The Grand Hall of Vinea shimmered beneath enchanted chandeliers.
Crystal lights reflected from polished marble floors.
Nobles.
Scholars.
Merchants.
Mages.
Representatives from nearly every major power on Mogar filled the room.
Yet despite the crowd.
The attention remained fixed on a single table.
The royal table.
King Meron Griffon sat comfortably at its center.
The King of the Griffon Kingdom appeared completely at ease.
A dangerous sign.
At least according to those who knew him.
Meron Griffon was a lean man in his mid-fifties, though he looked scarcely older than thirty.
Thick red hair framed a face that had weathered decades of political warfare.
Silver eyes inherited from Valeron's bloodline calmly observed the room.
Instead of ceremonial robes, he wore the crimson military uniform of the Kingdom's Commander-in-Chief.
The uniform suited him far more than royal garments ever could.
Beside him sat Queen Sylpha.
The Queen's appearance remained one of the wonders of the Kingdom.
Though well past fifty years of age, she looked no older than a woman in her early thirties.
Sharp features.
A square jaw.
A slender figure.
Elegant without appearing fragile.
What captured attention most, however, was her hair.
Six distinct shades intertwined naturally.
A blessing from all six gods of magic.
A mark recognized throughout the continent.
And sitting slightly away from the royal couple was Royal Constable Tyris.
The woman appeared relaxed.
Far too relaxed.
Long silver-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders.
Clear blue eyes moved constantly throughout the room.
Observing.
Analyzing.
Judging.
The expression on her face suggested she was either enjoying herself immensely.
Or preparing to cause trouble.
Meron suspected both.
Across from them sat the King of Atlantis.
Thalor Thalassar.
Twenty-four years old.
Bright Violet.
King.
Restorer.
Conqueror.
Builder.
White hair.
Violet eyes.
An athletic build shaped by years of combat and training.
Worldborne Sigils flowed across visible portions of his skin.
The ancient markings seemed almost alive beneath the lights of the hall.
Sylpha found them fascinating.
Mostly because she couldn't identify them.
She disliked mysteries.
And Thalor represented several.
For a few moments, conversation flowed normally.
Trade.
Shipping.
Research.
Education.
Then Meron finally leaned back.
Smiling.
"I believe introductions are finally behind us."
Several nobles visibly relaxed.
A mistake.
When Meron smiled during negotiations, it usually meant the real discussion was about to begin.
The King looked toward Thalor.
"I've spent four years hearing stories about Atlantis."
His smile widened slightly.
"I'll admit."
"Most sounded ridiculous."
A few people laughed.
Thalor nodded.
"Most were."
That earned a genuine laugh from Meron.
Good.
The boy had a sense of humor.
That made diplomacy easier.
"Then allow me to ask directly."
Meron's silver eyes sharpened.
"What does Atlantis want?"
The room immediately quieted.
A simple question.
A dangerous one.
Because every ruler ultimately wanted something.
Territory.
Power.
Influence.
Resources.
Thalor answered without hesitation.
"A future."
Silence followed.
Meron blinked.
Not because the answer was unbelievable.
Because it sounded honest.
Thalor continued.
"Atlantis spent nearly one hundred thousand years dead."
"Four years ago, we consisted of ruins."
"Today we stand."
"Tomorrow we intend to thrive."
His gaze swept across the room.
"We seek trade."
"Knowledge."
"Cooperation."
"We have no interest in conquest."
Several nobles visibly relaxed.
Others appeared disappointed.
Meron noticed both reactions.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Sylpha spoke next.
Unlike her husband.
She wasted no time.
"The reports concerning Atlantean education."
The room shifted immediately.
Scholars practically leaned forward.
"Are they accurate?"
"Ninety-six percent literacy?"
"Universal magical education?"
"Public academies?"
"State-funded healer training?"
Thalor nodded.
"They are."
The room erupted into whispers.
Even some Awakened representatives looked stunned.
Sylpha's eyes narrowed.
"And why?"
The question held far more weight than it appeared.
Why educate everyone?
Why create an informed population?
Why empower common citizens?
Many rulers preferred dependence.
Knowledge created independence.
Thalor's answer came immediately.
"Because civilization is built upon understanding."
The room quieted.
"A kingdom can survive through strength."
"A civilization survives through knowledge."
Sylpha stared at him for several moments.
Then slowly smiled.
For the first time that evening.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Tyris finally decided it was her turn.
This immediately concerned Meron.
And Sylpha.
And several nearby diplomats.
The Guardian ignored all of them.
She looked directly at Thalor.
"Four years ago."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"Kolga fell."
Every Awakened representative in the room became attentive.
"The Forbidden Sun was destroyed."
Silence.
"Kogaluga collapsed shortly afterward."
More silence.
Then Tyris asked:
"Were you responsible?"
The question struck the room like lightning.
Thalor answered immediately.
"Yes."
Whispers erupted.
Not because of the answer.
Because of how quickly it came.
No denial.
No hesitation.
No political maneuvering.
Just truth.
Tyris leaned forward slightly.
"Why?"
"Because they deserved freedom."
His voice remained calm.
"The people of Kolga were victims."
"The city sustained itself through suffering."
"I ended it."
Again.
No apology.
No pride.
No regret.
Simply conviction.
The room grew quiet.
Tyris studied him carefully.
Then asked another question.
"The storm."
Several people visibly stiffened.
"Poseidon's Wrath."
Even Meron became interested.
"Was that your spell?"
"It was."
"The black lightning?"
"Yes."
"The destruction of the Forbidden Sun?"
"Yes."
"The restoration effect?"
"Yes."
Silence followed.
Then Tyris smiled.
"Impressive."
Coming from her.
That carried weight.
Then she tilted her head.
"One final question."
Meron groaned.
Sylpha closed her eyes.
Thalor looked confused.
"What is it?"
Tyris appeared completely serious.
"Do you have a wife?"
The hall froze.
Several nobles nearly choked.
One scholar dropped his notebook.
Meron buried his face in one hand.
Sylpha looked toward the ceiling as if questioning reality itself.
Thalor blinked.
"...No."
Tyris frowned.
"A partner?"
"No."
"A fiancée?"
"No."
Now she looked genuinely confused.
"No wife."
"No partner."
"No engagement."
"No secret romance?"
"...No."
Tyris stared at him.
For several long seconds.
Then, finally asked:
"How did you find time to rebuild an ancient civilization but not enough time to find a woman?"
The room exploded into laughter.
Even Meron lost his composure.
Sylpha hid a smile behind her glass.
And for the first time all evening.
The King of Atlantis looked completely unprepared.
Tyris considered that a victory.
A small one.
But a victory nonetheless.
As laughter filled the hall, Meron found himself studying the young king once more.
Bright Violet.
Master mage.
Builder of kingdoms.
Destroyer of Kolga.
Yet somehow still capable of looking embarrassed when asked about women.
The realization made King Meron smile.
Perhaps.
Just perhaps.
The future of Mogar had become a little more interesting.