Age of the Dragon Chronicles

Chapter 3 - Stars Align

Sigrun anxiously fiddled with the sleeve of her dress, hearing the herald announcing the arrival of various nobles to the High Queen's ball. Rumour was that a ship of foreign diplomats had arrived not a week ago, and the High Queen had decided to use the debutant ball as a welcome for these nobles.

"Stop fidgeting, Sigrun," Ismira, Sigrun's mother, gently took her hand in her own. "You look lovely."

"Thank you, mother..." Sigrun sighed. "But I would rather be riding and practising martial arts than this..."

Sigrun's grandfather, Roran Stronghammer, chuckled as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"There will be time for that yet, little flame," he said warmly. "For now, grin and bear it for the sake of the Queen."

Sigrun sighed one more time before forcing a bright smile onto her face.

"Presenting the esteemed Lord Stronghammer, Earl of Palancar Valley, and the Ladies Ismira and Sigrun Stronghammer," the herald announced as the doors opened to reveal a brightly lit ballroom.

Sigrun's gaze wandered in wonder, captivated by the dazzling crystal chandeliers that bathed the grand hall in a celestial glow. Above, banners of silk fluttered, each bearing the crest of a noble house. A sea of colour met her gaze as she looked out at the people in their brightly coloured dresses and coats.

She followed her mother's lead, curtsying to the crowd before making her way down the stairs to greet the High Queen.

Queen Nasuada sat upon a throne at the end of the hall, her exquisite gown of red silk decorated with garnets and pearls.

"Greetings to you, High Queen Nasuada," Roran said, bowing low.

"Greetings to you, your Majesty," Sigrun and Ismira said as they curtsied.

"Greetings to you, Earl Stronghammer and Lady Ismira," Nasuada said. "And welcome, Lady Sigrun. You are as beautiful as your mother."

Sigrun's cheeks flushed red. "Thank you, your Majesty."

With a nod of her head, Nasuada dismissed the trio, and Sigrun followed her mother to the side of the hall as the herald announced the next group.

The herald's voice echoed through the grand hall, commanding the attention of all assembled. "Presenting the Captain of the Storm's Edge, Lord Lorcan Stormrider of the City of Kirkwall," he proclaimed with authority, his words resonating in the opulent space.

Sigrun's gaze lifted from the shimmering marble floor to the balcony above, where her cousin Lorcan made his entrance. His snow-white hair gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, a striking contrast against his dark attire. Yet, it was the mention of another name that caught her off guard, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"Lord Aedan Cousland, second son of the... Teyrn Bryce Cousland of the City of Highever," the herald continued, his words trailing off as Sigrun's breath caught in her throat.

Descending the staircase beside Lorcan was a figure who seemed to have emerged from a painting of nobility itself. With fiery red hair neatly styled and piercing blue eyes, he exuded an air of confidence and refinement. His attire, a finely tailored doublet in royal blue adorned with silver trimmings, accentuated his noble bearing.

But it was the emblem adorning his cloak that drew Sigrun's attention—an intricate clasp depicting two green laurel wreaths resembling wings set against a field of blue. As he approached Nasuada, their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, Sigrun felt a rush of warmth flood her veins. His smile, though brief, sparked an inexplicable flutter in her chest, leaving her breathless in his wake.