Early update today, you can thank Doctor Kay Strange
Here for some political situation info and some Core Four content
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"You're announcing it today?" Faris demanded, eyes bugging. "That soon? Really?"
"Dad says the estimated schedule has my Selection beginning almost exactly a month from now," Silas repeated, adjusting his tie. He made eye contact with Faris in the mirror. "He wanted the news out to the Primors as soon as possible, so we're going to tell them all at today's Primorium."
"God, this is all happening so fast," his brother remarked, rubbing his face. "You only found out, like, a week ago."
"You're telling me," Silas said wryly, repositioning his crown. "The good part of it is, due to the tight schedule, Stelle will probably have to be locked up planning for it. So she won't have time to poison my breakfast."
Faris ignored the attempt at humor, face pale and drawn. "Are you ready for this, Si? I mean, it's really happening now, once you announce it, there won't be any reversing it."
"I know." Silas closed his eyes, trying to settle his nerves. "But I don't have a lot of choice, do I?"
"I guess not. Good luck out there."
"Thank you." Silas took a deep breath. "How do I look?"
Faris smirked. "Like you're going to wet yourself. Try not to ruin that wonderful suit, Silas, it's so finely made."
"Ha ha, very funny. Go play with the goblin child, you square," Silas replied, smoothing his lapels. "I have to go."
With a departing ruffle of Faris's hair, Silas left his bedroom and headed for the Primorium.
It was understandable that he was nervous. All ten Primors would be there, along with his father, and probably Lysandra. Perhaps Madi would be there with Primor Kshatriya, though. The thought cheered him a little. As the heir to House Kshatriya, Madi was frequently at the Primorium to learn from his father, just as Silas did with his.
If Madi wasn't there, however, chances were Luoxiao, heir to Haixin would be there. She was more of Stelle's friend, and Silas got on better with her younger brother, Anliu, but Luoxiao had always been kind to him.
He automatically straightened as he passed through the doorway, his chin lifting and his shoulders rolling back. The crown on his head seemed to gain weight as he entered the room and took a seat next to his father. Unsurprisingly, Lysandra was also there, on Alastor's right.
Silas scanned the room, looking for a familiar face. Luoxiao was there, offering him a polite smile in greeting, but to his disappointment, Madi was nowhere to be found. He did, however, see his favorite cousin, Fitz, with his father, Primor Torrid of Lumetierre. Fitz grinned lopsidedly at him and Silas returned it.
The other Primors were still arriving, with the last ones to trickle in being Primor Carmine, wearing his customary covering from head to toe. His face was masked behind a veil, which Silas knew was for sun protection. House Carmine governed Ethotaur, a small nation that lived entirely in cave colonies under the surface, and the daylight could be quite damaging for him.
"The Primorium will come to order," Alastor spoke in his booming voice, tapping his glass-fashioned hammer against a little crystal bell. The ringing sound circled the room and eventually died down.
"Your Majesty," Primor Incini of Mortefierro began in his melodic accent. "Last month, we had just barely begun broaching the topic of the possible separation of the empire."
"And I dismissed it. I don't see any reason to do such a thing," Alastor replied stolidly. "Are there problems within the empire that you see solved by disbanding, Primor?"
Incini's face flushed. "It's not that there are problems, Your Majesty, it's simply that Darthern has been silent since your father's reign, and many of us don't see the use for an empire anymore.."
"Many of us?" Alastor tilted his head. "Who would the many of you be?"
"Myself, and Primor Rancor have both been discussing the idea, as well as Primor Hildekant," Incini replied smoothly.
Alastor turned a cold gaze on the other two. "Is that true? Primors?"
Primor Rancor of Alunde had always been a bit of a squirrelly man, better suited to the unbiased life of building things for no one in particular. He didn't so well picking sides, as had become increasingly evident in the last few Primoriums.
Rancor shrank under the king's glare. "It–ah, it was a possibility, Your Majesty, simply a theoretical. Of course, of course, no such action is required now, it was just–,"
"And you, Primor Hildekant? Does Vinterbroste wish to disband?"
Hildekant was a tougher nut to crack. His face was as blank as the ice he wielded, as he replied, "Yes, it's true. The Hyalus empire was a solution to a problem that no longer plagues us. Why should we not wish to split? And why should it be an insult to Castle Verelys? Your father united us during his time, the Gaffreys have served their purpose."
Only because Silas knew his father so well could he see the hidden rage in his father's stony face, the vein jumping in his temple.
