3 Knights (1/2)
The county had been created by joining the lands of the various tribes of Dragon Lords after the war. Fighting in the region had been so heavy that the tribes regular grazing lands were ravaged and left unusable for an indeterminate time period. The Emperor wanted to stabilise the situation and dispatched the newly minted War Hero Nikolai Morales to gather the tribes and develop the town of Konstanz into a seat of power along the border. Elya led an Order of Knights into combat at the front lines during the war, but riding through the barren pastures and scorched lands, brought home how devastated the border lands had become. She'd attended Assembly meetings and listened to the complaints that demanded the infusion of money and power into this region be stopped. She'd been inclined to agree until now, even with the Family's plans, Elya was a Suzdal, a direct descendant of royalty and daughter of a Grand Duke, and the Suzdal's were never interested in the Border Lords.
At least until Nikolai came along.
She sighed at the thought; it was hard not to blame the man for being too talented and causing this mess.
”Milady you don't have to do this.” Alexis urged her once more, seeing Elya's sadness. She served Elya well as a Vice-Captain in the Knight Order of Chernigov, but the situation brought out the worst in her, allegiance was one thing, but her dismissal of the engagement was troublesome. They couldn't afford to offend House Morales.
”It's a necessity Alexis. We've been over this many times. Nikolai is doted on by the Emperor and with our recent… troubles with the Princes, this may be our best option to regain His Majesty's favour.” Elya, shifted in her saddle, it had been several weeks since she'd ridden and Stormchaser was still recovering, trailing behind their caravan and the stallion's replacement just didn't suit her.
”As the second daughter of the Duke, you deserve better than to be married into another House.”
”It's just a name.” Even though she said that, being a Suzdal was all that she knew. She'd served the House since her birth, following their precepts of military service and honour. If the House demanded her sacrifice, then she wouldn't shirk her responsibilities.
”An ancient and honourable name Milady.” Alexis mumbled, casting sideways glances at her Captain to gauge her mood. ”There are uncountable cousins from the branch families. If the Morales' want a Suzdal, then they would be adequate.”
Elya frowned at the grumbling, tapping her armour in thought. That was a possibility that had been considered but things had escalated drastically.
”The Romanov's offered the hand of Katerina in marriage.”
”The Lotus Princess?” The Vice-Captain gasped. There were few in the Empire who had not heard tales of the beauty and grace of Katerina Romanov and it was said that if her suitors were gathered, they would be able to fill the entire central plaza of the Capital.
”Yes. There are… rumours that the Emperors favour has a deeper meaning when it comes to Nikolai.” Elya twitched her reins to avoid damage in the road. ”Some of it has been confirmed by our informants in the Palace so we had to move quickly.”
”He has a Hand?” Alexis breathed out, her voice barely audible. No one would want to attract the attention of the Hand, the rumours surrounding them were terrifying.
”Among other things.” There were certain things more dangerous to talk about than the Hands of the Emperor.
”But why you Milady?” Alexis whined, petulant and falling back on childish behaviour. Elya fixed her with a glare, reprimanding her wordlessly. They were still Knights and had to act with honour at all times.
”Elder Sister will inherit the Principality and Sofiya is too young for this responsibility.” She hesitated, not sure whether to explain everything. ”Misha was considered but Father decided to let her serve the Court.”
”I didn't know she passed the exam.” Alexis nodded, understanding the situation. ”Still Milady, you deserve better. If it wasn't for your injury…” She trailed off, hanging her head in shame and refusing to meet Elya's gaze.