Kingdom of Autumn: Dragon Vassal
The boy reeked of desperation. Vaedon could smell it like shark smelling blood.
The signs were unmistakable. His hunched shoulders, trembling wine cup. Eyes that looked everywhere except at the people inside.
Aldous stood alone. Crown prince of Autumn. Rejected by Draelor only about a few hours ago.
Vaedon smirked. "The perfect prey"
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The journey to Autumn's capital had been brief. A few minutes by dragon flight. Two hours by carriage if traveling with dignity and instant if he desired it.
Vaedon had chosen dignity. Allowing anticipation to build up.
The kingdom of Autumn was different from the empire's Gothic stone. It had unique architectural approach.
Pagoda roofs with curved eaves. Red lacquer wood. Paper lamps hanging from every corner.
The streets were choked with market stalls and the smell of incense and cheap food.
The population were mostly human. Some elves among the merchants and scholars. Dragons didn't live here or so they thought.
People saw the dragon crest on Vaedon's carriage. Their eyes narrowed. Mixed expressions between fear, resentment and the reality that they needed dragons.
They hate us yet obey. As should be
The palace gates opened. Multi-tiered pagoda structure. Burnt orange and gold. Gardens with koi ponds, bamboo groves and cherry blossoms.
The guards wore lamellar armor. orange and brown, Autumn's colors. The bowed stiffly. Barely formal to the dragon prince.
Inside the palace were sliding doors. Wooden floors polished to mirrors. Lanterns casting warm light. Simple but expensive. Intentionally understated wealth.
The grand hall doors slid open. An attendant announced: "Prince Vaedon Ignisar, Second Son of the Dragon God."
The ballroom was large with open high ceiling. Hundreds of paper lanterns providing warm light.
About a hundred nobles and wealthy merchants filled the space.
They wore flowing robes with embroidered patterns. Their hair were in top knots finely ornated.
Immediately Vaedon entered, all conversations paused. Heads quickly turned in his direction.
Mixed emotions rippled through the room. Respect for dragon blood. Resentment for being ruled by the empire but also the fear of consequences.
Vaedon walked through polite nods, shallow bows and cold formality.
He could hear whispers. "Dragon prince..." "Why is he here?"
"Insult after rejection?"
Vaedon's expression remained pleasant. He wore the most welcoming smile ever but his remained calculative.
Marten arrested two nights ago. Auryn exposed him publicly. Quite the Inconvenience. But I have backups.Marten was merely one thread cut in a larger web
His fingers tapped the wine glass he'd accepted. Thoughts drifting to Auryn's recent actions. Who would have thought he would be wasting energy on him.
I guess he's competent now. Faster than expected. But competent isn't threatening. Atleast not yet.
He took a sip of the drink coming to term on how to proceed.
Autumn first. Then I'll take care of you, little brother. He walked amongst them plotting how to destroy them.
King Ephraim approached. His walk was regal but it bear exhaustion underneath. He wore royal robes of their colours and a simple crown on his grayed hair.
He bowed. Less deeply than he would for Draelor.
"Prince Vaedon. We are... honored."
Vaedon inclined his head. Didn't bow back.
"King Ephraim. Thank you for hosting."
He hadn't been invited but he was Vaedon. "My condolences regarding the ceremony. Draelor's standards are quite... demanding."
Ephraim's jaw tightened. "Yes. demanding. My son did his best."
"I'm sure he did. Where is Aldous? I'd like to pay my respects."
Ephraim gestured toward glass doors. "Garden terrace. He prefers solitude."
"Understandable. I'll find him." Vaedon moved past without waiting for dismissal. He didn't need it afterall.
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The garden was beautiful. Stone paths winding through carefully maintained landscape.
A pond reflecting moonlight. Bamboo rustling. Cherry blossoms dropping petals with lanterns providing soft illumination.
Aldous stood at the railing. He had brown disheveled hair. Hazel eyes. Lean with a trained physique. Years spent compensating for his weaker bloodline.
A half-empty cup of wine in hand. Posture tense despite the alcohol. Determined eyes on a defeated face.
Vaedon approached casually. Like this was coincidence.
"Aldous."
The young prince turned. Bones stiffened as he bowed. "Prince Vaedon."
Vaedon waved dismissively. "No formality. We're alone." He leaned against the railing and looked at the garden.
"Rough week?"
Aldous laughed bitterly. "You could say that."
Comfortable silence stayed between them.
"Draelor rejected me." Aldous's voice was quiet. "My father's humiliated. The court looks at me like I'm worthless. Like I failed them."
"You're not worthless."
"Then what am I?" Aldous turned. Eyes desperate. "Draelor said my blood is too weak. That I'd burn from the inside if he granted me power. What does that leave me?"
Vaedon's fingers found the railing. And he tapped. Three…. Two. A pause and the once.
"It leaves you looking elsewhere."
"Elsewhere?"
"Draelor offers one path. Traditional bloodline power." Vaedon's tone was thoughtful. "But that's not the only path as i've told you"
Aldous straightened, hope flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I know someone. An intermediary. They provide... alternatives."
"Alternatives to boons?"
"Power that doesn't require Draelor's approval. Power that's yours. Unconditionally."
Aldous's breathing quickened. "What kind of power?"
"The effective kind." Vaedon smiled. His eyes were that of a friend. Gentle and understanding.
"But these arrangements take time. Two weeks. I'll need to make introductions. Ensure compatibility."
He studied Aldous.
"Are you interested?"
The garden rustled. Koi splashed in the pond and a heartbeat later.
"Yes. I'm interested." The voice was firm and quiet but desperation lingered.
Vaedon gave him a friendly shoulder clap.
"Good." He gave off a seductive smile. Turned and walked back toward the ballroom.
"I'll reach out ….okay"
Aldous watched him but the thought still lingered in his mind.
Why?
Vaedon returned to the ballroom briefly. Made polite conversation. Expressed regrets about leaving so soon and exited the palace.
His carriage waited. Black lacquer with gold trim. Dragon crest visible. He entered and leaned back on soft seat as the carriage began moving.
His right hand rested on his jaw and his mind drifted.
Aldous secured. Marten arrested, manageable. Godfrey should still be viable unless…
He smirked slightly as fingers tapped the seat.
While they play princes. I corrupt dynasties.
His smirk remained while he stared out the window. Watching as Autumn's lights faded behind him.
This would be MINE next. A deeper and darker voice spoke from within the depths of his instincts.
Meanwhile, several miles away. Lyra stood in Auryn's chambers. An amulet in her hand.
"Who are you?" she whispered.