Our carriage came to a gentle stop at the castle’s main entrance, the wheels crunching over the gravel before settling into silence. A liveried steward stepped forward and opened the door with practiced grace.

  I climbed out first, boots meeting the stone with a muted thud, then turned to offer my gloved hand to Seraphina. She emerged with the fluid grace of someone born to draw attention, her deep crimson gown catching the lamplight in soft, rippling waves. Around her neck, a double-braided mithril necklace rested, one strand lower than the other. The mithril itself gleamed, but what truly caught the light was the single thread of orichalcum woven through it, making it seem almost alive against her tanned skin. It was meant to be the centerpiece of her low-cut dress, but tonight it was part of her, an extension of her poise and fire. I offered her a smile that belonged only to her before turning to the next carriage occupant.

  Allira took my hand next. She moved with her usual quiet confidence, her emerald silk gown subtly highlighting her athletic strength. Around her neck was a choker made of geometric mithril shapes, their angles softened by the shimmer of the metal. From its center, a single chain descended gracefully, ending with a ruby resting perfectly in the valley of her cleavage. The gem caught every flicker of light as she moved, serving as a perfect accent to her gown. “Thank you,” she said, her gaze flicking to the castle doors as if already contemplating the night ahead.

  Finally, I reached into the carriage for Marlena. She stepped into the light, and for a moment, the rest of the world dimmed. Her sapphire gown shimmered like captured starlight, and the necklace I had crafted for her, mithril branches woven into a teardrop shape, draped elegantly across her skin. The curve of the piece naturally drew the eye downward to where it rested, just above the start of her cleavage, making it both refined and undeniably alluring.

  Three women, my wives, each wearing a piece of art I crafted with my own hands. Every piece was as unique as the woman who wore it. And for a moment, I could hardly believe they were mine.

  Seraphina arched an eyebrow and smirked at me. “Careful, love, you keep staring like that, and people will think we’ve been keeping you locked away.”

  That drew a small laugh out of me, enough to shake the daze before I offered my arm to all three. “Then let’s give them something worth talking about.”

  We moved toward the main doors of the castle, eyes scanning the crowd for Marlena’s parents, who were supposed to meet us. The line to get in was a slow-moving ribbon of color and jewels, with every guest dressed to show they belonged here.

  Celestina and Ranulf finally navigated through the crowd, their clothes impeccable yet subtle; she wore a deep lavender gown with modest lace trim, and he wore black tails with a shining silver cravat under the lantern light. Celestina froze mid-step upon seeing Marlena. Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide as if she were seeing her daughter for the first time, not as the girl she had raised but as a true countess. Her gaze shifted to Seraphina and Allira, and I caught the faint, almost dazed smile of a woman realizing her daughter moves in powerful circles.

  I clasped Ranulf’s hand firmly. “Ranulf, how are things?”

  “Great, my lord,” he replied automatically.

  “You don’t need to call me that,” I said.

  “Sorry. It’s just protocol,” he murmured under his breath.

  “Fine. In public, then,” I said with a faint smile. “Otherwise, your banking all done?”

  “Yes. And thank you for this second chance,” he said, patting my shoulder with a sincerity that cut through the formal setting.

  “It was my honor. We will be going to Brakenreach soon, that’s when the work really starts.” I replied. Over his shoulder, I noticed movement of someone watching us. Recognition tugged at the edge of my mind until I triggered Analyze.

  [Name: Aria Devanthes]

  Level: 30

  Class: High Mage (Earth Affinity)

  Title: Royal Mage

  I have to say, Analyze is a real cheat when it comes to remembering names. Yes, she was the quiet one at the training grounds, the one who looked at me like I’d tracked mud across her carpet.

  As the seven of us reached the entrance, I handed our invitation to the guard. His eyes flicked down, then back up to me, his posture shifting almost imperceptibly. Without another word, he waved us all through, skipping the tedious questions he had just grilled the couple ahead of us with.

  The reception hall beyond was already crowded with people, the air filled with a mix of perfume, polished wood, and the distant sound of string music from the ballroom. Lantern light spilled across gilded walls and polished marble, reflecting off crystal goblets in servants’ hands as they moved through the crowd.

  We hadn’t made it far before a steward approached, bowing slightly. “Your name, sir?”

  When I handed it to him, something shifted in his expression. His professional mask remained, but there was a faint flicker of recognition. He sharply gestured for someone else to come forward, and soon one of the royal guards stepped up.

