The Crimson Throne

After stepping down from the carriage, Elaine quickly acknowledged Yusef and made a beeline to the Duke's study. "Greeting, Honorable Father." she curtsied before Gerard.

The Duke stood up from his desk and motioned for Elaine to rise. Before she could inquire about the purpose of the summon, he said, "His Majesty requires our immediate presence at the palace."

"His Majesty?"

"Yes, we are to depart promptly," Gerard stated.

"For what reason—"

"I do not know." The Duke strolled past her toward the door. He then momentarily halted, glancing back at Elaine. "However, I am convinced His Majesty will provide us with an answer when we arrive." With those words, Gerard exited the study and disappeared down the hall, followed by Yusef.

What is going on? Though apprehensive, Elaine had no time for contemplation. "Let us leave too, Sir Ascania." She turned her body and trailed after Estella's father.

Thirty minutes later, Elaine's and the Duke's carriages reached the magician's tower. After undergoing the standard procedures, they entered the portal and arrived at Soleias in a few minutes. She sighed in relief when the entourage reached the portal's exit. Although the creatures no longer bothered her these past few trips, the trauma they caused always rendered her anxious whenever she passed through the foggy, white tunnel. Elaine did not know why they had lost interest in her. However, she would rather be blissfully ignorant than entangle herself in another of the book world's life-threatening mysteries.

The chamberlain was waiting for them when they entered the Lumière Palace. He bowed before Gerard and Elaine, then led them to a secluded chamber. On the other side, several familiar faces had already gathered. Elaine scanned the room, surprised to see the male protagonist, Elias, beside his father, the Duke of Lévis. Next to them were the Grand Duke of Cerda and his twin grandchildren. The Emperor had also summoned his close advisors and a few high-ranking aristocratic families from Soleias. Deep inside the chamber sat the brooding Léonas Emperor on his imposing throne with the Third Prince standing behind him.

No, Alexander is not the only prince here. Elaine noticed other princes of age were in attendance as well.

'There is no need to continue looking, Lady Estella. Your assumption is correct. My older brother, the Crown Prince, is not here, though I assure you he is today's main character,' Alexander's pleasant chuckles rang inside Elaine's head.

'What are you implying, Your Highness? What trouble is he involved in this time?' Before she could further probe the Third Prince's cryptic statement, the Léonas Emperor's authoritative voice disrupted their conversation.

"Enlighten me with your suggestions," the Emperor demanded, leaning forward from his seat. His deep azure eyes narrowed and panned his subjects.

Suggestions? For what matter? What has happened in the few weeks since Louis' birthday? Elaine grimaced, and an unsettling feeling pitted in her gut. The Emperor provided no context behind his unexpected request. Yet, based on everyone's demeanor and the pregnant atmosphere, the reason for today's congregation was no minor affair.

An older man wearing court attire stepped into view and inclined his body. "Your Majesty," he cleared his throat and then spoke. "Considering the current situation with the Léonas Empire, we cannot let the Crown Prince attempt this journey. Besides…” The man peeked at Gerard and Elaine before quickly shifting his gaze back. "Even if our empires' relations significantly improved, His Highness' current predicament would prevent him from attending."

"Forgive my impudence, Your Majesty, if I may interrupt," the Duke interjected.

The Étoile Emperor's silence represented his consent.

"Minister Soter," Gerard continued with a leveled expression, approaching the throne. However, his silver eyes pierced the older man like sharpened knives. "What predicament of the Crown Prince are you referring to?"

Soter's body tensed while his wrinkled face turned pallid. "That is…" he hesitated.

Elaine observed the one-sided exchange with interest and speculations. Even the Duke of Geris had situations where he needed more information. From Estella's lessons, she learned that Minister Soter also held the Marquis title, a highly distinguished combination. Though Gerard held no role in Étoile's royal court, his infamous reputation extended far beyond Geris' walls, seeing how even a high-ranking court official cowered in his presence.

Elaine analyzed the older man's statements. It appeared the Léonas Empire had invited the Crown Prince to participate in an important event. However, because of both empires' current strained relationships and another unspecified reason, the minister advised the Étoile Emperor against allowing Louis to attend.

Or so it seems.

Was the idea from Minister Soter or the sovereign himself? Elaine was leaning toward the latter. The rationality behind the Emperor's reluctance was understandable. She recalled the volatile situation between the Léonas First Prince, Nickolas, and the Étoile Emperor after the late Léonas Emperor's death. If it were Elaine, she would not permit her successor to attempt the journey either. Despite Estella's fiancé's incompetence far exceeding his accomplishments, he remained the Crown Prince. If, by chance, Nickolas captured or killed him for revenge, it would ignite a war between the empires—a situation the Étoile Emperor neither wanted nor prepared for.

Regarding military might, Léonas and Étoile stood on equal footing. An all-out war would only cause devastating casualties on both sides and incentivize other opportunists to invade a weakened Étoile. However, despite the Emperor's reservations, declining Léonas' invitation without proper reasons would only further incense the other party.

Elaine again glanced around the chamber, noting all those present. Perhaps the reason for the summoning was more nefarious than she initially assumed.

LittleFoodie

Where is Estella's fiancé you ask? lol