Chapter 20

Ondolemar II

The air was thick with tension in the council chamber. King Torygg sat at the head of the table, his face carefully composed. Elisif sat to his left, her hand neatly clasped in her lap, her serene expression betrayed little of her thoughts. To his right, Sybille watched the room with sharp eyes.

Ondolemar sat across from them. His posture was impeccable as his hands were clasped loosely in front of him on the table. To his left, Elenwen sat with calm authority, her smile perfecting controlled.

Focus, Ondolemar thinks to himself. They cannot see the cracks. I am the image of th Dominion's authority. No personal feelings. No hesitation. I will do what is required of me.

It was King Torygg who broke the silence first, "Thank you for coming. I've called this meeting in order to finalize the terms of the betrothal between my daughter, Aurelia, and Justiciar Ondolemar." He paused, his gaze briefly meeting Ondolemar's. "It is a decision I did not make lightly."

Ondolemar inclined his head respectfully, "Your Majesty, I am honored by the trust you place in me."

"Before we inform Aurelia, I wish for every detail to be clear, every condition to be understood. This is a matter of importance not only for Aurelia's future but for the future of Skyrim."

Elenwen leaned forward. "Of course, your Majesty. The Dominion is equally as invested in the success of this arrangement. Our nations' future depends on unity and this union will represent this strength."

Elenwen is unusually tense. Even for her this matter is precarious. She sees my hesitation-I can see it in the way her eyes flicker to me.

Elisif leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped tighter in her lap than before as she gathered the courage to speak. "If I may, High King, First Emissary," she began, her voice soft but steady. "I understand the importance of this arrangement, and I do not question the wisdom of it." Her gaze flickered to Ondolemar, then Elenwen, before settling on King Torygg.

"However, Aurelia is still so young and… spirited," she continued. "I fear that such a monumental change on her all at once might cause unnecessary strain. Would it not be better-for all involved-if we allow her time to adjust to the idea. Perhaps a longer engagement-two years- would give her the time to come to term with this arrangement."

"I agree," Sybille began. "Two years will also give Aurelia time to continue her studies and adjust to court life. And once she is twenty she will be better equipped to take on the responsibilities that come with such a union. Rushing her into this would be shortsighted." She leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing and locking onto Elenwen. "Surely even the Dominion can recognize the value of patience in such delicate matters."

Elenwen's gaze shifted to Sybille, her smile sharp and unyielding. "Patience is indeed a virtue, Sybille, though I fear it is often mistaken for hesitation. The Dominion merely wishes to ensure that the benefits of this alliance are realized sooner rather than later. Delays can lead to… complications."

King Torygg raised a hand, silencing the brewing tension. "Aurelia's readiness must take precedence. The alliance will hold stronger if she enters willingly or at the very least with a clear understanding of what is expected of her."

His gaze turned to Ondolemar. "Justiciar, you have remained quiet. What is your opinion on this matter? Surely you know her better than most. Would you not agree that allowing Aurelia time to adjust would be in her best interest?"

Ondolemar, who had been listening intently, inclined his head. "I would agree with the High King and council. A longer engagement would allow Lady Aurelia the time to prepare for the role she is to assume. This union is, after all, as much a partnership as it is a symbol. Strengthening that partnership before the wedding can only benefit bath parties-and the goals of the Dominion."

Elenwen's eyes flickered to Ondolemar, her displeasure barely concealed. "An interesting stance, Commander," she said, her tone icy. "I trust you will ensure that this extended engagement does not detract from our objectives.."

Her gaze is like a blade at my throat. If I do not tread carefully, she'll ensure I'm stripped of everything-my rank, my life, perhaps even Aurelia's safety.

Sybille leaned back in her chair, her lips curving into a faint, knowing smirk. "Oh, I'm sure the Commander will be most attentive to ensuring Aurelia's… preparation for her new role. After all, he's already taken such a personal interest in her development."

Sybille's amusement is unbearable. Does she mean to expose me? No-she would not risk Aurelia's reputation like that. Regardless she is placing me under scrutiny I cannot afford.

Torygg shot Sybille a subtle look of warning, though his curiosity was evident. "Indeed," he said carefully, his gaze shifting to Ondolemar. "Your role in guiding Aurelia during this time will be crucial."

Guiding her… protecting her… but what of the damage I am meant to inflict? The control they expect me to exert? How will I remain loyal to the Thalmor while still protecting her from their scheme?

Elenwen's displeasure grew more evident, her eyes narrowing. "As I said," she interjected coldly, "the Commander's focus must remain on the objectives of the Dominion. His… dedication to this arrangement will not waver."

Sybille tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. "Oh, I have no doubt of that."