  She was dressed in full ceremonial uniform, the dark blue coat edged with gold braid, her hair pulled back into a strict queue. The polished half-plate over her chest gleamed, reflecting the warm light from the chandeliers. The captain was precise and efficient. “Could your party follow me?”

  “Yes,” I said, stepping aside to usher my party ahead of me. The royal guard officer turned crisply and led us from the noise and light of the ballroom into a quieter, dimly lit side corridor. Our footsteps echoed softly against the polished stone, the distant music fading with each step.

  At the end of the corridor, a set of tall double doors loomed, their dark wood carved with the kingdom’s crest and inlaid with gold leaf. Two guards stood on either side, immaculate in dress uniform, hands resting on the pommels of ceremonial swords. Without a word, they moved in perfect unison to open the doors as we approached.

  The air inside was warmer, rich with the scent of spiced wine and beeswax from the tall candelabras lining the walls. The royal family stood in relaxed conversation with a cluster of high officials and nobility, their laughter and murmured voices blending into a low hum. This was no formal audience, yet this was the quiet stage before the performance.

  Allira immediately moved away from my side, her eyes lighting up when she saw the captain who had brought us here. Without hesitation, she approached her and embraced her warmly. “You look good,” I heard her say, her voice carrying a rare tenderness. The captain returned the hug, a faint, genuine smile breaking through her usually disciplined face.

  I moved up behind Allira, gently placing my hand on her waist. “We don’t want to keep others waiting, sweetie,” I murmured just for her.

  “We have to catch up,” she said with a small smirk before guiding me back toward the center of the room. Over her shoulder, I saw the captain watching us, still smiling faintly as she went back to her post outside the room.

  Behind us, the heavy doors closed with a soft but definite thud, sealing the rest of the castle outside. Whatever happened here would now be the main focus for everyone inside.

  I genuinely felt like a stranger in this room. Here was the true power of the kingdom, its heartbeat and decision-makers all in one place. The royal family sat surrounded by a wave of high-ranking officers, court mages, and richly robed religious figures. Conversation flowed in soft, measured tones, the kind that conveyed more meaning in what wasn’t said than in what was. As much as I wanted to retreat to the familiar clang and warmth of my workshop, I knew I had to stay here.

  Holding Allira’s hand, I led us toward the King and Queen, seated in high-backed, plush chairs near the center of the room. The carpet beneath us was thick enough to muffle even the click of my boots.

  I stopped a respectful distance away and inclined my head. “Your Majesties,” I greeted them with a slight bow. They acknowledged me in turn, their gazes assessing but not unkind.

  “Allow me to introduce my wives, Allira, Seraphina, and Marlena.” The three of them curtsied in unison, each with her own subtle flourish that reflected her personality. “And here are Ranulf Valen and his wife, Celestina Marlena’s parents.” The Valens stepped forward, bowing and murmuring their greetings.

  “And not to forget Allyson,” I added. True to her nature, she remained close by my side, her posture as still and deliberate as the construct she was, watching for any sign that I might need her.

  The King and Queen both rose and moved to shake our hands personally, drawing more than a few curious glances from the watching nobles. Then Seraphina stepped forward, took the box Allyson carried, and offered it to the Queen with both hands.

  “In appreciation for this night, we offer you this small token, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice warm but poised.

  The Queen took the box, her brow raising slightly before she opened it. The soft gasp that escaped her caused a ripple of attention among the surrounding guests. Even the King leaned in closer, a slight smile forming on his lips. A nearby steward stepped forward instinctively, holding the box as the Queen lifted the necklace into the light.

  The mithril lace gleamed like woven frost, each delicate curve set with diamonds that caught the candlelight and shattered it into a thousand bright sparks. A murmur of approval and envy spread quietly through the room.

  The King stepped behind his wife, removing the simple necklace she wore and clasping the new one in its place. Against her gown, the mithril seemed almost alive.

  “You look gorgeous with it,” Seraphina said, and Allira and Marlena both voiced their agreement. The Queen’s composure briefly faltered; a light blush appeared on her cheeks, and she gently lifted her hand fan in a soft flutter to hide it.

  “Earl Robertson, you have outdone yourself,” the King said proudly.

  “Sir, I had a couple of days,” I replied with a small smile. “But the design was my wife Seraphina’s work. I just built it.”

  The King gave a low chuckle and patted my shoulder, a gesture meant to be friendly but one I suspected was also meant to mark me before the court as his. Life was getting more complex by the day. I stepped back, letting the next wave of courtiers sweep in to fawn over the new necklace.

