Chapter 32

Lies

Ondolemar paced back and forth in his office. It wasn't like him to be this impatient. He prided himself on his discipline, his control. But Aurelia's delay was out of character for her. His mind raced through every possibility-what if she'd been stopped? Did someone intervene? Was she being watched?

Ondolemar would never admit it aloud, but Aurelia's weekly visits were something he had come to anticipate. The monotonous nature of his duties rarely allowed for anything out of the rigid structure of Thalmor protocol-and yet, for years now, every week at the same time she had managed to slip into his office. She either came with a genuine question or a carefully crafted one meant purely to amuse herself.

There were days when she would lean against his desk, watching him with a smirk as he rifled through documents searching for an answer. She never gloated, but he could always see the satisfaction in her eyes every time she managed to stump him. And yet, rather than frustration, he found himself enjoying the challenge, enjoying her company.

Over the past several weeks their meetings had begun to take on a different weight. Though still veiled under the pretense of questions and official matters, in between Aurelia's usual inquiries, there would be stolen moments. A lingering touch , a glance that held to much meaning. Occasionally, Ondolemar would allow himself the indulgence of pulling her close, stealing a kiss before she could tease him about how much he enjoyed these meetings.

Ondolemar exhaled sharply, he was a Justiciar, a commander, someone who understood restraint, but not when it came to her. Aurelia had always been an exception. And with each passing day his restraint slipped more and more out of grasp.

His thoughts began to wander to dangerous territory. He imagined her, the way she would slip into his office with a knowing glint in her eye as she feigned some pressing question about Thalmor policy. The way she would lean closer as he answered, testing his composure with a soft smile. His mind began to betray him more as he imagined the way she felt pressed against him, her breath warm against his skin, how she would sigh his name in the dim light of his chambers.

It has been several weeks since the first time Ondolemar had seen Aurelia in secret. He had expected to regret it, but instead he found himself anticipating the next moment to hold her closer. It's best we are united, he tells himself, if we are to be bound together in this political machination it's only natural we find solace in one another.

It may not be precisely what the Dominion had in mind but he knows Aurelia-he knows that she needs to feel secure to be…complacent.

But it's all Lies. Lies he can't bring himself to stop telling. It's what he repeats in his mind before he sees her. What he uses to justify every late night dark caress.

Ondolemar stiffens as the door to his office begins to slowly creek open. His breath catches for a second, but settles as recognition sits in, he exhales a quiet sigh of relief.

Aurelia walked through the streets of Solitude, making her way to the Thalmor Headquarters as she did every week at this exact time. She was lost in thought as she tried to think of a question compelling enough to make Ondolemar pause. Perhaps something he doesn't know the answer to, just to see the flicker of irritation in his eyes. As she neared the headquarters, a smooth, sharp voice stopped her in her tracks.

Rulindil, was not a person Aurelia saw often. She had only met him a few times over the years. Their interactions were always brief and full of calculated politeness.

"Princess," Rulindil greets her, his gaze unreadable, but clearly studying her, analyzing every subtle move.

Aurelia schools her expression, before turning to face him. "Third Emissary," she replies, matching his formality.

"I wasn't aware you had leave to wander Solitude unattended. Does your father know you're out?" Rulindil asked smoothly with deliberate patience, like an interrogator feigning interest in his subject's excuse.

"I was just seeking guidance on Thalmor Policy from Commander Ondolemar." Aurelia responded.

"Ah," he muses, "seeking guidance. How diligent of you."

His gaze lingered on her, weighing her words. Then, with a small knowing smile, he gestures ahead. "Well then, Princess, allow me to escort you. I'm sure I can be of assistance in answering your… inquiries."

There was no room for refusal. Aurelia nodded as they began walking side by side. She noted how he walked slightly closer than necessary at her right side. His posture was impeccable, almost regal. His eyes were sharp and calculating as they flicked over her every so often. Accessing every word she said, every slight change in her tone.

As he answered her questions, his voice was smooth-almost soothing. "The Thalmor's policies in Skyrim are a delicate matter," he began. "It's not simply about control, but about ensuring stability. One cannot have peace without the occasional… adjustment."

Aurelia tilted her head slightly. She let the words slip from her lips with a feigned air of asual curiosity, as if the natter was of little cinsequence to her. "The 'adjustments' you speak of, they are not often well received are they?"

