Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 345

Chapter 345: Envoys IX

“This is a trap,” he said bluntly. “Elyara isn’t extending this invitation out of goodwill. She wants to isolate you, to test your mettle—or worse, find a way to control you.”

“I know,” Lirael replied, her tone calm but resolute. “But refusing isn’t an option. If we defy the Court now, they’ll see us as rebels. We’ll lose any chance of negotiating from a position of strength.”

Aiden stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto hers. “Then you won’t go alone. I’ll accompany you.”

She shook her head. “Your presence would make them more cautious. They know your strength, and having you there might make them double their efforts to undermine us. No, I need to handle this myself.”

Aiden’s jaw tightened. “Then at least let me send our best to guard you. Scáthach, Yoriichi, and Merlin can be stationed nearby. I’ll deploy our most trusted allies to keep an eye on the Court’s movements.”

Lirael hesitated but nodded. “Agreed. And in the meantime, strengthen our defenses here. If Elyara is focusing on me, she might strike at the kingdom in my absence.”

As preparations for Lirael’s journey began, Elyara refined her strategy. She had anticipated Lirael’s acceptance, knowing the queen’s pride and sense of duty would not allow her to decline.

Her plans extended beyond mere intimidation. She intended to present Lirael with a series of impossible choices, each designed to erode her confidence and undermine her authority.

“We’ll begin with a show of strength,” Elyara instructed her advisors. “As soon as she arrives, she will see the full power of the Celestial Court—the armies, the resources, the alliances we command. Let her feel the weight of what she’s up against.”

The advisors nodded, taking notes as she continued.

“Then, during our discussions, we’ll offer her ‘opportunities’—alliances that come with strings attached, deals that seem advantageous but bind her kingdom to our will. And if she resists…” Elyara’s eyes gleamed with malice. “We’ll remind her of what happens to those who defy us. Subtly, of course.”

One advisor spoke up. “And if she proves too resilient, my lady? If she resists all attempts to bend her?”

Elyara smiled coldly. “Then we isolate her. Sow discord within her ranks. Make her allies question her judgment, her strength. A ruler without trust is a ruler on borrowed time.”

She turned to the projection of the New Dawn Kingdom, its glowing halo still growing steadily. “She believes her people’s loyalty is unshakable. We’ll see how far that loyalty stretches when doubt takes root.”

The day of Lirael’s departure arrived, and the Moon Castle was abuzz with activity. Aiden stood by her side as she prepared to leave, his expression a mixture of concern and determination.

“Remember,” he said quietly, “they’ll test you at every turn. Don’t let them see any weakness.”

Lirael smiled faintly, placing a hand on his arm. “I won’t. But I’ll also show them that we’re not to be underestimated.”

As her carriage departed, Aiden watched it disappear into the distance, his mind already planning their next moves.

****

The journey to the Celestial Court was uneventful, the landscape shifting from lush valleys to towering mountain ranges as the entourage drew closer to their destination. The final leg of the journey brought them to a wide bridge of shimmering, translucent crystal that spanned a vast chasm. As they crossed, the capital of the Celestial Court came into view, and even the most stoic among Lirael’s escort could not suppress a gasp.

The city was a masterpiece of celestial architecture, an intricate blend of art and engineering that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. Towering spires of crystalline structures reached into the heavens, their surfaces capturing and refracting the sunlight into cascades of iridescent hues. Floating islands dotted the sky, connected to the ground by glowing streams of energy that pulsed rhythmically like the city’s heartbeat. Below, the streets buzzed with life, a mix of mortals and immortals alike, all moving with purpose under the watchful eyes of sentinels clad in silver-and-gold armor.

“It’s beautiful,” one of Lirael’s attendants murmured, unable to take her eyes off the sight.

“It’s a display,” Lirael replied softly, her voice steady but firm. “Everything here is designed to impress—and intimidate.”

As they passed through the city gates, a group of attendants dressed in flowing robes awaited them, their expressions carefully neutral. The leader of the group stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, Queen Lirael of the New Dawn Kingdom, the Archon herself awaits your presence. It is an honor to escort you to the palace.”

