Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Truthfully, it wasn’t as though Valdric had been oblivious to the tumultuous emotions Maverick harboured toward House Valehart.

On the contrary, the very instant the young man stepped forward to greet him, Valdric had already discerned the multitude of conflicting emotions concealed beneath that courteous façade.

Maverick’s words had been respectful, his posture impeccable, and his manners beyond reproach. Yet there remained an almost imperceptible rigidity about him.

It was subtle enough that most people would have dismissed it as nothing more than the awkwardness of a youth returning to a place he scarcely remembered.

However, Valdric was no ordinary observer.

Having presided over one of the Great Houses of Valoria for decades, the Patriarch had long since mastered the art of reading people.

While navigating the intricate labyrinthine political machinations that Seraphina so effortlessly perceived had never truly been his greatest strength, appraising the hearts of men was another matter entirely.

Whether friend or foe, ally or adversary, joy or resentment... Very little escaped his notice.

And Maverick... The boy’s eyes themselves had spoken far louder than his words ever could.

Seraphina noticed the contemplative glimmer that surfaced within her husband’s eyes and gently pressed further.

"So... You noticed it as well."

Before she could continue, however, Valdric rubbed his temples and interrupted.

"I did," he admitted with measured resignation.

He looked toward her before continuing.

"But what I fail to understand is how Maverick’s guarded attitude has anything to do with... what was it you called it? Cedric’s disquieting assessment."

Without waiting for a reply, Valdric continued his reasoning.

"If you think about it objectively, the boy has been estranged from this House for nearly a decade. So surely you cannot expect someone in his position to suddenly embrace the very House from which he has long been separated, especially after everything he experienced during his childhood."

Lady Seraphina maintained a contemplative silence throughout her husband’s exposition. It was only after he had completely finished that she speak once more.

She leaned forward slightly, her voice noticeably gentler.

"Valdric... I’m not trying to accuse the boy... Or vilify him."

A soft light flickered within her emerald eyes as she spoke softly.

"I merely wished to draw your attention to certain irregularities."

Valdric met her gaze before releasing a quiet sigh.

"I know you weren’t trying to impute wrongdoing to him."

He smiled faintly before speaking further.

"But you should also be mindful of how you present such observations. Otherwise, it begins to sound less like careful analysis and more like an attempt to construct suspicion where none may yet exist."

Lady Seraphina slowly nodded.

"I suppose you’re right." She stated, lowering her eyes thoughtfully.

"Perhaps I was too quick to entertain conclusions before allowing the facts to fully present themselves."

Then, she lifted her gaze and smiled faintly.

"Also, if viewed from another perspective, it isn’t unreasonable that Maverick would struggle to accept House Valehart after everything he endured. Perhaps, I should have simply observed a little longer before mentioning Cedric’s disquieting assessment."

Valdric nodded approvingly, a benevolent smile spreading across his face.

"I knew you would understand." He replied , leaning back comfortably into the chair. He resumed tapping his fingers against the armrest as he continued.

"They’ve only just returned from the Frozen North. So I think the best thing we can do, for now, is allow them sufficient time to reacquaint themselves with the estate. Besides... There are far more pressing matters demanding our attention this week than the belated return of my brother and his son."

Lady Seraphina smiled gently.

"If you say so."

Then with practiced ease, she steered the conversation in an entirely different direction.

"So... What of Cedric’s Chivalry of the First Quarry?"

She chuckled softly.

"You know he’s been pestering me about it almost every day."

Valdric answered with an indulgent smile.

"Everything is progressing smoothly. The only task remaining is persuading the Grand Elders to preside over and bestow their blessings upon the rite."

"The Grand Elders?"

Lady Seraphina asked, her voice laced with measured surprise.

"I was under the impression they had long withdrawn from worldly affairs to devote themselves entirely to pursuing the next Etheryean Realm."

She tilted her head slightly.

"How exactly do you intend to convince them to emerge from seclusion?"

Valdric looked at her with faint amusement before replying in an unwavering tone.

"Of course they’ll attend. Seraphina... perhaps you’ve forgotten. Cedric is the heir to House Valehart. And anything concerning his future is treated with the utmost reverence; the Chivalries are no exception. In fact... It has always been the responsibility of the Grand Elders to oversee every stage of an heir’s Chivalries."

Only then did Lady Seraphina allow herself a knowing smile. "I suppose you’re right."

She looked toward her husband.

"It seems Cedric truly has nothing to concern himself with."

Valdric rose from his chair before walking over to the bedside.

Stopping before his wife, he gently cupped one side of her face, his golden eyes meeting her emerald ones.

"Cedric has never had anything to worry about."

His voice carried quiet certainty.

"Have you forgotten? He is the heir to House Valehart. The future Patriarch. And so long as I remain Patriarch... No honour befitting his station shall ever be denied to him."

Lady Seraphina’s smile softened but she offered no reply. Instead, she simply gazed quietly into her husband’s eyes.

Valdric leaned forward and kissed her gently upon the forehead before offering her his hand.

"Come, my love. It’s getting late. And tomorrow promises to be another demanding day."

Lady Seraphina accepted his hand without hesitation.

Then together, they settled beneath the embroidered silk covers of the great four-poster bed.

She rested her head lightly against his chest while Valdric absently stroked her silken hair.

Reaching toward the bedside table, he extinguished the enchanted lamp, causing chamber to be swallowed by darkness...

Only the pale moonlight filtering through the towering windows remained.

Outside, the fountains continued their endless melody beneath the stars; while inside, silence reclaimed the room.

And before long, the Patriarch and Matriarch of House Valehart drifted peacefully into slumber...