“Azura, your time is upon you. You have reached your fifteenth year, and the trials of the Grand Forge Academy begin in one month's time.” A tall man spoke with all the authority of a king speaking to their subjects. He had short black hair with his horns rising out of it to form some kind of twisted crown. That combined with his blood red eyes and impossibly perfect posture led to an intimidating appearance. His black silk tunic had silver patterns etched into it creating a mesmerizing pattern... Azura hated this man.
“Yes father, I will not fail. For to fail is to bring dishonor to the noble House of Silver.” Azura maintained a posture as rigid as his fathers. He didn’t think he made for as intimidating of a sight, which he supposed was to be expected. He after all looked nothing like his father. He was average height for his age and his eyes were a bright blue. His hair while similarly black was a bit longer and more wild with no horns adorning his head. His clothes were white instead of the black his father wore though the silver patterns remained.
“I expect you won’t, as you know when you earn admission into the great forge academy you shall be contracted to a dragon spirit as we of the Silver family have for generations.” He spoke quietly but even so his voice carried across the small room they were in. The room was a simple one. Displays of wealth every which way but despite the desk in the corner and the book cases lining the wall it appeared lifeless, as if the room was a display rather than a place one studied. This room always reminded Azura of why he went into town to use the library just to get out of this lifeless castle, that no amount of gold or glamor could make look anything other than dreary.
“I think I’ll retire for the night, father. I have to focus on my studies and training, and for that I’ll need lots of rest.” His father looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding his head.
“Very well, rest for now, but remember with the trials so close, now is no time to slack on your training, or ignore your studies.” Azura wanted to laugh, as if there was ever a time in which his father would allow him the briefest respite. Azura bowed to his father before exiting the room as fast as manners would allow. Once he exited he walked down the long winding corridors with many branches and doors that he had long since memorized.
After walking the hallways for a few minutes he saw a shadow flit about out of the corner of his eye. “Hey Katy how has your day been.” Azura smirked without turning his head to look behind. He felt further satisfied when he heard the feminine sigh behind him.
“Just wait one of these days I’ll surprise you.” The girl stepped forward to match his pace. She had long black hair with 2 matching cat ears, and green eyes that might be blue in a certain light. She wore a brown and white dress that was common amongst female servants.
“If we were anywhere that didn’t have torches and shiny things every which way, I don’t imagine it would be too hard for you.” He gave her a genuine smile. She giggled softly into her hand.
“Perhaps. So, how did the talk with your dad go?” she looked at Azura with a sympathetic frown.
“Better than usual actually I even managed to escape the ‘represent the Silver house speech’. A win if ever there was one.” He looked at her, soft expression turning serious. “How about you? Anybody harass you at the Grand Library?” She looked down at his question.
“A few but they stopped when I said I was there under your orders.” She looked up to give him a smile he could see was strained.
He sighed “If only most nobles could see past their over inflated egos. Just because you’re a servant doesn’t mean that you aren’t intelligent.” He put his hand on her shoulder in what he hoped was reassuring.
“Ha yes that may be true but not many nobles are as willing to admit that as you. Besides, even if they acknowledged my capabilities, they wouldn’t be wrong to say it was simply your skill as a teacher.” She smiled at him.
“Don’t sell yourself short, a teacher can only be as good as the student they teach. Most teachers are just worse.” He gave a smug smile.
She laughed “Ah you almost had me believing you were going to be humble for a second, alas I suppose you can’t shake off all the traits of standard nobility.” She tried to hold a serious frown.
He put his hand over his heart and staggered back. “You wound me.” He stiffened up “All jokes aside though, do you think you are prepared? The trials aren’t going to be easy and there is no way I can disrespect the House of Silver if you are still stuck here.” His face contorted in worry.”
“Don’t worry, you and I have been preparing for this day since we were 10, There is no way I will allow you to bear this suffering on my behalf any longer. You who hasn’t once treated me as a mere servant despite having every reason to. I owe you more than words can express.” she stared intently at him.
