Chapter 17

Secrets

It had been a few days since Ondolemar received the new orders from Elenwen. Ondolemar had confined himself to the Thalmor Headquarters as he processed the order. Marry her, he thought to himself. The weight of the words pressed down on him. It felt as if he was ripping her entire life from her.

Aurelia… her name brought a flood of memories. He had been apart of her life since she was young, he was only meant to indoctrinate and influence her, but he had become something like a steadying presence for her. It was never meant to be this way, Ondolemar thought. He remembered Aurelia as girl with a curious mind and sharp wit. She questioned his teaching and challenged his authority, and in doing so, she had left a lasting impression on him. She'd grown to be an intelligent woman, but with the same rebellious spark she always had. He had come to respect her resilience, even if he couldn't admit it.

And now they expect me to control her, ensure her compliance. The notion left a bitter taste in his mouth. The order itself was far from normal protocol, even for the Thalmor. He knew he was a tool for their use-a sharp precise instrument to be used for their purpose. But this? This was personal, invasive, and far beyond what he had ever prepared himself for.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a soft knock at his door, he knew who it was. He could always tell.

"Come in," he said, his tone was neutral.

The door creaked open softly, Aurelia stepped in closing the door quietly behind her. "I hope I'm not disturbing you." She spoke quieter than normal. Her gaze was steady as she looked to Ondolemar. She immediately noticed the difference in his posture, more rigid than usual and she could see the concentration in his eyes.

She knows something is happening, he thought to himself, but forced himself to remain impassive and act just as he always had. "No, you're not disturbing me. Please, sit."

Aurelia took a seat across from his desk. She tilted her head to the side as she watched him. "It seems like you've been locked up in this office for days, Ondolemar. When did you last step into the sunlight?" She asked, a warm smile on her face.

Ondolemar stiffened slightly at the sound of her voice, the lightness of her tone was a stark contrast to the burden he was carrying.

When did I last step into the sunlight? He asked himself. "Perhaps it has been awhile." He sat his quill down and looked into her eyes, "I've had many things to attend to. The Thalmor expect a great deal of my time."

Aurelia continued to watch him, her eyes searching his face for an answer, but for what she did truly know. They locked eyes for a moment, then Aurelia lips curved into a small smile as she leaned forward, "Halbjorn tells me he's been missing you." She said it like she was telling him a secret, her smile widening and her eyes radiated a warmth that made his heart skip a beat.

Ondolemar paused at the mention of Halbjorn. For a fleeting moment it was as if the weight of the world seemed to lift, replaced by a comforting warmth. Aurelia's loyal Sabre cat was a reminder of simpler times, before their lives had become so complex. The warmth quickly faded, replaced by the tightness in his chest.

He cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair, trying to maintain his composure. "Halbjorn, has always been… expressive," he said, his voice cool but had the faintest trace of warmth that he quickly suppressed.

Aurelia's smile lingered, her eyes were still searching for something, as if she knew that the mention of Halbjorn had struck a chord. "He's…been pestering me about you. Says you've been avoiding him," her voice was light, the warmth in her gaze was undeniable. "You should visit him sometime."

"I'll consider it," he said, the words lacking sincerity that he wished he could convey.

Aurelia left the Thalmor Headquarters more frustrated than she had arrived. I'm so stupid, she thought to herself, talking about the Halbjorn like that? He must think me a fool. But she knew deep down what she had said was true. She missed how things use to be.

This realization only fueled her frustration more. She found herself returning to the palace and walking towards Sybille's quarters. She knocked on her door with a bit more force than she had intended. A moment later, Sybille opened the door.

"Well, someone is in a mood." She remarked dryly, stepping aside for Aurelia to enter, "come in before you break the door off its hinges."

Aurelia huffed, but stepped inside. Her frustration radiating from her in waves. Sybille's quarter's were dimly lit. The faint smell of herb and traces of magic hung in the air. It brought Aurelia a sense of comfort.

Sybille closed the door behind her, turning to face Aurelia with a raised eyebrow. "Care to tell me what has you storming into my quarters? Or shall I guess?"