"We don't know when Darthern will strike again. Perhaps they are biding their time," Primor Song of Haixin pointed out. "The empire keeps us from being vulnerable against such attacks. We're stronger together, Primors."
Silas's lips flattened. Everyone in the room knew the only reason Song stood with Castle Verelys was because his daughter was queen. Lysandra had sealed the alliance between Haixin and House Gaffrey, and Song would take their side on anything because of it. Soon, they'd probably have Prithvi as well, once Stelle and Mehul tied the knot. And then after that, whichever country won Silas's Selection. Eventually, Faris would be married off, and then Rori. It was all about political strategy.
Primor Torrid used to stand with Castle Verelys too, because of Karia. But since her death, Lumetierre had been carefully neutral. Silas sometimes wondered if that was what his father missed most about his mother: Lumetierre's allegiance.
"I see your concerns, gentlemen," Alastor said, carefully mild. "But perhaps we can address this another time. Prince Silas and I have an announcement to make."
Silas swallowed as everyone looked to him expectantly.
"As I'm getting to the age where I will soon be ready to ascend the throne," he began, his voice miraculously calm, "–my father and I have decided I am ready to marry. In order to find a wife, I will be holding a Selection here in Verelys. House Gaffrey would like to extend the invitation to each nation to send the three most worthy women to compete for my hand."
A cacophony of noise erupted as the Primors all began talking at once. As Alastor tried to field their questions, Silas locked eyes with Fitz, who arched an eyebrow in question. Silas replied with a pained grimace and Fitz hid his laughter behind a hand.
The crystalline sound of the glass gavel colliding with the bell silenced everyone and Silas jumped to attention.
Alastor set the gavel down. "Yes, Primor Adelgotte?"
"Is the Selection going to be a strictly romantic competition?" He asked, his voice characteristically high and soft. Electricity sparked through his frazzled white hair, darting in and out of sight in his excitement.
"To be determined," Silas answered, after a moment of hesitation. "Princess Stelle will be facilitating the ordeal. However, it can be assumed the candidate should be worthy of the throne in all aspects. Primor Brasa-Lascaris?"
Brasa-Lascaris had always been a frighteningly handsome man. Not in the way that he was so good-looking (though he most certainly was), but in the way that no man his age should look such. Emphasis on the frightening. Of course, being from the flesh-shaping nation of Coranzorre probably had to do with his youthful face; Silas knew what a Touched face looked like, thanks to Lysandra.
His voice seemed to ooze like molasses in his sensual Coranzorre accent. "What is the age range for the Selection?"
"Strictly eighteen through twenty three," Silas said firmly, ignoring the look Alastor was giving him. "Primor Saishiro?"
"How long will this Selection be?" The primor of Kaze-han asked. It was probably his doing that had a whispering breeze in the windowless room.
"It will begin next month, and will last as long as it needs to. We estimate anywhere from six months to a year," Alastor jumped in. "However, the exact details are to be worked out."
"To be clear," Primor Kshatriya said, "the girls will all have an equal chance to become queen?"
"Yes," Silas assured him. "I will personally make sure of it."
"How do you suggest we select these girls?" Primor Carmine asked, causing Silas to tense. His voice could be heard not only in the ear but echoing inside Silas's skull.
Ethotaur's unusual brand of powers included telepathy, and every time Carmine spoke, his voice spoke in tandem out loud and in their heads. Silas resented it. It felt like such an invasion. He never got used to it.
"You are free to select any way you want. The invitation is open to any girl in the nation," Silas said. "How you determine who is the best is up to you, but you may only send three."
Each Primor seemed deep in thought. Silas scanned the room and found bitten lips, wrinkled foreheads, and pensive beard-stroking. The king cleared his throat.
"It's obvious there is much planning to do, and unless anyone has an objection, I will adjourn this Primorium," Alastor said, scanning the room with his gavel in hand. After a silent pause, he nodded in satisfaction and hit the bell. "Very well, adjourned."
Everyone got to their feet, and Silas tried very hard not to run to catch up with Fitz.
"Hey, slow down," he called.
Lord Fitzcameron Torrid turned, a grin alight on his rakishly handsome face. "There's the man of the hour! How's my favorite cousin doing? So excited about the Selection, right?"
"So excited," Silas deadpanned. "Can't wait to be married."
Fitz laughed. "Yeah, I wouldn't want to be you right now. On the upside, I'll be sticking around for it."
