A Day of Formalities, pt. 1
In the frostbitten Valley of Alnir, a fragile treaty weighs heavily on the mind of a prince.A Day of Formalities
Part 1
The rising middle-winter sun cast a pale straw-gold glow across the Valley of Alnir, where the frost clung stubbornly to the ground, defying the daylight’s feeble warmth. The snow-dusted peaks surrounding the valley stood watching over the day’s events with an air of unspoken judgment.
"A cold day," Prince Vasil muttered, his breath visible in the frigid air as he peered through the flap of his tent. His fingers twitched with the nervous energy of someone accustomed to front lines, not council rooms. "How can we possibly be good hosts on a day like today?"
Marika, ever sharp and quick to catch his tone, tilted her head with a teasing smile. "Oh, quiet. You'll say anything to get out of it." Her footfalls were light on the fur-lined carpets of the royal pavilion, a contrast to the heavy atmosphere outside. "It's just a signing ceremony. We'll exchange some pleasantries, review a few contracts, and then…" She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her body against his back as she whispered, "we can both attend the afternoon hunt!"
Vasil sighed, feeling her warmth against him, but his mind was far from this room. His gaze lingered on the procession gathering at the edges of the encampment - the banners of House Drevan and House Loranic fluttering in the cold wind. The Treaty of Alnir had been months in the making, brokered between families who had shared as many knife-edge smiles as blade-scarred battlefields.
"Pleasantries, sure," he muttered. "Do you think they’ll keep it that simple? Lord Drevan has been after the western hinterlands for decades. You know he’ll find some clever way to twist the wording."
Marika laughed softly, her lips brushing his ear. "Let them try. You’ve outwitted worse in your sleep. Besides, today isn’t about them. It’s about peace. For now." She spun him around, her sharp eyes catching his. "You’d best keep that in mind before you start sharpening your tongue."
He let out a breath, tension easing, if only a little. "It feels wrong. Signing a treaty with men like that."
"Every treaty feels wrong. That’s how you know it’s working," she said, her smile widening. "Now, will you be sulking all day, or can I count on you to charm the guests? It’s not every day you get to play peacemaker, after all."
Vasil allowed himself a small smile, though the unease still prickled at the back of his neck.
"Vasil." Marika’s voice broke through his thoughts, her fingers tightening on his arm. "One day of formalities, my love. And then we move on."
He turned to her, his eyes darkening. "It’s never just one day, Marika."