The morning light seeped through the wooden shutters of the inn, casting long streaks of gold across the floor. The air was still, heavy with the scent of aged wood and the faint aroma of bread baking somewhere nearby. Arterios sat on the edge of his bed, fingers clasped together, his expression clouded with thought. Maria stirred beside him, stretching as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

He hadn't slept well. The conversation from the night before lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest. War. The very word sent a cold shiver down his spine. He had been trained to fight, but the idea of leading a war for political maneuvering felt unnatural. Could he trust Sebastian? His motives seemed clear, but Arterios had seen enough deception to know that words could be as sharp as any blade.

Maria pulled the blankets tighter around her shoulders and glanced at him. "You didn’t sleep, did you?"

Arterios exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "Not much. There's too much at stake."

A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Arterios tensed instinctively before relaxing. Maria slipped out of bed, padding across the wooden floor to unlatch the door. The smell of freshly brewed tea drifted in before the figure outside stepped in—Sebastian, dressed in fine, travel-worn clothes, a confident smirk playing at his lips.

"Rise and shine, my dear prince. I hope you’re well rested because today is a rather important day," he said, setting down a small tray with two cups of tea on the nearby table.

Arterios shot him a glance but said nothing as he took a cup, letting the warmth seep into his hands. "Let’s get this over with."

Sebastian chuckled. "Patience, my friend. You’re about to step into a world of schemes and politics. If you rush in like a soldier on the battlefield, you’ll lose before you even begin."

Maria sat across from them, wrapping her fingers around her cup. "So, what’s the plan? How do we approach the king?"

Sebastian leaned back, tilting his chair slightly. "The king values power above all else. He won’t entertain us unless we prove that we’re useful. That’s where you come in, Arterios. You’re not just any elf; you’re a prince. Your mere presence is enough to stir the court, but we have to play it carefully. The council is watching."

Arterios took a slow sip of his tea. "And if the king refuses?"

Sebastian’s smirk widened. "Then we make sure he sees no better option than ours."

The weight of those words settled over them as silence filled the room. Outside, the city was awakening, merchants calling out their wares, the distant sound of hooves against cobblestone echoing through the streets. Time was moving forward, whether they were ready or not.

Arterios finally set down his cup and stood. "Let’s go, then. We have a kingdom to convince."

The streets of Dracathea were already alive with movement as they stepped out of the inn. Merchants arranged their stalls, displaying fresh produce, exotic fabrics, and jewelry that glimmered under the morning sun. The people here were different from those in Elviel—more guarded, more watchful. It was as if everyone carried an awareness of their place in a delicate balance of power.

Maria walked close to Arterios, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "This place feels… tense."

Sebastian chuckled, leading the way. "That’s because it is. The capital is always in turmoil. The nobles scheme, the merchants hoard their wealth, and the common folk are caught in between. But that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? To tip the balance."

As they neared the palace gates, Arterios couldn’t help but take in the sheer grandeur of Dracathea’s stronghold. High walls of polished stone loomed over them, banners of crimson and gold fluttering in the breeze. Guards in steel-plated armor stood rigid, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords as they scrutinized every passerby.

Sebastian walked with purpose, his posture relaxed yet exuding confidence. He stopped before the guards, flashing a scroll sealed with a crest unfamiliar to Arterios. "We have an audience with King Diederik."

The guard eyed them skeptically before nodding, stepping aside to allow them through. "Proceed. But keep your weapons sheathed. The king does not tolerate threats within his halls."

The trio stepped into the vast corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing off marble floors. It was unlike anything Arterios had ever seen. Chandeliers of polished silver hung from vaulted ceilings, and grand tapestries depicting past wars and victories adorned the walls. Servants moved swiftly, their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact with the nobles and courtiers drifting through the halls.

Maria whispered beside him, "It’s beautiful… but it feels cold."

Arterios nodded. "Like a battlefield before the first strike."

They were led into the throne room, where the air grew heavier with the weight of expectation. At the far end, upon a gilded throne, sat King Diederik. He was a man of imposing stature, his presence radiating authority even as he sat motionless. His sharp eyes observed them with quiet calculation, his fingers tapping against the armrest in silent rhythm.

Further back, members of the council lingered in the shadows, their faces partially obscured by the dim lighting.

Sebastian stepped forward first, bowing with practiced grace. "Your Majesty, we thank you for granting us this audience."

The king studied them in silence before speaking, his voice measured yet carrying an undeniable weight. "I allow few into my presence without good reason. Speak. What do you seek?"

Arterios took a step forward, meeting the king’s gaze. He could feel the scrutiny, the silent evaluation, and he knew that whatever words left his lips next could determine the course of their fate. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself.

"I am Arterios of Elviel, and I have come to discuss the future of our nations."