Darius and Elsera sat at a sturdy oak table inside a well-kept establishment, nestled in the heart of the bustling city. Unlike the simple taverns found in smaller towns, this place catered to nobles, merchants, and well-off travelers. Chandeliers of wrought iron and crystal hung from the high ceiling, their candles flickering gently, casting warm light across the polished wooden floors. The scent of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices filled the air, blending with the distant hum of conversation.
Beyond the tall arched windows, the city had already come alive. Merchants called out their wares from beneath colorful awnings, carriages rolled by on well-maintained cobblestone roads, and armored city guards patrolled with steady, measured steps. The winter chill still clung to the morning breeze, but the golden light of the rising sun hinted at the coming of spring.
Elsera lifted a delicate porcelain cup to her lips, savoring the rich aroma of her tea, while Darius idly ran a finger along the rim of his own. A plate of sliced fruit, warm buttered bread, and smoked meat sat between them—simple yet refined, reflecting the establishment's reputation.
Though the setting was calm, an unspoken tension lingered between them.
"Are you sure this is okay, Elsera?" Darius asked, his voice low yet firm.
"What do you mean?" she responded, raising an eyebrow.
"Come on, you know what I mean." Darius leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Last night, you spent a ridiculous amount of money on that game. And let's not forget, you've already been paying for our expenses these past few days. I know for a fact that money has been tight for you."
Elsera sighed and set her cup down, her fingers tapping lightly against the table. "It's fine, Darius. The money I lost last night was just savings. And the money I gave you all before—that was from my father."
Darius shook his head, unconvinced. "You don't have to lie to me, Elsera. I'm on your side." He glanced around the room, ensuring no one was paying them too much attention before continuing. "I know how badly you need a high-ranking noble's support. You've been throwing money around for months, trying to gain influence. Even with your father's backing, it won't be enough. That's why you're turning to Lord Evernigh—the very person you didn't want to rely on in the beginning."
Elsera's grip tightened, and frustration flashed across her face. With a sharp movement, she struck the table with her fist, causing a few heads to turn in their direction. Her jaw clenched, but she kept her voice controlled. "Darius. I understand your concern, but you shouldn't say such things out loud."
Darius met her gaze, unwavering. "Why not? People probably already know. You were rejected by Marquis Edric and Marquis Alistair. Even if they didn't announce it, rumors spread fast. You know that."
Elsera's expression darkened. A cold glint appeared in her eyes as she stared at Darius.
Undeterred, Darius pressed on. "Why are you so angry? You ignored your father's advice because you hate him. You thought you could do everything on your own just because you were chosen by the mark. And look where that got you. You failed to secure support from two of the most powerful nobles because you didn't listen."
"Stop, Darius." Her voice was sharp, commanding.
But he didn't stop. His tone remained firm. "And what have you actually accomplished on this trip? You're scared others will gain an advantage in the Heir's Gathering while you're left with nothing. The only thing you've done is find Sylas, Varik, and Vani. And out of those three, you only managed to recruit two. Vani is lost—more empty than anyone I've ever seen. Even with all his potential, I've tried to help him, but it all depends on him, and even so. Can you really trust him? No, can you actually trust anyone beside me and Tessa? You've been acting like everything is fine, but it's not."
Elsera's gaze dropped to the table. She couldn't meet his eyes. For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.
"What can I do?" she finally asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.
Darius studied her for a moment before responding. "Are you asking me because you genuinely don't know? Or do you just want my opinion?"
Elsera exhaled slowly. "Both." She hesitated before admitting, "I was too prideful. I thought that having the mark and showing no fear would be enough. That people would admire that." Her fingers traced absent patterns on the wooden table. "But Marquis Edric said my decisions were reckless, and Marquis Alistair called me careless. I've failed at everything since I received this mark. Even the people following me now—it's all thanks to you, not me." She looked up, her expression filled with uncertainty. "So tell me, what should I do? Lord Evernigh is my only chance at gaining any sort of advantage."
Darius leaned back slightly, considering her words. "You need to learn from this. Even if you fail with Lord Evernigh, it won't mean you're out of the running for the Heir's Gathering. But it will mean you have to start from scratch. Think about what you should do next—really think. Weigh every opportunity, every advantage, every disadvantage."
Elsera's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she hesitated. Finally, she spoke, her voice laced with sadness. "Do you think I'll fail again?"
Darius's reply was immediate, unwavering. "I don't know. Lord Evernigh is a cunning man. But whether you succeed or fail, remember this—I will be by your side, no matter what."
Elsera's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into the wood as she fought back emotions she refused to show. She couldn't look at Darius. She didn't want him to see the turmoil in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, the words barely audible.
The morning sun continued to rise, its golden light streaming through the windows, illuminating the bustling city beyond. But at that table, in that moment, a different kind of weight settled between them—one of uncertainty, of unspoken fears, and of a resolve that had yet to be tested.
The day would move forward, and choices would have to be made. And for Elsera, the path ahead had never felt more daunting.