Chapter 13

Troubles

It's been several weeks since Aurelia's coming of age banquet. Within that time she had received various gifts and letters of intent. All of which Aurelia accepted graciously, but she felt no particular interest in anyone.

In fact Aurelia would have preferred to not deal with suitors at all. She'd rather focus on her personal pursuits such as her magic and arcane research and combat training. Her father had agreed to let her begin training, she had convinced him that knowing some self defense would be beneficial. Which was true, but Aurelia mostly enjoyed the sense of control and freedom it gave her.

Speaking of control, since having that dream of the mad god, Sheogorath, it seemed as though everything was going out of control. She had tried not to make a big deal out of it, but unusual things seemed to be happening.

First she had, out of no where, developed a sensitivity to red mountain flowers. Specifically the flowers given to her by potential suitors. Every bouquet had begun making Aurelia sneeze uncontrollably. Seraphine had to gather multiple servants to help remove the flowers from Aurelia's chambers.

Speaking of her chambers, the smell of cheese continues to linger. Aurelia had spent hours trying to find the source. Every time she mentioned the smell to a servant or maid, the smell would vanish for a day before returning again.

Aurelia had finally had enough when she sat down to have her morning tea and it tasted like sweet roll frosting.

Deciding some fresh air could do her some good, Aurelia made her way to the palace garden. There she practiced the telekinesis spell she had been studying. It seemed a simple spell, but Aurelia was having a surprisingly difficult time mastering it.

Aurelia moved her hands in a smooth swift motion, chanting the incantation under her breath, focusing her energy on watering can sitting on a bench in front of her. At first nothing happened. Then the bench shot up twenty feet into the air, the watering can falling over, the water splashing Aurelia in the face.

"No," Aurelia whispered to herself. "How?" Aurelia said, confused as she stared up at the floating bench.

As if on cue, Ondolemar stepped out into the garden. He paused when he saw the bench twenty feet in the air and the look of confusion on Aurelia's face.

"Your highness," he called gently. His voice was smooth and controlled but carried a hint of concern. He stepped forward, his eyes flicked between the bench and Aurelia.

"It seems your telekinesis is growing stronger." He said softly as he approached. He kept a respectful distance, though his gaze never left Aurelia. "But perhaps, a little… uncontrolled."

Aurelia parted her lips to speak, but hesitated a moment before turning to face him. "I've been.. distracted recently." Aurelia's eyes showed a flicker of vulnerability before her mischievous grin returned. "Anyways I'll just… bring this bench down somehow. And you can write a ballad of my legendary battle against the floating bench."

Ondolemar's lips twitched, the hint of a smile barely noticeable, but his eyes were warm as they met hers. "I would write the ballad of your legendary battle?" he said with a quiet chuckle. "But perhaps we should focus on getting the bench down to solid ground first."

Aurelia's mischievous grin lingered as she attempted to bring the bench down. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she closed her eyes and focused. Suddenly the bench came falling down and landed with a thud.

Aurelia flinched but attempted to play it off, "there see? Solid ground and in one piece too."

Ondolemar's lips curled into a genuine smile, amused as he watched Aurelia's attempt to regain her composure.

"Impressive," he said with a slight nod. "Though, perhaps you should work on the grace of your landing next time."

Aurelia grinned, "noted. But honestly, I'm just relieved I didn't break it." She turned to face Ondolemar with a sly smile, "Now about that song? Can you leave out the part about the water can tipping over?"

Ondolemar's smile deepened, he held back a chuckle as he looked at Aurelia with a look of amusement and pride. "I think a ballad about the daring, unpredictable water can would be quite the addition," he teased. "But I'll see what I can do."

Aurelia's grin widened as she took a step closer, shaking her head with mock exasperation. "I don't think my legendary battle needs anymore details. Especially ones about me getting drenched with water."

"You'll be glad for the detail someday." Ondolemar said, his voice teasing but also a little more serious. "You'll remember that moment, and it will remind you of how far you've come."

Aurelia paused, meeting his gaze, the playfulness in her demeanor softening. "I suppose you're right," she said with a small sigh.

Meanwhile, King Torygg paced back and forth in his private chambers. Elisif sat at her vanity, staring into the mirror lost in thought.

Torygg stopped in front of the window overlooking the palace gardens. There stood his daughter, smiling and laughing beside the justiciar. The sight left him with a feeling of unease.

"She seems… happy," he said aloud, but mostly to himself. There was a hesitation in his voice, the kind of a father weighing the path that his child is on.

Elisif turned from her vanity, her expression was gentle but troubled. "Does that… trouble you?"

Torygg sighed, "it's not the happiness that troubles me," he admitted, "it's the source of it. Ondolemar may have his uses, but he still represents the Thalmor. Aurelia is still young and idealistic." He turned to face his wife, "she doesn't understand what the Thalmor are capable of-what he is capable of."

Elisif stood from her vanity and stood beside him, "she trust him. He's been apart of her life for years now," She said softly.

"That's what worries me," Torygg replied. "They see her as a tool to solidify their influence, and Ondolemar…" he trailed off. "No matter what connection he may have with her, he is loyal only to the Thalmor."

Elisif glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "And yet… he hasn't overstepped. Not once."

Torygg turned to face her, "do you trust him?"

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I trust Aurelia." She said finally, "I trust her to find her own path."

Torygg sighed again, "she hasn't accepted any offers from suitors. She hasn't shown any interest in a single one."

"She's always been… different." Elisif responded softly. "She's not interest in the games of court or the attention of suitors. She's searching for something more. Something she can't find in the world of politics."

"There's just too much tension in Skyrim at the moment. She's caught in the midst of it, whether we like it or not…." Torygg looked back out the window, hesitating before carefully continuing. "I've been considering a potential suitor, for Aurelia…"

Elisif turned towards her husband, her brows furrowing. "A suitor? You've already decided on one?" She asked.

Torygg shook his head. "Not decided. But there is one I can't ignore. Someone who might strengthen Skyrim's future-and hers."

Elisif's eyes widened as realization crossed her face. "You're speaking of Ulfric," she said.

He nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the garden below. "He's not the type of man who would attend court or send flowers," he admitted. "But he's a leader, strong and decisive. His vision for Skyrim, while flawed, has undeniable conviction. And his influence… well it's only growing."

"But Ulfric would never willingly align himself with the empire."

"I know," Torygg said quietly. "But I believe he cares about Skyrim as much as I do. And Aurelia, her strengths and insight, could balance him. Temper his ambition with reason. It could be the alliance we need to hold this land together."

Elisif folded her arms. "Does Aurelia know? Have you spoken to her about this?"

"No." Torygg replied, "not yet. She's not ready to hear it-not until I've spoke to Ulfric myself. If he refuses-there's no point in getting her hopes up or frustrating her."

"Just be careful. You know the Thalmor are watching every move we make."