"I…" Aurelia hesitated, "It's Ondolemar." She admitted her voice quiet. "He's been so distant… . And I-" she paused, shaking her head, "I said something ridiculous about Halbjorn missing him. It's so stupid, but I almost feel like he was holding back something…"

Sybille tilted her head, her expression softening slightly, "Ondolemar distant? That doesn't sound unusual for him." She crossed her arms and leaned against her desk. "But you think there's more to it than that?"

"Yes," Aurelia admitted. "He's never treated me like this. He used to always smile and speak to me differently, even if it were only brief."

She studied Aurelia for a moment as she considered her words, "and now," she began. "You feel as though he's keeping you at arm's length?"

Aurelia nodded, her frustration replaced with a pang of sadness. "Exactly. It's like he's trying to avoid me. I don't know if I've done something wrong or if something else is going on. It's just so unlike him to be so…" she trailed off.

"So detached?" Sybille asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes" Aurelia sighed, "and I can't help but feel like I've made it all worse by that stupid Halbjorn comment. He must think I'm a fool."

Sybille's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile, "I doubt that. If anything, he's probably more rattled by your sincerity than your words."

"What do you mean?" Aurelia asked, confused.

She stepped closer, her tone patient but firm. "Men like Ondolemar are not accustomed to being seen as anything other than their position. He's spent years as a Thalmor Justiciar, surrounded by politics, manipulation, and control. If you've become important to him in a way that he didn't expect. That could make him pull away."

Aurelia's eyes widened slightly, "you think that's it? That I'm… important to him."

Sybille raised her hand to stop Aurelia from spiraling further, "I'm not saying you've unraveled the man. But I do think you e gotten under his skin. If he's acting strangely, it may be because he doesn't know how to reconcile his feelings with his duties."

Aurelia sank into a chair, Sybille's words brought a sense of comfort and a new sense of worry. "So what do I do?"

Sybille regarded her a moment before replying, her voice calm and reassuring. "Give him space, but not too much. Be yourself-be the Aurelia who isn't afraid to challenge him, to tease him, make him think. He'll come around when he's ready."

Aurelia nodded slowly, processing Sybille's words. "Thank you Sybille. I don't know what I would do without you."

Later that evening, Sybille was informed the King had requested her presence in the throne room. As she entered, she noticed the worry on the kings face. His brows were furrowed, his hand rest in his chin contemplating.

"Your Majesty. You requested my presence?" Sybille said, with a small bow.

"Sybille," Torygg looked up from his thoughts. "Yes. There is something I wish to inform you of." The king paused for a moment and let out a sigh, "this is about Aurelia. The Thalmor have forced my hand, they have demanded that Aurelia be wed to Commander Justiciar Ondolemar."

Sybille's face remained neautral. "The Thalmor demanded this," she repeated. "And you agreed to this?"

Torygg sighed heavily, "they left me with little choice. They framed it as a symbol of unity, a way to ensure peace. But we both know it's a ploy-a way to keep Aurelia under their thumb."

"And what of Aurelia? Does she know of this arrangement?"

"No." Torygg admitted. "Not yet. I've been struggling to find the words. I know how she'll react, and I fear what this will do to her."

"You're right to fear. Have you considered what this could do to her spirit-her faith in you?" Sybille stopped herself and inhaled deeply, tempering her frustration.

Toryggs expression darkened. "I've considered everything Sybille. But what other choice do I have? If I refuse the consequences could be catastrophic. The Thalmor have already been hinting of what may happen if I defy them. It would cause more harm to the people of Skyrim."

"And you believe sacrificing your daughter's freedom will prevent this?" Sybille's voice was sharp now, her usual jadedness replaced by a fierce protectiveness. "The Thalmor are not our allies. They will bleed Skyrim dry the moment it suits them."

"I know!" Torygg snapped. His voice raising in a rare display of frustration. He immediately softened, shaking his head. "I know Sybille. But what would you have me do? If I refuse, I risk war. If I agree, I risk losing Aurelia. Either way I failed as a father."

Crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes, Sybille said, "Aurelia deserves to know the truth, and she needs to hear it from you. Not as her king, but as her father. Don't try and keep this from her. It will only make things more difficult."

"I know, I will tell her soon. Thank you sybille." Torygg dismissed his court mage with a nod and continued to sulk on his throne alone. Worry and frustration clear on his face.