Jamie exhaled slowly, forcing himself to regain control. "Yes," he acknowledged, his voice just audible over the renewed swell of conversations and music. "My ex-fiancée."

  "Your what?" Thomas repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion.

  "Before I left my family," Jamie elaborated. "We were promised to each other."

  Thomas's eyes widened slightly. "I see. And after you became a bard?"

  "After I renounced my family's path and was cast out," Jamie continued with a resigned shrug, "of course, the engagement fell apart."

  "I'm sorry," Thomas offered softly, a note of empathy threading through his words.

  Jamie waved a hand dismissively, a faint smile touching his lips. "Don't worry about it. It was a match of convenience." Truthfully, he harbored no bitterness over the matter. What surprised him was encountering her here, so far from Frostwatch.

  At that moment, Maria descended the grand staircase with a regal grace. Her raven-black hair was elegantly styled, and despite the crowd, she moved with the assuredness of someone who commanded every eye in the room. Approaching Vivi, the elven diplomat and Jamie's former betrothed, Maria exchanged pleasantries and warm smiles. The two women began to walk side by side, making their way through clusters of guests. Some were celebrities of renown, while others were nobles of significant influence and power.

  As they navigated the opulent hall, Jamie was not the focus of their attention. Nonetheless, he took the opportunity to observe those around him discreetly. The glittering assemblage of high society was a treasure trove of information, and one never knew when such observations might prove valuable.

  ‘An alliance with the Holy Elven Empire,’ Jamie mused, his thoughts turning inward. ‘It's been quite some time since the war ended, but not so long that memories have faded or scars have healed.’

  His eyes flicked to Maria. ‘She's not one to make moves without purpose. She must have a vested interest in this alliance.’

  Lost in contemplation, Jamie's gaze drifted across the room, until it locked unexpectedly with Vivi's. Time seemed to slow as they regarded each other from a distance. Vivi's eyes widened ever so slightly, a flicker of recognition passing over her delicate features. Without breaking eye contact, she began to make her way toward him. Maria continued alongside her, though a subtle crease formed between her brows, hinting at her curiosity over the diplomat's sudden change of direction.

  As Vivi approached, the surrounding guests gave way, their conversations hushed as they watched the exchange with polite interest. Vivi halted a respectful distance from Jamie and offered a graceful, courteous bow. "It's a pleasure to see you again, young master," she said, her voice as melodious as he remembered.

  Jamie returned the gesture, bowing with the practiced elegance ingrained from his upbringing. "There is no need to call me 'young master,' noble diplomat," he replied softly. "I am no longer part of House Frostwatch."

  "I understand," Vivi replied, her amethyst eyes widening ever so slightly. "Forgive me, perhaps it was due to my actions—"

  "There is no need to apologize," Jamie interjected gently, his tone composed yet firm, cutting her off before she could reveal more than necessary. "It wasn't related to you."

  Around them, a ripple of murmurs began to spread among the elegantly dressed guests. Faces turned with growing curiosity; eyebrows arched at the unexpected familiarity between the esteemed elven diplomat and the humble bard. Maria stood nearby, her gaze sharp as she observed the exchange. The soft glow of the chandeliers cast a warm light over the trio, highlighting the tension that subtly simmered beneath their polite facades.

  'She must know that I was once of House Frostwatch,' Jamie pondered inwardly, his mind racing. 'But surely she isn't aware of the betrothal that was arranged. After it was dissolved, our families likely buried the matter to avoid any scandal.'

  "What a surprise," Maria interjected smoothly, a hint of intrigue lacing her words. "Vivi, you know Jamie?" Her eyes flickered between them, attempting to glean more from their interaction.

  "I do," Vivi replied, a gentle smile playing upon her lips. "But not as Jamie." The delicate gold chains adorning her elegantly pointed ears glinted as she tilted her head.

  Jamie offered a gracious bow, his movements fluid and practiced. "Then allow me to reintroduce myself," he said with a touch of wry humor. "My name is Jamie, one of the humble bards who entertain this fair city." His voice carried a veneer of humility, though an astute listener might detect the subtle edge beneath.

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  Vivi's smile widened at his words. Beside her, Maria's expression soured slightly, the corners of her mouth tightening as she perceived the feigned modesty in Jamie's tone.

  "I can't imagine you as a noble heir," Maria remarked, her voice smooth yet edged with a subtle challenge. "You seem so comfortable in your role as a bard."

  "Without a doubt," Jamie replied evenly, meeting her gaze. "I prefer not being an heir. As a bard, I have the freedom to build and conquer what is truly mine, without having anything handed to me on a silver platter." He spoke as if merely sharing his personal philosophy, but the underlying retort was unmistakable.