"Really?" Silas looked at him in surprise. "That's great, are Madi and Anliu coming as well?"
"Anliu for sure, Madi is still trying to convince his dad," Fitz explained, tousling his perpetually disheveled hair. "But of course he'll say yes. Everyone's gonna want an in with you during this thing."
Silas grinned. "Are you all coming to spy on me, Fitzcameron? Is that what this is?"
"Course we are," Fitz answered, slinging an arm around him. "We still have duties. But we're the Core Four! We can't be separated."
"Oh, god, don't call us that," Silas grumbled, but he was laughing.
"C'mon, it'll be fun! We'll tell our parents that you're really liking the girls from our respective nations, and then we just get to hang around and have a laugh," Fitz said brightly. "Drink a little, play some cards. We never get to see each other like this, Si. All four of us in one place? It'll be awesome."
…
Over the course of the week, the others began coming in. Anliu arrived by Wednesday, handsome as ever, and Madi was in on Saturday.
"Lord Madhavaditya," Silas said very primly as Madi stepped into the foyer of the castle. He bowed low. "Welcome to Castle Verelys."
"Your Highness," Madi replied solemnly, bowing even lower. "It is my honor to be here."
They'd held the charade for a moment longer, before bursting into laughter and embracing.
"Ouch, you big oaf, you're cracking my ribs," Silas wheezed as Madi wrapped him up in a bear hug.
"You're as fragile as the glass you play with," Madi teased, dark eyes twinkling as he set him down. "I guess some things never change."
Silas got a proper look at his face and his jaw dropped. "Hang on, what the hell is this? Madi, are you aware there's a furry creature living on your face?"
Madi rubbed his new beard with pride. "Listen, Si, it's been awhile since we've last seen each other. I'm a man now."
"Oh, shove off," Silas laughed. "You look like a bear."
Madi growled playfully. "You're just jealous because you can't grow anything more than a five o'clock shadow."
Silas sighed mournfully. "Alas, it's my curse. Runs in the family though, you should see Fitz's attempts, they're laughable."
Madi perked up. "Is Fitz here already? I know Anliu is."
"Yeah, they both are. C'mon, leave your bags, someone will bring them up for you."
They headed up the stairs to Fitz's room, chatting and catching up.
"So, your sister and my brother, huh?" Madi said. "That's interesting."
"I pity Mehul," Silas responded grimly. "But that'll make us brothers-in-law, won't it?"
"God, that seals it in, huh? We'll all be related then, the Core Four?" Madi mused.
"Don't call us that, not you too," Silas groaned.
"I'm right, though! You and Fitz are cousins, you and Anliu are like step-cousins, and now we'll be brothers-in-law." Madi grinned that blinding smile. "Always knew we were family, but now it's legally confirmed."
"Don't get cheesy on me, Mads," Silas snorted, opening Fitz's door without knocking. "Hey guys, look who finally decided to show up!"
Fitz looked up from the game of cards he was playing with Anliu and broke into a wide smile. "Madi! Ah bless, the gang's all here!"
"Hey munchkin," Madi grinned, reaching over to flick Fitz's ear. "Still haven't grown, I see."
"I'm six feet!" Fitz blustered, ears going red. "I'm above average! Not my fault I hang around a bunch of gangly giants!"
"Don't hang around us, then," Anliu said slyly, smirking. "You're free to go."
"I'd rather chop my hand off," Fitz told him, scoffing. "Besides, you're only six two, you're barely scraping by."
"Anliu's like ninety percent legs, though," Silas pointed out. "He looks the tallest out of all of us because of it."
"I can't help being this beautiful," Anliu said, in that serious, dry way of his and causing them to laugh.
"How are you, you handsome bastard?" Madi grinned, leaning over to shake his hand.
"I've been well," Anliu answered. "Wiping the floor with Fitz at cards."
"Deal me in," Madi requested. "Silas? You want in?"
"I'm good," he said, waving him off.
Silas leaned back contentedly, watching peacefully as Anliu kicked ass at cards. The din of their chatter as they played filled him with a sense of happiness. He'd missed them all, especially all being in the same place. Fitz's bright rasp-edged voice harmonizing with Anliu's low, serene tones and Madi's warm ones made him feel right at home, even as they argued. This, doubtlessly, was the best part of this Selection.
"Si, play a round, why don't you?" Madi encouraged.
"What's the game?" Silas asked, sitting up and scooting into the little circle.