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  Off to the side, I saw a refreshment table with crystal goblets, silver trays of wine, and rows of pastries that looked like they came from the palace kitchens. Allyson stayed close beside me as I navigated through the shifting groups of conversation, stepping around a pair of mages deeply engaged in debate over something I didn’t catch.

  “Everything fine at the tower?” I asked her quietly.

  “Yes, master. Nothing out of the ordinary at this time,” she replied without hesitation.

  I gave her a sidelong look. “You know, in every spy movie I’ve seen, this is exactly when someone tries to sneak in when the owner’s off at a fancy party.”

  She tilted her head, her expression as blank as only Allyson could manage. “What is a spy movie?”

  “It’s… entertainment. The kind where you watch someone else’s mess instead of living it yourself,” I said, grabbing a goblet of wine from a steward who offered it with a practiced bow. I murmured my thanks and turned only to realize how many eyes were on me. Not openly hostile, but watching, assessing. As if I were some rare tool, they were still deciding how to use.

  I took a sip to hide my unease, but General Hakenton’s familiar bulk emerged from the crowd, his ceremonial uniform fitting almost too well for a man who clearly preferred armor.

  “Hello, Earl Robertson,” he greeted, his voice deep enough to carry over the music. “How are you taking all of this in?”

  “In many ways? Overwhelming,” I admitted.

  The general laughed. “You, overwhelmed? You charged headlong into a demon horde, and this is what rattles you? Well… I can understand it.”

  That earned a small chuckle from me, and I nearly spilled my drink.

  “So, Earl, what’s next?” he asked, eyes keen with interest.

  “Well, sir, Brakenreach. I’ll be heading there with representatives from the Valen family to start assessing the scope of things, see how big this project could be, and where to start, but most importantly, visit my wife’s family,” I added.

  “Family first,” he said simply before we shook hands and went our separate ways.

  I headed toward the snacks, a sensible goal given the small array of bite-sized treats displayed under silver domes. As I reached for one, Allyson’s voice was low enough for only me to hear.

  “Master, I see the three people who were at the training grounds when you were with Lady Allira.”

  “Yes,” I replied, glancing past her shoulder as I reached for a pastry. “I saw them eyeing me earlier.”

  I plucked a small fruit tart from the silver tray, its glazed top catching the warm candlelight, and had barely taken a breath before several figures drew near. The older woman at their head stopped just short of me, her bearing precise and deliberate.

  “Earl Robertson,” she said, voice cool but edged with a kind of measured curiosity. “I never introduced myself. I’m Aria Devanthes, head of the Devanthes mages.”

  “Hello,” I replied, inclining my head. “Aria, if I can call you that, what does a Royal Mage do?”

  A flicker of confusion crossed her face, as if she couldn’t quite tell whether I was mocking her or genuinely ignorant. “Ah… yes. In our kingdom, there is a council of mages, and individuals on that council are called Royal Mages. We set mage policies and lead the mage regiments in times of crisis.”

  “Interesting,” I said, taking a measured sip of wine. “What kind of policies?”

  “Well, as of late, it was setting the upcoming curriculum at the cathedral,” she replied smoothly, though her eyes searched mine for… something.

  “I didn’t know. As you can guess, I’m not a mage. All of this is new to me. Thank you.”

  Her lips curved, not quite a smile. “You, Earl, are an interesting one, I have to say. You, being an engineer.”

  “Yes, that’s true,” I said evenly. “I guess I’m the only one.”

  “And this is?” she asked, gesturing toward Allyson.

  “Oh, sorry. This is my assistant, Allyson,” I said.

  Aria’s gaze shifted, sharpening, her expression turning almost predatory as she studied Allyson. “Is it autonomous?”

  “Yes, she is,” I answered without hesitation.

  “Fascinating. When I saw you at the training grounds, I did some research. I found that people of your class had servants like this centuries ago.”

  I glanced at Allyson. “Is this true?”

  “Yes, master,” she replied in her calm, unblinking way. “Each engineer and their family was awarded a servant when they reached level thirty or better.”

  Aria coughed lightly at that, though it didn’t hide the way her eyes widened. “Thirty or better,” she repeated, almost under her breath.

  “Is that unbelievable?” I asked.

  “Yes. That’s the Archmage level,” she said, her voice tighter now.

  “I didn’t know,” I said.

  “Don’t tell me you are…” She stopped herself, but the question hung between us.

  I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “Oh, my wife Marlena wants me.” A brief pause, just enough to make her wonder if I’d change the subject, then I added, “Yes.”

  The faint hitch in her breath told me everything I needed to know.

