[Thalryn Empire — Veyrhold House — The Next Day]
Winter had settled heavily over the northern lands of the Thalryn Empire.
Beyond the towering stone walls of Veyrhold House, the sky was pale and endless, and snow fell slowly from the clouds like drifting feathers. Each flake touched the frozen ground in silence, covering the ancient courtyard in a blanket of white.
Within the manor, however, the air was far less peaceful. In a dim chamber overlooking the snow-covered gardens, Aelira Veyrhold paced restlessly.
The fire in the hearth had nearly died, leaving the room wrapped in cold shadows. She stood near the window, her fingers pressed anxiously against her lips as she stared out at the falling snow.
"…How…" she muttered under her breath, her teeth nibbling at her finger in agitation. "How is that even possible?"
The words escaped her in a frustrated whisper.
"My brother… bearing a child?"
