In the moonlit dominion of House Malveris, magic saturated the air like perfume. Saelar arrived through a teleportation gate cloaked in secrecy. The black palace shimmered with illusionary veils and shadowbound guards.
And there, lounging atop an arcane-glowing throne, sat Alicent Malveris.
> "So you're the heir with dragonfire in his blood… I thought you'd be taller."
She floated toward him, her twin silver pigtails bouncing, violet eyes glinting with mischief. Her form-fitting mage dress revealed far too much, and her aura was a blend of eroticism and deadly intelligence.
> "Alicent Malveris," he greeted.
"Prince Saelar," she whispered. "Or should I call you Master, now that we're engaged?"
He ignored the jab. "Your father supports my claim. And your hand in marriage cements that support."
She giggled. "Oh, darling. My father supports the idea of winning. I support... whatever gives me fun, chaos, and purpose."
She took his arm and dragged him into a sealed chamber. Runes lit the walls.
> "Don't worry, I'm not going to pounce on you. Yet," she grinned. "We need to talk."
Behind the teasing exterior, Saelar found a shrewd mind. Alicent knew the pulse of Elythara's noble court better than any royal spy. She knew which nobles leaned toward rebellion, which generals grew restless, and which mages could be bought or broken.
> "You have power," she said, tracing a clawed finger down a glowing map. "But you need whispers in the dark, saboteurs in silk, and magic that scares even dragons."
> "And you offer all that?" he asked.
> "I am all that," she purred.
They shook hands—one amused, one resolute.
> "You'll be my Empress in shadow," he said. "My serpent in silk."
Her smile deepened. "And your naughty little wife too. Don't forget that."
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End of Chapter 38 – The Marriage Pact of Flame
By nightfall, both marriages had been formally accepted and sealed by magical sigil. With Myrcella and Alicent on his side, Saelar's path was now clearer.
Three wives:
One of the blade and flame (his first yet-to-be-introduced wife),
One of the leaf and mind (Myrcella),
One of the arcane and shadow (Alicent).
Now, under the veil of secrecy, Operation Crownfire would begin—the gathering of secret armies, mages, and assassins loyal to the Velgaeron Restoration.
The empire had forgotten the name Saelar Velgaeron.
But soon… it would kneel to it.