Chapter 75: Uneasy Alliances

Chapter 75: Uneasy Alliances Twilight painted the Moonlight Palace in shades of violet and silver as Queen Elena’s procession approached the grand entrance. True to her word, the Thornvale monarch had arrived in just two days—a journey that should have been impossible by conventional means. Queen Elysia stood at the top of the palace steps, her silver gown catching the last rays of sunlight. Captain Diana flanked her right side, while Princess Lyra stood to her left, both women rigid with formal posture that barely concealed their anxiety. ’Three years since Thornvale royalty last graced these steps,’ Elysia thought, her face a careful mask of diplomatic cordiality. ’And that visit ended with drawn blades and broken treaties.’ The Thornvale party dismounted from steeds unlike any seen in the Moonlight Kingdom—creatures with coats that shimmered between solid and translucent, their hooves never quite touching the ground. Commander Maria led the guards, her living wooden armor creaking softly as she moved. The Lens twins walked in perfect synchronization behind Queen Elena, their identical features scanning the surroundings with calculating precision. Naia stood slightly apart from the welcoming party, her eyes narrowed as she observed the new arrivals. Her gaze lingered particularly on Mika, who walked at the edge of the procession, seemingly indifferent to the tension in the air. "Queen Elena," Elysia spoke first, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "The Moonlight Kingdom welcomes you and your delegation. Your swift arrival is... impressive." Elena ascended the steps with fluid grace, the flowers in her hair blooming and wilting in rapid cycles. Up close, her eyes betrayed her age—ancient beyond her appearance, carrying the weight of centuries. "Queen Elysia," Elena replied with a formal nod. "Circumstances dictate urgency over ceremony." The two monarchs regarded each other with guarded expressions, decades of mistrust hanging between them like an invisible barrier. "We have prepared quarters for you and your people," Elysia continued smoothly. "Perhaps you would like to refresh yourselves after your journey before we discuss the matter at hand." Elena’s lips curved into something not quite a smile. "A thoughtful offer. The hospitality of the Moonlight Palace is as renowned as its secrets." Commander Maria stepped forward, her scarred face impassive. "We should secure the perimeter first, my Queen. Standard protocol." Lyra bristled visibly at the suggestion. "Our guards have the palace well-protected, Commander. Or do you question our security measures?" Maria’s gaze shifted to Lyra, assessing and dismissive all at once. "I question everything in a kingdom that lost its prince to shadow magic, Princess." The air between them crackled with tension. Lyra’s fingers twitched at her sides, water molecules in the air responding instinctively to her agitation. "Commander," Elena’s voice cut through the tension with quiet authority. "The Moonlight Palace’s security is not our concern tonight. We are guests here." Maria bowed stiffly. "As you wish, my Queen." "Your chambers are prepared," Captain Diana interjected, her tone neutral but firm. "Our attendants will show you the way. We’ve arranged for a private dinner in the west wing once you’ve had time to settle." As the formal introductions concluded and the Thornvale delegation followed palace attendants inside, Naia and Lyra exchanged meaningful glances. They waited until the others were out of earshot before drawing close to each other. "Three days with no sign of Viva," Commander Lyra whispered urgently. "And now Mika arrives without mentioning her once? Something’s wrong." Princess Naia’s expression remained carefully controlled. "We don’t know that yet. Perhaps they’ve been separated." "You don’t believe that any more than I do," Lyra countered. "Did you see how Mika kept scanning the courtyard? She’s looking for her." Their hushed conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. They turned to find Mika herself walking toward them, her typical swagger subdued. "Princess Naia," Mika addressed her directly, ignoring Lyra completely. "A word." Naia gave Lyra a subtle nod before stepping aside with the Thornvale warrior. Lyra lingered just close enough to overhear their conversation while pretending to study a nearby fountain. "Where is she?" Mika demanded without preamble, her voice low and intense. "Viva should have been here to welcome us. She knows protocol." Naia’s response was measured, her expression revealing nothing. "Viva was assigned to a reconnaissance mission three days ago. Border patrol along the northern ridge." ’A perfect lie,’ Lyra thought admiringly. ’Specific enough to sound legitimate, vague enough to be unverifiable.’ Mika’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Without informing her home delegation? That’s contrary to our agreement." "Urgent circumstances," Naia replied smoothly. "Queen’s orders. She should return within a day or two." Mika studied Naia’s face for several long moments before nodding curtly. "See that I’m informed the moment she returns." As Mika stalked away, Naia rejoined Lyra, her composure finally showing cracks of concern. "She doesn’t believe me," Princess Naia whispered. "And frankly, I’m running out of excuses for Viva’s absence." Commander Lyra glanced toward the palace entrance where the last of the Thornvale delegation was disappearing. "At least we bought some time. But if Viva doesn’t turn up soon..." "Then we’ll have more than diplomatic tensions to worry about," Naia finished grimly. The private dining room in the west wing glowed with soft candlelight, illuminating the elaborate meal laid out