"It's King's Coffers," Anliu answered, dealing him in. "Qiǎng kú fáng. Someone start bidding for king."
Silas had played the Haixinese game before, when he'd gone to visit Anliu and Luoxiao at their manor. The game began, and Silas examined his hand. He was about to open his mouth to begin the bidding, when a knock sounded at the door.
"I'll get it," Fitz said, climbing to his feet. He opened the door. "Oh, hey Faris! And hello, Rori!"
Silas twisted around in surprise. "Faris?"
"Sorry," Faris said, coming in. "Rori heard Anliu was here and he wouldn't stop bothering me about it."
"Anliu-gē!" Rori practically squealed, running to throw himself into Anliu's lap.
"Hey! Xiǎo dì," Anliu exclaimed, catching him and settling Rori in his lap. He began rattling off in rapid Haixinese and Rori replied just as eagerly.
"Have a seat, join the game, cuz," Fitz encouraged Faris, while the two caught up.
"Thanks. Hey, Madi, good to see you," Faris greeted.
"You too, Faris."
"I'll re-deal," Anliu said, reaching around Rori to collect everyone's cards. "It's more fun with more people anyway."
Silas tried not to feel irritated by Rori sitting happily in Anliu's lap. This was supposed to be his time with his friends, but of course Rori had to butt in. Even worse, no one else seemed to have a problem with it, which just highlighted to him how much of a dick he was being.
"Rori, you've grown so much since I last saw you," Madi joked as Anliu redealt. "Soon you'll be taller than Fitz!"
"Really?" Rori asked, delighted, missing the way Fitz jabbed Madi harshly in the side.
"Rori, you don't think I'm short, do you?" Fitz asked, pouting.
He giggled. "No."
"You see? This is why you're my favorite," Fitz said, patting his head affectionately.
"Someone start bidding already," Anliu said impatiently. "We're all getting old and grey here."
"We haven't anything to bid with," Fitz pointed out. "We used up all of the crackers."
"Well, we'll have to improvise, then," Silas said. He took off his watch, Alundish-made. "I'll bid my watch."
Fitz sighed morosely, and began shedding some of the many ornate rings he was wearing. "All of these put together have got to be more than Silas's watch, right?"
"Is that Prithvian emerald?" Faris asked, squinting.
"And a padparascha sapphire," Fitz said smugly. He did love his sparkly things.
"Fine, it's higher," Silas dismissed. "Anyone going to outbid him?"
"I'll pass," Madi said, frowning. "Anliu?"
"I'll bid Rori-dìdì," Anliu joked, lifting Rori with ease and placing him in the middle, while the kid shrieked with laughter.
"What do we think, boys, can that beat Fitz's pretty things?" Madi asked, smirking.
"Hmm." Fitz poked Rori in the side, eliciting a squeal. "I don't know…"
"Really?" Madi asked, giving him another poke and getting another squeal. "Seems like good quality."
"It's clearly very valuable," Anliu agreed, joining in on the poking. Rori giggled uncontrollably as the three of them started poking him in all his ticklish spots.
"Stop!" he protested between delighted laughter. "Stop that tickles! Stop!"
At last Anliu had mercy, and scooped the kid back into his lap. "Alright, if I can't bid Rori, I'll pass. Fitz is king this round, let's begin."
Silas looked around the circle, his best friends and his brother, and even Rori, and felt some part of him settle. This was alright. This was good. He couldn't even find it in himself to be mad about Rori peering at Anliu's cards and asking him in a too-loud whisper what each card meant.
"Oi, have you gone deaf?" Madi asked, swatting him. "It's your turn!"
"Shut up, you great ape, I'm going to kick your ass," Silas retorted, swatting him back. "Watch out!"
In fact, he was to strap in for an astounding losing streak of thirteen games in a row, but it didn't matter did it? It didn't matter at all.
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That's all for today folks, thank you for reading and working hard on your forms! I think you have most of the information you need to finish forms, but if you need anything else, shoot me a PM! I'll help ya out.
There are still plenty of spots open, so feel free to swoop in and snatch one! it's a good time, friends.
! If you're planning to submit, please reserve a spot in the nation of your choice, otherwise you may lose it to someone else! You can just message me and let me know which one you want, and I'll save it for you! !
The chapter will come either next week or the week after, but I don't want to close the window of time too much. You have time for your forms, so the chapter might be forestalled just so we're not hurtling so quickly towards the deadline.
Alrighty, leave a review if you liked and I'll see you in the next one!
