prove my value after all.

Ethan let out a long, tension relieving breath. Of course, the night’s not over…no way in hell am I going to be the one to fight that idiot.