The Oath of the Void Scepter

Noon sunlight spilled through the gates as the Black Ark finally rolled into Schwarzburg.

"The young master has returned!"

The cry rang out from the watch towers, spreading like wildfire through the fortress.

By the time the carriage halted before the main keep, Fido and a gathering of elders waited anxiously.

"Young master!" The old man hurried forward, relief washing across his weathered face. "We received word of the treachery—you're unharmed?"

"We are well, Elder Fido." Altrelis descended from the carriage. "Though our guest may need some attention."

He helped Elise down, and the elders' expressions shifted through shock, suspicion, and confusion.

"Is that not... the Medean princess?"

"She is our guest," Altrelis said firmly. "She came of her own choosing, and she is under my protection."

Murmurs rippled through the assembled crowd.

"Young master, perhaps we should discuss this—"

"Inside. Not here."

The council chamber felt different now.

Altrelis sat at the head of the table, with Elise seated quietly to one side. Luna, Isana, and Tor took positions nearby, while Fido and several elders occupied the remaining seats.

"Let me be clear," Altrelis began. "Princess Elise is not a hostage. She was as much a victim of her father's schemes as we were."

"With respect, young master," one elder ventured, "how can we be certain this isn't some elaborate deception?"

"Because I choose to trust my judgment." His purple eyes swept the room. "And because she risked her father's wrath to warn us of the trap."

Elise shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny.

"I won't pretend innocence," she said quietly. "I knew something was planned. But I didn't know the extent until that night. When I realized..." She swallowed hard. "I couldn't be part of it."

Silence stretched.

Then Fido spoke.

"Regardless of how she came here, the fact remains—House Medean will claim we kidnapped her. This changes everything."

"I know." Altrelis nodded. "Which is why we need Elise's cooperation. If she publicly declares that she came willingly..."

"The Medean narrative crumbles."

"Precisely."

All eyes turned to Elise.

She took a deep breath, straightening her spine with visible effort.

"I'll do it." Her voice was stronger now. "I'll make a public declaration. Father can say what he likes—but I won't let his lies go unchallenged."

"Are you certain?" Altrelis asked gently. "This would mean publicly breaking with your family."

"That family—" bitterness crept into her tone, "—never treated me as anything more than a bargaining chip. If breaking with them is the cost of speaking truth, then so be it."

The elders exchanged glances.

"Very well," Fido said slowly. "If the princess is willing, we should prepare for a public assembly. The sooner we act, the less time House Medean has to spread their version of events."

Three days later, Schwarzburg's main plaza filled with thousands of beast-folk citizens.

Word had spread throughout the fortress—today, the new Demon King would make his first official address, and the Medean princess would speak.

Altrelis led Elise onto the raised platform, with Luna, Isana, and Tor flanking them. Fido and the elders stood behind, their presence lending weight to the proceedings.

"Citizens of Schwarzburg!"

Altrelis's voice, amplified by magic, carried across the plaza.

"You have heard rumors of what occurred in Paradise Valley. Today, you will hear the truth."

He stepped aside, yielding the stage to Elise.

The golden-haired princess stood at the platform's edge, gazing out at the sea of beast-folk faces.

So different from her own kind.

Yet she saw no hostility in their eyes—only curiosity and, perhaps, hope.

"I am Elise Medean." Her voice rang clear. "Former princess of Paradise Valley. I stand before you to make a declaration."

She drew herself up to her full height.

"I was not kidnapped. I came to Schwarzburg of my own free will."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"At what should have been a ceremony of alliance, my father—Axel Medean—planned treachery. He meant to poison and murder the Demon King under the guise of hospitality."

Gasps. Angry mutters.

"I was to be part of this plot—a smiling face to lull our guests into complacency." Elise's voice cracked slightly. "But Lord Altrelis saw through the deception. When chaos erupted, he could have left me to my father's mercy. Instead, he offered me his hand."

She turned to face Altrelis.

"He gave me a choice. The first real choice I have ever been given."

Then, facing the crowd once more:

"In the few days I have spent here, I have seen wolf-men patrol the walls with honor. I have seen cat-folk children play in the streets. I have seen lion-men craft works of beauty. You are not the monsters human tales describe. You are simply... different."

Her voice grew strong.

"From this day forth, I sever all ties with House Medean. I will remain in Schwarzburg, and I will work toward peace between our peoples!"

She bowed deeply.

"Please... please accept me!"

Silence.

Long, aching silence.

Then—

"Well said!"

A cheer erupted from somewhere in the crowd.

"Welcome to Schwarzburg, Lady Elise!"

"The Demon King is wise!"

"SCHWARZBURG FOREVER!"

The plaza exploded with thunderous approval.

Elise looked up, tears streaming freely now, a genuine smile breaking across her face.

Altrelis stepped to her side.

"You did well," he said quietly.

"I was terrified," she admitted.

"So was I, my first time speaking publicly." He smiled. "You couldn't tell, could you?"

A surprised laugh escaped her.

And in that moment, something shifted.

Not love—not yet.

But the beginning of trust.

The foundation of friendship.

End of Chapter Four

—Next Chapter: The Road to Schwarzburg