Charles stood at the steps of Florentia Hall, dressed in a dark blue doublet and a coat made of white fox fur.

He wore the colours of his house, proudly stating silently that he was still the Duke of Florentia until his time had come to pass. 

He was not being subtle.

We contrasted. Him in blue and me in red. We looked like birds remaining in a winter landscape painting.

The servants and knights were lined up in a neat row from the gate, bearing the chilly breeze as the sun rose higher in the sky. I could feel their unease, they tried their best to give me reassuring smiles but my face stayed blank as I stared at the large iron gate of the estate.

I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little bit afraid.

I could feel my necklace grow warm against my chest, the telltale signs of magic as it grew closer and closer towards us. I haven't felt a magical presence of this magnitude in years, it was massive like a fog blanketing the earth.

Only an army could generate that amount of power.

"Remember what I said," Charles placed a hand on my shoulder. "No matter what happens, you are my heir."

My shoulders felt stiff. "I will not forget that, Your Grace."

"Miranda," he warned.

"I won't cause any trouble, Your Grace."

"It's not you I'm worried about."

"I know, Your Grace." I tugged at the fingers of my kid-lined gloves nervously. "I am capable of holding my tongue."

He sighed through his nose. "Gwendol?"

"Gwendol," I confirmed.

"I need to find you a proper ladies' maid." Charles glanced over at the elderly woman. "She's been here for almost two decades and yet she continues to spoil my children."

I ignored the 'my children' part. I know Charles didn't consider me his daughter. I was his heir and nothing else. All he cared about was protecting Florentia and leaving behind someone capable.

I push those thoughts back into whatever room they came from and lock them away.

"She is a proper ladies' maid." I remind him. "You selected her. And I don't mind indulging her once in a while. She's right about me needing to look presentable. I'd look like a savage if it wasn't for Gwendol."

"You and I both know it's not that. I fear that if given the chance, she'd take up the sword if anyone dared to insult you or me." I smiled faintly. He looked disturbed at the thought. "You were the one who said that loyalty is necessary for those who follow us."

He clicked his tongue. "You like to quote my words back at me when you want me to shut up."

"I would never, Your Grace."

A horn in the distance cut our conversation short. Our heads whipped towards the front, our smiles dropping.

The sound of drums and marching feet could be heard over the horizon, it was as if the trees trembled and the ground vibrated with the intensity of it.

It was bloodlust personified.

I clasped my hands in front of me and stood up straight as the army approached closer.

A row of silver, gleaming knights broke through the tree line and advanced up the hill to the manor. Even if the sun didn't shine, their armour was polished so well it nearly glowed.

The one that led them on horseback was a man in black armour. It didn't shine like the others but it did make him stand out like a blot of ink on a page.

The knight looked like the personification of shadows and death.

There was no question. That must've been Stephan Sable.

The horn sounded again, signalling the return of the son of Sable and his brave men.

The small army of knights and soldiers came to a stop in front of the manor.

For a moment it was quiet. The servants glanced at Charles and me nervously. We kept the facade of impartiality, or at least I was. Charles narrowed his gaze at the knight in black armour.

I prepared myself for the storm as the man in black armour dismounted his black steed.

I watched as he took off his helmet, wondering for a brief moment why a younger version of Charles was standing in front of me.

The first thing I noticed was his eyes. They were a distinct shade of blue that no gemstone could ever replicate. And they were looking right at me.

I returned his stare. It was uncomfortable to face him like this. I could see the storm in his eyes.

He turned away, glaring at Charles instead.

"Father," Stephan greeted Charles in a tone colder than mountain air. His blue eyes were even colder. "So wonderful to be back."

"Hello, Stephan." Charles held onto his cane, a smile forming on his face. "How was your time with the emperor?"

"Wonderful." Stephan grinned. "Didn't you hear about all the heads I've cut off for him? I'm sure you've received my letters dictating my acts of valour from the battlefield."

"I have." Charles's knuckles turned white.

There was a silence so thick that I felt uneasy. Father and son looked like they wanted to strangle each other. I just wanted this whole exchange to end so I could plan my next step.

I cleared my throat, making Gwendol jump next to me.

Charles waved his hand to me. "I'm sure you heard the news by now. Maybe you should've stayed on the battlefield, son."

On second thought, I might just end up strangling Charles instead.

I was now the centre of attention and it was not good for me.

Stephan Sable, the second son and young lord of Florentia, towered over me like a looming mountain. The black armour he wore made him look like a walking shadow.

His dark blue eyes met mine again. They were hard and unfeeling as they tried to pierce through me.

He was handsome in a rugged and battle-worn way. I noticed that his nose was slightly crooked as if it hadn't healed properly when broken. His square jaw was covered in slight stubble and I could see a faint scar that came down his cheek, disappearing into his temple.

Stephan stood tall with his broad shoulders and long legs. I was dwarfed compared to him, my head only reaching to his chest.

I couldn't read his emotions but I could feel him assessing me. In his eyes, I probably looked weak and out of place. Black armour against red wool, it was easy to differentiate us.

