Chapter 5: The Date is Set

The atmosphere in the Duke’s study was heavy with unspoken tension. Robert sat stiffly in his chair; his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Despite the steady, rhythmic pulse of mana within him—a calming exercise he had mastered long ago—he could feel a low hum of nervous energy coiling in his stomach. It was a familiar sensation, one that surfaced whenever he was thrust into unfamiliar territory. And now, he knew he was about to be pushed out of his comfort zone entirely.

Duke Sigismund stood at the head of the table, flanked by his trusted advisors. His stern gaze swept over the gathered council, lingering for a moment on Robert before shifting back to the maps and documents spread out before him.

“The King has chosen the location and date for the noble gathering,” the Duke announced, his voice calm but edged with a hint of steel. “It will be held in the King’s Summer Palace, one week from today.”

The news sent a ripple of murmurs through the room. Lady Corvina leaned forward, her fingers tapping lightly against the polished wood of the table. “The King’s Summer Palace? That’s unexpected. I would have assumed it would take place in the Royal Castle, as it always has.”

“I believe the King wants to create a different atmosphere,” the Duke replied. “One that is less formal and more… social. He believes this will help ease the tensions that have been rising between the houses.”

Robert shifted slightly in his seat, his gaze fixed on the map in front of him. He knew what his father was really saying: the King wanted to control the environment, to keep everyone off balance while maintaining a facade of camaraderie. The Summer Palace, with its sprawling gardens and luxurious halls, was a place designed for leisure and subtle manipulation—not for serious political discourse.

“Which houses have confirmed their attendance, my lord?” Lord Althar asked, his tone wary.

“Nearly all of them,” Duke Sigismund replied. “House Crima and House Mighthaves will be there in force, of course. But more importantly, we have confirmation that House Moone, House Port, and House Tawn will also be attending.”

“House Moone?” Lady Corvina repeated, her eyes narrowing. “They’ve kept themselves neutral in most conflicts. Their presence will be… intriguing.”

“House Port’s attendance is no surprise,” Frank added thoughtfully. “They’re always looking for ways to expand their influence along the coastal regions. And as for House Tawn… they’ve always had an interest in maintaining balance between the eastern and western territories. Their involvement could tip the scales, depending on where they choose to lend their support.”

“Which makes this gathering even more critical,” Duke Sigismund said firmly. His gaze shifted to Robert. “The presence of so many influential houses means that this will be a battlefield of words and influence. We cannot afford to make a single misstep.”

Robert swallowed hard, the knot of anxiety in his chest tightening. He could feel every gaze in the room turn towards him, assessing, weighing. He forced himself to sit up straighter, to meet their eyes with as much confidence as he could muster.

“I… I understand, Father,” he said quietly, his voice steady despite the turmoil beneath. “I’ll do my best.”

The Duke’s expression softened slightly, just enough for Robert to notice. “I know you will, Robert. But understand this: you will be facing not only our rivals, but the heirs of several powerful houses. They will look for any sign of weakness, any excuse to dismiss you. You must be prepared to defend yourself—both with words and, if necessary, with magic.”

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The thought of standing before those heirs—young lords and ladies who had been raised in the spotlight of power, trained to wield their influence like a blade—made Robert’s stomach churn. He’d spent most of his life within the confines of House Rest’s estate, his reclusive nature leaving him isolated from the social intricacies that came so naturally to others.

But he couldn’t let that stop him. He couldn’t afford to show fear, not now.

“I will be ready,” Robert said, forcing more strength into his voice. He glanced at Frank, who offered a small, reassuring nod. “Uncle Frank has been helping me with my spells. I’ll be able to defend myself if it comes to that.”

“I have no doubt of that,” Frank murmured, his gaze warm but assessing. “But it’s not just about defending yourself, Robert. It’s about making a statement. Showing them that you’re not just the heir of House Rest, but a force in your own right.”

“Exactly,” Duke Sigismund agreed. “You need to show them that you are more than just a mage—that you are a leader, one who commands respect.”

“I understand, Father,” Robert replied softly. He shifted his gaze back to the map, his mind already racing with thoughts of the upcoming gathering. He felt a flicker of doubt—of fear—but he pushed it down, burying it beneath a wall of determination.

He *had* to do this. He had to prove himself, not just for his family’s sake, but for his own.

“Good,” the Duke said, his voice gentler now. “Then we will spend the next few days ensuring you are fully prepared. Frank, I trust you will continue overseeing Robert’s training?”

“Of course,” Frank said with a smile. “We’ll focus on refining his defensive spells and bolstering his magical endurance. I also have a few new techniques I’d like him to try.”

“Excellent,” Duke Sigismund replied. He turned his attention to Alexander, who had been standing silently by the door, his arms crossed over his chest. “Alexander, you’ll be accompanying Robert to the Summer Palace. Ensure that he is safe at all times—but do not interfere unless absolutely necessary. He needs to be seen as capable and independent.”

“Understood, my lord,” Alexander said, inclining his head. His gaze shifted to Robert, and for a moment, his stern expression softened. “I’ll keep a close eye on him. But I have no doubt he’ll handle himself just fine.”

Robert managed a small smile. “Thank you, Alexander. I’ll try not to make your job too difficult.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Alexander replied with a faint grin. “Just focus on doing what you do best.”

The Duke cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. “We leave for the King’s Summer Palace in four days. Use that time wisely, Robert. Update yourself on the political landscape, refine your spells, and prepare yourself mentally. This gathering will be unlike anything you’ve faced before.”

“I will, Father,” Robert said, his voice steady.

“Good.” The Duke nodded, then glanced around the room at his gathered advisors. “That will be all for now. We will reconvene tomorrow to finalize our strategy.”

The advisors murmured their assent and began to gather their things. Robert remained seated, his gaze still fixed on the map. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a rapid, erratic beat that echoed the storm of emotions within him. Fear, anxiety, determination—they all swirled together, a chaotic maelstrom that threatened to overwhelm him.

But he wouldn’t let it.

He took a deep breath, centering himself. The King’s Summer Palace would be filled with danger and intrigue, a place where the slightest misstep could unravel everything his family had worked so hard to build.

But it was also an opportunity.

“I’ll show them,” Robert whispered softly, his voice barely audible. “I’ll show them that I’m not just a name or a title. I’m more than that. I need to step out of Richard’s shadow.”

Frank’s hand rested gently on his shoulder, and Robert looked up to see his uncle’s kind smile.

“You’ll do fine, Robert,” Frank said quietly. “Just remember—control and patience. You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.”

Robert nodded, feeling a small measure of calm settle over him. “Thank you, Uncle. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As he stood and turned to leave, Alexander fell into step beside him, his presence solid and reassuring. Robert felt a flicker of gratitude. Having Alexander there would make things easier—he wouldn’t be alone, at least not entirely.

But he knew that in the end, it would be up to him. It was his responsibility to show the other houses what he was capable of.

With that thought burning in his mind, Robert left the study, his heart still racing but his resolve stronger than ever.