Beneath the vast, star strewn sky, the world moved as it always did, unaware of the silent storm about to unfold. The news of Archduke Eridrius's Cheinzs grand birthday celebration had begun to spread like wildfire, its signifigance reaching beyong noble circle. Yet, in the quiet corners of the realm, four invitations had been carefully prepared, sealed in dark crimson wax, embossed with the Cheinzs crest. The night was serene, painted in deep hues of twilight, as the wheels of fate continued their silent turn. In four distant estates, sealed envelopes been sent and carried through the marble halls, their contents holding a declaration that would shake the entire nation of kingdom. These were not just invitations. They were declaration. And in the next day, each letter found its way to the hands of the daughters it was meant for. In the next day, the messenger departed to send the envelope without using any Cheinzs symbols in a carriage, the next two days, in the evening the envelopes reached its way to a distant modest mansion where it reached a place to be sent. Each letter bore the same carefully written message. In a different place inside the modest mansion each envelope with a Cheinzs crest was sealed on, reach its owner hands of each family. The flickering light of the candle cast long shadows against the stone wall of the mansion, where Lunaria stood by the open window, gazing at the sea that stretched endlessly beyond the cliffs. The waves whispered to her, but tonight, another voice interrupted their song. A knock. She turned just as an elderly butler, draped in a cloak of deep navy, stepped inside holding an envelope with her Cheinzs crest. "My lady, a message has arrived." Lunaria took the envelope from his gloved hands, her deep violet eyes narrowing slightly at the crest pressed into the wax. As she carefully unfolded the letter, the words greeted her like a fate she could never escape.

  To Lady Lunaria Sletcheinzs,

  By the decree of your grandfather, Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs, and I, Duke Randoldf Sletcheinzs, your father. You are hereby summoned to the grand estate of Cheinzs Family for the celebration of your grandfather, Archduke Eridrius birthday.

  On this day, your presence shall be revealed to the noble world, and your name will take its rightful place among the heirs of the Cheinzs lineage.

  The tides of fate have begun to turn, and your destiny awaits,

  My beloved daughter Luna.

  The Cheinzs Legacy Awaits Your Arrival

  Your Father, Duke Randoldf Sletcheinzs

  Lunaria exhaled softly, "So… the time has come." The butler observed her in silence before speaking gently. "Are you afraid, my lady?" She folded the letter, a small smile curving her lips under her halfmasked. "No," she said, though a shadow of uncertainty flickered in her eyes. "But the world is not ready for us.". In other side of the mansion, under the dim glow of lanterns, Asterlayna's training hall was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of her own breathing. Her blade rested beside her, but her thoughts were restless. A sharp knock on the wooden door, interrupted her moment of stillness. "Enter". A stoic-faced butler stepped inside, bowing deeply before passing a sealed envelope the same as Lunaria. "A message, my lady. From your father." Asterlayna wiped the sweat from her brow before taking the letter, her fingers tightening slightly as she read the words. By the end she let out a quiet breath. "So, they've decided." The butler regarded her carefully. "You expected this?". "Didn't you?" she countered. "It was only a matter of time." There was no fear in her voice, only… a quiet acceptance. Under the vast canopy of an ancient willow tree outside the shared mansion between the four girls, Aelita traced invisible patterns into the dirt, her mind drifting. When her butler arrived, she already sensed his presence. "You come bearing a news, don't you?" he held out the same envelope with a small bow. "The time has come, my lady." Aelita took the letter, reading its contents with silent contemplation. A soft chuckle escaped her lips under her veil. "It is ironic, isn't it? We have been hidden for so long, and now we are to be paraded before the world." The butler hesitated before speaking. "Perhaps it is not a parade, my lady. Perhaps it is a beginning." She glanced at him, the golden glow of the sunset reflecting in her eyes. "Yes. A beginning.". In the quiet garden of the mansion, Meridia stood before a fountain, her reflection wavering in the water. A letter was placed in her hands by a solemn butler. "A message from Duke Vadim, my lady." She unfolded the envelope and read it, her expression remaining still, though her fingers curled slightly at the edges of the parchment. "They will not expect us," she said at last. The butler gave a slow nod. "No, my lady. But they will see you." Meridia glanced at the distant darkening sky, her grip on the letter tightening. "Then we must be ready.". That deepened night, under the same starlit sky, the four daughters found themselves gather and chat a little about the letters sent by each family at a circle wooden table, each of their butlers stood aside in a line worried about their Lady who their serve for years.

  Lunaria: "We are to be introduced at last."

  Asterlayna: "A risk, but a necessary one."

  Aelita: "The world will not expect this"

  Meridia: "Let them wonder. We will be watching too."

