The door to Rubina Elfred's private chamber opened with a silent push, its hinges expertly oiled to ensure stealth. Darkness entered, her steps gliding soundlessly across the marbled floor, her presence merging with the shadows that clung to the room's edges. The heavy velvet curtains remained drawn, muffling the golden morning light that strained against the windows, bathing the space in a hushed twilight.
Amidst the layered silks, polished furniture, and ornate decor, the central bed stood like an island of calm—save for the solitary figure curled beneath its covers.
Lady Rubina Elfred.
Her breathing was steady, rhythmic, yet Darkness could feel the underlying tension in her aura. Rubina wasn't asleep in the careless, vulnerable way of a sheltered noble daughter. Even in repose, her body remained coiled—muscles taut, senses partially awake, ever prepared to spring into motion. Years of grueling training had tempered her. She wasn't a fragile flower of the aristocracy; she was a young lioness, honing her fangs in the quiet before the hunt.
Darkness approached the bed, stopping at its edge. She stood in thoughtful silence, studying the girl she had mentored—watched grow.
'She's grown,' Darkness mused, memories flickering across her mind's eye. Memories of a small Rubina tugging at her robes, asking timid questions in hidden corridors. Of childish tantrums, stubborn defiance during harsh training, and the gleam of resentment whenever she stumbled or failed. Those days seemed distant now. Today, Rubina would step onto a far grander stage, where predators wore silk and honeyed words. Where one misstep could cost a family its power.
"I hope she doesn't make impulsive decisions today," Darkness murmured quietly to herself, voice soft enough not to disturb the slumbering figure. "She needs to learn patience."
No longer could Rubina hide behind the protective veil of House Elfred. It was time for her to claim her place—under her own name.
"Rubina," Darkness called softly, her tone neither cold nor affectionate, but imbued with a quiet, unyielding command.
The figure stirred. A tangle of golden-blonde hair, wild and untamed, emerged from beneath the silk sheets. Moments later, a pair of purple gems like eyes blinked open—sharp, alert, despite the lingering haze of sleep. A faint crease formed between her brows, hinting at irritation.
"…Darkness… it's early," Rubina muttered, her voice rough with sleep, yet her body already shifted upright, conditioned to respond to that tone.
"There's no such thing as 'early' today," Darkness replied, folding her arms across her chest. "The battlefield doesn't wait for its players to be ready."
Rubina's eyes narrowed into slits, a flicker of defiance sparking. "You mean the party?"
"I mean the war behind the party." Darkness's lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk.
That got her attention.
Rubina sighed and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, moving with a fluid grace born of relentless discipline. She rubbed her face, shaking off the remnants of sleep.
"I assume the bath is ready?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
"Prepared to Lady Royalle's standards," Darkness confirmed. "You won't need to move between baths today. It's been arranged for maximum efficiency."
Rubina allowed herself a wry smile. "You spoil me, Darkness."
"I prepare you," came the sharp correction. "Today, every move must be intentional. Even your smallest gesture will be scrutinized."
Darkness's gaze swept across the room—an elegant space but filled with unnecessary luxury. Her room is filled with items that show her wealth and papers that show her ambition, there are swords, knifes and bow that show her liking to weapons.
'She still clings to the weight of proving herself,' Darkness noted internally, though her expression remained unreadable.
"Dress lightly for now," Darkness instructed as they made their way toward the bathing hall. "You'll wear formal attire after breakfast. Remember, strength is not always about the loudest presence. Today, you need precision. Subtlety."
Rubina chuckled as she stretched, her bare feet padding softly against the marble. "You're speaking as if I'm preparing for war."
"You are," Darkness replied without hesitation. "But this time, your weapons will be words, presence, and patience. We're not cutting down soldiers. We're navigating a battlefield of ambition."
As they entered the grand bathing hall, the air was thick with aromatic steam. Blended oils, rare herbs, and delicate perfumes intertwined in the air, crafting an ambiance of indulgent tranquility. Nebula, their personal attendant, bowed deeply as they approached, her preparations completed with flawless precision.
Rubina dipped her finger into the water, testing its warmth. Her expression softened. "Perfect, as always."
Darkness gave a slight nod, satisfied. "I'll return in twenty minutes. Be prepared. Today, you're not simply Lady Rubina of House Elfred. You're its shield and spear."
With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Rubina to gather her thoughts amidst the fragrant mists.
---
Darkness's steps echoed faintly as she navigated the serene hallways of Elfred Mansion. Her mind was already racing, mapping out the layers of strategy the day would demand. The House Zeldard Gathering wasn't merely a social affair—it was a covert battlefield where power plays would be masked behind smiles and flattery.
Today's success hinged on perfect orchestration.
Lord Elfred's tendency to wake late after long nights of administrative work posed a minor challenge, but Darkness had accounted for it. Lady Royalle's appearance needed to strike a flawless balance—commanding yet elegant, imposing yet subtle. Every thread of her attire, every shimmer of her aura had been arranged to reflect House Elfred's strength without unnecessary ostentation.
But Rubina… Rubina required the keenest edge.
She would be the point of the spear today, slicing through the suffocating veils of noble arrogance. Her presence had to be sharp enough to unsettle, yet controlled enough to draw alliances. Darkness's role was clear: the unseen hand guiding Rubina's blade.
'Let them play their petty games,' Darkness thought, her lips curling into a thin smile. 'Today, they will come to understand who truly commands the board.'
She paused briefly near Lord Elfred's study, attuning her senses. No sound. He was still resting. 'Good. He'll need his strength later.'
Her route took her through the outer gardens and into the House Guard's training yard, where the elite Elfred Main Guard were preparing. Rows of disciplined mercenaries and guards sparred under the watchful eyes of seasoned captains. Their drills were sharp, efficient, a testament to the house's uncompromising standards.
Darkness watched for a moment, reassured. There was no immediate threat to House Elfred today, but complacency was not an option. Every facet of today's gathering had to reflect unassailable strength.
Everything had been set in motion.
The pieces were on the board.
The Zeldard Gathering awaited.