It was no coincidence that Castle Ildemar was considered the jewel of Norden. A masterpiece of architecture boldly climbing the craggy cliffs around Tight-pass Fjord, its white, hexagonal towers were like giant icicles frozen in time. The emerald roofs topping them were akin to spring buds, peeking from beneath the snow cover. Behind the castle’s sturdy walls, a labyrinth of buildings, covered corridors, and inner courtyards confused the senses of the inexperienced daring to venture into this ant-nest without an escort.

But not only the exterior of Ildemar was spectacular. Marble staircases, ornate beams, imposing arches, filigree columns, hidden chambers, gilded halls full of precious furniture, and many more treasures and wonders lay protected by the green-tipped towers and vigilant guards. One of those wonders was the Crystal Room.

Built by the current Duke of Norden together with the Misty Garden, it utilized the peak craftsmanship of Yalda’s glassmakers. It was not a large room, but it was very tall, and its position allowed one to enjoy an unobscured view of the whole eastern half of Tight-pass Fjord, especially since one of its walls was made entirely of glass. Each facet was as large as a knight’s shield and was held in place by a silver frame. At about two meters from the floor, the facets became smaller and turned from completely clear to an array of stained glass, depicting flowers and scenes from the Two Gods’ manuscripts. A complex mechanism of ropes and pulleys moved large wooden panels that could slide over the windows and protect them from the harsh weather of Norden. But on sunny days, the Crystal Room basked in all its colorful brilliance.

The moment she entered the room, Pricilla was awed at the incredible sight. As she took a few steps, she reached the glass wall and halted with an outstretched hand, her fingers incredulously touching the cool surface. It was like she was standing at the edge of a precipice, and one more step would result in a plunge to her death. Jolting back, she made sure to stay a safe distance away and just marveled at the seagulls and swallows, who chased each other over the fjord and maneuvered between the castle’s battlements.

“I apologize for making you wait, Lady Orten.”

The low voice of a man came from behind and startled her. She hadn’t heard the door opening or the floor squeaking under the man’s steps. Turning around, Pricilla saw the Duke of Norden staring at her intently. His black clothes, dark skin, and slightly damp raven hair made him look like a creature that had just crawled out from the tar pits of the Nether Realm. And then there was the scar. No matter how often she saw it, it made her gag every time. Why couldn’t he have the decency to hide his deformity from the people around him? Did he like to torture everyone with his ugliness? Even that soulless black mask he had worn during their first encounter was better than the ruin hidden beneath it!

Not willing to look at him any longer, she hid her disgust behind the guise of shyness and lowered her head, performing an impeccable curtsy honed at the Imperial Court.

“Pricilla Orten greets His Highness, the Duke.”

“At ease. Please, Lady, take a seat.”

His calm and polite manners surprised her a bit, considering his hostile behavior up to that point. A momentary smirk stretched her lips before disappearing. So, he really liked meek, submissive, and unspectacular women. Well, with a face like his, he hardly liked it when someone more glamorous stood next to him for comparison. For a moment, Lorelei’s image from the previous day came to her mind, but she quickly brushed it off. That wench was likely like the little monkey her father’s jester once had brought. He had dressed it in tiny silken gowns and even put a silver crown on its head, but despite it all, it was still a monkey. As for that monster, it was natural to feel diminished and ashamed when in the presence of a true Limerian noble, so his rude behavior was probably just the pretended bark of a mutt when meeting a pure-blood hound.

The man’s next words confirmed her suspicions.

“I’m sorry if I have startled or offended Lady Orten recently.” Leaning forward from his seat, he personally poured two cups of tea, ignoring the nearby servant. “We had some rough times not too long ago, and your visit was… a welcome but strenuous endeavor.”

He lifted the cup to his lips and took the customary first sip before giving it to Pricilla. She took the tea and had to put in all her efforts not to frown. To drink from the same utensil his lips had touched?! The mere thought was revolting! But she had to convince him of her sincerity. Lifting the cup and pretending to take a sip, she made sure that her mouth never came in contact with the rim.

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. It is I who should be apologizing. I hope you will forgive me if I have offended you or your court in some way. I am still young and inexperienced in court matters, and the weariness from the long journey might have resulted in me lacking in some areas.”

“Certainly not.” The Duke sipped his tea with a thin smile, his eyes hungrily ogling her. “I must say I’ve rarely seen such splendor as the one you’ve shown us, Lady Orten. The Count must cherish you a lot to procure such garments for you.”

“He does, indeed.” Pricilla tried to sound as naive and innocent as possible. “Father has always had a soft spot for his children, spoiling us-”

“But not for all of them, as it seems.” A steely note stole its way into the Duke’s otherwise calm voice. “It’s interesting to see how one sister is treated, compared to the other, although both share his blood.”

“I don’t think I understand-”

“He gave me a wife without a dowry, despite singing hymns of his love for her before an Imperial Prince and his entourage. He never attempted to make contact months after getting separated from his “precious little girl”. And he even tried to find faults in my wife’s behavior before my court and retainers, throwing dirt on the prestige of House Norden in the process. Not to mention daring to lift a hand on her in front of all my guests last night!”

“I… I don’t know what the Duke wants… from me.” Pricilla gulped and, for the first time in her life, felt true terror. The coldness coming from that calm, smiling face was the one of a predator ready to rip your throat.

“What I want from you? Nothing much. Why are you here, Lady Orten?”

“I don’t understand the question, my lord. I… I’m here to prepare for the Crown Prince’s arrival-”

“I don’t like playing games, Lady. You wanted to meet with me now for a reason. And spare me the lies about your allegiance. Do you take me for blind or retarded? I saw you and Lionel on the night of my wedding.”