  Around them, the surrounding guests exchanged puzzled glances. Some began to sense the unspoken tension, the veiled barbs woven into polite conversation. Whispered speculations flitted through the air like moths drawn to flame. Were they witnessing a clash of wills between rivals? Or perhaps a reunion with a deeper history than appearances suggested?

  "Fortunately, we don't have many bards who think that way," Maria countered, her smile tight. "Otherwise, Hafenstadt might have already fallen into chaos."

  Jamie chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I am one of a kind," he remarked, the words carrying a hint of self-deprecation mingled with pride.

  Before the exchange could escalate further, Vivi stepped forward, her demeanor warm as she extended her slender hand toward Jamie. "I'm glad to see you again," she said sincerely, "even if it's as a bard."

  "Thank you kindly," Jamie said, inclining his head with a gracious smile.

  "Not just a bard anymore," Maria interjected smoothly, her gaze keen as she watched for his reaction. "He's also going to be a professor at the Imperial Academy of Hafenstadt." She laid her metaphorical card on the table once more, probing to see if he would falter.

  Before Jamie could reply, Vivi's eyes lit up with genuine delight. "That's wonderful! The Imperial Academy is a tremendous honor," she exclaimed. Her enthusiasm was palpable, and it caught Jamie slightly off guard. Her reaction revealed the cultural chasm between their two empires.

  In the Arkan Imperium, only those associated with the Arcane Tower, the most revered institution of magical learning, were deemed worthy of respect as educators. Professors outside that esteemed circle were often looked upon with indifference or even disdain. But in the Holy Elven Empire, from which Vivi hailed, teaching and the pursuit of knowledge were sacred callings. To be a professor was a mark of great esteem, a role even nobles aspired to with pride.

  "Very honored," Jamie replied, bowing gracefully. His eyes flickered briefly toward Maria, who seemed momentarily taken aback. A flicker of frustration crossed her features, so subtle that most would have missed it, but Jamie caught it. She hadn't anticipated Vivi's positive reception, and it was clear that her attempt to unsettle him had misfired.

  Maria cleared her throat delicately, regaining her composure. She placed a slender hand on Vivi's arm, her rings gleaming in the chandelier's light. "Vivi, I still need to introduce you to the rest of our distinguished guests," she said, her tone smooth yet insistent. "And we have that discussion we mustn't delay." Though she spoke softly, Jamie's keen hearing caught every word.

  He bowed once more, a gesture of polite dismissal. "I won't keep you any longer. Farewell," he said, his voice courteous.

  "Farewell," Vivi replied, her smile warm and sincere. There was a hint of lingering affection in her eyes as she looked at him, a glimmer that did not escape his notice.

  As Maria guided Vivi away, disappearing into the crowd of elegantly clad guests, Jamie and Thomas stepped back from the vibrant heart of the celebration. They navigated through clusters of attendees, sidestepping swirling gowns and dodging gesticulating arms, until they found a quieter corner near a grand marble pillar adorned with gilded ivy.

  "She seemed happy to see you," Thomas observed, his gaze steady on Jamie.

  "Yes," Jamie replied, his brow furrowing slightly. "But why?" He raised a hand to his face, his fingers absently tracing the line of his jaw as he pondered.

  Thomas regarded him curiously. "What do you mean?"

  Jamie sighed softly, his eyes distant. "She was the one who ended our engagement. At the time, she didn't seem pleased with me at all."

  "Perhaps she's had a change of heart?" Thomas suggested. The soft glow of candlelight cast shadows across his features, highlighting the earnestness in his expression.

  "Maybe," Jamie conceded, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.

  He shook his head lightly as if to dispel the thoughts. "More importantly," he continued, his tone shifting to contemplation, "what are they doing here? What does Hafenstadt stand to gain from an alliance with the Holy Elven Empire? And could we use it to our benefit?"

  Thomas nodded thoughtfully but remained silent. The question hung between them. The mingling of these two powerful realms could signify many possibilities, trade agreements, military pacts, or something more clandestine.

  Jamie glanced around, ensuring they were still out of earshot. The opulent hall teemed with nobility, laughter, and music.

  "That's enough for tonight," Jamie decided, his voice resolute. "It doesn't seem like we will have the favor of meeting the Governor or his Ministers. Furthermore, although she was challenging me all the time, Maria only seemed to want to keep us on a short leash rather than destroy us."

  Thomas watched him attentively before the leader gave a final command. “Let's get the hell out of here.”

  They began making their way toward the entrance, where they waited for the boys to bring the carriage.

  Minutes ticked by, and a subtle impatience crept over them. Jamie tapped his foot lightly against the floor, his gaze darting toward the street where carriages awaited to ferry guests home.

  "Where are they?" Jamie muttered.

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