For days now, Varros had become more persistent about the marriage. Every meeting, every conversation somehow circled back to Selvara.
"We must set the date, your Highness," he said with a glint in his eye. "Our union will solidify your position in the East."
Rin smiled politely. "Once Aiven and Orien arrive… and once Orien is sent North to handle business with General Dren, then the marriage will proceed."
Varros, thinking he had Rin trapped in obligation, nodded with eager approval.
A few days later, the long-awaited wings finally returned.
-----
In a bustling noble district marketplace, two merchants whispered over bolts of silk.
"They say Prince Rin is marrying the daughter of Varros. The cold-blooded one."
"Hah! I heard she begged him for mercy the moment he proposed."
"Even if she did, what does it matter? She's royalty now. And he… he might be our next ruler ."
-----
In a tavern full of guards and mercenaries, rumors were spreading like wildfire.
"Did you hear the Prince is getting married?"
"To that girl with dead eyes?"
"Aye, poor thing. The prince has a reputation for cruelty. I have a cousin who worked at that event he started,couldn't even last a week. Came back shaken. Said the prince was ruthless."
"Still, you'd be a fool to say that too loud."
-----
Two noble ladies, fans hiding smirks, walked through a palace courtyard.
"I heard the Prince never even met her. Didn't ask her out, didn't spend time with her, nothing."
"Asked her? She should be grateful. From beaten daughter to future royalty."
"She didn't smile once at the last banquet. I think she's terrified."
"Of him? Of course. Who wouldn't be?"
---
In a nearby outpost, two of Varros' soldiers sat sharpening blades.
"You think this wedding means the Prince and Varros are solid now?"
"Means nothing. That boy's eyes… cold like winter steel. He didn't marry her for love. He's positioning pieces. You'll see."
"Still. He saved alot of hostages. Killed assassins who were general level. Maybe it's better to be on his good side."
---
Aiven and Orien heard these rumors as they traveled through the territory. They didn't ask questions, but the whispers lingered.
When they arrived, Rin greeted them at the estate's gate with a calm nod and a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Aiven," Rin said after a brief welcome, "give me a moment with Orien."
Aiven nodded and stepped aside.
Rin led Orien into a secluded chamber, the thick stone walls absorbing all sound. When Rin was sure they were alone, he dropped his welcoming tone and spoke with quiet intensity.
"I have a mission for you. You'll escort the prisoners to the North, with the aid of Varros' special forces. Make it look like you're going to beg Dren for help,talk loudly, let them overhear. Then…"
He handed Orien a sealed message.
"Give this to Dren. It tells him these prisoners are for his use. Tell him that for the next year, all the blood-lake water that was supposed to go to the two Princes… now belongs to him. His only priority is to grow stronger after that make him kick you out."
Orien opened the scroll slightly, catching enough of its content to frown.
"You think Varros will turn on us?"
Rin's expression darkened.
"Everyone is on their own side, Orien. Including Varros. Trust no one but me."
"…I understand."
"I chose you because I trust you. Do not disappoint me."
"I won't."
Rin placed a hand on Orien's shoulder.
"I'm not sending you away because I doubt you,I'm preparing our future. And this marriage…" He looked toward the open window, toward the looming tower where Selvara stayed. "It's just the start."