The next morning, the sky hung low with heavy clouds. A biting chill crept through the air—sharper than the day before, as if something ominous brewed in the silence.
Helya stood before the mirror, adjusting the hem of her gown. The deep blue fabric traced the outline of her poised figure, while the subtle metallic embroidery at the collar shimmered faintly—an elegant design often seen in the upper circles of the Technological Kingdom. Her hands moved with practiced steadiness, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of hesitation.
Today marked her first appearance at a national-level event as the "Commander's fiancée"—and it wasn't just any gathering, but one related to the delicate border collaboration project. She understood the stakes. This wasn't merely a social affair—it was politics cloaked in velvet and glass.
A gentle knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Cael entered, dressed in full formal uniform. The silver lines on his epaulettes caught the dim light, reflecting his unspoken authority. His gaze settled briefly on her, as though assessing her composure, but he said nothing of her evident tension.
"Are you ready?" he asked calmly.
She nodded. "Are you?"
He chuckled lightly, a rare softness slipping through his usual restraint. "I have nothing to prepare for. It's my ground, remember?"
She didn't respond to that. Her smile was small, almost imperceptible, as they exited the room and walked side by side down the corridor. The private hover car awaited them. Outside, the city was cloaked in grey, the clouds thick, the wind whispering the promise of snow.
The banquet hall was lavish, gilded in gold and shimmering with opulence. Representatives from various districts filled the space, exchanging pleasantries and veiled words. Standing by Cael's side, Helya kept her posture graceful and her expression composed.
But she felt the weight of eyes upon her.
Some looked with polite curiosity. Others, with measured caution. And more than a few, with open distrust—especially those from the military high command and the central tech council. She could sense it clearly: she was not welcome here.
During a quiet moment while switching out her glass of wine, she whispered, "You brought me here to sway public opinion?"
Cael glanced at her, his tone serious. "It's time they acknowledged you. I want them to understand exactly where I stand."
She paused, surprised, but said nothing more.
Just as the evening seemed to settle, a sudden commotion shattered the calm.
The blare of security alarms pierced the air. Armed guards stormed into the hall and quickly subdued a man who had slipped in among the guests. On him, they found a concealed explosive device—small, but deadly.
It hadn't detonated, but it didn't need to. The message was clear enough.
Cael's face darkened. His voice was cold and sharp as he ordered a full investigation into the breach. As Supreme Commander, his authority was unquestioned.
Helya stood quietly at his side, listening to the whispers and speculations swirling around the hall. Her gaze was unreadable.
She knew better than most—this was no coincidence.
The ride back was quiet, both lost in thought.
Only when the first snowflake landed on the car window did Cael speak. "This wasn't about me."
Helya replied softly, "It was about those close to you."
Their eyes met.
No more needed to be said.
They both knew—this storm had only just begun.