The embassy's main council chamber buzzed with restless tension.
The long crescent table was already half-filled when Lysandra entered with Daren at her side. Rhedon followed, jaw set like iron. Serene slipped in behind them, notes clutched under her arm.
Every head bowed.
But no one looked reassured.
Asterfell's sudden troop mobilization had spread through the diplomatic quarter like a spark leaping between dry leaves; everyone could feel the heat, the threat, the waiting devastation.
Lysandra took her seat.
"Report," she ordered.
Before anyone could begin, the doors opened sharply.
Boots struck the stone floor with a crisp, steady rhythm.
Two figures entered.
The room straightened instantly.
Captain Aira Thorne, dust from travel still clinging to her cloak, saluted with clean precision. Tall, sharp-eyed, and unmistakably military, she carried the presence of someone who had lived too long at the edge of conflict.
Beside her walked Zelda Marquette, her expression calm, posture refined. She carried no sword—only a satchel of documents and negotiation drafts—but her quiet confidence was as sharp as any blade.
Lysandra's expression warmed, ever so slightly.
"Captain Aira," she said, acknowledging her without hesitation, "how stands the west border? Have the conflicts with the tribes settled?"
Aira bowed her head. "Your Majesty. The barbarian tribes have withdrawn. Their chiefs accepted the final terms of restraint and trade regulation."
Zelda added smoothly, "The treaty was signed three nights ago. They demanded trade guarantees and medical supplies, but no further hostility is expected."
Serene exhaled. "Finally. The west border has been a thorn for months."
Lysandra gestured toward two empty seats. "You've both returned at an important time. Join us."
Aira and Zelda took their places.
Daren leaned slightly toward Lysandra. "Their timing is fortunate."
Lysandra murmured back, "Or providential."
Rhedon cleared his throat. "Captain Aira, Zelda—your return is appreciated. We're facing an escalation from Asterfell."
Aira didn't flinch. "I was briefed at the gate. Troop movement?"
"Mass mobilization," Serene said. "But they haven't crossed the border."
Zelda's brow furrowed. "So a message. Not an invasion."
"Not yet," Daren said darkly.
Lysandra nodded once. "This meeting is to determine our response—military, diplomatic, strategic. Captain Aira, begin with what you observed on your route through the eastern cities."
Aira folded her hands, tone crisp. "Your Majesty, the eastern towns are restless. Rumors from Asterfell spread faster than our clarifications. Civilians fear war. Merchants are already rerouting caravans away from contested lines."
Daren muttered, "Which Asterfell will happily exploit."
Zelda spoke next. "Perception must be managed immediately. If Mavren pushes the narrative that Valenfirth prompted the Union hearing, we lose diplomatic ground."
Serene drummed her fingers on the table. "He already pushed that narrative. Their envoys were spreading it before we even left the courtroom."
Aira turned toward Serene. "Princess, do we have confirmation on their troop numbers?"
"Not complete," Serene admitted. "But early scouts estimate four battalions."
Zelda's eyes widened. "Four? That's not posturing. That's preparation."
Silence rippled across the table.
Lysandra inhaled slowly, weighing every word. "We cannot afford to appear frightened. But neither can we provoke."
Daren added quietly, "We need information. And border readiness."
Rhedon leaned forward. "Captain Aira, after stabilizing the west, can your unit be redeployed east?"
Aira didn't even blink. "If Her Majesty commands, we'll depart by dawn."
Lysandra raised a hand. "Not yet. Your unit has been on nonstop patrol for two months. Fatigue will get you killed faster than enemy blades."
Aira opened her mouth to protest.
Lysandra's tone softened. "That is an order, Captain."
Aira closed her mouth and bowed her head respectfully.
Zelda interjected, her diplomatic instincts sharp. "Your Majesty, with respect—Asterfell's aggression is not limited to troop movements. Their envoys have been contacting smaller kingdoms privately. If Mavren gains even one or two sympathetic votes, he can isolate us in the Union."
Serene nodded. "And once isolated, our position becomes defenseless."
Rhedon grunted. "He's cornering us politically before cornering us militarily."
Daren tightened his jaw. "Classic Asterfell strategy."
Lysandra let the silence settle, then spoke with deliberate clarity.
"What options do we have?"
Zelda answered first. "Diplomatic counteroffensive. We contact the northern kingdoms. They rely on our winter supply lines—they won't back Asterfell if we remind them of our value."
Serene added, "We also need the merchant guilds. If they issue statements of neutrality or support, it weakens Asterfell's narrative."
Daren glanced at Zelda. "And you believe they'll side with us?"
Zelda gave a measured smile. "They prefer stability. Asterfell creates chaos. That's our advantage."
Aira leaned forward. "But if Asterfell advances beyond posturing, diplomacy won't stop steel."
Rhedon agreed. "We need readiness. Even if we don't mobilize troops, we prepare defensive positions. Quietly."
Lysandra's voice sharpened. "Not a single soldier crosses the border without my command. Valenfirth will not be the one to ignite this fire."
Her determination steadied the room.
Daren stepped forward. "Your Majesty, if I may… we should also consider internal security. The assassination attempt wasn't random. Asterfell knew too much."
Aira's expression darkened. "You suspect a leak?"
"I know there is one," Daren answered.
Zelda studied him. "Do you have any leads?"
"Nothing solid," he admitted. "Only that the infiltrators knew the palace routines better than any outsider should."
Aira's voice lowered. "Then someone inside our own court is feeding them."
Rhedon muttered, "Or bribed. Asterfell is generous when buying traitors."
Lysandra turned to Daren. "We strengthen internal protocols. Restricted access. Background checks. And no information leaves the embassy without being cleared by me."
"Understood," Daren said.
Aira glanced between them. "Your Majesty… if the situation escalates, the eastern commanders will request orders directly from the capital. Should I prepare coded dispatches? Something they can act on the moment you confirm?"
Lysandra considered.
Then nodded. "Yes. Prepare them. But seal them. They are not to be opened unless I authorize it."
Aira bowed. "As you command."
Zelda's gaze softened. "Your Majesty, you're navigating a razor's edge. If you show too much restraint, other kingdoms will think you're weak. If you act too aggressively, they'll call you reckless."
Lysandra's expression did not waver. "Then I will act precisely."
A moment passed.
A heavy, quiet moment.
Serene leaned back. "So, the plan: diplomacy in the north, surveillance on Asterfell, internal tightening, and military readiness without provocation."
Rhedon nodded. "We can execute that."
Aira added, "And my company stands ready when needed."
Zelda finished, "And I will begin contacting neutral envoys tonight."
Lysandra looked at each of them.
Her council.
Her protectors.
Her pieces on a board that was now aflame.
"Then," she said softly but firmly, "we move."
She rose.
Everyone followed.
Daren stepped forward. "Your Majesty… do you want me to accompany you for the evening briefings?"
She met his gaze.
Slightly weary.
Deeply resolute.
"Yes, Daren," she said. "Stay close."
He bowed. "Always."
Aira and Zelda exchanged a glance.
A knowing one.
A respectful one.
Then they too bowed to their Empress.
Because the storm was coming.
And Valenfirth would need every loyal hand to survive it.