CHAPTER 171: MEETING THE PRINCE

The Imperial Capital was called Fjandmavor, and it lived up to its name.

Built over centuries by successive empresses, it sprawled across a river valley like a jewel set in gold. White stone buildings rose in elegant tiers, their architecture reflecting different eras of construction—ancient fortresses beside baroque palaces, classical temples next to modern administrative complexes. Wide boulevards connected major districts, lined with trees that had been planted generations ago and now formed living canopies.

At the heart of it all stood the Imperial Palace.

It wasn’t a single structure but a complex of buildings surrounded by walls thirty-five feet high and fifteen feet thick.

Guard towers rose at regular intervals, always manned, always watching.

The main palace itself was a masterwork—five stories of white marble and obsidian, with a dome that could be seen from anywhere in the city. Gold leaf covered key architectural features, catching sunlight and making the entire structure seem to glow.

This was the seat of power for the entire realm.

From here, Empress Beatrice II ruled with authority that extended across multiple kingdoms, provinces, and territories. Her word was law, her decisions final.

And today, three new visitors have entered the palace, thinking of meeting the empress.

Lady Maude Peanna walked through the palace halls with carefully controlled grace. She wore her finest dress—deep blue silk embroidered with silver thread, cut to emphasize her dignified bearing without being ostentatious. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate style that had taken her handmaiden two hours to perfect. Jewelry was minimal but exquisite—a silver necklace, matching earrings, and a ring that had belonged to her grandmother.

She looked every inch the noble lady she was, someone who belonged in these halls of power.

Beside her walked Elizabeth and Katerina, the witch sisters.

They’d also dressed for the occasion, though their attire was different.

As representatives of the Ladraella Coven, they wore formal robes—deep crimson trimmed with silver, marked with symbols that indicated their ranks and accomplishments. Their hair was pulled back in practical but elegant styles. They wore no jewelry, but the focus crystals at their hips spoke louder than any decoration—these were women of power, not mere courtiers.

Elizabeth maintained her usual composed expression, but her sharp eyes missed nothing. Every guard they passed, every courtier who glanced their way, every architectural feature that might be tactically relevant—she catalogued it all with practiced efficiency.

Katerina was less subtle in her observations, her head turning openly to take in the palace’s grandeur. But beneath her apparent fascination, she was equally alert, her combat instincts automatically noting escape routes, defensive positions, and potential threats.

They were led through increasingly ornate corridors by a palace steward—an older man in elaborate livery who moved with practiced efficiency. He’d said nothing beyond necessary directions, his face professionally blank.

Finally, they reached a set of double doors guarded by four soldiers in ceremonial armor that was nonetheless fully functional. The steward spoke briefly to the guards, who examined credentials before nodding permission.

The doors opened, revealing a private audience chamber.

It was smaller than they’d expected—perhaps forty feet across, with a high ceiling decorated with murals depicting historical events. Windows along one wall overlooked the palace gardens. Furniture was elegant but minimal—a few chairs, a small table, nothing ostentatious.

And standing near the windows, hands clasped behind his back, was Prince Albart.

He was in his late twenties, tall and well-built, with dark hair and the sharp features characteristic of the imperial bloodline. He wore relatively simple clothing for his station—a well-tailored coat of deep burgundy over black trousers, with minimal decoration. But his bearing made his status clear. This was a man accustomed to authority, to being obeyed without question.

"Lady Maude," he said, his voice carrying easily across the chamber.

"Welcome to the palace. And Battle Witches Elizabeth and Katerina—your reputations precede you."

All three women bowed appropriately—Maude with courtly grace, the sisters with military precision.

"Your Highness," Maude said smoothly.

"The honor is ours. Thank you for granting us this audience."

Albart gestured for them to rise.

"Your actions at the pass were impressive," he continued, moving away from the windows. "Three hundred demons held off by minimal forces. The reports made for compelling reading."

"We did what was necessary," Elizabeth said simply.

"Defending imperial territory is part of our duty."

"And you did it exceptionally well." Albart’s gaze moved to Maude.

"Which reflects positively on you, Lady Maude. Surrounding yourself with capable people, recognizing talent, and empowering it—these are valuable qualities in potential Court members."

