Chapter 10

Dances

Aurelia woke to the soft sound of her lady in waiting, Seraphine's voice, "your highness." Seraphine pulls back the thick curtains letting the mornings sun rays fill the room. "It is time to rise. The day has arrived."

Aurelia stirs beneath the sheets, with a groggy smile. Halbjorn, who had been sleeping at her feet wakes with a long stretch followed by tired meowl. The Sabre cat no longer a cub but not quite the size of an adult, had grown quite a bit over the past few months. He barely fit across the large bed anymore.

Seraphine placed a silver tray on Aurelia's bedside table, on it sat a sweet roll, a few pieces of fruit and a gold bracelet adorned with a sapphire jewel. "Happy birthday, my lady," her voice carrying affection and formality. "I trust you slept well?"

"Thank you. I did," Aurelia stretches, her mind slow to wake up, but her eyes light up as she sits up. "Breakfast in bed? It is a special birthday isn't it?"

As her fingers gently touched the silver bracelet, Airelia felt a flicker of uncertainty. This birthday was significant. No longer would she be the child watching from afar, now that she was of age she would be expected to be involved in the politics of court life. Not to mention her father would begin seeking out potential suitors. Aurelia felt a wave of anxiety.

Seraphine sensing the shift in Aurelia took a seat at the edge of the bed. "You're nervous about today, about the future?"

Aurelia nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the sapphire gem absentmindedly, "I am," she admitted softly. "I don't think I'm ready for what the future may hold."

Seraphine smiled gently, her gaze was warm and understanding. She had served Aurelia since the princess was a child, watching her grow from a free spirited little girl to the poised young woman in front of her today.

"You don't have to be ready all at once,"Seraphine told her as she took Aurelia's hands into hers. "But just like with everything else, you will learn. It will take time, but you have the strength to face it."

Aurelia turned her gaze to the window, "I've always been sheltered haven't I?" Looking down at her hands resting in her lap, "growing up in the palace, I've always had someone there, protecting me. Whether it's you, or father, or Sybille, even Ondolemar. But now with everything changing, I'll have to step out and face everything on my own."

Seraphine gently squeezed Aurelia's hands, offering silent support. "You are not stepping into this all on your own. You will always have those who care for you and will stand by you, no matter what happens."

Aurelia gave an all nod, "I suppose I should get ready for today then." She said with a bit more determination. Though it was clear she was still hesitant.

The grand hall was decorated lavishly for the banquet. The walls were draped with deep red and gold tapestries. Large, gilded chandeliers cast a warm glow through the whole room. Long banquet tables were laid out in rows across the room, each covered with white table clothes embroidered with golden thread at the edges.

On the tables sat the finest foods in all of Solitude. Roasted meats, fresh fruits, pastries and breads were spread across the tables.

At the far end of the hall was a grand throne were High King Torygg sat. At his sides sat, Elisif and Aurelia.

Her golden gown shimmered under the warm light of the chandeliers. She wore a golden circlet that complimented the sapphire bracelet she had been given from Seraphine that morning.

She looked every bit the ideal princess- the embodiment of grace, poise, and beauty. Yet her presence held a deeper meaning. She was more than just a daughter of Skyrim. She was the living symbol of unity, the culmination of the uneasy alliance forged by the white-gold Concordat.

Torygg leaned over and whispered to her, "you're doing wonderfully, Aurelia. Tonight is about you- your strength, your future. Enjoy it."

Aurelia offered her father a small smile. She was grateful for his encouragement , but as she gazed out to the crowd of courtiers she couldn't help but feel a wave of nausea. She had always known her future was out of her control, but it felt more real in this moment than it ever had. And she couldn't help but feel that she didn't belong here.

The evening had unfolded with toasts, speeches and the courtiers exchanging pleasantries. Now, the time had come for the first dance. An event marking the transition of princess Aurelia from girlhood to womanhood.

Her father King Torygg approached and extended his hand to her, "Aurelia," he said, his voice low but warm. "It's time."

Aurelia hesitated for a moment before rising from her seat and taking her father's hand. The touch was familiar-she had held his many times before as a child. But tonight the gesture felt different. It was the hand of a king offering her into a world she wasn't entirely prepared to face.

They moved to the center of the dance floor. Aurelia could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her. For a moment she wanted to disappear into the shadows, but then she felt her father's reassuring touch on her back, steadying her.

As the music began, King Torygg gently guided Aurelia into a waltz.

"Tonight you step into a new chapter," Torygg whispered, just barely audible over the music. "And I am proud of the woman you have become."

Aurelia glanced up at her father, his smile was warm and his eyes gleamed with pride. "I don't feel ready."

Torygg gave her a knowing smile, "you don't have to be. Life will teach you everything you need to know. But whatever happens, know that you are never alone."

Her father's words brought her some comfort as they glided across the floor. Toryggs movement becoming even more graceful as he guided her with confidence. Aurelia found herself feeling light, her steps more assured as the dance went on.

When the music began to slow, King Torygg led her in a deep bow, a gesture of respect to her and the guest. Aurelia curtsied in response , a small smile tugging at her lips.

Ondolemar stood at the far end of the room, a goblet of wine in his hand, his sharp eyes surveying the crowd. He watched as Elenwen approached him, her steps deliberate and graceful.

"Ah, Ondolemar. Watching from the shadows tonight? Or are you simply planning your next move?" Elenwen says with a small smile playing on her lips that doesn't reach eyes.

