The Drayvar mansion had transformed into something resembling a stirred anthill. With only ten days remaining before the trip to Vaeloria, servants ran from side to side preparing luggage, tailors took measurements for court-appropriate clothing, and Elyn supervised every detail with the intensity of a general planning a military campaign.
Because, in a certain way, she was.
Rylan wasn't just going to the capital. He was going to be seen. Evaluated. Judged by nobles from other Great Houses, by members of the Solar Council, and perhaps---if they were lucky---by Emperor Titus Draconis himself.
This was his presentation to the world that mattered.
And Elyn was determined it would be perfect.
Kael observed everything from the margins, as always. He saw the tailors measuring Rylan three times to ensure each tunic fit impeccably. He saw Elyn rejecting embroidery because "gold is too obvious, we need silver with blue touches, subtlety suggesting power without screaming desperation." He saw Varen reviewing lists of nobles who would be present, memorizing names and alliances with the same dedication as a student before a crucial exam.
And he saw Lyssara.
She was also observing, from her own silent corner. But there was something different in her gaze now. It wasn't the casual observation of someone bored. It was the intense study of someone cataloging each error, each lost opportunity, each moment when she---if she were in Rylan's place---would have done it better.
Their eyes met once, across the hallway while Elyn adjusted the collar of a ceremonial cape on Rylan's shoulders.
Lyssara didn't smile. She only tilted her head slightly, an acknowledgment of presence.
She's learning too, Kael understood. Seeing what works. What doesn't. Preparing herself for when it's her turn.
If they ever give her a turn.
That night, when Mira appeared with her usual package of sweets, Kael stopped her before she could leave.
---Mira, wait.
The servant froze, eyes wide. She'd lost weight in the last week, Kael noticed. The dark circles under her eyes were darker, and her hands trembled constantly.
Guilt, he diagnosed. And fear. She's crumbling under the pressure.
---Yes, young Kael?
---I don't need the sweets anymore.
For a moment, Mira's face lit with hope so pure it hurt to see. But then confusion replaced it.
---You... don't need them anymore?
---I got tired of them ---Kael said with a shrug---. But I want something else instead.
Hope died. Of course it died. Because of course there was something else.
---What thing, my lord?
My lord. She'd never called him that before. Now she did automatically, because that's what he'd achieved with his little manipulation: changing her perception of who held power.
Kael felt that cold emptiness again, but ignored it.
---Information ---he said simply---. I want to know things.
---What kind of things?
---Things that happen in the kitchen. Conversations the servants have. Who's fighting with whom. Who owes money to whom. ---He paused, choosing his words---. The small things that happen beneath everything else. The things important people don't notice.
Mira looked at him with a mix of confusion and something like horror.
---Why would you want to know those things?
---Because they interest me ---Kael responded, and it wasn't a lie---. Can you do that? Once a week, you tell me something interesting.
---I... I suppose. ---Mira swallowed---. And what about Ser Aldric? Does he...?
---I'll talk to him ---Kael said---. The arrangement changes for him too.
He didn't say what change. Because honestly, he still didn't know. But Aldric presented a problem: he was an adult trapped being blackmailed by a child, which meant eventually his pride would overcome his fear. And when that happened, there would be consequences.
I need to resolve it before it explodes, he thought. But how?
Mira nodded slowly and left, leaving Kael with a package of sweets he no longer wanted and a growing feeling he'd started something more complicated than he could handle.
But that's how you learn, he reminded himself. You start something small. See what happens. Adapt.
Just like Lyssara would do.
Just like all the real players did.
He found Sareth two days later, in his usual place: the secondary library, surrounded by books about imperial history and ancient philosophy, taking notes in his careful, trembling handwriting.
---Still studying? ---Kael asked, sliding into the chair across from his brother.
Sareth looked up, blinking like someone emerging from deep waters.
---Master Corvin said if I want to have any value, I need to be the most educated of all of us. ---His voice was small, defeated---. He says it's the only thing I'm good for.
---Corvin is an idiot.
---Kael...
