The halls of the royal palace were silent at this hour.
Only the faint glow of enchanted torches lined the vast corridors, casting flickering light against the towering marble walls. The floor beneath Riven's boots was polished to perfection, reflecting the grand chandeliers above like liquid gold.
He walked with ease, his steps unhurried but purposeful, passing through the familiar halls that had once felt like a prison rather than a home.
Two guards stood rigid at the entrance of the king's study, spears crossed in front of the ornate double doors—tall and imposing, carved with intricate designs of Velmont's royal crest. The doors alone were a symbol of power, reinforced with magic, just like the massive window inside.
One of the guards stepped forward, nodding at him. "Your Highness."
Riven inclined his head. "Is he still awake?"
The other guard glanced at the door before nodding. "He hasn't retired yet."
Riven sighed, then rapped his knuckles against the heavy wood.
A pause. Then—
"Enter."
The guards pulled open the doors, revealing the grand study.
The room was vast but refined, filled with dark wood, velvet, and gold accents.
At the far end, directly opposite the entrance, a towering enchanted window stretched across the wall, showing the moonlit sky over the royal gardens. The window's glass shimmered faintly—reinforced by magic, nearly indestructible.
The king's massive mahogany desk sat before it, flanked by two finely crafted chairs. Across from the desk, two luxurious sofas faced each other, with a small rectangular table between them.
To the right, a grand bookshelf covered the wall, packed with ancient tomes, royal decrees, and records of Velmont's history.
On the left, a second desk stood empty—belonging to the royal secretary, who had already left for the night. Near the corner, an arched door led to a private washroom.
The king sat behind the desk, the candlelight casting shadows across his sharp, regal features.
His golden hair had lost some of its brilliance over the years, streaked now with silver at the temples. His deep green eyes—so much like Riven's half-brother's—were tired but alert.
He had never looked comfortable in this room.
Not now. Not ever.
As Riven entered, his father leaned back, studying him carefully.
"You're back."
Riven smirked, closing the door behind him. "Briefly."
The king gestured to the sofas. "Sit."
Riven did, sinking into the plush cushions while his father remained behind the desk for a long moment before finally standing.
He walked around the desk and took the seat across from Riven, exhaling as he leaned forward slightly.
He studied his son for a long moment.
Then—"Tea."
A quiet knock sounded at the door, and within moments, a servant entered, carrying a tray. She placed a porcelain teapot and two cups on the table before bowing and exiting.
Riven raised an eyebrow. "You're being suspiciously accommodating tonight."
The king poured the tea, his expression neutral. "I know you well enough to know that you don't come to my study this late without a reason."
He handed Riven a cup. "So. What brings you here?"
Riven took the cup but didn't drink.
Instead, he met his father's gaze. "I'm leaving Velmont for a few weeks."
The king's hands stilled briefly over his own cup.
Riven continued. "I'll be traveling to Varendel. With Kael."
Silence.
The king exhaled, setting his tea down. "So… she's decided."
Riven nodded. "She wants to see her brother. And I'm going with her."
His father leaned back, running a hand down his face.
"She was separated from him for so long… but I truly believed she was dead." His voice was quiet. "I would have wanted to see her."
Riven smirked slightly. "Oh, she's not ready for that."
The king chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I imagine not."
A pause.
Then, softer— "I never wanted to be king, you know."
Riven tilted his head.
His father exhaled, looking toward the enchanted window.
"The throne was never meant for me. I always had the heart of an adventurer. I loved traveling, seeing the world—not as a ruler, but as a simple man, free from all of this." He gestured vaguely at the grand study.
Then, quieter— "This title took the woman I loved from me."
Riven's fingers curled slightly around his cup.
His father sighed. "And yet, I have no choice but to bear it. For now."
He looked at Riven again. "I hope you never carry that burden."
Riven's lips twitched slightly. "I don't intend to."
His father studied him. "You've made up your mind, then?"
Riven nodded. "The throne should go to its rightful heir. Not the people responsible for all of this."
The king didn't argue.
Instead, he exhaled, running a hand through his golden hair. "How long do you expect this little adventure of yours to last?"
Riven leaned back. "Two weeks, give or take."
His father tapped a finger against the table in thought. "Then we'll need to mask your absence."
His green eyes sharpened. "I'll announce that I'm sending you on a diplomatic mission—territorial regulation in the southern provinces. It's believable, and it will buy you time."
Riven smirked. "Clever."
His father rolled his eyes. "You'll need to remain in the palace for two days before you 'depart'—make it look like you're preparing."
Riven sighed dramatically. "You really are a strategist, old man."
His father chuckled. "I try."
They sat in silence for a moment, sipping their tea.
Then—**"You know I love you, right?"****
Riven paused.
Then, he smirked. "I know, Father."
The king smiled faintly. "Good. Now go. You have preparations to make."
Riven stood, stretching. "I'll try not to get into too much trouble before I leave."
The king chuckled. "You say that, but I know you."
Riven grinned. "Goodnight, Father."
"Goodnight, Riven."
Back in his chamber, Riven sat at his desk, pulling out parchment and ink.
He wrote the letter to Kael, detailing their departure plans and the cover story.
Then, he reached for a small box.
Inside was a pair of finely crafted daggers—sleek, balanced, deadly.
Forged from a rare metal, dark with a faint purple gleam.
A perfect match for Kael. Also new clothes.
He sealed the letter and placed it inside the box before calling Jorrik.
"Deliver this to Kael. And tell her I expect her to love her gift."
Jorrik smirked. "You really are trying to impress her, aren't you?"
Riven grinned. "What can I say? I have a reputation to uphold."
Jorrik rolled his eyes but took the package. "I'll see it done."