  Leaving her to process that, I moved across the room to Marlena. Wrapping an arm around her waist, I leaned in close to her ear. “I love you,” I murmured.

  Her blush instantly appeared, and her lips tilted into a smile so bright it caused the bustling reception to fade momentarily. My wife’s smiles are always worth seeing, but catching one like this when she isn’t expecting it is priceless.

  Aria Devanthes took a slow, deliberate sip of wine, the stem of the glass cool beneath her fingers. The flavor barely registered as her mind was still reeling from what she had just learned.

  Earl Robertson. An engineer. Level thirty or higher. That must be a mistake; there’s no level over thirty. Or is there?

  That alone was dangerous. But married to Marlena Valen? That was something far more disruptive. If Halden Sinthurk didn’t already know, this would send shockwaves through his plans for the Valen family. Seeing Ranulf and Celestina Valen here, standing comfortably beside their daughter, only reinforced how tangled this had become.

  Her eyes swept the room, sharp and searching, until she spotted Halden and Carthis Virelles in the far corner, each engaged in polite conversation with other nobles. She caught their attention with a subtle hand gesture, one designed to look casual to anyone not looking for it.

  They excused themselves and met her halfway.

  “Have either of you been paying attention to the Earl?” Aria asked, her voice pitched low.

  Halden’s expression carried a flicker of annoyance. “Yes. He gave the Queen a necklace.”

  Carthis nodded in agreement, clearly unimpressed.

  “You didn’t really see what’s going on,” Aria said. She let the words hang for a beat before adding, “I just had a short talk with Earl Robertson.”

  “You talked to him?” Carthis asked, surprise in his tone.

  “Yes. He’s… approachable. Disarmingly so. We discussed the duties of a Royal Mage, his attendant…” Her gaze shifted briefly toward Allyson, who was still standing at the edge of the room. “And I learned something else. He is an engineer. At least level thirty.”

  Halden’s eyes went wide before narrowing again. “Thirty?”

  “Keep your voice down,” Aria hissed. “Yes. Thirty. I thought from our earlier conversations that he was just some low-level oddity. No, he’s high-level. Very high. I tried to get a read on him, and even standing a breath away, I couldn’t detect anything. If I can’t read him, it means he’s above me.”

  Carthis let out a quiet, almost reverent, “By the gods.”

  “What else?” Halden pressed.

  “He has three wives,” Aria continued. “We already knew about Seraphina and General Allira.”

  “I met both,” Halden said dismissively. “Didn’t think much of them.”

  “His third wife,” Aria said, watching his face closely, “is Marlena Valen.”

  Halden froze, the tension in his jaw tightening before he spoke. “What?”

  I heard the exclamation from across the room. Halden Sinthurk’s voice rang out like a cracked bell, and every head nearby turned to see who had shouted.

  I leaned in, brushing my lips against Marlena’s cheek. “That,” I murmured, “was Halden finally realizing you’re out of his reach. I’d bet good coin he’s about to come over here and demand the truth.”

  Marlena’s gaze shifted past my shoulder to the embarrassed mage now weaving through the crowd. “What are we going to do?”

  “Nothing,” I said.

  “He might challenge you to a duel,” she warned.

  “Is that a thing?”

  “Yes,” she said softly. “A duel for honor or resources occurs more often than you’d think.”

  “Earl Robertson!” Halden’s voice cut through the noise again.

  I turned toward him, keeping my tone calm. “Yes?”

  “Is it true you stole my bride-to-be?”

  I let a slow smile form. “I did… sort of steal her heart,” I said, slipping an arm around Marlena’s waist. “But beyond that, that’s only between her and me.”

  Halden’s face darkened, the flush creeping higher up his neck. My other wives, sensing the rising tension, drifted closer.

  “I challenge you to a duel for her hand,” he stammered.

  “I’m sorry,” I said, tightening my hold on Marlena, “but my Marlena isn’t a prize to be won.” I felt her grip me tighter at those words.

  “Grrr… Honor then!” He swallowed, trying to sound resolute.

  “You really want to lose a duel, don’t you?” I asked.

  “I won’t lose!” he growled.

  “Alright then, put some skin in the game. You’re head of your family, aren’t you? How much is Marlena worth to you?”

  He froze, the gears in his mind grinding painfully in front of the entire room. From somewhere behind him, Aria Devanthes’ voice cut through. “You don’t need to do this, Halden.”

  But I knew the type once pride and temper took hold, there was no turning back.

  “Everything,” he whispered.

