The afternoon sun fell in long, slanting rays through the filigree roof of the pavilion, painting patterns of light and shadow on the white marble railings. A light breeze played with the rose tendrils that snaked up the pillars, carrying with it the subtle scent of black tea and rose water.
Corin sat opposite Viviana, who took her time, as always. She didn't make hasty conversation or ask direct questions. No, she preferred to keep him waiting, to draw him out by making him feel that he was the one who should be entertaining her.
He leaned back, folded his arms and watched as she brought the fine cup to her lips with the graceful nonchalance that was so characteristic of her.
"I hope you haven't been too bored during my absence," she finally said without lifting her eyes.
Corin took his time answering. "A little. I was wondering if you would actually leave me alone for a day."
A slight smile played around her lips. "An interesting hypothesis. And? Did you come to a conclusion?"
He returned her smile. "I think you have a certain soft spot for me, Viviana."
She put her cup down, folded her hands elegantly in her lap and scrutinized him. "Or maybe I'm just curious to see how far I can mold you."
"Then the question remains, can I be molded?"
A sparkle flashed in her pink-crystalline eyes. "Oh, Corin. You're already doing that."
There was silence between them for a moment. Then she moved the tea service aside, as if that was the end of the conversation, and broached a new subject:
"Today I'm going to show you the city."
Corin raised his eyebrows. "The city?"
Viviana nodded. "The Virelli district may be our home, but it's nothing more than an outpost in a much larger game. Today you'll see what really matters."
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The carriage glided silently over the cobblestone maze of streets in the inner districts. Corin watched out of the window as the facades of the buildings grew ever more imposing. Tall, dark towers rose into the sky, their Gothic spires surrounded by a veil of mist. Lanterns with mechanical light crystals bathed the streets in a cold, bluish glow, while well-dressed aristocrats and businessmen hurried across bridges and up staircases as if they were part of an intricate chess game.
"The Protector Council Bank," Viviana explained as they disembarked. "Every councilor, every noble family, every influential player in the Protector Council conducts business here. There are no real coins, Corin. Only contracts, promissory bills, investments. This is where you decide who will still have power tomorrow."
She led him through the enormous banking hall, a monstrosity of black marble and gilded decorations. Huge clocks ticked in perfect unison while cold, expressionless bankers entered figures into ledgers, sealed contracts and transferred sums.
Corin watched the hustle and bustle, then turned to Viviana. "And how much debt does your family have?"
An amused smile. "None. And that's all that matters. Dept can be a dangerous thing"
The next destination was no less impressive. The House of the Silent Crown, a huge hall with shimmering glass windows and a dome that rose so high that it almost disappeared in the mist. No flags, no coats of arms.
"Every great family has its place here," Viviana said quietly as they walked through the silent corridors. "When war threatens, they negotiate here. When alliances are made, it happens here. The only weapons allowed here are words. And they are far more dangerous."
Corin looked around. Nobles, dignitaries, diplomats. Some in groups, others alone, but each with the same penetrating gaze, as if they were absorbing the weaknesses of those around them.
"And you?" he asked. "How often do you negotiate here?"
Viviana smirked. "I prefer other playing fields."
The carriage rolled over the massive pavement of the bridge, whose stone arches spanned high above the mighty river. The water below was sluggish and dark, as if it carried the secrets of the city with it. The mist hung heavy over the water, stretching through the narrow alleyways along the banks and covering the walls of Sarethul Fortress like a second skin.
It was a city in itself, its mighty walls towered higher than most of the buildings in the inner districts. Towers with narrow, embrasure-like windows stood out in the pale light, but what really stood out was the bell tower that towered over everything. Its top disappeared into the thick haze as if it were endless.
Corin looked at the bulwark with a critical eye. "Not a place for an ordinary ruler."
Viviana smiled slightly. "Nor is it."
"The Lord Protector..." Corin spoke the name slowly. "What kind of man is he?"
Viviana's smile deepened. It was one of those smiles that gave nothing away and therefore said far too much.
"He is the official ruler of the city, but no crown adorns his head. Instead, the nobility themselves have installed him."
Corin leaned forward slightly. "A puppet king?"
Viviana laughed softly. "Oh, if only it were that simple. The noble families thought they could control him, but then... He took the city for himself."
The carriage crossed a second, smaller bridge that led directly to the fortress. Soldiers in immaculate armor stood at the gates, their gazes expressionless, their postures unmoving.
"A few years ago, he brought order to the chaos that reigned here. The city was torn between the interests of the nobility, the academy and the outer provinces. But when he came, everything changed."
Corin looked at the walls. "They say he's a veteran from the north."
Viviana nodded. "From the death zone."
Corin was silent for a moment. The Death Zones, icy wastelands where hardly anyone survived. Anyone who had served there was more than just a simple soldier. He was curious to find more about them in his time in the Academy.
"And yet there's not much information about him, is there?"
Viviana twirled a strand of her hair playfully around her finger. "Only rumors. That he has a past that can't be spoken of. That he's seen things no one should see. That his looks alone are enough to bring men to their knees."
Corin laughed softly. "Almost sounds like you have a soft spot for him."
Viviana raised an eyebrow. "I have a weakness for power, Corin. There's a difference."
The carriage stopped, and for a moment they both paused in silence. The bell tower chimed once, a deep, echoing sound that vibrated through the walls of the fortress.
Corin exhaled. The city was a pawn. And the Lord Protector was no pawn.
"I think eventually our paths will cross."
Viviana grinned. "Oh, Corin. I hope so."