8 Fiancées 2 (1/2)

The Baroness had been courteous from the moment they arrived. Offering light conversation on inconsequential subjects like the weather or the latest fashions in the Capital while they arranged themselves to wait for the Count. The Baroness was dressed in a stunning long white dress, an egg-sized ruby adorning her brow, the centrepiece of a dazzling circlet and a black shawl embroidered with the lightning sword of House Morales in gold embroidery, which made Elya feel out of place in her armour, like she'd come to fight instead of coming to accept a proposal.

Elya had guided Great Aunt Natalia to a couch, placing a shawl around her shoulders, before bowing towards the Baroness and seating herself. As the daughter of a Grand Duke there was no need for her to show such respect. In fact, most would expect the Baroness to curtsy to her but as Elya's future mother-in-law she was to be accorded seniority matching Natalia's, who was here in place of Elya's mother.

A diplomatic envoy had been dispatched to the Empire of Senro in the wake of border skirmishes and her mother's talents were requested by the Emperor. A request by the Son of Heaven was just a command that allowed a vassal to show their willingness to serve, but it had become a staple of government for these 'requests' to be made to the greatest Houses instead of issuing orders. Still, it meant that her mother would be returning too late to settle the matter of marriage.

They didn't have to wait long before a chamberlain came in to boom the Count's introduction and her hands twitched towards her sword, remembering that Alexis held it now. She breathed in deeply, trying to control the pounding in her heart as the Count swept in, his black robes highlighting the deep blue of his eyes. His introduction was impressive, pulses of magical light radiating from his staff, Nezgrom the Celestial Thunder, in time with his words. It was a great weapon commissioned by the Emperor after the assault on Sieradsz. It was almost as famous as Nikolai was, accompanying him in all the tales of his heroics.

When he saw her, Nikolai froze, trailing off. He must have seen the scar, Elya thought and couldn't help but smile in sadness. It was an expected reaction. Everyone responded the same way, and the little hope she'd held that he could be different vanished.

”Uhhh… sorry… ummm… ah! yes. House Suzdal. Welcome.” He finished and sat down. This close he looked normal. One would say plain until they looked in his eyes. Eyes that shone with magic and power, there was something mystical about him even when his staff wasn't flashing. It was captivating to say the least, but he sported a dazed expression and kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eyes.

”Passable!” Natalia declared and Elya's eyes widened in shock.

Great Aunt Natalia never approved of anyone.

Ever.

The Suzdal's even ranked people based on how many negative comments she gave.

Within seconds the tokens were placed and exchanged to approve the marriage and just like that Elya was engaged to Count Nikolai Morales. Her mind spun, watching the gaping astonishment of her fiancée.

”Wait. That quickly?” He cried and sprung from his seat. Alexis shifted behind her, gripping her sword in preparation to draw at the insult.