One month had passed since Duke Darian Ravenor and Duchess Selara welcomed their long-awaited son into the world, and the Ravenor Duchy had spent nearly the entire month preparing for the celebration. Invitations had been sent to every powerful noble family across the Valtherion Empire, and now Ravenhold—the capital of the duchy—was alive with movement.
Carriages from distant lands rolled through the city's streets, their wheels clattering as nobles arrived in waves. Inns overflowed with guests, taverns glowed with excitement, and the merchants of Ravenhold happily doubled their prices for rich guests. For a week straight, the city had been pulsing with anticipation for tonight: the official introduction of the Ravenor heir.
The castle itself—Ravenor Castle—stood proudly in the heart of the city, its towers shining like polished blades in the late-afternoon sun. Banners bearing the raven sigil fluttered in the wind, and lanterns shaped like silver-winged birds drifted through the air, leaving trails light behind them.
Inside the grand hall, everything shimmered. Hundreds of lanterns lit the room, the polished marble floor reflected every light, creating the illusion that the guests walked across rippling water.
Nobles arrived dressed in embroidered robes, gemstone-studded gowns, and enchanted accessories that glimmered whenever they turned. They greeted one another with polite bows and shallow smiles—always smiling.
At the center of it all stood Duchess Selara Ravenor.
She moved with grace, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of light. She held Kael in her arms, and despite the crowd and the noise, her smile remained warm. Her polite laughs and welcoming gestures carried no arrogance—only pride and joy.
Behind her stood Duke Darian Ravenor. Tall, broad-shouldered, and imposing with his black hair and purple eyes, he watched the guests with a calm authority that made lesser nobles choose their words carefully. In public he was the Duke, the man whose presence could silence a room.
Kael rested comfortably in Selara's arms, wrapped in a small ceremonial cloak. His violet eyes scanned the hall around him with a curiosity that made several noblewomen whisper about how adorable he looked. He resembled Darian so closely that even the servants joked he is like a miniature version of the Duke.
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Kael's POV
They're… really doing all this for me?
Kael stared at the shimmering decorations, the extravagant clothing, the dozens of noble families that had gathered. In the story he remembered from his past life, Kael has been just minor villain and there was very little information about his childhood.
I guess this is what happens when you're the heir of a duke…
He examined the crowd, trying to piece together the political connections. A tall man with fiery red hair and a pregnant woman caught his eye.
That must be Duke Alaric Valemont and his wife…
If the story is going the same way, the child she's carrying…
Could be the girl whose birth eventually leads to my death in the future.
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General POV
"Darian!" Duke Alaric Valemont boomed as he approached. His copper-red hair shone under the lights, and his confident smile could have illuminated the entire hall.
Darian raised a brow. "You sound happier than I expected. Are you already planning to brag again?"
Alaric grinned. "About what? My three children? My fourth on the way? My—"
"—inability to keep quiet about any of them?" Darian finished.
A few nobles coughed to hide laughter.
"Touché," Alaric said, clapping him on the arm.
Their wives exchanged exasperated glances.
Duchess Valeria Valemont stepped forward, dark hair shimmering. "Selara, you look beautiful. And your son…" Her voice softened, "He has your warmth."
Selara smiled. "And his father's eyes."
Valeria chuckled. "A dangerous combination."
As the laughter between Darian and Alaric subsided, another figure approached—a tall, imposing man with a sharp jawline and icy blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the festive glow. This was Duke Marius Krelthorn, head of a northern duchy long known for its wealth and influence. His cloak was a deep sapphire, signaling both status and subtle menace.
"Darian, Selara," Marius said smoothly, inclining his head in a bow. "Congratulations on your son."
Darian returned the bow, though his voice held the edge of caution. "Thank you, Marius. Your arrival honors us."
Marius's eyes flicked toward Kael in Selara's arms. "A fine heir, indeed… strong features. I expect the child will grow into a formidable man—assuming he survives the intrigues that always surround nobles."
Selara stiffened, her grip on Kael tightening. She smiled politely. "We hope to raise him with caution, of course."
Alaric, sensing the tension, stepped in cheerfully. "Marius! Always such a grave tone. Surely tonight is for celebration, not threats."
Marius's smile was thin, almost cruel. "Merely observing, Alaric. One must always remain vigilant. Not everyone in the empire greets Ravenors with… unreserved joy."
Kael, from his mother's arms, watched quietly. His eyes narrowed, sensing hostility. He recognized danger in the way Marius spoke, a danger wrapped in civility.
Darian's hands curled slightly at his sides, his jaw firm. "We are aware of the political climate, Marius. But tonight, we honor new life, not disputes."
Marius inclined his head again, unflinching. "Of course, Darian. My congratulations remain sincere. I simply advise… that even the son of a house as prominent as yours must be watched carefully."
Selara's voice remained soft, though her eyes gleamed like filled with hostility. "We will ensure Kael's safety. That is all any parent can promise. And you donʼt need teach us how to raise Kael"
The tension in the room was almost tangible, and Alaric coughed awkwardly, attempting to steer the conversation back to lighter matters. "Well, now that formalities are addressed… have you seen the gifts we've prepared for the young master?"
Marius's gaze lingered on Kael a moment longer, as if measuring the boy. "I have and it's quite impressive."
Kael's fingers twitched. Something about Marius unsettled him—not merely the cold tone, but the sharpness in those blue eyes.
Selara adjusted Kael in her arms and smiled at Marius, cold and composed. "Your attention honors us. Let us hope that as he grows, Kael proves worthy and wise enough to live the world that awaits him."
Marius's thin smile deepened. "We shall see, Duchess. We shall see."
With that, he inclined his head once more and turned, gliding through the crowd with elegance, leaving a chill in his wake.
Alaric clapped Darian on the shoulder. "See? That's why you never underestimate a northern duke. Just words… but you can feel the daggers behind them."
Selara glanced down at her son, whose violet eyes now seemed to reflect the light and the subtle danger swirling in the grand hall. For Kael, tonight was both a celebration and a lesson—an introduction not only to the allies but to the cold rivals.
And for the first time, the he realized that even the smiles of nobles could hide sharp edges and a lot of dangers.