Lirael inclined her head graciously, dismounting her carriage with a regal poise that belied the tension simmering beneath her composed exterior. The entourage was led through wide avenues lined with trees that shimmered as if their leaves were spun from starlight. Everywhere she looked, there were subtle reminders of the Celestial Court’s power: intricate mosaics depicting their victories, statues of Archons past standing as silent sentinels, and guards whose eyes followed her every move.

When they finally reached the palace, its sheer scale took even Lirael aback for a moment. The structure seemed to rise endlessly, its walls made of some translucent material that pulsed faintly with an inner light. At the grand entrance, a carpet of shimmering gold rolled out to meet them, flanked by columns carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the dusk.

Elyara herself awaited at the top of the steps, her presence as radiant as the city around her. The Archon wore robes of deep sapphire embroidered with threads of silver and gold that shimmered as if alive. Her hair, a cascade of pale lavender, was adorned with a crown that seemed to be forged from stars. Her face held a smile that was warm, but her eyes—sharp and calculating—spoke of a mind that missed nothing.

“Queen Lirael,” Elyara greeted, her voice melodic yet commanding. She descended the steps with an effortless grace, extending a hand in welcome. “Welcome to the Celestial Court. Your reputation precedes you. Few rise so quickly to command the respect of both their people and their rivals.”

Lirael took the offered hand, her own grip firm, and inclined her head slightly. “The Archon’s reputation is equally impressive,” she replied, her tone measured, her words chosen carefully. “It’s an honor to stand in your presence.”

Elyara’s smile deepened, but the faintest hint of amusement flickered in her eyes, as though she found the exchange entertaining. “You are as gracious as you are accomplished. Please, come. There is much for us to discuss.”

The exchange seemed polite on the surface, but the undertones were unmistakable. Elyara’s compliments carried a subtle edge, a reminder of her authority and power. Lirael, in turn, responded with equal composure, her words deflecting the Archon’s attempts to subtly assert dominance. The tension in the air was palpable, like the charged stillness before a storm.

As Elyara led her into the palace, Lirael allowed herself a moment to take in her surroundings. The interior of the Celestial Palace was no less grand than its exterior. The walls seemed to hum with energy, and the floors sparkled as if dusted with diamonds. Chandeliers made of suspended orbs of light illuminated the space, casting a soft, ethereal glow. Every detail was a testament to the Court’s unparalleled wealth and influence.

“Your kingdom’s rise has been the subject of much discussion within the Court,” Elyara remarked as they walked. Her tone was casual, but the comment was anything but. “To carve out such a place of strength in a world as competitive as ours—it is no small feat.”

Lirael nodded, keeping her expression neutral. “Our people’s resolve and unity have been our greatest strength. They believe in the future we are building together.”

“A noble sentiment,” Elyara said, her smile widening. “But in these times, strength often lies in alliances. The Celestial Court has long been a guiding light for rising kingdoms such as yours. I’m sure you will find our guidance invaluable.”

It was a veiled offer—help cloaked in the language of generosity but carrying the weight of expectation. Lirael knew accepting such “guidance” would come at a cost, likely the independence and sovereignty she and her people had fought so hard to secure.

“I look forward to learning from the wisdom of the Court,” Lirael replied, her words deliberately noncommittal.

Elyara’s eyes glinted, a silent acknowledgment that she recognized the deflection but chose not to press further—yet. Instead, she gestured towards a grand hall ahead. “Come. Tonight, we dine in your honor. I’m eager to hear more about your vision for your kingdom.”

As the Archon’s attendants moved to escort Lirael’s entourage to their quarters, Lirael entered the hall, her steps steady, her mind sharp. Every gesture, every word in this palace was a move in a larger game. She was determined to play it well.

For Lirael, this wasn’t just a visit—it was a battle of wits and will, one she could not afford to lose. Elyara, for all her charm and splendor, would not find her an easy opponent.