CHAPTER TWO : the meeting of two strangers

The council chamber was cavernous, its stone walls adorned with banners bearing the crest of Arindale—a golden falcon soaring against a crimson backdrop. Emilia’s footsteps echoed as she entered, the heavy wooden doors closing behind her. The chamber was already alive with voices, nobles and advisors engaged in animated conversation.

At the far end of the long table sat Kael, the man who was now her husband in all but ceremony. He exuded a quiet authority, his broad shoulders framed by a dark military coat. His raven-black hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gray eyes assessed everyone in the room with a penetrating gaze. Emilia swallowed hard, her nerves intensifying as she approached him.

The room quieted as she entered, all eyes turning toward her. She felt the weight of their scrutiny and lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet their gazes with composure.

Kael rose from his seat, his expression neutral as he inclined his head. “Your Highness,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

“Your Highness,” Emilia replied, her voice softer but steady.

She took the seat to his left, her heart pounding. As the council resumed their discussions, Emilia tried to focus on the matter at hand: a growing tension between Arindale and its neighboring kingdom, Callidra. The details of the dispute were intricate, involving contested trade routes and rumors of espionage.

Though Emilia had been briefed before the meeting, she felt out of her depth. This was a realm far removed from the courtly dances and etiquette lessons she had grown up with.

Kael, however, was in his element. He listened intently, his sharp eyes darting between the speakers. When he spoke, his words were measured and decisive, commanding the room’s attention.

“We cannot afford to escalate this,” Kael said, his tone firm. “A war with Callidra would be disastrous for both our people and our economy. Diplomacy must remain our first course of action.”

One of the older nobles, Lord Theren, frowned. “And if diplomacy fails, Your Highness? Will we sit idle while Callidra undermines our trade and borders?”

Kael’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Emilia found herself speaking.

“Surely we can strengthen our defenses without provoking them,” she said, her voice carrying more confidence than she felt. “A show of unity and preparedness might deter any hostile actions without escalating tensions.”

The room fell silent, the council members turning their attention to her. Kael’s gray eyes locked on hers, his expression unreadable.

“That is a prudent suggestion,” he said after a moment, his tone neutral but carrying a hint of approval.

Emilia felt a small surge of relief as the council continued their deliberations. Though she remained mostly silent, she listened intently, trying to absorb as much as she could.

When the meeting finally adjourned, Emilia rose to leave, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere of the chamber.

“Wait,” Kael’s voice stopped her.

She turned to find him standing close, his tall frame casting a shadow over her.

“You spoke well,” he said simply, his tone devoid of the harshness she had anticipated. “But you should be cautious about intervening in such discussions. The council can be... unforgiving.”

Emilia straightened, meeting his gaze. “I understand. But if I am to be queen, I cannot remain silent in matters that concern our kingdom.”

A flicker of something—respect, perhaps—crossed Kael’s face before his usual stoicism returned.

“Very well,” he said. “But tread carefully.”

With that, he turned and strode from the chamber, leaving Emilia standing alone.

---

As she made her way back to her chambers, Emilia’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She replayed the events of the council, scrutinizing every word and gesture. Though Kael had been composed and polite, there was a distance between them, an invisible barrier she wasn’t sure how to breach.

Later that evening, she sat by her window, the cold air brushing her face as she looked out over the castle grounds. The snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly, a stark contrast to the warm, golden hues of Avariel. She felt the familiar ache of homesickness but pushed it aside.

A soft knock at the door drew her attention. Her maid, Mira, entered, her expression cautious.

“Your Highness, is there anything you need?” Mira asked, her voice gentle.

Emilia shook her head, offering a faint smile. “No, thank you, Mira. You’ve done enough for today.”

Mira hesitated before speaking again. “You did well today, Your Highness. The council may not say it, but they noticed.”

Emilia’s smile grew a little. “Thank you, Mira.”

After the maid left, Emilia returned to her seat by the window, her thoughts drifting to Kael. Despite his cool demeanor, there had been a moment—brief but unmistakable—when he had looked at her with something other than indifference.

It was a small victory, but Emilia clung to it. If she was to make a life in this foreign kingdom, she would have to find her place, one step at a time… .