---It's true. ---Kael took one of Sareth's books, leafing through it. It was about the Empire's consolidation under Titus Draconis, full of dates and names and battles that probably would never matter---. Being educated is fine. But he acts like it's your only option. Like you're already finished at nine years old.
Sareth didn't respond immediately. His fingers traced the edges of his parchment, leaving ink stains.
---Aren't I? ---he finally asked---. My ceremony was weak, Kael. Everyone knows it. Elyn says it every time she thinks I'm not listening. "The weak son. The mistake." ---His voice cracked slightly---. Maybe Corvin is right. Maybe books are all I have.
Kael closed the book he'd been leafing through and looked directly at his brother.
---Sareth, do you know what the difference is between you and me?
---You had average resonance. I had weak.
---No. ---Kael shook his head---. You believe what people tell you about yourself. I don't.
---That's because they don't tell you you're useless.
---They don't tell me anything ---Kael corrected---. Which is almost worse. At least they notice you enough to insult you. I don't even qualify for that.
Sareth seemed to consider this.
---And that doesn't bother you?
---Of course it bothers me. ---Kael leaned back in his chair---. But being bothered doesn't change anything. What changes things is making people see you differently.
---How?
It was the same question Sareth had asked before. And this time, Kael had a better answer.
---By being useful. Not in the obvious way, like Rylan being strong. But by being the person who has what others need. Information. Connections. Solutions to problems they didn't even know they had.
Sareth frowned.
---That sounds... complicated.
---It is. ---Kael smiled slightly---. But it's also more interesting than just swinging a sword.
---I don't know if I'm smart enough for that.
---You're smarter than you think. ---Kael pointed at the books---. Look at all this. You actually understand what you read. I just memorize. There's a difference.
That wasn't completely true, but Sareth needed to hear it. And there was enough truth in it that it wasn't a total lie.
Sareth looked at his books, then at Kael, then back at his books.
---Do you really think I can be useful?
---I think you can be more than what Elyn says you are. ---Kael stood---. But you have to stop believing her words more than your own.
He left Sareth with that, hoping it was enough. Hoping his brother would find some strength in the words, even if Kael himself wasn't sure he completely believed them.
But maybe, he thought as he left the library, if you act like you believe in someone long enough, eventually you start to really do it.
Or maybe I'm just justifying manipulating my own brother.
He wasn't sure which was worse.
The great dining hall was fuller than usual that night. Varen had invited several of his captains to dinner, men and women with weathered faces who'd served House Drayvar for decades. They were there to discuss logistics of the trip: routes, escorts, protocols in the capital.
Kael and Sareth were relegated to one end of the table, practically invisible among adult conversations about cavalry and supplies. Lyssara had been seated closer to the center---a concession to her status as the legitimate wife's daughter---but she ignored the conversations, eating in silence while her eyes moved from one captain to another, cataloging information.
Rylan was in his element, seated beside Varen, asking questions about Vaeloria showing genuine curiosity mixed with barely disguised anxiety.
---Is it true the imperial palace has a thousand rooms? ---he asked.
---Closer to eight hundred ---corrected one of the captains, a woman named Sendra with a scar crossing her entire cheek---. But they feel like a thousand when you're lost in them.
---And the Emperor? Will I see him?
---Probably from afar ---Varen said---. The Solar Council meets in the Eternal Sun Hall, where Titus presides from his throne. You'll be in the stands observing, not on the main floor.
---For now ---Elyn added, her voice carrying a tone of promise---. But someday, you'll be down there, representing House Drayvar as its head.
Rylan straightened at that, pride illuminating his face.
---I'll make you proud.
---I know ---Elyn said, and the warmth in her voice was so genuine Kael almost felt envy.
That's what it feels like, he understood. Being the favorite. Having someone who believes in you without conditions. Who sees you as future instead of mistake.
He looked at Sareth, who was pushing food around his plate without really eating. His brother had been quieter than normal since their conversation in the library, processing everything.
Did I do right by him? Kael wondered. Or did I just give him false hope?
He had no answer. But before he could think more about it, Varen's voice cut through his thoughts.