Ondolemar takes a sip from his wine before responding. "Observing, First Emissary. It is often more effective than speaking."

Elenwen leaned in closer to him and purred into his ear, "A wise approach, but sometimes a moment calls for action rather than quiet observation." She glanced over to Aurelia, who was exchanging polite conversation with a group of nobles. "Have you noticed how radiant the princess looks tonight? A true symbol of Skyrim's future."

Ondolemar followed her gaze, "she carries herself well," he replied, his gaze lingering on Aurelia for a moment longer than he intended.

"Indeed. But grace alone does not win alliances, nor does it quell doubts. Her coming-of-age celebration is more than just a personal milestone—it is a test of where she stands and who stands with her."

Ondolemar raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful but guarded. Elenwen continued to press the matter further.

"You have a unique role here, Ondolemar. She trusts you, respects you. That is no small feat for a man of our position in this land. A gesture tonight, something as simple as a dance, could remind her of the strength of that trust… and remind the court of the unity between Skyrim and the Dominion."

Ondolemar thought for a moment before responding, his gaze focused on the crowd. "A dance could also provoke scrutiny. Not all in attendance view our presence favorably. Ulfric Stormcloak's absence is evidence enough of that."

"And yet, avoiding her entirely would send its own message, would it not? One of distance, indifference. You must strike a balance, Ondolemar. You are no stranger to such diplomacy."

"Timing will be crucial. If I approach too soon, it may overshadow her father's gesture. Too late, and it may seem calculated." Ondolemar said as he took a sip of his wine.

Elenwen placed a hand on his arm, a move that seemed calculated. Ondolemar stiffened at her touch but otherwise remained unfazed by Elenwen's games, his face completely neautral.

"You've always had a talent for precision, Ondolemar. Trust your instincts. But remember—this is more than just a dance. It is a statement, one that will not go unnoticed." She said before turning to leave. She glanced towards Aurelia, who had been glancing over, then she smiled to herself, pleased. She had taken the bait.

As the night went on, Aurelia found herself making cordial, small talk with various courtiers. She smiled and nodded polity, but her mind continued to wander. The attention she'd been receiving all night was suffocating. Aurelia soon found herself quietly slipping from the crowd. She took a moment to look about the crowd. That's when her eyes caught sight of ondolemar and elenwen in a conversation on the other side of the room. Ondolemar's face remained unreadable as he sipped his wine, making an occasional response to elenwen.

Aurelia's gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, her stomach turned into knots as she watched the way Elenwen leaned in slightly, her hand gently grazing Ondolemar's arm. Aurelia's breath caught in her throat and her cheeks flushed red from the sudden rush of jealousy she hadn't expected.

"It's not my place to feel any sort of way about the relationship between the two of them. But why does it bother me so much?" Aurelia thought to herself as she tried to settle herself and regain her composure.

A soft rustling of footsteps behind her caught her attention. She turned to see Ondolemar walking towards her, with the same composed expression he always wore. His eyes softened slightly as he approached her.

"Your highness," he began, his voice carried a warmth to it. "Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

"Of course," Aurelia replied as she took ondolemars hand as he guided her to the center of the dance floor. She could feel the weight of Elenwen's gaze from across the room, but she pushed the thought aside.

Once the two of them had made their way to the center of the dance floor, the music shifted to a soft waltz.

As they began to move, Aurelia's steps were hesitant at first, the weight of the moment was heavy on her. She did her best to ignore the fact that every eye in the room was on them in that moment.

Not long after they had started dancing, Aurelia found herself speaking, her words tumbling out before she could stop them.

"Elenwen seems to enjoy your company," she said, her voice casual, but carried a subtle tension to it that she couldn't entirely hide.

Ondolemar's eyes flickered, but he didn't respond immediately, allowing the words to hang in the air between them. When he responded his tone was light, with a hint of reassurance.

"Elenwen is… an old acquaintance." He said softly, "I've known her for many years. But my focus has always been on my duties."

Aurelia's heart skipped a beat, though she attempted to mask it with a small smile. She had expected Ondolemar to be dismissive, but the sincerity in his voice was unexpected.

"You don't seem to be lacking in attention from her," Aurelia muttered under her breath. The jealousy coming out in her tone despite her efforts.

Ondolemars eyes flickered with amusement. There was a subtle reassurance in his voice as he led her through the next steps. His hand was firm on her back in a way that brought her comfort.

" Everything is not always what it seems, your highness," he whispered softly, "people have their own ways of trying to assert their importance. But that does not mean it carries weight."

Aurelia looked away from ondolemar, pretending to scan her eyes across the crowd of guest, who stood by watching the dance as if it were a performance. When she looked back at Ondolemar, the mischief had returned to her eyes and a slight smirk played at the corner of her lips as she spoke again.

"Well, it seems you're quite skilled at handling attention, justiciar." Aurelia said in an attempt to mask her feelings. "Did you take lessons or does it just come naturally?"

Ondolemar let out a rare chuckle as he replied, "Years of practice, princess."

After the dance, Aurelia retreated to the palace garden for some fresh air. Halbjorn her loyal companion had been waiting for her. She sat down on a bench as she scratched behind the sabre cat's ears. He purred in delight from the affection.

The night had been overwhelming, the politics, the court. It was all a performance. One that Aurelia couldn't stand to be apart of. She played her part of course, despite it all. It was almost worth it to see the look of pride that her farther had gven her tonight.

Aurelia smiled to herself thinking back of her father's warm smile. Her thoughts interrupted by the sound of footsteps alproaching.