The Duke's Room – A Chapter from the Past

The door shut with a harsh sound.

Sarith stood still. Silence. Only the ticking of the wall clock.

Kael sat behind the desk like stone. He glanced briefly at Sarith, unmoving.

Finally, Sarith spoke.

"Hello."

Kael, without a smile, simply nodded.

"Hello."

The air between them was like ice. The walls, as if they remembered, once witnessed more than just a simple greeting between these two.

Sarith took a few steps forward.

"Why did you call me and Ivar here?"

Kael placed his hands on the desk.

"Because Ivar... is engaged."

Sarith froze for a moment.

"What?"

Kael took a deep breath.

"An engagement arranged years ago. By my father. The previous Duke."

Sarith stepped back, a deep frown on her face.

"You’re joking. To who? Who is he engaged to?"

Kael’s voice was cold and emotionless.

"To the second prince of the Empire. Prince Rashen."

Silence.

Sarith:

"Prince... Rashen?! This engagement must be canceled immediately."

Kael looked her in the eye.

"I can’t. It was sealed long ago with an official document. I didn’t know until a few days ago… until a letter from the palace arrived."

Sarith stepped forward quickly.

"You don’t understand what you’re saying! Ivar doesn’t know anything about this. He’s never had a choice!"

Kael, cold as ever, replied:

"If we cancel it, it will be seen as treason against the royal family. It’s dangerous for House Rion… and for Ivar."

Sarith’s eyes trembled with fury.

"I have to tell him."

And without waiting for a response, she opened the door, walked quickly down the hall. When she reached Ivar’s room, she opened the door.

Ivar, unaware of everything, was lying on the bed. His breathing calm, his hair scattered across his face.

Sarith stood there, watching him… placed a hand on the doorframe… and quietly closed the door.

The Next Morning – The Scent of Decision

Gray morning light filtered through the curtains into the room. Ivar woke, ran a hand through his long dark hair, picked up a brush, and carefully combed it. His eyes still wore the yawn of last night’s thoughts.

He walked down the stairs. The sound of birds chirping came from beyond the window.

In the hall, he saw Sarith standing by the window, her hand on the glass, staring outside.

"Good morning, Mom."

Sarith turned and gave a faint smile.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

She hesitated for a moment, as if unsure.

"Ivar… there’s something I need to tell you."

Ivar frowned slightly, stepping closer.

"What is it? Are you okay?"

But before Sarith could say anything, the door opened and a maid walked in.

"Breakfast is ready. Everyone is waiting for you."

Sarith glanced at Ivar.

"I’ll tell you later. Let’s go for now."

The Dining Hall – The First Meeting

The hall was cold and imposing. A long table, heavy chairs, and dull sunlight through tall windows.

Ivar entered. A man with silver hair sat at the table. That same cold gaze, that same noble discipline.

Sarith stepped closer.

"Ivar… this is Duke Rion."

Ivar paused slightly. His heart was calm, yet heavy.

"Pleased to meet you, Duke Rion."

Kael only inclined his head slightly.

"Welcome, Ivar."

All three sat at the table.

But nothing was served except bread, cheese… and tangled stares.