1 Chapter 1

- His majesty will announce your engagement at the ball held to celebrate the Empire's victory.

Alivia closed her eyes for a short second, composing herself while attempting to guess to who she would be promised, without much success. She let her father talk further, well aware that he should shortly disclose her soon-to-be-husband's identity.

- Given his feat during the decisive battle, it was decided that that mercenary would receive Aester Dukedom as well as an alliance with a noble house.

Although her father was remaining calm and cold, the way he had avoided to utter that man's name had betrayed his irritation.

His disapproval was understandable ; although he was admired and celebrated across the whole country, this soldier of fortune was nothing more than an uncultivated commoner. The title of Duke was most likely an excuse for the royal family to keep an eye on him. Whether his accomplishments were hyperbolically exaggerated or not, he represented first and foremost a popular yet dangerous figure, a mad dog that should be kept in leash. Keeping a good fighter under control while pleasing the people by rewarding one of them was a simple yet clever plan.

It was easy for Alivia to understand the role that had been bestowed upon her by the Emperor. However, it remained hard for her to accept that alliance. All her life long, she had expected to be wed to another noble, someone who would understand if not her person, at least her position. A mercenary was more than a total stranger; and although her curiosity was tickled, she was already preparing herself to face a rude, aggressive and ignorant person.

- I am honoured the Emperor himself decided of my partner. Given that the ball is only a few days away, please allow me to retire in order to prepare myself.

Her father nodded his assent and Alivia slowly regained her suite. She prevented her thoughts from drifting too far, focusing on rejecting all lamentations. The empire needed her. This was a strategical marriage. She had her role to play, and she had decided long ago to play it well. She would not let her resolution waver for so less.

Upon entering her bedroom, she rang the bell by the door. She had barely sat down that a young maid let her presence be known.

- You may enter, answered Alivia.

The maid was short, and her whole appearance betrayed her juvenile age. Nevertheless, it was easy to see how well she was taking care of her duties, and if her warm smile was not exactly what you were expecting from a mere maid in a ducal house, it was recomforting for Alivia to see.

- You called, my Lady? Asked Esme.

- Ask for the carriage to be prepared and come back to dress me up warmly.

Esme's face betrayed her thoughts, her furrowed eyebrows speaking out before her lips:

- Do you plan on going out by this weather, my Lady ?

The maid's concerns were legitimate: the sky was utterly gray and low, and the naked trees were being bent by the furious winds. Winter was slowly but surely revealing its presence.

- I need to buy a new dress for the incoming ball.

- If I may ask my Lady, is the one you bought two days ago for that occasion not appropriate anymore?

Alivia sighed, well aware that the dress Esme was referring to would have normally be more than sufficient.

- I need to find an attire suitable for a first meeting with my fiance.

Esme's face lit up. She quickly understood that getting engaged as soon as the war was over meant that her mistress' fiance was none than one of the war heroes, someone undoubtedly highly regarded.

- Esme, hurry.

- Yes my Lady!

She swiftly left the room, only to return within a few minutes.

- The carriage is being prepared.

While Esme was going through the thick cloaks, the gloves and the hats, Livie was staring through the window.

How old was her fiance? How did he look? Could he read? How was he going to handle being among high ranking nobles? He would not know how to dance, right?

She resolved to help him save the face, as much for him as for herself. She could foreshadow how the other ladies, even among her friends, would see her engagement. She did not want any pity. She had had enough during the war that had prevented her from marrying. She would go from being referred to as the old maid to being talked about as the mercenary's poor wife.

Another sigh escaped her lips. She heard the wind roar once again and hoped that her outing would be fruitful. Even a mercenary would remember to compliment a women on her dress; she wanted to believe so. At the very least, she should try to honour the Emperor.

- My Lady, may I dress you up?

The wind was as cold as Alivia had expected it to be. She ordered the driver to stop right in front of the shop she favoured.

As soon as the pushed the door of the boutique, she was greeted by an employee who lead her to a smaller room. There, the woman brought her a catalogue. Alivia dismissed her, saying she would call when she would have made her choice, and simply asked for a warm tea.

Esme was standing behind her, fidgeting with a nervous happiness, a few thousands questions on her lips.

- Ask what you want to ask Esme, but stop moving.

Her cheeks red from both embarrassment and excitement, Esme finally spoke;

- Who is he my Lady? Who's your fiance?

Alivia took a long sip from the tea that had just been brought.

- Remember to keep your lips shut until the ball, Esme. I won't let is pass if you let your tongue loose.

Esme nodded, uttering a soft "of course my Lady" for her mistress to hear. She had gained Alivia's trust long ago and did not want to lose it.

- Duke Aester. A soldier who reversed the odds during the last battle and will get awarded a high title and some land.

Esme remained silent. Were they going to marry her mistress to the war hero? She could notice the polite sternness of her Lady, and yet her own enthusiasm was growing. That man had not gotten a mere baron title. He would be awarded one of the highest ranks of nobility. The rumours of his achievements had reached the center of the capital and had set it ablaze, lifting up people's spirits and hearts.

A high pitched, loud and joyful voice interrupted their thoughts. Alivia smiled a little, happy to hear her friend, but concerned about how their usual conversation would go.

Liliane entered the room without hesitation, arms wide open.

- Livie! It's no surprise to see you there!

She sat right next to Alivia who had already prepared some place. Liliane's energy was nothing to underestimate. She was utterly different from Alivia, but those differences were respected, if not admired and loved, by each other.

- Have you heard about my brother finally coming back home? Your own brother will be back by the ball right?

Liliane was almost panting but would not stop talking. She had waited almost three years for her only sibling to come back home.

- He will, yes. He sent a letter announcing his arrival in two days.

They kept chatting, and eventually, decided to go through the catalogue together. Liliane was surprised by how unusually detailed and complicated Alivia's dress would be looking, but she simply complimented her, happy to see her friend please herself with some well-deserved clothing. The fact that this ball would be the occasion for all unmarried young nobles to find a partner was no secret.

- This time, my brother is definitely going to propose to you. I feel it.

Alivia had a little laugh. They had had this discussion a million time already, if not more.

- That wouldn't be accepted, and you know it. He's your house's only heir after all.

- Stupid people do not get a say in this matter. You would fit each other way too well, we both know it. You're the most distinguished lady I know, and a duchess at that. If anything, he isn't good enough for you.

- I didn't think you would let your brother marry without love, Alivia teased. She was now desperately looking for a way to end the topic. However, she did not want to reveal yet the news of her engagement. On the other hand, Liliane loved to talked about that matter too much to let the course of the conversation drift.

- You will have time to fall for each other later, although I believe the letters you addressed him during the war were more than enough for his to develop some tender feelings. You wouldn't believe how often he asked about you in the letters he addressed me.

Alivia bit her lips.

- Livie? Is something the matter?

- I was just thinking about the ball. I'll see you then, there are tons of things to attend to back home. Please, greet your brother for me, and prevent any of his foolish ideas to be set in motion.

As usual, Liliane laughed her warning off.

Outside, the wind had slightly calmed down, but the threatening rumbling of the thunder could now be heard.