on the long table. Servants moved silently around the edges of the room, filling goblets with shimmering moonwine—a delicacy reserved for only the most important state occasions. Queen Elysia sat at one end of the table, while Queen Elena occupied the other. Between them sat their respective entourages, creating a visible divide down the center of the table. The Lens twins sat perfectly straight, their movements so synchronized it appeared they shared a single mind. Commander Maria positioned herself where she could observe the entire room, her scarred face partially hidden in shadow. "The southern plains have recovered well since the territorial disputes," Elena remarked casually, sampling a slice of crystal fruit. "We noticed the new watchtowers as we passed." Elysia’s smile remained fixed. "Yes, they serve as an excellent reminder of boundaries." ’And the blood spilled to establish them,’ she added silently. The unspoken history of the southern conflict hung heavy in the air. Three years ago, the very same delegation had sat at this table, negotiations deteriorating into drawn weapons and threats. "Perhaps we should discuss the reason for your visit," Elysia suggested, setting down her goblet. Elena raised a hand. "Not tonight. Such matters are best addressed in the light of morning, when minds are fresh and perspectives clear." "As you wish," Elysia conceded, though her eyes betrayed her impatience. "Though I must emphasize the urgency of our situation." "Urgency does not preclude strategy," Elena replied. "Or have the ways of the Moonlight Kingdom changed so dramatically since our last visit?" Across the table, Lyra and Commander Maria locked gazes. The animosity between them was palpable. Across the table, Commander Lyra and Commander Maria exchanged respectful nods. Despite their different kingdoms, they shared the burden of military leadership. "Commander Maria," Lyra said, her voice carrying professional courtesy. "I appreciated your tactical insights during our meeting in Thornvale. Your knowledge of shadow magic proved valuable." Maria inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "And your swift response to our information was commendable, Commander Lyra. Few would have acted with such decisive leadership." "We share a common goal now," Lyra replied. "Finding Prince Eren and understanding these shadow portals will require our combined expertise." "Indeed," Maria agreed, her scarred face solemn. "When it comes to threats of this magnitude, cooperation becomes necessity rather than choice." "Precisely my thinking," Lyra said with a genuine smile. "Enough," Elysia and Elena spoke simultaneously, then exchanged surprised glances at their synchronicity. Elena recovered first. "It’s heartening to see our commanders finding common ground." "Indeed," Elysia agreed. "Coalition is what we need in these uncertain times." The remainder of the dinner proceeded in strained politeness, conversation limited to innocuous topics like weather patterns and agricultural developments. When the final course was cleared away, Elena rose from her seat. "If you’ll excuse us, we should retire for the evening. Dawn comes early, and we have much to discuss tomorrow." Elysia nodded graciously. "Of course. My attendants will escort you to your chambers." As the Thornvale delegation departed, Commander Lyra lingered at the table, her fingers tracing patterns in condensation left by her water goblet. "She’s being cautious," Lyra murmured once they were alone. "The way she avoided discussing Eren tonight... she’s positioning herself." Elysia sighed heavily, suddenly looking far older than her years. "Elena has always preferred to control the flow of information. If she’s delaying our discussion, it’s because she believes it gives her an advantage." "I still believe they’ll help us," Lyra said with quiet confidence. "They treated me with respect during my visit, and Queen Elena seemed genuinely concerned when I mentioned the shadow magic. Their knowledge of the old ways could be our best hope." "Your optimism is refreshing," Elysia’s voice held a hint of weariness. "But remember, Elena’s help will be guided by Thornvale’s interests first. If the Veilwalker’s disappearance truly threatens all kingdoms as she claims, then her assistance is genuine—if not necessarily unconditional." In the guest chambers of the east wing, Mika paced the length of her room, anxiety radiating from her usually confident posture. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she called, her hand instinctively moving to the dagger at her hip. The door opened to reveal one of the Lens twins—which one, Mika couldn’t tell. "You’re worried about Viva," the Lens twin stated matter-of-factly. Mika’s expression hardened. "I’m concerned about a missing agent from our kingdom. It’s a security matter." The twin’s unnervingly symmetrical features remained impassive. "Princess Naia lied to you. No reconnaissance mission was ordered for any Thornvale citizen." "How would you know that?" Mika demanded. "We see much," the twin replied simply. "And what we cannot see, we hear. Viva vanished three days ago—the same day the princess was found unconscious in the forest." Mika’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "If they’ve harmed her—" "Jumping to conclusions helps no one," the twin interrupted. "Observe more. React less. That’s what Commander Maria would advise." After the twin departed, Mika stood at her window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens below. Her fingers absently traced the hilt of her dagger—a matching pair to Viva’s own. ’Where are you?’ she thought, a rare feeling of helplessness washing over her. ’And what aren’t they telling us about your disappearance?’.