  I raised a brow. “Everything?”

  “Everything. I wager everything.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “By the gods, yes.”

  “Alright. Everything it is,” I said evenly. “So, what are the rules?”

  General Hakenton stepped forward. “They’re simple. Since you’re the one challenged, you have the choice of weapons and when.”

  “Fine. Since I’m not a mage, how about unarmed combat? I’ll even give you the choice, Halden, now, or tomorrow at noon in the training circle at the Mage Cathedral.”

  Halden blinked, his mouth tightening. “Unarmed combat?”

  “Yes,” I said evenly. “I have no magic, and my sword skills would leave you without a chance.”

  “Noon tomorrow will do.” He turned stiffly and stalked away, the crowd parting to let him pass.

  Aria Devanthes and Carthis Virelles lingered beside me, watching Halden’s retreat like hawks sizing up a wounded animal.

  Marlena looked up at me, her brows knitting. “Are you sure you’ll win?”

  “I’m starting to love living in that tower, David,” she added wryly.

  Oh, he’ll win,” Seraphina said softly to her, a faint, knowing smile on her lips. “He’s more dangerous without a sword than with one. Have you seen those arms? Years at the forge, and when he holds you, it’s like the world can’t touch you.” Marlena’s cheeks flushed slightly, and I pretended not to notice.

  I let that hang for a heartbeat before speaking, my tone calm, almost conversational. “I really don’t want to hurt him. I want him to come to his senses. If he apologizes, I will accept it, and that will be that.”

  Aria’s gaze sharpened. “You mean that, Earl Robertson?”

  “Of course,” I replied. “In simple terms, the Valen family and their holdings are off limits. If he accepts that, then this entire matter will be forgotten.”

  “Thank you,” Carthis Virelles said, inclining his head with a slight bow. “I will convey that to him and his family.”

  I caught a faint flicker in Carthis’s eyes. Calculating. He’d just seen the move I made on the board. Two families now had reason to keep the Sinthurks in check, and I’d made the declaration in front of exactly the right witnesses.

  I gave him a polite nod, as though nothing at all had changed in the balance of the room. “I’d appreciate that.”

  The two mages withdrew, no doubt eager to find Halden before the embers turned to flame.

  Ranulf and Celestina drifted closer, both wearing the look of people who had just watched a card game they didn’t know they were part of.

  “What did we just see, David?” Ranulf asked.

  “A power play,” I said plainly. “The Sinthurk family has overextended itself, and now they see themselves no longer as the main players. If things go as I expect, Halden will apologize before this ends. The major houses have been shifting their pieces since the tower awakened. Previously, it was just the three families at the table. Now…” I glanced around the room. “Now they’re on one side, and I’m on the other.”

  I could see the uncertainty in Ranulf’s eyes, and the trust, tentative but there. Celestina, however, looked like she could already sense the waters churning.

  “There’ll be a feeding frenzy soon,” I said, keeping my voice low. “The mage families are hungry for power. But now there’s a new player in the game. I expect in the coming months, some of the smaller families will be knocking on the tower door. Since Ranulf, you are now seen at my side, they also will be, in polite terms, trying to rub elbows with you.” I paused to glance around at all the other glances directed my way. “Very soon, it will be time for the Valen’s to strike.”

  “Why are you doing all this for us? You hardly know us,” Celestina whispered.

  “Well, you are my sweet wife’s parents,” I began as I pulled Marlena closer. “Someday, we will have children, and I’d love for them to visit their grandparents so they can be spoiled royally.” Marlena covered her eyes with her free hand, and I could see the blush burning in her cheeks. Her parents just chuckled and started to laugh.

  The King and Queen made their way toward us, their presence parting the nearby crowd without effort. “Did you have to rile that mage up so much, David?” the king asked, his voice carrying equal parts amusement and mild reproach.

  I gave a slight shrug. “That was bubbling for some time, my lord. Honestly, I thought it would happen in another week or two, maybe after we got back from our trip.”

  “I wonder what the betting odds are going to be?” General Hakenton mused, stroking his chin as if calculating.

  Then I smirked. “Put me down for a hundred. I’m good for it for a while.” That drew chuckles from everyone within earshot, the tension from the challenge bleeding away into a ripple of good humor. The king chuckled as well, shaking his head before taking the queen’s hand. With a gentle tug, he began leading her toward the ballroom doors.

  I gathered my wives with a glance and a subtle motion of my hand. They fell in step beside me as we followed behind the royal party, the murmurs of the room trailing us like a current we were quietly cutting through.