A Ballad of the Crown

Silver and Green

The grand dining hall of Elowen Estate hummed with activity, the rich scents of roast pheasant and spiced wine mingling with the laughter of family and the clink of silverware. Duke Edmond Crowe, seated at the head of the long oak table, cast a proud gaze over his children and extended family, his presence a steady anchor in the lively atmosphere.

Duchess Seraphine, perched beside her husband, commanded subtle attention. Her dark eyes, sharp and discerning, flitted from one conversation to another, her every gesture and glance hinting at an unspoken authority. The room seemed to pivot around her calm, assured demeanor as she moved gracefully, her actions meticulous and deliberate.

Lady Eris lounged comfortably near her mother, her dark green gown flowing elegantly. She sipped her wine with an air of relaxed enjoyment, her easy smile a stark contrast to the formality of the evening. Around the table, her five siblings and a handful of cousins engaged in animated conversation, their voices rising and falling in a blend of youthful exuberance and family camaraderie.

The servant's arrival with a silver tray bearing a letter caused a subtle shift in the room's energy. Lady Seraphine's eyes lit up, and her fingers moved deftly to break the red and golden seal. As she unrolled the parchment, the rustle of paper and the collective quiet of the family underscored the importance of the moment.

"The Queen's proposal has been formalized," Seraphine declared, her voice carrying a tone of satisfied precision. "Our plans are progressing as intended."

Eris leaned back, twirling her goblet between her fingers with a nonchalant grace. Her gaze was playful, her smile widening as she took in her mother's words. "Ah, so it's time for me to put on my best performance. I do enjoy a bit of courtly intrigue."

Adomás, her eldest brother, shot her a knowing look across the table. "And I'm sure you'll handle it with all the charm expected of you. Just remember, discretion is key."

Eris's response was light-hearted, her tone laced with humor. "Oh, naturally. I'll be the epitome of charm and subtlety. No need to worry, the Queen will be enchanted and oblivious."

The conversation flowed smoothly as Cedric, the youngest, animatedly recounted a tale of his latest misadventures. His siblings and cousins leaned in, their faces lit with interest and amusement, as he described his antics with a flair that had the whole table laughing.

Once the last of the dishes were cleared and the hall began to settle into a quieter hum, Seraphine beckoned Eris to follow her. They retreated to a more secluded corner of the castle, where the soft glow of a single candle cast long shadows on the stone walls.

"I'm pleased with the progress," Seraphine said, her voice low but steady, her eyes never leaving Eris's face. "However, our true power must remain concealed. The court is a place where secrets are both valuable and perilous. You must be cautious."

Eris, attentive yet relaxed, nodded with a hint of a smile. "Understood, Mother. I'll keep our little secrets well-hidden. The Queen won't suspect a thing."

Seraphine's gaze softened, her expression betraying a rare moment of maternal concern. "Good. Our plans are intricate, and we cannot afford any missteps. Your role is crucial, and we need to ensure it's executed perfectly."

Eris's smile grew more genuine, her affection for her mother evident in her response. "I've got it covered. I'll be the charming suitor you've planned for."

As Seraphine rejoined the family, Eris returned to her chamber. The room, lit by the flickering light of candles, was filled with the soft rustle of fabric and the gentle thud of items being packed. Eris moved with a deliberate calm, her hands deftly arranging her belongings: gowns, accessories, and personal items all neatly organized.

In a quiet moment, Eris retrieved a silver dagger from a drawer, its intricate design catching the candlelight. She ran her fingers over her house's green and silver sigil in the hilt, a thoughtful expression on her face. The dagger was not just a weapon but a symbol of the layered plans she was a part of. Sliding it into its sheath with practiced ease, she prepared herself mentally for the role she would play.

Her trusted servant entered with a stack of letters and documents. Eris glanced through them with an air of casual efficiency, sorting and packing each piece with careful precision. Her attention to detail was evident in the way she handled the papers, each one a small but significant part of her preparations.

As the night deepened, Eris stood by her window, gazing out at the moonlit grounds of Elowen. The estate was bathed in a silvery light, the tranquil scene a stark contrast to the bustling energy of earlier. Though her departure would not be immediate, the preparations for her journey to the Queen's court were underway.

With a final, contemplative look at the serene landscape, Eris turned back to her room. Her movements were light and purposeful as she continued her preparations, her mind already focused on the intricacies of courtly life. The Queen's court was a new stage for her, and she was ready to step into it with all the charm and cunning she could muster.

The path ahead was clear, and Eris approached it with a blend of anticipation and amusement, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities that awaited her in the Queen's court.