---Captain Tomos, how are the weapons preparations going?
Kael tensed. Tomos. The blacksmith. Mira's husband.
Tomos was an enormous man, easily the size of two normal men, with arms like tree trunks and hands that seemed capable of crushing skulls. His face was perpetually red from the forge's heat, and his voice resonated like thunder when he spoke.
---All ready, my lord ---Tomos said with a grunt---. The swords for the escort are sharpened, the armor checked. Though... ---he hesitated.
---Though what?
---I've been... distracted lately. Problems at home. ---Tomos looked at his plate, clearly uncomfortable talking about personal matters in front of nobles---. My wife has been... different. Distant. I don't know what's wrong with her.
Kael felt his stomach sink.
He's noticing. Mira isn't hiding it as well as she thinks.
---Different how? ---Sendra asked with genuine curiosity.
---She startles easily. Won't look me in the eyes. Sometimes I find her crying for no reason. ---Tomos rubbed his face---. I thought maybe she was sick, but she says she's fine. But I know she's lying.
---Maybe you should talk to her ---another captain suggested---. Women... sometimes they need you to ask them directly.
---I've tried. She just... ---Tomos interrupted himself, shaking his head---. Sorry, my lord. I shouldn't be bothering you with this.
---Nonsense ---Varen said, though he was clearly uncomfortable with the emotional turn of the conversation---. Your matters matter. I'll speak with Ama Maren. She can check on your wife, see if she needs a healer.
---Thank you, my lord.
The conversation moved to other topics, but Kael was no longer listening. His mind raced, processing implications.
Tomos knows something is wrong. He doesn't know what yet, but he's asking. And if he keeps asking, eventually someone will talk. A servant who saw something. A casual mention. And then...
And then Tomos discovers about Aldric. And Aldric is a dead man. Or close to it.
And if they investigate why it started, my name will come up.
Kael looked at Lyssara across the table. She was watching him, one eyebrow slightly raised. She'd heard Tomos's conversation. She'd seen Kael's reaction.
She knew.
Of course she knows. She always knows.
After dinner, Kael found Ser Aldric patrolling the south courtyard. The knight saw him approaching and his face immediately hardened.
---What do you want now, little leech?
---To talk ---Kael said simply---. In private.
Aldric looked around, verifying nobody else was nearby, then followed Kael toward a dark corner of the courtyard.
---More sweets? ---he asked with sarcasm---. Maybe you want my complete pay too?
---I want you to end things with Mira.
Aldric blinked, clearly not expecting that.
---What?
---End it. Tonight. Tell her you're no longer interested. Be kind about it, don't hurt her more than you already have, but end it.
---Why the hell would I do that?
---Because her husband is noticing something's wrong. And Tomos isn't stupid. He's just slow. But eventually he'll connect the dots. And when he does... ---Kael let the implication hang in the air.
Aldric paled slightly.
---He... suspects?
---Not yet. But he will. And I'd prefer that didn't happen.
---Why do you care? I thought you were enjoying having me in your grip.
Kael considered lying, but decided a version of the truth would work better.
---Because if Tomos discovers it, there will be a scandal. Investigations. Questions. And eventually, someone might wonder how I knew about it. ---He looked at Aldric directly---. And neither of us wants that to happen.
It was an exaggeration. Probably nobody would question how an eight-year-old child had found out about something. But Aldric didn't need to know that.
The knight rubbed his face, exhaustion clear in his features.
---Fine. I'll end it. But after that, we're even. No more blackmail. No more... whatever this is.
---Even ---Kael agreed.
It was a lie. Aldric would always know that Kael knew his secret. That would never disappear completely. But it was enough for now.
Aldric left, muttering curses about demonic children, and Kael remained alone in the courtyard.
He felt... relieved. And slightly disappointed with himself.
When did I start worrying about consequences? he wondered. When did I stop just doing things because I could?
Maybe when Tomos talked about his wife crying. Maybe when I saw what my little game had really done to a real person.
Or maybe I'm just afraid of being caught.