  There was no fear in their words. Only resolve. And so, before the envelope of letters reach the four daughters of each family there's a worried family in their house. The tides of fate had begun to shift. A second decree had been issued. A call to destiny. For years, whispers of the Cheinzs family's hidden daughters had been nothing more than fragmented rumors, fleeting and uncertain. But with Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs' grand celebration fast approaching, the veil of secrecy was finally beginning to lift. The evening sun bled into the sky, casting its golden light over the grand estates of the Cheinzs lineage. Inside these noble households, an identical envelope rested upon each lord's desk, bearing the unmistakable seal of Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs. The decree was final. Each dukes bound by blood and duty, was to summon their hidden daughters to attend Archduke Eridrius, the four girl cousin, grandfather, grand celebration. Before the eyes of the kingdom, they would be revealed. The message, written in elegant calligraphy, carried an air of solemnity and command.

  To the Daughter of the Cheinzs Bloodline,

  The time of concealment has ended.

  By decree of Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs, you are hereby summoned to stand before the noble courts as a rightful daughter of your lineage. On the eve of Archduke Eridrius' grand celebration, you shall be presented to the world.

  The ties of fate have bound you to this moment, and the legacy of your name calls upon you.

  Your arrival is expected. Your place among the Cheinzs shall be recognized.

  The Veil Shall Be Lifted, and the World Shall Bear Witness.

  Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs

  Patriarch of the Cheinzs Bloodline

  Before the envelopes reach the four daughters. The next evening, under the soft glow of twilight, four identical invitations were sent from each estate, from father to daughter. In the halls of the four great households, the lords gathered with their wives and sons. The tension in the air was unspoken yet heavy. In the Estate of Duke Randoldf Sletcheinzs, the grand study of Randoldf Sletcheinzs was dimly lit, filled with quiet murmurs of his gathered family. Duchess Hesperia Salvodskyiz, his wife, sat with an uneasy expression, her emerald-green eyes filled with concern. Seated before them were Chains, Taniels, Kann, and Volcane, the four sons of the Sletcheinzs household. Chains Sletcheinzs, the eldest leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly. "So, the time has come." His voice was grave. His mother turned her head to her husband. "Randoldf, is this truly wise? To reveal her now?". Randoldf's ice-blue eyes were unreadable as he studied the parchment. "It is not our choice to make. It is our father's will.". Volcane, the younger, frowned. "We were told to protect her, but we never truly knew from what." Randoldf glanced at his sons, a flicker of something unspoken passing through his gaze. "You were given that command for a reason.". "And yet, we do not even know her face," Kann muttered frustrated. Taniels, the second-born, sighed. "She will be unveiled before the world, and yet, she remains a stranger even to us." Randoldf exhaled. "Then perhaps, it is time for that to change.". --- In the Estate of Duke Vaycheslav Sheencheinzs, Duchess Nerissa Vladislavz stood near the grand windows, her hands trembling slightly as she held the invitation. "Vaycheslav… is there no way to prevent this?". Lord Vaycheslav Sheencheinzs sat in deep contemplation, his golden eyes reflecting the firelight. "My father has decided. There is no turning back." Before them sat Lodriand, Dylond, Donny, and Andhia, the sons of the Sheencheinzs family. Lodriand, the eldest, clenched his jaw. "She has lived in the shadows for so long. How will she step into the light?" Dylond, ever the strategist, tapped his fingers against his knee. "There will be eyes on her. The noble courts will want answers." Donny frowned. "More than just answers. They will want weaknesses." Andhia, the youngest, looked up with wide, thoughtful eyes, "Will she be afraid?" A long silence stretched between them before Vaycheslav answered. "She was raised to be strong. But even the strongest heart can fear the unknown.". In the Estate of Duke Dyimitry Sancheinzs, Duchess Sylvanie Kheithen placed a hand over her heart, her expression troubled. "Dyimitry, I fear this is too sudden." Duke Dyimitry Sancheinzs sat beside her, his brow furrowed in thought. Before them sat Antrandhi, Antaraia, and Lyordian. Antrandhi, the eldest, was calm but firm. "We will protect her, as we always have." Antaraia, the second born, folded his arms. "We do not even know what we are protecting her from." Lyordian, the youngest, glanced at his father. "Father, do you think she is ready?" Dyimitry's eyes darkened slightly. "She will have to be.". In other estate, Estate of Duke Vadim Shaincheinzs, the last to receive the invitation, Duchess Thalassa Artemy sat in silence, rereading the words over and over. Duke Vadim Shaincheinzs leaned against his desk, his amber eyes distant. Before them, Raynard, Ryordan, and Lingerz sat, their expressions varying from concern to quiet determinations. Raynard, the eldest spoke first. "She has never been known to us, and now she will be known to the world." Ryordan shook his head. "I do not trust this. There are those who will want to use this against us." Lingerz, still young, but perceptive, looked at his father. "Will she be safe?" Duke Vadim's voice was quiet but resolute. "That is why we must be at her side.". In a modest mansion, far from the estates of their fathers the four daughters sat together in the candlelit parlor. The second invitation lay before them the golden seal of the Cheinzs family gleaming in the dim light. Each girl wore a delicate halfmasked, obscuring their faces, only their eyes visible. They had always known each other. Yet, none of them knew the other carried the same burden. Lunaria exhaled, her deep violet eyes unreadable. "So, we are to be unveiled." Asterlayna leaned back against the couch, crossing her arms. "We have always been hidden. Now we must learn how to be seen." Aelita traced a finger over the golden crest on the invitation. "The world will know our names." Meridia's voice was soft but steady. "Let them." And so, with the decree of their grandfather, the veil of secrecy began to unravel. -- The Gatherings of Great Houses, three days after, the arrival of the first and second envelopes to the mansion where the four daughters was hidden, in the morning the grand halls of Cheinzs Manor were alive with movement. Servants hurried through the corridors draping banners of deep crimson and gold, while the scent of freshly polished wood and rare incense filled the air. The upcoming celebration of Archduke Eridrius Cheinzs birthday was not merely a personal affair, it was a grand political event, drawing the most powerful noble families across the kingdom. Yet, amidst the festivities and formalities, a hidden truth lay in the shadows. The unveiling of the four veiled daughters remained a secret known only to the Cheinzs bloodlines.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  With meticulous precision, invitation had been prepared for the most influential houses across the kingdom. Among them were a select few whose presence would shape the future and some secrets stays hidden. The most significant guest was none other than King Luceryn Vaelstrom of Erelthain, a man of great renown and wisdom, bound by an old friendship with Archduke Eridrius. His acceptance of the invitation was a certainty. The bond between the Cheinzs and the royal family had stood strong for generations. -- House of Starleyts, a name spoken with respect and caution. House Starleyts from Flower Kingdom a far land, had always been known for its influence in high healing magic in the court affair. Attending in place of their lord was Aedric Nael Starleyts, a man of sharp wit and quiet observation. His presence was expected to be subtle yet deliberate, a silent healer amidst a court of power. -- House of Herms, many expected the infamous Young Master Visha Arin Herms, known who his rebellious personality to make an appearance, but it was instead his eldest brother, Young Master Evandros Kyle Herms, who had been sent in his stead. A man known for his unwavering loyalty to power, his arrival would not go unnoticed. -- The remaining guests, other notable noble families, merchants of great wealth, and high-ranking officials had also received their summons. Some sought alliance, others sought opportunity, but all were drawn by the influence of the Cheinzs name. A night where, a day before the grand event, while the noble families prepared their finest attire and the great halls of the Cheinzs Manor shone golden chandeliers, two carriages arrived in silence. Each bore no crest, no insignia of the Cheinzs name. Their arrival was not meant to be seen, but the whispers among the commoner who saw the carriage will be wondering whose carriage is that in the night. Inside the veiled carriages sat Lunaria, Asterlayna, Aelita and Meridia, hidden within the shadows, their identities still a mystery even to their own family. "It is better this way," Aelita murmured, her fingers brushing against the edge of her veil. "For now," Asterlayna added, her gaze sharp. Meridia's voice was calm but firm. "Tomorrow, everything changes.". "Then let us be ready," Lunaria whispered. And so, without the world knowing, the daughters of Archduke Eridrius sons took their first step toward destiny. The next day, by midday, the grand gates of Cheinzs Manor swung open, one after another. The lords of the Cheinzs bloodline, heirs to Archduke Eridrius, arrived ahead of the celebration. Each was a pillar of power and wealth, their presence commanding attention. From across the lands, they returned, Randoldf Sletcheinzs, the eldest, with an expression of quiet control. Vadim Shaincheinzs, the youngest, has a sharp eyed and unreadable. Vaycheslav Sheencheinzs, the seconds son, whose presence alone carried the weight of authority. Dyimitry Sancheinzs, the third son, ever the observer, moving with careful purpose. One by one, they entered the great hall, where their father awaited them. By evening, the estate had been transformed. Tables adorned with ornate golden embroidery stretched across the hall. A stage had been prepared for Archduke Eridrius' speech, with seats arranged for the nobles, merchants, and rulers who would bear witness. The air buzzed with anticipation. The world would soon gather. But in the midst of grand preparations and political games, the true secret still remained unseen. The daughters of the Cheinzs descendants, unknown, veiled, and waiting. Tomorrow, their destiny would begin. The Cheinzs Manor stood like an immovable fortress, its towering spires piercing the sky, draped in banners of deep crimson and gold. Inside, the halls buzzed with energy as the final preparations for Archduke Eridrius grand birthday celebration unfolded. The gathering was not just an occasion for festivity, it was a moment of political weight, a stage where alliances and rivalries would play out in whispers and measured glances. Yet, amidst the noble guests arriving, it was the presence of the Cheinzs descendants itself that stirred the deepest murmurs. By the time the sun began to set, the grand silver-gilded gates of the Cheinzs estate swung open once more, where Archduke Eridrius and his four sons wait for their daughters in law and wives at the halls. The sight that followed left the gathered nobles and servants alike whispering in hushed awe. Descending from ornate carriages, their presence alone command attention just like the Dukes. Each Duchess of the Cheinzs, the wives of Archduke Eridrius sons, stepped into the grand hall with regal poise, their dresses flowing like rivers silk, their gazes sharp and knowing. Their sons, the grandsons of Archduke Eridrius, followed behind them, each standing tall, their presence striking. Their names were well-known among nobility, but to see them gathered together was a rare event.

