The throne room was silent for a long moment after Arterios spoke. The weight of his words seemed to settle over the assembled nobles like a thick fog. King Diederik’s sharp gaze bore into him, unreadable, calculating.

Finally, the king leaned forward slightly, his fingers ceasing their rhythmic tapping against the armrest. "A bold claim, elf prince. The future of our nations? That suggests you believe you have something to offer me."

Sebastian gave Arterios the briefest glance, a silent cue. This was the moment where their first step had to be careful, deliberate.

"Not just something, Your Majesty," Arterios said evenly. "I have everything you need."

A murmur passed through the council members in the shadows. The weight of that statement was not lost on them.

Diederik's lips curled ever so slightly—a dangerous smile. "And what, exactly, do you think I need?"

"Power," Arterios said without hesitation. "And a way to secure it against your enemies."

The room grew tense. One of the councilmen, an older noble with silver-threaded hair, took a step forward. "You overestimate your worth, elf. Your kind has long isolated itself from human affairs. What could you possibly offer that we do not already possess?"

Arterios hesitated for only a fraction of a second. He had been gambling from the moment he stepped into this room, and now it was time to raise the stakes.

He clasped his hands behind his back, standing tall. "There are relics of old—fragments of a power beyond your comprehension. Stones that hold the magic of the ancients. My people believe they are mere myths, but I know otherwise. These stones exist."

A ripple of interest spread through the room. The king’s expression did not change, but Arterios could see the flicker of curiosity in his gaze.

"Do you have these stones?" Diederik asked.

"That," Arterios said smoothly, "is something we will discuss when the time is right. For now, I only ask for further conversation in private. This is not a matter for open court."

The king studied him for a moment before chuckling, the sound low and amused. "Very well. We will speak again tonight."

The tension in the room eased slightly, though Arterios could feel the lingering weight of the council’s scrutiny. He had taken a risk by revealing even that much, but it had worked—for now.

One of the guards stepped forward. "His Majesty will summon you when he is ready. Until then, you are free to remain in the palace under supervision."

Sebastian bowed with a graceful flourish. "We are honored by your hospitality."

As they were escorted from the throne room, Arterios let out a slow breath. He had just placed himself on a precarious edge—one wrong move, and he would fall.

The Gamble

Hours later, Arterios sat in the dimly lit guest chamber, staring into the flickering candlelight. His mind replayed the conversation over and over, dissecting every word, every reaction.

He had made a gamble. He had nothing to prove the stones' power. Not yet. And if the king called his bluff before he could secure them…

Sebastian, lounging in a chair across the room, watched him with a knowing smirk. "You’re thinking too much again."

Arterios shot him a look. "You do realize I just wagered our entire plan on something I don’t even have yet?"

Sebastian stretched, clearly unconcerned. "That’s what makes it fun."

Maria, who had been quiet until now, sighed. "This isn’t a game, Sebastian. If the king doesn’t believe us, we won’t just walk away. He’ll see us as liars. Or worse, threats."

Sebastian waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. You played it perfectly, Arterios. The king is intrigued, and intrigue is power in these halls. Now we just have to make sure we deliver."

Arterios exhaled, rubbing his temples. "You’re confident that we’ll find them?"

"I’m confident that we’ll make him believe we have them," Sebastian corrected. "It’s all about control. If we control the narrative, we control the outcome."

Maria frowned. "And what if he calls for proof before we have anything?"

Sebastian’s smirk widened. "Then we give him just enough to keep him waiting."

Arterios wasn’t sure whether to admire Sebastian’s confidence or strangle him.

Before he could reply, there was a knock at the door.

"His Majesty requests your presence," a guard announced.

Arterios stood, pushing his thoughts aside. It was time to see how far this gamble would take him.

A Meeting in the Dark

The king’s chambers were nothing like the grand throne room. The candlelit space was lined with bookshelves and maps, a war strategist’s domain rather than a ruler’s sanctuary.

Diederik sat at a wooden desk, a goblet of wine in hand, as Arterios and Sebastian entered. Maria remained just outside, standing with the guards.

"You have my attention, elf prince," the king said, gesturing for them to sit. "Now, speak freely. What is it you truly seek?"

Arterios took a steady breath. "An alliance. One that benefits both of us."

Diederik’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "And the stones?"

Arterios met his gaze. "Are real."

Silence. Then a slow, measured sip of wine from the king.

"You’re gambling, boy," Diederik murmured. "I can see it in your eyes."

Arterios clenched his fists beneath the table. "I am. But even the greatest victories come from well-placed risks."

Diederik chuckled. "Indeed. Tell me, then—what is your plan?"

Sebastian leaned forward, his usual smirk sharpened into something more dangerous. "Simple. We create a scenario where your enemies believe you have a power they can never hope to match. Whether or not the stones work doesn’t matter—what matters is the fear of what they might do."

Diederik tapped a finger against his goblet. "An illusion of power?"

"Perception is often more effective than reality," Sebastian said smoothly. "A kingdom that might hold the power of the ancients is far more dangerous than one that simply has another army."

The king considered this, swirling his wine thoughtfully.

"You intrigue me," he admitted. "But I do not make alliances lightly. Tell me, elf prince… what are you willing to sacrifice for this gamble of yours?"

Arterios’ heart pounded. This was it. The moment where words became a real wager.

He inhaled deeply and answered.

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Author's Note:

Hey everyone! 🎉 This extra chapter is a little gift for my birthday. I wanted to give you something special to celebrate, so I hope you enjoy the extra content! Thank you for reading and supporting Elvish Fate. Your comments, likes, and theories make this journey even more exciting! Stay tuned—things are about to get even more intense! 😈🔥

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Elves

Arterios

Personality: Calm, strategic, and composed. He rarely shows emotions but carries a deep sense of responsibility. Though cold on the surface, he is fiercely loyal to those he trusts.

Behavior: Logical, calculated, and efficient in his decisions. He doesn't trust easily but values honor and duty above all.

Artemis

Personality: Intelligent, determined, and independent. She is strong-willed and refuses to be a pawn in anyone’s plans.

Behavior: She carries herself with grace and authority. Though she follows tradition, she is not afraid to break rules if necessary.

King Phelipus

Personality: Stern, authoritative, and deeply political. He values order and control above all.

Behavior: His presence commands attention. He speaks rarely but with great weight. Every decision he makes is for the good of his kingdom, regardless of personal feelings.

Evander (Royal Guard)

Personality: Disciplined, honorable, and duty-driven. He believes in serving his kingdom without question.

Behavior: Speaks formally and respectfully. He does not let emotions cloud his judgment and follows orders without hesitation.

The Maids (Lydia, Thalia, Hera, etc.)

Personality: Loyal, obedient, and discreet. They serve the royal family without question.

Behavior: Always polite and composed. They know how to remain unnoticed while gathering information when needed. Hera, as the senior maid, is strict and wise, commanding respect among the servants.

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Humans

Maria

Personality: Warm-hearted, strong-willed, and deeply empathetic. She sees the world differently than the elves, valuing emotions over duty.

Behavior: She is kind but not naive. Though she appears gentle, she has an inner strength that allows her to stand her ground even in difficult situations.

Sebastian

Personality: Gentle, patient, and observant. He is one of the few humans who understands and respects elven culture.

Behavior: Speaks calmly and reassuringly. He does not rely on authority to gain respect but rather on wisdom and kindness.

Lucius

Personality: Cunning, charismatic, and ambitious. He is always calculating his next move.

Behavior: Speaks in a smooth, almost mocking tone, always appearing in control of a situation. He enjoys mind games and rarely gives away his true intentions.