Sunlight streamed through the arched windows of Silverleaf Palace's grand receiving chamber, casting long shadows across polished marble floors. The Aurelian delegation sat stiffly in their formal crimson and gold attire, facing the impassive elven diplomats across an ornately carved table. Weeks of negotiations had led to this impasse: Emperor Valerian demanded the Highland Isles become a vassal state or face the consequences. The elven council remained unmoved. The Aurelian Ambassador drew ...