Later that night, in the private chamber that Rowan went into when he first had a private talk with the empress and her officials.
Empress Alexia sat at the table first. Her golden hair elaborately styled, and her white and gold dress immaculate despite the early hour. To her right sat Chancellor Levenhart, meticulous as always with documents arranged precisely before him. Archmage Marcus occupied the seat to her left, his robes more formal than those he wore for training. Across from the Empress sat Rowan.
"Let us dispense with unnecessary formalities," the Empress began, her tone sounded strict. "This meeting concerns your son's progress, Lord Ambrose."
Rowan nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Marcus tells me he's advancing well with the Ethereal Mist technique," she continued. "But I'd like a more comprehensive assessment."
Chancellor Levenhart consulted one of his papers. "According to the palace tutors, young Lord Ambrose's academic progress is exceptional. His understanding of academics is that of an nine year old.
"That's all well and good," the Empress said, "but I'm more interested in his mana hearts. Rowan, speak freely.... will he be ready for the tournament?"
Rowan hesitated, clearly measuring his words. "My son has... exceeded expectations, Your Majesty."
"In what way?" Marcus prompted, leaning forward with interest.
"Grim has expanded his mana heart to maximum capacity," Rowan stated simply.
There was a moment of stunned silence around the table.
"Maximum? Do you mean 100%?" Chancellor Levenhart clarified, his eyebrows rising. "At five years old?"
"Yes," Rowan confirmed. "And he's accomplished it through dual cultivation, handling both water and light mana simultaneously."
Marcus let out a low whistle. "That shouldn't be possible with a single mana heart. The strain on the pathways alone would—"
"I know," Rowan interrupted. "Nevertheless, he's done it. I verified his capacity myself."
The Empress tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table. "I suspected he was special when the crystals responded so strongly during his testing. But this... this is unprecedented."
"What training regimen do you have planned now?" Chancellor Levenhart asked, making notes on his parchment. "Clearly, he requires more advanced instruction than most children his age."
Rowan looked uncomfortable again. "I'm continuing with the Celestial Mist techniques. He's making good progress with Ethereal Mist and will soon be ready for Drifting Mist Step. As for his cultivation, the logical next step would be forming a second mana heart."
"At five?" Marcus sounded doubtful. "Most noble children don't attempt a second heart until at least eight or ten. If they can even acocmplish it."
"Most noble children don't reach 100% capacity with their first heart," Rowan pointed out.
The Empress leaned forward, fixing Rowan with an intense gaze. "When will you give him your grandfather's scrolls?"
Rowan's expression tightened. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, those techniques—"
"Are his birthright," she finished for him. "And crucial for our empire's future."
"He's too young," Rowan insisted. "The advanced Ambrose techniques require not just affinity but maturity. My grandfather was in his thirties when he created the three additional styles."
The Empress looked at him for a moment before reaching into a small pouch that was on the table. She took out what appeared to be a handful of small blue berries that seemed to emit frost despite the room temperature.
"Since you don't seem like you wull answr me," she said, placing the berries on the table, "I'll give you these frozen dew berries."
Rowan stared at the berries, clearly shocked. "Your Majesty, why would you...."
"My daughter is quite fond of your son, Lord Ambrose," the Empress replied calmly. "And I need him to become strong for the future of this Empire."
"These berries will increase the rate at which his body can absorb water mana," Marcus explained, though Rowan clearly already knew this. "It will help speed up his training considerably."
"It's too much," Rowan protested. "Such resources should be reserved for—"
"For those with the greatest potential," the Empress cut in firmly. "Your son has shown himself to be exceptional. Would you have me ignore such talent when our empire faces growing threats?"
Rowan fell silent, unable to argue further.
Chancellor Levenhart cleared his throat. "Speaking of threats, Your Majesty, I've received confirmation of the non-aggression pact between Colere and the Demon Lands."
"The treaty is official then?" Marcus asked.
The Chancellor nodded. "Signed three days ago. It establishes a five-year peace treaty."
"Whether it lasts or not will be up to them," the Empress said. She didn't seem to have much hope for it. "But it gives us time to prepare."
"And young Grim," Marcus added quietly.
"Indeed." The Empress turned back to Rowan. "Take the berries, Lord Ambrose. Consider them an investment in our collective future."
Rowan reluctantly gathered the frozen dew berries. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will ensure they're put to good use."
"See that you do," she replied. "Now, there is one more matter. My daughter's birthday ball is approaching, and several important figures will be in attendance."
"From Colere?" Chancellor Levenhart asked with concern.
"Yes, though ostensibly as a gesture of goodwill following the non-aggression pact. Ambassador Dongyang and his children will attend, along with representatives from several of the border provinces." The Empress's expression revealed nothing of her thoughts on these guests.
"And from the noble houses?" Rowan inquired.
"All sixteen great houses will send representatives," the Chancellor confirmed. "Including the Luminaris family."
Rowan's clenched his jaw when he heard his name.
"The ball may seem like a simple celebration for the princess. But in reality, it will be a gathering of some of the most powerful people in the world."
"And how does this affect Grim?" Rowan asked carefully.
The Empress smiled slightly. "For now, simply to be a good companion to my daughter. His more significant roles will come in time." She rose, signaling the end of the meeting. "Continue his training, Lord Ambrose. Use the berries wisely. The empire has great need for exceptional talents in these uncertain times."
As they filed out of the chamber, Marcus fell into step beside Rowan. "Your son has surpassed all expectations," he said quietly. "But have you considered what that might mean for him? Children who advance too quickly sometimes find themselves bearing burdens they're not ready for."
Rowan clutched the pouch of frozen dew berries, his expression troubled. "I've considered it. That's why I've been reluctant to push him too hard."
"The Empress clearly has her own plans," Marcus observed. "Just be careful. The courts favor can be as dangerous as it is valuable."
"I know," Rowan replied grimly. "But what choice do I have? We serve at the pleasure of the Crown."
"We all do," Marcus agreed. "Even those of us who pretend." His eyes drifted toward the Chancellor's.
"Just like the old days," Rowan said. "The Ambrose family once again caught between duty and survival."
Marcus squeezed his friend's shoulder. "At least this time, you'll have a capable son who pave your way back."