“None of that, you and my sister are the only friends I have in this “glorious castle” You don’t owe me anything for cherishing that friendship.” He smiled at her and then stopped walking. “Alright It’s time we get some rest, we have much training left to do.” He opened the ornate door he had stopped beside.
“Ok I’ll see you in the morning. Just remember whatever your dad says, you don’t have to do everything on your own.” He turned towards her but she was nowhere to be found.
“Great if she keeps advancing at this rate, she will be able to hide right in front of me by the end of the month.” He rolled his eyes as he stepped into his chambers. They were completely different from the rest of the castle, no gold or silver aside from a single silver figure of a woman with long hair on the small drawer beside his bed. A desk pushed against the left wall made of an expensive looking wood. The biggest difference would be the windows behind the head of his bed. He swore his dad hated sunlight for how few windows existed in the castle. The room didn’t give off the same empty aura as the rest of the castle. His shoulders relaxed. Just one month left. He was almost there almost free. He laid down on his bed and let the light of the full moon lull him to sleep.
***
The rays of the morning sun peeked through the silky blue curtains and into his eyes. He awoke with a yawn rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He heard a knock on his door. “You may enter.” he said without a thought, a mistake he would soon come to regret. The door opened revealing the stern face of his father, which only got worse as he looked on in disappointment.
“You didn’t put on your night wear before going to bed.” his father sighed “How many times have I told you that if your clothes are even the slightest bit disheveled you will give off the impression that the Silver House is sloppy.” he hated his father's lectures but it was too late to avoid it now, anything he said would only make things worse. “You must always remember as heir to the great House Silver you are bound by many responsibilities, you would do well to remember them…” He knew from experience his dad would be talking awhile, but he also knew that his participation was not required so he tuned him out just listening for what sounded like the end of the lecture.
After what felt like an hour but was probably only 20 minutes the lecture came to an end. “Yes father, I apologize for my failure. I’ll ensure that it doesn’t happen again.” He spoke without any hint of the boredom and apathy he actually felt. His father nodded, accepting his answer.
“See that you do, on another note find your attendant, another noble is here to gauge you as a marriage prospect for his daughter, it wouldn’t do to appear as if we aren't taking them seriously.”
He had to bite back a retort. “Very well, father. Though if I may ask, isn’t it a little early for marriage proposals? After all the trials are but a month away.” The tension in his shoulders was obvious he knew, but something like this was well outside his expectations.
“Relax I won’t have you distracted to such a degree until after you pass your trials. However meetings will have to be held now so we have a basic idea for after you are a student at the academy.” His father, as always, expected success and despised failure. there was no if, only when.
“I see. Well if you’ll excuse me, it has come to my attention that I need to get re-dressed.”
His father nodded and left the room but just before the door closed
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“The statue of your mother is a nice touch, shows care for your loss without looking weak. Excellent.” The door closed before he had a chance to respond. He sighed, to his father all that mattered was the appearance not the possibility that he might just miss his mother. He still wasn’t sure how his father could be so callous, but he went to the closet beside his desk anyway. His closet was filled to the brim with expensive garb all white, blue, and silver. He changed into a blue tunic that he put a white cloak over. The cloak of course had the same random silver patterns etched across its surface. His trousers were the same royal blue as his tunic. This outfit should suffice for his meeting with the noble and his daughter.
He left his room and then navigated the labyrinth of halls to approach the servants quarters. When he got to the correct door he stiffened into the “noble posture” his father had drilled into him relentlessly, and knocked on the door. In a scant few seconds and the door opens to reveal an older man wearing brown. He was wiry but he stood tall if only for a moment before he bowed deeply. “Ah young lord, how may I serve you today?” He held the bow for a few seconds until Azura began to speak.
“Ah Altwell it is good to see you, If it isn’t much trouble could you grab Catherine for me.” Azura always felt awkward dealing with most of the servants.
“Of course young lord, I will tell her that she is needed.” The old man retreated back through the door, closing it behind him.
