The Princess' Harem
Chapter 161: The Private Audience

Chapter 161: The Private Audience

Emperor Magnus’s stern expression did not soften, his brow furrowed deeper, showing irritation on his face. Empress Isolde’ serene smile wavered for a fraction of seconds, her eyes widening in a subtle surprise before composure settled back.

Viana saw a flicker of satisfaction, perhaps, in Lady Agnes’s eyes, giving her a hint of uneasiness.

King Clive and Queen Isabella quickly advanced and bowed deeply before the Valendale thrones, their faces showing respect.

"Your Imperial Majesties, Emperor Magnus, Empress Isolde. Please accept our most profound apologies for this unexpected intrusion. And for the manner in which the news of our children’s engagement reached your esteemed ears." King Clive spoke, his voice sincere.

Queen Isabella stepped forward with her hands clasped before her.

"Indeed, it was a hasty decision, driven by extraordinary circumstances in Elysia. We acted, perhaps, without proper deference to your esteemed customs, and for that, we beg your forgiveness. We should have informed you directly, formally, before any public announcement."

Viana watched her parents, a knot forming in her stomach. Their arrival, though well-intentioned, added another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation.

Emperor Magnus remained silent for a long moment, his gaze shifting from King Clive to Viana, then to Rayne. The long silence filling the grand hall, the one that spoke of displeasure.

Finally, the Emperor broke the silence, his voice firm, cutting through the tension. "This... impromptu gathering grows. And the matters at hand are far too sensitive for public discussion."

He looked at King Clive, then at Rayne. "Come. All of you. We shall convene in the private chambers. Immediately. We have much to discuss, and much to understand, truly."

His gaze swept over Viana’s retinue, Joel, Reyes, Sina, and Cooper, dismissing them with a silent command. They understood, stepping back, their faces grim but obedient.

Lady Agnes, with a slight, almost imperceptible smirk, bowed stiffly and also departed.

***

The private council chambers were smaller, more intimate, yet still grand, adorned with tapestries depicting Valendale’s imperial lineage. A heavy, mahogany table dominated the room, surrounded by high-backed, uncomfortable chairs.

They took their seats. Emperor Magnus sat at the head of the table, his expression unyielding, and Empress Isolde sat to his right.

King Clive and Queen Isabella sat opposite them, their usual regal composure somewhat strained. Rayne sat to his father’s left, Viana beside him.

After the servants finished serving the tea and refreshments, then left, the Emperor wasted no time.

"Ryane. Clive. I expect a full accounting. Why this sudden engagement? Why the public announcement before any formal discussions between our houses? This is highly irregular. It shows a distinct lack of respect for Valendale’s position, and for the arrangements already in place for my son."

His voice was deep, laced with barely controlled furry. Empress Isolde, echoed his sentiment.

"We were quite... shocked. We had made plans. Long-standing plans for Rayne’s future, for the strengthening of our alliances through the proper channels. This abrupt change... it is deeply concerning."

Her voice, though soft, carried a chilling undertone of disappointment.

Viana felt a tremor of fear. The anger was palpable, worse than she had anticipated. She glanced at Rayne, a silent plea in her eyes. He met her gaze, a nod of reassurance, then turned to his parents.

"Father, Mother. Your Majesties," Rayne began, his voice calm.

"The events that led to this announcement were indeed extraordinary. They unfolded with terrifying speed, leaving little room for formal protocols."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Princess Viana was abducted."

A gasp escaped Queen Isabella’s lips. King Clive’s jaw tightened, his knuckles white where his hands gripped the table.

Emperor Magnus’s expression shifted, his anger giving way to a flicker of surprise, then cold fury. Empress Isolde’s eyes widened, a sudden concern replacing her initial displeasure.

"Abducted?" The Emperor thundered, the anger returning, but now focused. "By whom? When? And what does this have to do with an engagement?"

It was King Clive who took up the narrative, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"It happened during the festival in Elysia. My daughter, our beloved Princess, was taken from the palace grounds, in broad daylight."

His gaze darted to Viana, a mixture of protectiveness and residual fear in his eyes.

"She was held captive. And the orchestrator of this vile act... was Lazarus. Count Lazarus Bloodworth."

Emperor’s face blanched, the Empress gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth.