Stephan Sable was no Prince Charming. He was my villain, my enemy.

I nodded my head in acknowledgement, refusing to step back.

I thought that the moment Stephan would return I would lose whatever footing I had in this house.

Instead, that wasn't the case. I wouldn't budge an inch for this man.

Suddenly, I felt a sense of competitiveness that had laid dormant inside of me. I wanted to win this war, no matter the battles I would have to fight.

Charles had made me the heir. I was worthy of this position even if I didn't share his blood.

For five long years, I worked hard, building myself up from nothing and protecting the people of this land. I made myself into steel, unbreakable and unyielding. I would not let myself be swayed—not now, not ever.

Stephan wanted his position of heir back. I could see it in his eyes. He'd burn down half of Florentia it meant he'd have it.

Fine.

If he wanted his position back then he would have to fight tooth and nail, giving everything that he has because I wasn't going to let this position go just because he decided that he wanted it now.

I am the heir.

Let him try to take it from me.

I held my hand out first, remembering the etiquette Gwendol had drilled into me. "My name is Miranda, My Lord. Welcome back to Florentia Hall."

"No last name?" He intoned, brushing past me and ignoring my hand completely. "I can't believe my father chose someone with no last name to become his heir."

"Stephan!" Charles hissed.

My hand tightened on the hilt of my sword. Charles glanced at the movement of my hands and shook his head.

I gave him a hard look and brought my hand back down to my side.

I know I shouldn't say it but looked like I lied to Charles after all, my tongue had no control.

"If that's the case, then what about you?" I asked, feeling unusually bold. "Does a name automatically make you worthy, My Lord?"

He whipped his head around, his eyes now filled with fury. My words dug right underneath his skin.

His arrogant indifference melted away.

There was nothing but hatred and malice on his face. I'm sure he wanted to lop off my head right then and there. The only thing that was stopping him was Charles glaring at both of us and the eyes of his men. I'm sure they wanted to cut off my head as well.

It was tense and cold, the wind picked up speed making the flags that knights carry flap loudly.

"I am tired," Stephan said finally, ripping his eyes away from me. "It's been a long journey. I wish to rest."

Charles raised his hands towards two maids. "We'll meet for dinner, son. Rest well."

Without another word, he went inside.

Charles sighed, rubbing his temple. "That boy is stubborn as always. After all these years, he's still the same."

"You didn't make matters any better," I murmured.

"Compared to what you did?" He laughed without any humour. "You looked like you had fun getting a rise out of my son. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed it very much but watch your words around him next time."

"Duly noted, Your Grace."

"It doesn't matter. We knew what to expect. Now I just hope he doesn't try to kill you in your sleep."

"I'd like to see him try."

I trailed behind him quietly, glancing at the knights that belonged to Stephan. They looked at me with unconcealed hostility hidden behind their armour and shields.

I felt their eyes as I followed Charles. I doubt making introductions or trying to curry their favour would win me anything but further contempt. Better to keep my wits and observe them from afar before making any moves.

"It could've been worse," I remarked. "We could've fought in the courtyard like a pack of wild dogs."

"I pray for the sake of my blood pressure that it never has to come to that."

"You don't have blood pressure."

"Hush, young Miranda." He said, opening the door to his study. "You may never know. People die unexpectedly all the time."

I rolled my eyes, slipping off my jacket and sitting down on the chaise. "As you wish, Your Grace."

He rolled out a map. Charles placed his index finger down on a small black X that was near the forests.

"What's this?" I asked.

"I received information that another merchant party had been raided here," he said, rubbing his temple. "Sooner or later, merchants will stop coming to Florentia. After all the effort we put into building this land up, it'll collapse because of a few hooligans with forbidden magic."

Magic was one thing, dangerous and unpredictable but bandits were another.

Florentia was an interesting land. Bordered by the mountains to the east and the sea to the west.

The only problem was that we didn't depend on the Green River for income because we were cut off from it. Other lords had tried to choke us by cutting off the mountain passes but a few clever trading deals and some threats made them take a step back.

Even the Imperial Navy was no help. The emperor had a grudge against Charles and when Florentia was being attacked, they turned a blind eye and sailed their fancy ship away from our coasts.

Mining had become the main source of income followed by lumbar. Iron was essential for weapons and wood was needed for ships as well as furniture.

The only problem is that we needed merchants and traders to pass through Florentia so that our people could make a living.

I wondered which other house was trying to get to us and why. Florentia had become wealthy once more, its trade flourishing despite the problem with bandits persisting. Sooner or later, our enemies would reveal themselves. And we'd be ready to catch them.

I don't think I could wait that long.

The first move in any game must be a decisive one. There's no room for hesitation or sentimentality.

The arrival of Stephan along with the knights might've been a good thing. Although we could manage on our own, we still needed manpower to keep the other territories in line.

I didn't like the idea of it but it was necessary.

Good Gods above, politics was exhausting.

"So," I said, sitting down. "Shall we get started?"

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