The heavy wooden gate creaked open slowly at the arrival of Lirea and her family. The fresh outdoor air was left behind, replaced by the scent of wood and cold stone. A man in official garments, the council secretary, stepped forward and spoke clearly:
"Lords Alden, Lord Alaric and his son Lucan await you in the main hall."
Without waiting for a response, he gestured for them to enter. The family crossed the threshold, their footsteps echoing through the long corridor adorned with tapestries and banners.
Upon entering the main hall, they found Lord Alaric, a man of calm and steady bearing. Beside him stood Lucan, silently observing, a slight smile appearing at the sight of Lirea.
Next to them, the secretary and another person exchanged a surprised glance at the sight of the girl. Though her clothes were plain, her features stood out.
Lord Alaric spoke slowly, with a calm voice:
"I hope this sudden summons hasn't troubled you, but there was a matter to be addressed."
He looked directly at Lirea, her blue eyes standing out in the dim light.
"Her clothing is simple, but we haven't overlooked the girl's features.
There is something in you that is uncommon. That is why this meeting is not a mere formality."
Lirea's mother gently squeezed her daughter's hand, sensing the tension in the room.
Lord Alaric paused briefly.
"The decision we make here will affect more than just our families. Please, the two of you, leave the room."
The counselors exited.
"A couple of centuries ago, a noble family was exiled after being accused of witchcraft. It was a powerful house, but there was no death sentence. They inherited gifts such as healing abilities and, occasionally, prophetic dreams."
"What does that have to do with us?" Lirea asked sharply.
"Lirea!" her father scolded firmly.
"Your features are the living link to that family," the noble continued gravely. "Over the centuries, the descendants blended with the common people, but certain signs remained."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
"Those signs are reflected in you, girl," said the counselor, pointing to her light blue eyes. "They are the indelible marks of that forgotten lineage."
"But only Lirea displays these traits," her mother said honestly. "The rest of the family has common features."
"An isolated trait can still manifest," His Highness replied firmly. "Your blue eyes are proof of that. Is there any other family member with a distinct characteristic?"
"Kaia has deep blue eyes," the father interjected.
"Kaia?" Lord Alaric asked, surprised, as she wasn't listed in his records.
Lucan also looked puzzled at the revelation of another family member.
"She's my younger sister," Lirea clarified.
"Well, I'll investigate further," said Lord Alaric calmly. "Now, let us move on to the true reason for this gathering." He paused, the moment heavy with meaning. "As you know, this meeting was called to discuss matrimonial matters."
Lord Alaric offered a restrained smile, with a hint of humor.
"You see," he began in a more relaxed tone, "my son has become completely smitten with this young lady."
The proposal hung in the air, unspoken yet unavoidable.
Lirea's father stepped forward, his voice firm and clear:
"It is an honor for our family that my daughter is being considered for this union. I trust this will strengthen the bond between our lineages."
Meanwhile, her mother, though worried, maintained a serene expression, feigning calm to avoid disturbing the atmosphere.
Lirea and Lucan exchanged a glance filled with complicity. He smiled genuinely, while she gave a faint one, as if the weight of the situation forced her to hide something deeper.
"For this union to be possible," Lord Alaric continued, "I will raise her rank slightly within the nobility. Not to the level of those who were exiled—since their blood is no longer pure—but enough for the marriage to be legitimate and accepted."
The room fell silent, as if time itself had paused to absorb the announcement.
"I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, Your Majesty!" Lirea's father interrupted with a reverent, flattering tone. "It is truly an honor that our daughter may marry your firstborn. There could be no greater privilege."
A brief silence followed before Lord Alaric solemnly asked:
"Do you accept the proposal?"
After a pause that felt eternal, Lirea answered in a low but steady voice:
"Yes, we accept."
Suddenly, Lucan jumped to his feet, placing both hands firmly on the table, eyes shining with a mix of surprise and joy.
"Really?" he exclaimed, unable to hide his excitement.
"Of course, young sir," her father replied with a servile smile. "Refusing such a noble offer would be unthinkable for us."
Lirea said nothing. She knew she was in no position to refuse the proposal. More than an invitation, Lord Alaric's words carried an implicit command, and defying them would mean making an enemy too powerful to challenge.
Sensing the shadow of sadness on her daughter's face, her mother placed an arm around her shoulders, a gentle and comforting gesture.
"Ah, youth!" Lord Alaric said with a wide smile and light tone. "Lately, it seems love blooms all too quickly among them."
With those words, Lord Alaric made a gesture indicating the meeting was over.
"That said, you may leave."
The four rose and left the chamber with slow steps, heading toward the exit of Valmor Castle, its ancient walls witnesses to sealed alliances and intertwined destinies.
But just before they reached the exit:
"Lirea!"
Lucan's clear and sudden voice made them all turn. The young man stepped forward quickly, almost running, until he stood before her, cutting her off with an impulsive gesture that startled her slightly.
"Let the young ones say their goodbyes," said Lord Alden with a calm smile, addressing Elara, who nodded and stepped aside with him, giving them some space.
Lucan, once sure Lirea's parents were no longer watching, embraced her tightly without asking permission, as if he could finally do what he had been holding back for so long. There was eagerness in every movement, as though what had just happened confirmed his feelings were mutual.
"You have no idea how happy I am…" he whispered near her ear. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were different. And now… it's real."
Lirea faked a sweet smile and met his gaze. She nodded slowly, as if sharing his joy. She let herself be held, though her arms responded with distant gentleness.
But as they separated, Lucan sensed something. Perhaps it was the way she looked away, or the subtle tension in her jaw.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned.
"No," she replied quickly. "I'm just a little overwhelmed, that's all."
He hesitated, but ended up smiling again.
"I promise you'll be happy."
She held his gaze for another second, saying nothing, then lowered her head in farewell. She continued walking toward the exit, her steps light, but the silence around her felt heavier than ever.
Lucan stood still, watching her disappear. Something in his chest told him not everything was as it seemed.