Even Rayne, though he knew, felt the chilling weight of the name pronounced in this sacred chamber. Lazarus was a known figure, a dangerous, unpredictable force in the shadows of the kingdoms.

King Clive continued, his voice gaining strength. "Rayne, our brave Crown Prince, spearheaded the rescue. He led the efforts, and saved her, Majesties. He brought our daughter back."

Queen Isabella’s eyes, still glistening with unshed tears, turned to Rayne, a look of profound gratitude. "He risked everything, truly. He saved our child."

Rayne nodded, his gaze firm. "The abduction, and Lazarus’s direct involvement of the blight and Arin’s attack, highlighted a severe vulnerability. Not just for Elysia, but for the stability of the entire region. Lazarus’s power grows, and he views Elysia as a gateway."

Viana then spoke, her voice clear, though a slight tremor ran through her.

"Lazarus did not just take me. He used my presence in Elysia as a means to send a message of dominance, of intent to destabilize the region. And his presence at the engagement banquet, was a further declaration. He sought to mock us, to show his reach, even into Valendale’s court."

Rayne corroborated her story, adding details of the urgent pursuit, the dangers they faced, and his growing network.

As they spoke, detailing the sheer audacity of Lazarus’s actions, the initial fury on the Emperor and Empress’s faces slowly, gradually, faded.

It was replaced by a grim understanding, a dawning realization of the true threat at hand. Their concerns about broken traditions, about Lady Agnes, seemed to shrink in comparison to the looming shadow of Lazarus.

Emperor Magnus leaned back in his chair, his gaze now heavy with contemplation, no longer outright anger.

"Lazarus. He moves with alarming speed, and indeed, his audacity grows with each passing season. An alliance, a strong one between Elysia and Valendale... it would certainly be a formidable deterrent to his ambitions."

Empress Isolde looked at Viana, her expression softening, the hesitation in her eyes transforming into a deep concern.

"My dear Princess, to have endured such an ordeal... and then to face Lazarus again, so soon."

She shook her head slowly. "We understand now. The urgency. The necessity."

She looked at her husband, then back at Viana. "However, this remains a grave matter of state. A union between our houses is not to be entered into lightly. It must be seen as strong, as resolute, as beneficial to all."

She turned to Rayne. "Rayne, your feelings, your desires for Princess Viana, are clear. And the strategic need for this alliance is now undeniable."

Emperor Magnus nodded, his decision forming. "Given the extraordinary circumstances, and the immediate threat posed by Lazarus, we understand the unconventional path taken. A strong, public alliance is vital, truly."

"However," he emphasized, his voice firm, "the details of this engagement, its public perception, its acceptance by our own nobility and indeed, by yours, must be handled with the utmost care."

He looked directly at Viana. "Princess Viana, we would like you to remain in Valendale. For a few weeks, perhaps. To regain your strength, to understand our court, and to allow us time. Time to fully assess the implications of this union. To determine, definitively, whether this engagement, announced under such duress, should truly continue, or whether it must, for the good of all, be broken, and another, more traditional path, be forged."

The final pronouncement from the Emperor. Viana understood. They understood the why.

But the how and the if remained. She was to be examined, her worth as a future Empress weighed against tradition, against other plans.

The choice, the ultimate decision on her fate, now rested with the Emperor and Empress, the fate of Elysia and Valendale hanging in the balance. It was a reprieve, perhaps, but also a trial.

King Clive and Queen Isabella exchanged a look, a shared understanding passing between them. The Emperor’s declaration, though a temporary deferral, was a significant step.

It acknowledged the gravity of Lazarus’s actions and the strategic merit of the alliance, even if it put Viana and Rayne’s engagement on provisional terms. It was a chance, truly, to solidify their bond.

King Clive rose from his chair, a respectful incline of his head towards Emperor Magnus.

"Your Imperial Majesties, we accept your decision with the deepest gratitude. We understand the immense weight of this matter for Valendale, and the traditions you uphold so diligently."

His voice was calm, earnest. "We believe, wholeheartedly, in the strength this union can bring to both our realms, especially in these perilous times. And we trust that Princess Viana, in her time here, will prove her worthiness, not just as a bride, but as a future Empress of Valendale."

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