Not long after Katy stepped out wearing a white sleeveless tunic and black trousers. “Aren’t you a little early? Training doesn’t usually start until after breakfast.” She looked confused but not concerned.
“I wish we were training early. Unfortunately, my father has decided that since I will be busy with the trials soon that we should at least scout out some possible marriage candidates to increase the power of the Silver family.” He sighed glancing to the right where their training grounds were not too far from them. She frowned
“Surely he doesn’t intend to marry you off before the trials.” She looked angrier at that than he felt.
“Thankfully not, so essentially it’s just a waste of time, but as you know we can’t risk him discovering our plan. Unfortunately all we can do is play along for now.” He frowned, not particularly pleased with this course of action.
“Look on the bright side, imagine his face when the other nobles ask him about the marriage after you free yourself.” she smiled looking for all the world like the cat that caught the canary.
“As pleasant as that thought is, it would be wise not to say things like that when we could be overheard.” She nodded, expression turning grave. “Alright time to go. We have time to waste and people to pretend we care about.” He started walking away, a smile on his face and count in his head.
“Oh so you get to say things like that, but I can’t.” She ran to catch up to him. He turned his head to her and straightened up
“It is the privilege of the nobles to do what others can not.” His voice was deep and mocking. She laughed and followed him down the vast corridor. They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes before she spoke up from beside him.
“Not that I’m complaining but isn’t it odd that your father won’t be here for the negotiations?” he hummed contemplating her words.
“To an extent but probably not how you're thinking.” he gave a long suffering sigh. “Think of it like a test, while him not being there is disrespectful and makes it obvious that he has no intention of me marrying this girl. His goal is to have me back the other noble into a corner that stops them from using that against us. A test in politics if you will.” She looked disgusted at the notion, not that he liked it anymore than she did of course.
“I never understood why you said a meeting between nobles was as bloody as any war, until now.” She gave him a sympathetic look while placing her hand on his shoulder.
“We can talk more about this later, we are approaching the dining hall." He sighed "So the charade begins.” His posture became rigid and the polite smile the only sign of warmth left on his face. Katy’s smile also dropped as she fell into place behind him. Her head tilted down and hands held together in front of her. They walked stiffly towards the large ornate doors. She was a step behind him and on his right.
They opened the door to a vast room with a large rectangular table that was easily over 10 yards long. There was a vast chandelier hanging from the ceiling glimmering crystals causing sparkling lights down below. Several silver decorations adorned the table, most carrying candles. The marble tiled floor gleamed and reflected all the lights in the room, so clean you could see your own reflection in the marble. Over a dozen expensive looking chairs rested on each side of the table all in their proper place. Neat and orderly. How all things should be if his father was to be believed.
On the other side of the table from where they entered was a tall portly man dressed in so much finery and jewels, that even his father would claim it excessive. He had long blonde hair and eyes only slightly darker than Azura’s own. He was dressed in white and gold, and gave off an aura of confidence. His daughter stood behind him, her blonde hair was intricately braided and made it all the way to her lower back. She was pretty, he would admit. She looked to be around his age, or perhaps a little older. She had her head held high with a soft smile on her face. Her dress, while obviously well made, was far less excessive then her father's clothes even though it bore the same colors. Her smile widened as she saw Azura enter.
“Oh Emily, I didn’t expect to see you here today.” Azura looked surprised though his polite smile never wavered. Emily’s father looked up as he saw him approach.
“Hello Azura you are taller than when we last saw you, I’m sure you must be excited to bring honor to your House during the trials.” The man to his credit almost had him believing he cared.
“Of course lord Sterling, I intend to pass without any room for doubt.” He never much did like the pointless chatter that had to preface any meeting between nobles, as if any were foolish enough to lower their guard. Lord Sterling smiled and swiveled his head looking around the room.
“Will your father be here soon? We have much to discuss.” Lord Sterling looked more excited than impatient. After all this was a chance for him to raise his family's status significantly. He hated that he was going to have to crush his enthusiasm; he actually liked the Sterling family well enough. They were nicer than most noble families. He supposed that was part of his father’s test as well. His father always had cared more for political alliances than actual friendships.