He wasn't sure which was the truth. Possibly both.
Three days later, Mira appeared at his room with information instead of sweets.
---Young Kael ---she said, her voice still trembling but less broken than before---. I have something that might interest you.
---Go ahead.
---The cooks are worried. One of the grain suppliers in the city has been mixing his product with small stones to make weight. Ama Maren doesn't know yet, but the servants are talking about it.
Kael nodded slowly.
---Which supplier?
---Merchant Ferris. The one with the warehouse near the eastern docks.
---Thank you, Mira.
She hesitated at the door.
---Young Kael... Ser Aldric ended things with me. Two nights ago. He was... kind about it. Kinder than I expected. ---Her eyes filled with tears---. I don't know if you had anything to do with that, but... thank you.
She left before Kael could respond.
And Kael sat on his bed, holding information he didn't really know what to do with, wondering if he'd just helped someone or simply changed the nature of how he was using her.
Information, he thought, remembering what he'd told Sareth. The real currency of power.
But what do you do with it when you don't know how to spend it?
He had no answer. He was still too young, too inexperienced, too small for information about a corrupt supplier to really matter.
But someday it would matter.
And when that day came, he'd be ready.
Because that's what it means to grow up in the shadows, he understood. You learn now. Practice now. Make mistakes now when they don't matter as much.
So that when you finally step into the light, you already know exactly how to play.
The morning of departure arrived with gray skies and cold wind from the sea. The entire mansion was awake before dawn, servants loading luggage into carts while the escort of twenty soldiers checked weapons and armor one last time.
Kael watched from his room's balcony, seeing Rylan stand in the main courtyard dressed in a new dark blue tunic with silver embroidery. He looked older somehow. More important.
Varen stood beside him, also formally dressed, his ceremonial Drayvar armor gleaming even under the clouded sky. He spoke in low voice with his captains, giving final instructions.
Elyn was adjusting Rylan's collar for the third time, her hands trembling slightly. It was the only sign of emotion she showed.
---Remember everything we've discussed ---she was saying---. Be courteous but not servile. Observe more than you speak. And if the Emperor looks at you directly...
---I bow my head, but don't lower my gaze ---Rylan finished---. I know, mother. You've told me fifty times.
---And I'll tell you fifty more if necessary. ---Elyn hugged him briefly, something rare for her---. Make me proud.
---I will.
Lyssara stood to one side, arms crossed, watching everything with carefully neutral expression. But Kael could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped her own arm.
She wants to be in that cart, he understood. She wants to be the one going to Vaeloria. But she can't say it because that would be admitting she cares.
Sareth stood beside Kael on the balcony, silent. He'd been increasingly quiet in recent days, processing their library conversation, watching Rylan prepare for something he'd never have.
---Do you think he'll be different when he returns? ---Sareth suddenly asked.
---Rylan? Probably. He'll see things we'll never see.
---I don't just mean what he'll see. ---Sareth looked at Kael---. I mean how he'll see us. If he sees us at all.
Kael had no good answer for that, so he said nothing.
Below, Varen mounted his horse. Rylan did the same, though with less grace, needing help from a guard to climb into the saddle. The escort formed around them, and then, with a last wave from Elyn, they began to move.
The carts creaked. The horses' hooves clattered against stone. And House Drayvar watched as its head and favorite heir disappeared through the mansion's main gates, heading to the city, then to the imperial roads, and finally to Vaeloria.
Leaving behind those who didn't matter enough to go.
Kael watched until the last figure disappeared from sight. Then he turned to Sareth.
---Come. We have work to do.
---What work?
---Learning. ---Kael began walking toward the library---. If we can't go to the world, at least we can prepare ourselves for when the world finally comes to us.
Sareth followed him, confused but not questioning. Because that's what Sareth did. He followed. He trusted.
And Kael would do everything possible to ensure that trust wasn't completely misplaced.
Though, he admitted silently, I'm still not sure if I'm worthy of it.
But maybe that doubt was good.
Maybe it meant he was still human.
Still not the monster he sometimes felt he was becoming.
Not yet.