The grand conference chamber in the Gremory manor was dressed in shades of red and obsidian, its walls lined with ancient tomes and portraits of proud ancestors. The air shimmered slightly, thick with warding sigils and political weight. This was no mere meeting it was a ritual of legacy.
Seated at the long obsidian table were Zeoticus Gremory and Venelana, regal as ever, their noble presence calm but curious. Across from them sat Lord Phenex and his wife, Lady Phenex, both radiant with the ever burning aura of their clan. Between them sat their son, Riser, ten years old but bearing himself like a grown man molded in golden fire.
A servant poured crimson fruit wine into crystal goblets. Silence lingered until Lord Gremory spoke, his voice deep and dignified.
"We are honored by your visit, old friend."
Lord Phenex offered a courtly smile. "And we, by your hospitality. It is rare that two of the Great Pillars come together in peace. Even rarer when it concerns the future of our bloodlines."
Lady Venelana's gaze shifted to Riser. "The rumors weren't exaggerated. Your son's presence is Vast with a touch maturity."
Lady Phenex smiled proudly. "He is our proud Phenex."
At that moment, Rias Gremory, age seven, entered the room with Sona Sitri trailing behind. Rias wore a formal crimson dress, her crimson hair curled and tied in ribbons. Her expression was stubbornly composed until she noticed Riser.
He stood and offered a polite bow. "Heir Rias and Heir sona."
She scowled, though something in her eyes flickered. "I didn't know we were inviting strangers today."
"Not strangers," Zeoticus said, motioning for her to take a seat. "Family. Or soon to be."
Rias froze, her tiny fists curling at her sides.
A Future Sealed in Flame
Lord Gremory produced a scroll from his robes and unrolled it across the table. The marriage contract glowed faintly with arcane ink ancient magic that bound names to destiny.
"The intent," he began, "is to secure a future alliance between House Phenex and House Gremory. The proposed engagement would unite our daughter and son, Rias and Riser, upon their coming of age."
Rias stared at the scroll, her face going pale.
"Must we decide everything for her?" Venelana asked softly, though her eyes betrayed no surprise. "She's young. But the world is cruel to unprepared nobility."
Lord Phenex nodded. "As is ours. A prodigy like Riser needs a partner who can match his strength and grace. Your daughter holds that potential."
But Rias was no longer listening. Her face burned with silent fury and shame. She pushed back her chair and ran from the chamber without a word.
In the Gremory Home Riser strolled through the manor halls which were quiet, lit by faint candlelight and the glowing sigils that lined the Gremory corridors. Riser, walking alone, came to a stop before a thick oaken door. Behind it, he heard muffled sobs.
He knocked once, then gently opened the door.
Rias sat curled on her bed, her face buried in a pillow, her dress wrinkled and her hair messily undone. When she saw him, she quickly turned away.
"Go away," she mumbled.
"I will," Riser said softly, "if that's what you truly want."
Her voice cracked. "You don't understand! They're making decisions like I don't matter. Like I'm just a, like i'm a pawn in their stupid game."
"I understand more than you think." He took a few slow steps inside. "I didn't ask for the contract either. But I came to listen."
She sat up, eyes watery and indignant. "You don't even know me. Why would you want to marry someone you don't know?"
"I don't," Riser said calmly, and that surprised her enough to pause. "Not yet. I don't want to marry someone who resents me, who feels chained."
Rias looked down, lip trembling. "Then why are you even here?"
"Because someday," he said gently, "we'll be adults. And maybe by then, we'll understand each other. If not if ten years from now you still feel the same way I'll break the contract myself."
She blinked, stunned. "You'd do that?"
"I don't want a queen who is forced," Riser said. "I want a partner. Someone who chooses to stand by me. Not someone ordered to."
There was a pause.
Then she looked away. "You talk weird for a ten year old."
He chuckled. "I get that a lot."
Rias frowned, her pride bruised. "Maybe maybe this won't be awful. But I still don't like you. Not yet."
"That's fair." He turned to go, then added over his shoulder, "But I'll try to be worth liking."
A Flame That Waits
As Riser returned to the main chamber, his mother watched him closely. Lord Gremory looked pleased.
"It's done," Lord Phenex said. "The contract is sealed."
"Time will tell how the hearts respond," Venelana said softly.
Riser sat silently. His golden eyes flickered not with triumph, but with a quiet, burning calmness.
Not all flames roar. Some wait to burn even brighter.