Chapter 204: Complications
The morning light streamed through the tall windows of Grim’s chambers as he stood before the ornate mirror, adjusting his tobes that had been specially commissioned for tonight’s celebration.
The deep midnight blue fabric was embroidered with silver threads. Tonight was not just his eighteenth birthday celebration—it was the most important political event House Ambrose had hosted in decades.
Violet moved around the chamber quickly ensuring every detail of his appearance was perfect. Her auburn hair was pinned back more formally than usual, and she wore the finest servant’s attire the household could provide.
As the newest member of his staff, she took obvious pride in being selected to attend to him during such a significant occasion.
"The silver clasps or the jade ones, my lord?" she asked, holding up two different options for securing his outer robe.
"Silver," Grim replied, watching her nimble fingers work to fasten the ornate clasps. "They complement the embroidery better."
"An excellent choice," Violet agreed, stepping back to survey her work. "You look every inch the noble lord, if I may say so."
Grim studied his reflection, noting how the formal attire emphasized the changes that had occurred since his return from the dragon realms.
His bearing was more confident, his presence more commanding, and there was something in his eyes that looked different than before he entered the Sea Realms.
[Tonight changes everything,] Caius observed from within his consciousness. [The choice you make will shape not just your personal future, but the political landscape of the entire Empire.]
"I understand the stakes," Grim murmured quietly, knowing Violet would assume he was speaking to himself.