Rin Solas was a man who didn't make idle gestures. Every word, every glance was deliberate. And when he wanted something, he would get it,whether by force, or charm. This time, it was none of those. It was marriage.
His target: Selvara Varros, the only daughter of Isen Varros.
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Rin was spending the past month dropping hints to isen Varros, he didn't want to make it seem out of nowhere.
Rin stood beside Varros after a council meeting, speaking casually as they observed the nobles dispersing.
"You've built something strong here, Lord Varros," Rin said, voice smooth. "Imagine what we could do,together. A lasting alliance, blood bound to blood. It would make us unstoppable."
Varros blinked. "Together?"
Rin smiled faintly. "Unity brings strength. Especially in these times."
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During a dinner with regional governors, Rin raised a goblet of silver wine.
"A house divided cannot rise," he said, his gaze sweeping the table before settling on Varros. "But two houses, united by loyalty and blood... well, such a thing could reshape the East."
Selvara was there too. She noticed Rin's lingering glance. Her spine tensed.
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In a private meeting with Varros the next morning, Rin leaned in, calm and composed.
"You've served me well. Perhaps it's time I make that permanent. After all... I'm not merely seeking allies. I seek family."
Varros' eyes lit up. "Your Highness… are you suggesting?"
Rin said nothing. He simply gave a small, unreadable smile.
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Later that week, during a high council assembly in the grand hall, Rin stood at the head of the table. Varros and Selvara sat among the ministers and lords.
"In front of all you fine men and women," Rin said, "I wish to make my intentions clear. I would like to marry Lady Selvara Varros."
The hall erupted in celebration. Goblets clanged. Words of congratulations poured in. Varros was glowing.
But Selvara?
Her hands trembled under the table. Her mouth was dry. Her eyes darted toward Rin,cold as winter, lifeless as stone. A man built from war, cloaked in rumors of merciless cruelty.
"I… I will think about it," she said, rising quickly and leaving the hall.
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Outside, in a shadowed corridor, Varros slammed the stone wall with his palm. "You stupid little brat!" he hissed.
Selvara tried to speak, but he struck her across the face.
"You dare shame me?! Do you know what this means for us? For our family?"
She cried out as he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her down the corridor.
"Tomorrow," he seethed, "you will accept. You will smile. You will bow. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes… Father…"
---
Rin, from the far balcony, had seen everything.
He did not blink.
He did not frown.
He simply whispered to himself, "It has begun."
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The Next Day:
They gathered again in the council chamber. This time, Selvara stood quietly beside her father. Her lip was slightly swollen, eyes red from tears poorly hidden behind makeup.
Varros raised his voice. "My daughter has made her decision."
Selvara stepped forward, head bowed.
"Your Highness… I would be honored to marry you."
Applause again. Laughter. Praise. Nobles already demanding the wedding be held before winter. But only one person wasn't smiling,Selvara.
She glanced at Rin. And he smiled back.
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Later That Evening:
"Your Highness," Varros asked, "is there anything you need?"
"Yes," Rin said. "The prisoners you've gathered for me,I want them moved to the North."
Varros furrowed his brows. "The North?"
"I have a man there. General Dren. He's… fond of testing loyalty through pain. I believe he'd be interested in them,he saved me from my brother so i thought maybe he will work for me."
"Ah," Varros nodded, "of course. I'll prepare the convoy."
Rin told him that later he will assign the person responsible for this mission.
But Rin's smile was razor-thin.
Because the move had nothing to do with Dren. It had everything to do with crushing Varros,and it had just begun.