THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Some speculated she harbored disdain for men; others whispered that no suitor could meet her lofty standards. Whatever the truth, one fact remained undeniable—her younger sister, Mariana Va Ironblade, was the natural heir to her mantle.

Tonight would solidify that notion. Though the Archon\'s successor had yet to be formally announced, the gathering bore all the marks of such an occasion. Nobles from every corner of the region had arrived, dressed in their finest silks and adorned with jewels that sparkled like stars.

The courtyard buzzed with conversation as carriages pulled up one after another. Nobles stepped out, men with polished boots and embroidered cloaks, women in flowing gowns of opulent fabrics. They ascended the stone steps leading to the grand entrance, where the castle\'s massive iron gates stood open, flanked by guards in ceremonial armor.

Inside, the air was thick with the mingling scents of fresh flowers, exotic spices, and polished wood. Servants, dressed in crisp attire, moved with practiced grace, offering trays of golden goblets filled with sparkling wine. Each noble was ushered into the spacious, opulently decorated hall, a masterpiece of architecture. The room boasted high vaulted ceilings with intricate carvings, crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow upon polished marble floors.

One by one, the nobles were introduced with flourish. A liveried servant stationed at the entrance announced their names and titles, his voice resonating across the hall.

"Lord Eustace of House Feryn!"

"Lady Vivienne of House Drakemoor!"

"Count Aurelian of House Velmont!"

The nobles stepped forward, their gazes sweeping the hall, exchanging polite nods and measured smiles. As they entered, their eyes were drawn to the raised dais at the far end of the hall. Upon it stood two grand chairs, intricately carved and gilded, symbolizing the Archon\'s authority. Only one was occupied tonight—by Elara Va Ironblade, her piercing gaze scanning the gathering.

To her right, Mariana stood, resplendent in a dress of deep crimson and gold that hinted at her fiery temperament and noble lineage. She bore herself with poise, her hands clasped loosely before her as she welcomed each arrival with a nod. Though her expression was calm, her eyes gleamed with determination. Tonight, Lysora County\'s nobles would see not just an Archon\'s sister but a leader ready to bear the weight of her future title.

As the hall filled, the buzz of anticipation grew. The night promised revelations, alliances, and perhaps secrets laid bare.

The hall buzzed with conversation as nobles filtered in, their titles and lineage announced with formality.

"Baroness Elendria of House Carrick!"

"Duke Harrick of the Northern Marches!"

"Lady Isolde of House Vernier!"

Each name brought murmurs of recognition or quiet disdain, the social undercurrents of noble politics flowing like unseen tides. The grand hall brimmed with opulence, the chandeliers casting a soft golden glow over the crowd, highlighting silks, velvets, and gilded armors.

Then, the herald\'s voice cut through the din, silencing the hall:

"David De Gor, son of the Great General, Hilton De Gor, and his companions!"

All eyes turned toward the grand staircase. David emerged, his steps steady and deliberate as he descended, flanked by Yue, and Litty. His attire was a striking balance of elegance and martial authority, a subtle nod to his heritage. His expression was calm, yet his sharp gaze hinted at an unshakable resolve.

The room\'s reaction was a dichotomy. Some whispered among themselves, acknowledging how far David had risen since his return as the Spross Des Banners. Others, oblivious to his recent achievements, eyed him with veiled disdain, their mocking gazes a reflection of old grudges or misplaced pride.

From her position near the dais, Mariana caught sight of David. A genuine smile broke through her composed exterior, her fiery eyes softening ever so slightly. Her demeanor didn\'t escape her elder sister who subtly observed the shift in Mariana\'s mood.

"Interesting," Elara thought, her piercing gaze locking onto David. His presence commanded attention, yet there was a distinct humility in the way he carried himself, a trait rarely seen in nobles or their progeny.

As David reached the center of the hall, the crowd\'s whispers grew louder, curiosity and speculation rippling through the air. He bowed slightly, a respectful gesture that conveyed his acknowledgment of the Archon and the gathered nobility. His companions followed suit, their postures a mix of deference and self-assurance.

But before the moment could settle, a sudden movement at the dais drew all eyes. Elara, the Archon, rose from her seat. Her movement was graceful yet commanding. She stepped forward, the room falling into an uneasy silence as the crowd collectively held its breath.

The Archon had been absent for some time without explanation, her disappearance a source of rumors and unease among the nobility. To see her now, stepping forth with an air of quiet authority, was as unexpected as it was riveting.

Standing before the gathered nobles, her presence was magnetic. Her eyes, cold and calculating, swept across the room, lingering momentarily on David and his group.

"So, this is the one who captured Mariana\'s attention," Seraphina mused, her expression unreadable as her lips curved into the faintest of smiles.

The hall stood still, anticipation thick in the air. Whatever the Archon was about to say, it was clear it would set the tone for the rest of the evening.