Silk And Shadow

Chapter 3

The quiet of Kaelith's private quarters was a welcome reprieve from the constant murmur of the palace hall. He moved to the tall window overlooking the inner courtyard, letting his gaze drift over the gardens below where the afternoon light cast long shadows across the carefully manicured hedges. The peace here was deceptive, a thin veneer over the turmoil that simmered through the court like a slow-spreading fire.

He had just begun to unfasten the clasps of his dark coat when a knock sounded at the door—three precise raps, followed by a pause. Kaelith's hand stilled. Few would dare disturb him without cause, and fewer still would come bearing such a specific signal. He turned, calling for entry, and a slender figure slipped into the room—a palace page, dressed in the blue and silver livery of Prince Alistair's household.

The boy's face was pale, his gaze darting nervously around the shadowed corners of the room before settling on Kaelith. He held out a sealed envelope with both hands, the wax stamped with Alistair's sigil—an eagle with wings spread wide, clutching a sword in its talons.

"Lord Kaelith, His Highness Prince Alistair sends his regards," the page recited, his voice stiff with formality, "and requests the honor of your presence for a private audience this evening."

Kaelith took the envelope, studying the familiar crest pressed into the dark red wax. A small, detached smile touched his lips as he broke the seal, unfolding the parchment with a smooth flick of his fingers. The message within was brief, but Alistair's intent threaded through every carefully chosen word:

Lord Kaelith Xandros,

The court is abuzz with speculation, and I find myself curious as to where House Xandros's interests lie in these uncertain times. Your reputation as a man of insight and discretion precedes you, and I believe we might have much to discuss.

Join me in my chambers tonight, after the bell of the ninth hour. There is a great deal I wish to share with you, and I am confident that you will find our conversation... enlightening.

With respect,
Prince Alistair of Eldrin

Kaelith scanned the contents of Prince Alistair's letter, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He folded the parchment with precise movements, his expression giving nothing away as he turned his gaze back to the young page who stood by the door, shifting from foot to foot. The boy's wide eyes were fixed on Kaelith, a mixture of curiosity and nerves playing across his face.

"You have done your duty well," Kaelith said smoothly, offering a nod that was just formal enough to acknowledge the page's role without suggesting any real familiarity. "You may return to the prince's chambers and inform His Highness that I have received his message."

The page straightened, relief flashing across his features as he moved to bow. But before he could finish the gesture, Kaelith's voice cut through the air, firm but not harsh. "And remember, boy—what passes between myself and Prince Alistair is not for eager ears. Discretion is valued in this court, and rewarded accordingly."

The boy swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Y-yes, Lord Kaelith. I understand." He dipped into a hurried bow, nearly tripping over his own feet as he backed out of the room. The door closed with a soft click, leaving Kaelith alone once more with his thoughts.

He waited until the sound of the boy's footsteps had faded down the corridor before allowing the faint smile to return to his lips. Alistair was playing his game, bold and impatient. But Kaelith had never been one to be rushed into a decision.

Kaelith took his time reading Alistair's letter once more, letting the prince's carefully chosen words roll through his mind. The hour was approaching when he was supposed to make his way to the prince's chambers, yet he felt no urgency to move. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers lightly against the edge of his desk as he considered his options.