Maude inclined her head, accepting the compliment.

"I’ve always believed that leadership means finding the best people and enabling them to succeed. The witch sisters were instrumental in defending my territory. Their skill and dedication deserve recognition."

"Indeed."

Albart picked up a folder from the table, flipping through documents.

"Your petition for Court membership has been reviewed. Your military contributions, your administrative competence, your economic management of your territory—all of it speaks well of you."

He set the folder down.

"However, Court membership isn’t decided by a single person. Such appointments require consideration from multiple advisors, evaluation of political implications, and assessment of how new members might affect existing balances of power."

Maude’s expression remained neutral, but internally, she felt disappointment rising.

This sounded like a polite rejection.

"I understand, Your Highness. The process is necessarily complex."

"It is," Albart agreed.

"Which is why I wanted to meet you personally. To assess whether you’re someone who understands the realities of Court politics, who can navigate the complications that will inevitably arise."

He studied her carefully.

"Tell me, Lady Maude—if you were granted Court membership, what would be your primary focus? What issues would you champion?"

This was a test, and Maude knew it. Her answer needed to be impressive but not threatening, ambitious but not overreaching.

"Northern defense coordination," she said without hesitation.

"The demon incursions are increasing in frequency and organization. Our current system of fragmented responses is inadequate. We need unified command, better resource allocation, and coordinated intelligence gathering."

"Ambitious," Albart noted.

"And likely to encounter resistance from northern lords who value their autonomy."

"Resistance that costs lives," Maude countered carefully.

"With respect, Your Highness, political sensitivities matter less than protecting imperial citizens from existential threats."

Albart’s expression didn’t change, but something in his eyes suggested approval.

"You’re direct. I appreciate that." He glanced at the witch sisters.

"And you two? Do you share Lady Maude’s priorities?"

"We fight demons," Katerina said bluntly.

"Whatever political structures make that more effective, we support."

"We’ve seen firsthand how poor coordination costs lives," Elizabeth added more diplomatically. "Lady Maude’s vision for unified northern defenses makes strategic sense. As Battle Witches, we’d support such initiatives."

These witch sisters, information about how they kidnapped the chosen ones, it still not gotten in the wind, and since those three chosen ones have now colluded with Jaenor, their words have lost credibility. And right now, they stayed submissive in front of the young man because they needed someone on the inside of the court, and Lady Maude was selected for such a role; it was the reason they gained a lot of merit under her servitude.

Albart nodded slowly, considering their responses.

"Your petition will receive serious consideration," he said finally.

"I’m personally inclined to support it, though the final decision rests with Her Majesty and the full Court council. You should hear a determination within the next month."

It was a diplomatic non-answer, but better than outright rejection. Maude allowed herself a small smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness. We appreciate your time and consideration."

"Before you go," Albart said, "I should mention—Her Majesty was interested in meeting you personally. However, urgent state matters have claimed her attention today. She sends her regrets and hopes to schedule a proper audience in the near future."

Maude’s disappointment was harder to hide this time, though she managed to keep her voice steady.

"Of course. Her Majesty’s time is precious. We understand completely."

"And Princess Baelyna also expressed interest in your work," Albart continued.

"Particularly in the witch sisters’ combat techniques. She’s been studying military strategy and finds your defense fascinating. Unfortunately, she’s currently engaged with diplomatic visitors from the western provinces."

Elizabeth and Katerina exchanged the briefest of glances. They’d hoped to meet the Crown Princess specifically, to begin building a connection that could prove valuable. That door was now closed, at least for today.

"Perhaps another time," Elizabeth said smoothly.

"Perhaps," Albart agreed. He moved toward the door, signaling that the audience was concluding. "Thank you again for your service to the realm. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed."

They were dismissed.

Smoothly, politely, but definitively.

The steward appeared to escort them out, leading them back through the elaborate corridors toward the palace’s public areas. The walk felt longer somehow, weighted with disappointment despite the Prince’s relatively positive reception.

They said nothing until they’d exited the palace complex entirely, passing through the final checkpoint and emerging onto the broad avenue that led back into the city proper.