26. Rosalie #2
"She did." I clutch the silver tray against my chest, hyperaware of how my simple blue dress contrasts with their fine ceremonial silks. "But Lady Ardyn expects me to be one. That's why she lent me out to your family."
"You mean the former Lady Ardyn." Emeric's mouth quirks into something resembling a smirk. "I believe Aurelia has taken that title."
I shake my head quickly. "Not yet. They still believe that Alaric is a distant cousin. He hasn't claimed his title."
"She's right, Emeric," Asterion says with a distracted nod, flipping the coin between his fingers with such fluidity that it looks like magic. "The marriage creates the political alliance, but the bloodline revelation remains our secret until the timing is right."
Emeric crosses his massive arms. "Political chess makes my head hurt. Give me a sword and an enemy I can see."
"That's why you leave the thinking to the rest of us," Asterion replies absently, then catches himself. "I mean—"
"I know exactly what you meant, little brother."
The easy banter between them makes my chest ache. Even their insults carry affection, something I've only witnessed within these walls.
The evening winds down as servants begin clearing tables and extinguishing the floating candles.
One by one, the noble guests depart with elaborate farewells and promises to visit soon.
The magical decorations fade as their enchantments expire, leaving the great hall looking magnificent but ordinary once again.
Soon only our small group remains—the Vaerith family, Alaric and Aurelia still radiant in their wedding finery, and me hovering uncertainly near the doorway with my empty tray.
Nythessa glides forward in her black diamond-encrusted gown, taking Aurelia's hands in a smooth and elegant gesture.
"My dear, the wedding was absolutely beautiful. You've done House Vaerith proud." Her pale violet eyes shimmer with what might be genuine emotion. "I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ceremony."
Aurelia smiles warmly. "Thank you, Aunt Nythessa. Your support has meant everything."
Maltheris steps forward, his expression growing serious as he addresses Alaric directly.
"Now that the formalities are complete, there are matters we must discuss." His eyes fix on the young man who still believes himself a minor cousin. "Alaric, what we're about to tell you will change everything you understand about your place in this world."
Alaric straightens, his violet eyes—so remarkably similar to Lord Aethan's—reflecting sudden wariness.
"You are not a distant cousin of House Ardyn," Maltheris continues with quiet authority. "You are Lord Aethan's legitimate nephew and the rightful heir to the entire house."
The color drains from Alaric's face. He reaches out blindly, and Aurelia immediately takes his hand, steadying him.
"That's impossible," he whispers. "My father was—"
"Your father was Aethan's younger brother," Caelric says quietly, speaking for the first time since the revelation began. "Political scandal forced the truth to be buried when you were a child, but the bloodline is legitimate."
Alaric sinks into the nearest chair, still gripping Aurelia's hand like a lifeline.
"Lord Aethan has disappeared," Maltheris continues relentlessly. "We believe he was murdered. Without his protection, House Ardyn is vulnerable to those who would see it fall into the wrong hands. You must claim your inheritance immediately."
"I'll be by your side," Aurelia says softly, kneeling beside his chair. "Every step of the way. We'll face this together."
I watch Alaric process the magnitude of what he's just learned, his face cycling through disbelief, fear, and finally grim acceptance. The weight of an entire Great House now rests on shoulders that expected nothing more than managing distant estates.
"How long have you known?" he asks quietly, his voice steady despite everything.
"Only recently," Caelric replies. "The investigation led us to the truth about you."
Alaric nods slowly, then looks directly at his new wife. "And you agreed to marry me knowing this?"
"I agreed to marry you because of this," Aurelia corrects gently. "House Ardyn needed protection, and you needed an ally. We can face whatever comes together."
Seralyth steps forward, her maternal instincts extending naturally to include Alaric. "You won't be alone in this, dear. House Vaerith stands with you completely."
"Which brings us to immediate concerns," Maltheris interjects, his tone becoming businesslike.
"Several rival houses have been circling House Ardyn like vultures, waiting for any sign of weakness.
Lady Malvern's comments tonight confirm they're already positioning themselves to claim Ardyn lands and titles. "
Nythessa glides closer, her black diamonds catching the remaining candlelight. "The political maneuvering has been quite fascinating to observe. Subtle, but persistent."
"And difficult to track," Caelric mutters.
"It appears so," Maltheris confirms grimly. "Which means claiming your inheritance, Alaric, is only the beginning. Someone orchestrated your uncle's disappearance specifically to create this crisis."
Alaric stands slowly, still holding Aurelia's hand. "Then we make them regret it."