“I’m afraid my father is quite busy at the moment. There has been a drought in several of the lands our family owns, so as I’m sure you know much work has to be done to insure the commoners don’t starve.” It wasn’t even a lie, well except for that being the reason he wasn’t here.
Lord Sterling frowned. “I see. Those are important matters indeed. We could reschedule the meeting for another day I suppose.” He looked so down that Azura felt even guiltier knowing it would only get worse for him.
“That isn’t necessary, I have been granted his authority for these negotiations.” He wished he could have just let it be rescheduled but he had to play along with his father's whims, at least for now. Lord Sterling looked offended but only briefly before a polite smile was back in place, though any enthusiasm had vanished.
“Your father has allowed a child to negotiate with me.” His smile was as polite as always but Azura knew enough about people to hear the slight strain in his voice. Azura had to remind himself that Sterling was indeed the slighted party after being called a child in such a manner.
“I am indeed young I’ll readily admit, but I assure you no slight towards you is intended. My father values your family greatly, that is why he didn’t want the week long journey you took to arrive here to be in vain. I assure you if he could be here he would, but he can’t so I am here in his stead.” He knew lord Sterling wouldn’t believe that but he couldn’t say that aloud without challenging the words that supposedly came from his father. Lord Sterling’s family didn’t have enough backing to risk offending the Silver house.
“Very well should we get down to business then?” The noble managed to hold the polite smile, but only just. He sat down in one of the chairs Katy still a step behind and gestured towards the chairs on the other side near the Sterlings.
“Of course, but please have a seat. I wouldn’t want to be rude, and after your long journey I’m sure you could use a rest. They nodded and sat down, Emily still smiling though she had yet to utter a word.
“If Azura will be handling the negotiations from the Silver family, may I handle them from ours.” Her question was polite enough but by the way her father paled, he was guessing she wasn’t much of a politician.
“I think that would be a good idea. After all, you did seem upset with my age, so if both parties are roughly the same age, your concerns should be alleviated.” She sent me a bright smile, her father’s smile dropped for a moment before reappearing.
“Your father only used you as a delegate because he was too busy for such matters, if I do the same when I’m right here it would shame our alliance.” Translation: the noble couldn’t afford to let negotiations fall to his daughter. Emily’s smile faded slightly but she nodded all the same.
Azura released a sigh he could have gotten out of here much faster if he negotiated with an unskilled politician. “Of course how silly of me. I suppose I forgot that I was my father’s delegate in the matter of my marriage.” Azura couldn’t wait for the trials after those he would be done with these tedious meetings forever. Lord Sterling looked smug at the way Azura worded his response.
“Oh am I mistaken or would you rather have these negotiations on your own authority.” Hah he no doubt expected Azura to hurriedly backtrack or calmly change the subject.
“Actually, if you are willing to negotiate with me, and not just the me that is my father’s delegate, then I will readily agree.” The elder sterling looked excited. He probably thought Azura was a fool. Unfortunately for the man, Azura was no fool. He had laid his trap and the elder noble was about to walk right into it.
“Very well I have no issue negotiating with you under your own authority.” Hook line and sinker. Azura could now say whatever he wanted. Afterall if lord Sterling told others he had been tricked by a mere child he would be a laughing stock.
“Excellent, I’m sorry for your troubles but I have no intention to marry, or even waste time that could be used to improve my skills. Not with the trials so close. Of course if I was acting as my father’s delegate I would have no choice but to proceed with negotiations, but since you so kindly agreed to negotiate with me, that isn’t an issue.” Emily’s smile widened a bit as she watched her father flounder. Lord Sterling looked pale and the smile dropped from his face.
“Well good day, and you are more than welcome to have a meal before you leave. Just ask one of the servants to grab you something.” He stood and pushed the chair neatly back into place. He then gave a parting smile as he turned to walk away Katy a step behind smugly smiled the second she was facing away from the 2 nobles. He turned his head forward, a matching smile on his face as they exited the dining hall.