Rulindil's lips twitched. His gaze flickered over her for a moment, his tone still smooth, but with a layer of something darker beneath.

"Not always, no," he admitted. "But the people are short-sighted. They focus on the immediate, the inconveniences of the moment. They fail to see the bigger picture." He paused, his gaze lingering on her as they walked side by side. "Sometimes, peace requires sacrifices—ones that can only be understood in time."

Aurelia couldn't help but feel the weight of his words. There was a chilling conviction in his voice, an unwavering belief in the righteousness of the Thalmor's actions, no matter the cost.

"And what about those who resist this… peace?" she asked.

"Resistance is natural," he replied, his voice taking on a softer, almost contemplative tone. "But in the end, it is futile. Skyrim is a land of power struggles and old grudges. The Thalmor will outlast them all. The question is not whether they will accept us, but how long they will fight before they realize the futility of it."

Aurelia's mind raced as she processed his words. The certainty with which he spoke made her uneasy. "And you, Third Emissary," she said, keeping her voice light. "Do you find all this… necessary?"

He gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable, before his lips curled into a faint smile. "I find it… inevitable," he said softly. "We all play our part, Princess. Even you."

As they neared the Blue Palace, signaling the end of their walk, Aurelia turned to face him. "Thank you, Third Emissary, for your... insights. It's been helpful."

His smile tightened. "Always a pleasure, Princess," he replied smoothly. "I trust you'll take them to heart. After all knowledge is the first step to understanding one's place."

Aurelia gave a polite nod, a small smile on her lips. "I will certainly keep that in mind."

Rulindil inclined his head, "I look forward to our next conversation."

he gave her one last glance before turning and making his way back towards the Thalmor Headquarters.

Ondolemar's relief was fleeting. His posture, which had tensed in anticipation, remained rigid as he watched Rulindil step inside, shutting the door behind him.

"Third Emissary," Ondolemar greeted, masking the impatience in his voice. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Rulindil's sharp eyes assessed him. "You seemed preoccupied," he noted, his tone light but carrying the weight of unspoken authority. "Expecting someone?"

"If I were, it would not concern you." He said coolly.

Rulindils lips curved into a smirk. "Wouldn't it? He mused. He stepped further into the room like a predator, his movements slow and deliberate.

"I ran into Aurelia on my way here," he said casually, but watching him with a knowing look in his eyes.

Ondolemars expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. He hated the way Rulindil said her name-too familiar. And the omission of her title was intentional, a quiet display of dominance.

"She was on her way to see you. Or so she said." He let the words linger, giving Ondolemar just enough time to consider them before continuing. "But we had such an insightful conversation that I simply had to escort her myself."

"Did you?" He kept his voice measured, but there was no mistaking the edge beneath it.

Rulindil smiled faintly in amusement. "She had questions—about Thalmor policy." He paused, then added, "I find it impressive that a Nord can carry herself so well. Graceful even. Quite rare for someone of her origins."

"You were fortunate," rulindil continued, "to have had a pupil so… refined. She is not as unbearable as I had imagined. I almost envy your… position in this arrangement."

Ondolemar's twitched at his side. His remark was not overtly improper, but there was something in the way he said it, like he was trying to provoke him.

"She is disciplined," Ondolemar responded coolly.

Rulindil hummed in agreement. "Of course. I imagine you had to be quite… patient with her." He tilted his head, "or is it that she learned quickly?"

"I trained her as I would any promising pupil," Ondolemar said smoothly. "Efficiently. Without indulgence."

More lies. Ondolemar knew the truth-he did indulge her, especially when she was a child. He gave her more leeway and attention than he should have. He had indulged her childish antics, even allowed himself to enjoy their interactions, despite the Thalmor's expectations.

Rulindil smiled as if the answer itself confirmed something to him.

"But not without… interest, I'm sure." He studied Ondolemar as if were a test subject. "It's difficult to not develop an… investment into something one has spent so much time shaping."

"If you have a point emissary, make it. I do have work to do."

Rulindil chuckled. "Only an observation. Continue your work, Commander. We will be speaking again soon."

He took a step back toward the door. "Do give Lady Aurelia my regards," he added emphasizing her title as if it amused him to acknowledge it now.