Chapter 37: The Diplomatic Gauntlet

The Administrative Center of Operientes Solem loomed over the luxurious district of Aeris, its architectural grandeur impossible to ignore. The building, a towering prism of steel and glass, captured the morning sun, scattering dazzling reflections across the pristine streets below. The district itself was a testament to wealth and power, every detail meticulously maintained, from the polished marble walkways to the ornate fountains dotting the plaza.

Livra stepped through the main entrance, her breath catching at the sheer scale of the lobby. It was cavernous, with a vaulted ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly upward, flanked by sleek glass walls that brought the radiance of the outside world indoors. The air carried a faint hum of controlled energy, a quiet but ever-present reminder of the gravity of the decisions made within these walls.

Approaching the reception desk, Livra adjusted the hem of the tailored jacket she had borrowed from Calen’s closet, trying to calm the nerves knotting her stomach. She gave the receptionist a polite nod. "Good morning. My name is Livra Veyne. I have a scheduled meeting with Magistrate Drena."

The receptionist, a young man with sharp features and a practiced smile, began scanning the registry. "Of course, Miss Veyne, let me just confirm—"

Before he could finish, a crisp, cutting voice interrupted. "Miss Veyne, we’ve been expecting you."

Livra turned, startled, to find a woman standing behind her. She was petite and impeccably dressed, her tailored suit hugging her slender frame with precision. A cascade of jet-black curls framed a pale face that held an expression of unwavering focus. Her high heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she stepped closer.

"I am Sienna Veilore," the woman said, her tone polite but devoid of warmth. "I will be assisting you during the assembly of diplomats. Before we proceed to meet Magistrate Drena, however, we need to prepare you for the meeting and the subsequent address. Please follow me."

Livra’s heart sank as recognition struck. This was Sienna. Calen’s Sienna.

Of all the people she might have encountered that day, Sienna was the last she had expected—or wanted—to see. Yet here she was, standing before her in the flesh, exuding an air of composed authority. For a brief moment, Livra froze, overwhelmed by the unwelcome coincidence.

Still, Sienna’s demeanor offered no hint of their shared connection. She remained professional, her words precise and efficient, as if she were addressing a stranger rather than a rival in love. Livra, remembering Calen’s advice and determined not to show any weakness, managed a firm nod.

"Of course," Livra replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions stirring within.

Sienna gestured for her to follow, leading her through a series of polished corridors lined with abstract art and softly glowing wall sconces. The sound of their footsteps echoed faintly, punctuated only by Sienna’s clipped instructions about protocol and expectations. Livra listened intently, pushing aside her nerves to focus on the task ahead.

As much as Livra disliked the situation, she couldn’t deny that Sienna’s professionalism was reassuring. Whatever personal history or potential tensions might exist between them, Sienna seemed wholly committed to ensuring Livra’s success in the upcoming assembly. For now, that would have to be enough.

After some time walking, they arrived at a meeting room.

"Well, Miss Veyne, I assume Administrator Valtheris has briefed you on the delicate state of unrest in the Earthlands. Due to a possible sabotage on the night of the Aeris Festival, the water delivery that should have been sent to your lands in Aelith Shore was mistakenly sent to the Fortune Islands. For this regrettable error, and on behalf of the administration, we extend our deepest apologies as you are the current acting head of Aelith Shore.

Furthermore, we deeply regret the loss your family has suffered with the passing of your father, Leontius Veyne. Our condolences," Sienna stated.

Without giving Livra a chance to respond, Sienna continued. "Due to the tragic death of your father and other Earthlands leaders, the people are now leaderless and in chaos. Protests are escalating everywhere, and we fear for the safety of the citizens of the floating islands and the potential onset of a war. Therefore, we kindly request, as a gesture of goodwill and to maintain the cooperation that has always existed between our peoples, that you deliver a statement affirming that relations between Operientes Solem and the Earthlands remain strong.

You should also emphasize that the failure to deliver the water was a catastrophic mistake but that the Earthlands will be compensated generously. Furthermore, you must convey that you are here temporarily to finalize the terms of a pact we will establish. Do you understand everything, Miss Veyne?"

Livra nodded. It was an overwhelming amount of information, but she had to fulfill her role properly—it was her duty.

"Good," Sienna continued. "As a prominent representative of society at this time, you will be provided temporary asylum in Aeris unless you already have accommodations. You may rely on the administration’s support. Now, tell me, Miss Veyne, do you have a place to stay?"

Sienna locked her gaze on Livra, her tone sharp, as if trying to extract more than the question implied.

"Yes," Livra replied. "I’m staying at a friend’s home, and I can travel to the administration center whenever necessary until this matter is resolved."

"Yes, I know exactly where you're staying, girl." Sienna's tone abruptly shifted from professional detachment to a chilling blend of coldness and fury.

"Excuse me?" Livra managed to say, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"I know you're staying at Calen's place, trying to seduce him with your trashy little act," Sienna hissed, her words sharp as daggers. "Did you have fun during the festival, you whore? If something went wrong with the water delivery that night, it's because you were distracting Calen from his work, you damned bitch! Now, we’re stuck in this biblical mess because of you. Our lives would all be so much easier if you weren’t here. Why don’t you do everyone a favor and just disappear? Calen is mine and no one else’s—mine!" Sienna’s voice reached a venomous crescendo, her fury palpable.

For a moment, Livra was stunned into silence, unable to process the sudden onslaught. But as seconds ticked by, she mustered all the courage she could find, standing up and meeting Sienna's fiery gaze. Her voice, though trembling at first, grew steadier with each word.

"Calen was never yours," Livra said with an edge of defiance. "You never treated him the way he deserved. He’s a kind and selfless person who helps everyone without hesitation, and you? You’re nothing but a manipulative witch who only wants him now because someone else does. You’re just a childish, petty woman."

Sienna’s face twisted with rage. Without hesitation, she lashed out, slapping Livra hard across the face.

The sting of the slap caused Livra’s lip to split, blood trickling down. But she refused to back down. Instead, she wiped the blood from her lip, her voice laced with mockery.

"See?" Livra said, her smirk cutting through Sienna's momentary triumph. "You’re just a child."

Sienna adjusted her expensive suit with measured precision, her voice eerily calm but dripping with venom.

"Mock me all you want, little girl," she said. "But this is where your journey ends. I’ll personally ensure you disappear."

At that moment, the sound of the door creaking open cut through the tension. Livra turned, her heart pounding. A man stepped inside. He was broad-shouldered and imposing, with closely cropped hair and a stern, unreadable expression.

"Magistrate Korran," Sienna greeted him smoothly, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Right on time."

"And what do we have here?" Korran said, his deep voice reverberating through the room. His gaze landed on Livra like a predator eyeing its prey. "A little bird out of her cage? That won’t do."

Livra instinctively took a step back. There was something profoundly menacing about the magistrate, a darkness in his eyes that sent chills down her spine.

Before she could react further, Korran moved with terrifying speed. His hand shot out, grabbing Livra with an inhuman strength. She struggled, kicking and clawing, but it was futile. With a single, precise strike to her neck, he rendered her unconscious.

Livra crumpled to the ground.

Korran straightened, glancing at Sienna, who watched the scene with a satisfied smirk.

"I’ll handle the rest." Sienna said coldly.