"A two year engagement," Torygg interjected with authority. "Are we in agreement?" His gaze flickered between Ondolemar and Elenwen.

Elenwen's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. "If that is what you wish, High King."

Ondolemar inclined his head and said in a measured tone, "It is a reasonable decision. I will, of course, ensure the engagement progresses smoothly and aligns with the Dominions goals."

Elisif who had been quietly observing finally spoke. "Then it's settled. Aurelia will have two years to prepare… and to understand the importance of this union."

Two years. It's not much, but it's something… hopefully she'll have the time she needs to adjust to this.

As the meeting continued Ondolemar found his mind wandering to Aurelia and how she would feel about this whole situation. Aurelia would certainly have a sharp remark about all of this, no doubt. She'd find a way to poke fun at the absurdity of a room full of rulers and emissaries discussing her future like she's a chess piece on a board. And somehow, she'd make me laugh despite myself. If only she knew… if only we could share in that moment.

The meeting continued. Matters of logistics and terms of the alliance were being discussed, but Ondolemar could not help but to lose focus as his thoughts went back to Aurelia. The memory of Aurelia's warmth-her lips against his. He could not forgot her surprised expression, the way her bright eyes searched his face. Her breath caught in a way that made him falter, if only for a moment.

It was a mistake, a lapse in judgment. He told himself. Yet no matter how he tried to rationalize it, his mind continued to replay the moment.

"Commander Ondolemar?"

Elenwen's sharp voices pulled him back into the present. He blinked and straightened in his chair, carefully masking any signs of distraction.

"My apologies, First Emissary." He said smoothly as composed as ever. "I was merely considering the implications of a longer engagement."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, though she said nothing. Sybille however, was faintly smirking, her gaze steady on Ondolemar.

After the meeting concludes, King Torygg ask that Ondolemar remain behind while the others leave. The council chamber is quiet now. King Torygg waits until the door closes before addressing him.

King Torygg meet ondolemars gaze, it's steady but not unkind as he begins to speak. "Commander Ondolemar, I asked you to stay behind because I have… concerns regarding this arrangement. Concerns that extend beyond the political."

"Of course, Your Grace. I am here to address any concerns you may have." Ondolemar remains measured and calm.

Torygg studies him a moment before continuing, "you've spent a great deal of time with Aurelia over the years. You know her well-perhaps better than anyone at this table. I've seen how she looks to you for guidance, and how she trust you. And yet…" he pauses a moment as if in thought. "Trust can be fragile when emotions and duties collide."

Ondolemar stiffened slightly, "I assure you, Your Grace, my loyalty to the Dominion and to this arrangement is unwavering. My interactions with Lady Aurelia have always been guided by duty."

Arching an eyebrow, King Torygg looks at him with a mixture of curiosity and doubt. "Is that so? Then tell me, why after you danced with my daughter at the ball, you followed her after she left. Neither of you returned that night. And now, here we are discussing her future as if she were nothing more than a piece on a board."

Ondolemar falters a moment, a flicker of guilt barely noticeable crosses his face. Of course he should have returned to ballroom. After the kiss and his interaction with Sybille, he had been too distracted to think of the consequences of leaving with Aurelia only to not return.

He hesitated a moment before speaking. "Lady Aurelia is not merely a pawn, Your Grace. I have done everything within my power to prepare her for what lies ahead, to shield her from unnecessary pain."

"I do not doubt your intentions, Commander. But tell me truthfully, do you care for her more than what duty requires?"

Ondolemar chose his words carefully. "I care for her in the sense that I wish for her to succeed, to see her safe. Behind that… it does not matter what I feel."

King Torygg's voice softens. You've been a steady presence in her life. She trust you. If you ever betray that trust-know that it will not end well for you."

"Understood, Your Grace." Ondolemar bowed his head, his voice steady. "My every action had been and will remain in service to Aurelia's well-being. I would never willingly bring her harm. You have my word."

"Good. See that you keep it." Torygg said. His tone was firm but hinted at something else-perhaps hope, or perhaps a warning.

Ondolemar nodded, his composure in tact. Torygg held his gaze a moment longer before nodding curtly and departing the room.

As Ondolemar left the Council Chambers, he found himself instinctively heading towards the palace library.

But as he reached the entrance, he froze.

There she was, Aurelia, sitting comfortably in one of the chairs, completely at ease. A book lay open in her hands, her eyes skimming its pages.

He felt a pang of longing, sharp and unfamiliar as he watched her. She looked so at ease as she sat there. The light from the window casting a golden glow on her.

Focus. You can't let your mind wander now. but that kiss… What was I thinking? One moment of weakness and now it lingers.

I wonder if she's thought about it too? Did it mean anything to her or was it just a fleeting curiosity, another chance to defy expectations?