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Chapter 43: A Proposal
Velrosa’s smile vanished. She straightened, regal once more.
"Very well," she said, smoothing her coat. "Eli—handle the gold. And prep our people. If we’re going to rob this city blind..."
She paused for a beat in the doorway, glancing over her shoulder with fire in her eyes.
"...we do it properly."
———
Velrosa adjusted the silver trim of her coat as she stepped onto the outer terrace of the estate. The sun had dipped low behind the marble towers of Esgard, leaving the sky streaked in amber and crimson.
A mild wind stirred the garden hedges and rustled the silk curtains trailing from the arched windows.
Seated at a blackwood table beneath the vine-covered pergola was Liam Xavier—the Fourth Chair of the Council.
He rose as she approached, clad in an immaculate crimson doublet with gold buttons that gleamed like polished firelight.
His face was striking: sharp cheekbones, smooth pale skin, a strong chin framed by neatly-trimmed stubble. His eyes, a cool jade-green, reflected both intelligence and quiet arrogance.
"Your Highness," Liam said, offering a shallow bow. "You look radiant as always."
Velrosa returned a small, civil smile as she took her seat opposite him. "Councilor Xavier. How courteous of you to visit without warning."
"I’ve always believed the most honest conversations happen unannounced."
"Mm," she replied, lifting a delicate teacup from the tray between them. "And yet I doubt you came for pleasantries."
Liam chuckled softly. "You know me well. I suppose I’ll get to it then."
She gave him a slow nod, the tension beneath their composed façades coiling tighter like drawn wire.
"I’ve come to see," Liam said smoothly, "if you’ve given any further thought to my proposal."
Velrosa exhaled through her nose and tilted her head. "Why would I accept such a proposal now—of all times?"
Liam leaned back slightly, clasping his hands before him. "Because while you may believe fortune is turning in your favor, I caution against misreading a spark for a blaze. Yes, your new champion won his first bout. Yes, the people are whispering his name. But surely you don’t think that will last."
She didn’t answer, her expression still and distant.
"There are still many formidable warriors in the arena," Liam continued. "Fighters shaped by noble houses, armed with bloodline gifts and years of training. Especially those under Lord Lugard’s banner. They’ll come at him with everything they have. He’s not invincible, Velrosa."
Velrosa set her teacup down with a quiet clink.
"Then I can only watch them try," she said calmly.
Liam arched a brow. "Such confidence. What makes you think so highly of this slave?"
As if summoned by fate, Ian and Eli emerged from the far end of the courtyard, walking side-by-side through the stone corridor that skirted the terrace. Each carried a massive burlap sack over one shoulder.
Though the contents were hidden, the bags sagged with weight and clinked faintly with every step.
Ian’s coat was still crusted with blood—fresh smears staining his collar and gloves. His face was unreadable, cool as moonlight, while Eli looked relaxed, even amused.
"Speak of the devil," Liam said, his gaze locking onto Ian. "The victorious gladiator himself."
Ian didn’t stop walking but offered a curt nod as he passed, his eyes narrowing slightly at the stranger’s tone.
Liam let his gaze travel down and then up again, taking in Ian’s bloodstained figure. "It seems you’ve been busy."
Ian smirked faintly. "A slave has no days off, does he?"
That earned a chuckle from Liam.
"I suppose you’re right."
Then his eyes flicked to Eli. "And Eli. The Beast Tamer turned out to be no match for you, it seems."
"You say that like you’re surprised," Eli replied, not slowing his pace.
"Oh, I’m not. In fact, I told them it was a waste of resources. Now they’ve thrown away the life of a higher-class Tamer. Such a shame."
"It is, isn’t it?" Eli said, adjusting his sack. "Well, we must be on our way."
The two turned the corner and vanished into the estate’s east wing.
Ian waited a beat before speaking.
"Who the hell was that? His smug face pisses me off."
Eli gave a sharp snort of laughter. "That, was Liam Xavier. Second son of Richard Xavier, and prince of the Arderian Kingdom."
Ian blinked. "Prince?"
"Yep. Royal blood. Unlike Velrosa, he wasn’t exiled here. He came to Esgard willingly. To learn the art of treachery, court politics, and backdoor deals." Eli shook his head. "Smart bastard. Probably preparing for the fight over the Arderian throne once the old king croaks."
Ian adjusted the sack on his shoulder, his brow furrowing. "And he’s a Councilor?"
"Fourth Chair," Eli confirmed. "He’s got influence, coin, and connections. And since the last few months, he’s come to Velrosa with the same proposal—marriage."
Ian scoffed. "Marriage?"
"Yeah. Her hand in exchange for the restoration of her title, power, and what’s left of House Elarin’s wealth. He thinks because we were circling the drain, she had no options left."
"But she didn’t accept it."
"No," Eli said. "She hasn’t. And I don’t think she will now either. But I suspect Liam is getting antsy. Maybe he sees the tide turning—sees you as the pivot point. If Velrosa has a chance at a seat on the Council again, he’ll want a piece of that power. He’s probably hoping to use his support as leverage."
Ian nodded slowly, his thoughts circling.
"You think Velrosa would take the deal?"
Eli’s expression turned serious. "Unlikely. She’s too proud. Too smart. She’ll try to keep him as a neutral party—close enough to avoid offending, but never giving him what he wants."
"And why’s that? Because of politics?"
"That," Eli said, "and because she knows better than to make him an enemy. Liam’s not just a schemer. He’s dangerous. Not just with words."
Ian narrowed his eyes. "Stronger than you?"
Eli’s laugh was loud and sudden. "Oh, please."
He smirked, a wild gleam in his eyes.
"Nobody’s stronger than me."
