Chapter three

Mask

One year has passed since Ondolemar started mentoring Aurelia. She has become a more poised and confident young woman. At 13, Aurelia is now expected at formal events. Though she isn't yet involved in the intricacies of diplomacy and politics, she participates by observing. Her father encourages to wear her finest dress and play the harp at these events.

Aurelia sat in the center of the Blue Palace's grand hall, her harp rested on her lap, her fingers gently strummed the strings, filling the air with a soothing melody.

As she played, her mind wandered to the advice her mentor had given her, "Appearances matter more than reality here." Ondolemar had told her, "the mask you wear is more important than what lies beneath it. Wear it well, for it serves a purpose."

Aurelia's fingers moved gracefully on the strings as she recalled his teachings. The expectations placed on her were intimidating and nerve wracking, but Ondolemar had shown her how to navigate the world of politics.

With a practiced move, she straightened her posture, and adjusted her soft smile, remaining serene, as her harp continued its gentle song. Her golden blonde hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, shining under the chandelier light. Wearing a blue silk dress embroidered with gold, she looked every bit the part of the poised, elegant princess. But as the strings of her Harp played their quiet lullaby, Aurelia's mind churned behind the mask.

She wasn't blind to the games being played around her. Each noble here wore a fake smile and spoke only shallow words. All with their own agendas and alliances, each one of the scheming.

Fortunately Aurelia's role, for now, was simple. Observe. Smile. Play. All the while never revealing to much.

Beginning to feel restless, Aurelia shifted the harp's melody slightly as she looked around the room, scanning the sea of faces. She had learned much over the last year, and tonight, she saw the nobles in a different light. To them she was an accessory- beautiful, silent, and only useful for maintaining the perfect image of royal decorum.

As the her song ended, Aurelia let her fingers linger on the strings, savoring the brief moment of stillness before the sound of polite applause filled the grand hall.

Before she could make her exit, Elenwen approached. She moved with a purpose that was as unsettling as it was elegant. She embodied the refined elegance and cold authority of the Thalmor, her every step exuding confidence.

Her expression meticulously composed as she looked down at Aurelia, "what a lovely performance." Her voice was smooth and polished, "you have a rare talent - though I suppose that is to suspected given your lineage."

The wide smile on Elenwen's face did not meet her eyes. Aurelia could feel the weight of her glare scrutinizing her. "Thank you, Ambassador." Aurelia said.

Before anything more could be said Sybille slipped beside Aurelia placing an arm around her shoulder, "It's far to late for children to be out, Aurelia, its time for you for you to retire for the night." Sybille gave a nod to Elenwen, "Ambassador, it's always a… privilege."

Without waiting for a response Sybille gently but firmly guided Aurelia out of the grand hall.

As Elenwen watched Aurelia and Sybille retreat into the shadows, her polite smile remained, although there was a flicker of irritation in her eyes. She turned gracefully, scanning the room, her gaze fell on Ondolemar. He stood near the edge of the gathering, a glass of wine in his hand, his expression calm and detached.

Ondolemar watched as Elenwen made her approach, 'Great. Here she comes, gliding across the room like a hawk.'

Ondolemar straightened his posture as she neared.

"Ambassador," he greeted her, his voice was smooth but carried a slight undercurrent of tension.

"Ondolemar," she replied. She studied him for a moment, her expression inscrutable. "I see you've been quite... involved in the princess's development. She's a charming little thing isn't she? Talented too, but talent alone isn't enough."

Ondolemar raised an eyebrow, "the princess is young, but she has great potential. With the right mentorship, she may prove capable."

Elenwen's smile widened, "I would hope so. It would be… unfortunate if her education were to fall short of our expectations."

She let her words linger in the air a moment before giving a nod, and gliding away.

Ondolemar exhaled quietly, draining the rest of his wine with one motion.

'I loathe these conversations,' Ondolemar thought to himself.

He turned back to the gathering his mask firmly in place once more.