  "The heirs of the Cheinzs… all under one roof."

  "Their own presence alone is like a royal court of its own."

  "So, this is the next generation… I see no weakness in their line."

  --House Sheencheinzs, arriving first was Duchess Nerissa Sheencheinzs, the lady of House Sheencheinzs, her beauty untouched by time, her sharp eyes surveying the halls as though committing every detail to memory. Walking beside her, her sons, Lodriand, Dylond. Donny, and Andhia, moved with effortless confidence. Lodriand, the eldest, walked a step ahead of his brothers, his every movement exuding authority. The second son, Dylond, quiet yet observant, his gaze sweeping across the murmuring guest, nobles and servants also maids. The third son, Donny, ever composed, offering a slight nod to the butlers who greeted them. And the youngest between the brothers, Andhia, the youngest, carried himself with a youthful elegance, though his eyes hinted something deeper. --House Sletcheinzs, following closely was Duchess Hesperia Sletcheinzs, her aura unmistakable, graceful yet unyielding, a woman who understood the weight of power and responsibility. Her sons, Chains, Taniels, Kann, and Volcane, were a sight to behold. Chains, the firstborn, stood tall and proud, his presence alone enough to silence a room. The second-born, Taniels, with an air of quiet thoughtfulness, his calculating mind always at work. The third son, Kann, a blend of charm and sharp wit, offered a faint smirk at the whispers that followed them. And the younger son, Volcane, still held a touch of youthful fire in his stance, but his eyes burned with determination. --House Sancheinzs, Duchess Sylvanie Sancheinzs, the lady of House Sancheinzs, moved with elegance that belied her strength. Her beauty was ethereal, her soft expression unreadable, yet commanding without a single word. Her sons, Antrandhi, Antaraia, and Lyordian, followed behind, their gazes steady, their forms perfectly disciplined. Antarandhi, the eldest, radiated a quiet but undeniable presence, his loyalty to his family unquestionable. The second son, Antaraia, poised yet firm, his voice steady as he greeted the household staff. And the youngest among them, Lyordian, the youngest, still carried a trace of youthful curiosity, but his steps were measured, a boy soon to be a man. --House Shaincheinzs, finally, Duchess Thalassa Shaincheinzs, a woman whose very name inspired respect, entered the halls with her sons beside her. Her eyes flickered with unreadable emotion, yet no one could doubt her strength as the matriarch of House Shaincheinzs. Her sons, Raynard, Ryordan, and Lingerz, carried themselves with an air of noble confidence. Raynard, the eldest, whose gaze carried both wisdom and silent authority. And Ryordan, composed yet unreadable, every movement deliberate. And the youngest, Lingerz, the youngest, walked a step behind, but there was something sharp in his expression. As the four families stood within the great halls, the murmurs only grew louder. The wives of Archduke Eridrius sons were forces of nature themselves, their beauty and strength an undeniable presence. The grandsons of Archduke Eridrius were living proof of the Cheinzs bloodline's power, their mere existence a reminder to the world of the unshakable foundation their family stood upon. As the grand hall of Cheinzs Manor buzzed with murmurs and activity, the wives and sons of Archduke Eridrius heirs took their places within the luxurious seating area, exchanging formalities and quiet conversation. The noblewomen, each a matriarch in her own right, gathered in an elegant circle of power, their voices low yet poised, their expressions betraying nothing more than graceful composure. Seated at the central lounge, Duchess Nerissa of House Sheencheinzs took a delicate sip of tea before speaking, her voice carrying the composed tone of experience.

  Duchess Nerissa: "It has been some time since we were all gathered under the same roof, hasn't it?"

  Duchess Hesperia House of Sletcheinzs offered a small smile, her fingers grazing the rim of her porcelain teacup.

  Duchess Hesperia: "Indeed. Such grand events often come with their own… weight."

  Madam Sylvanie House of Sancheinzs let out a quiet sigh, her eyes flickering towards distant entrance.

  Duchess Sylvanie: "We all know what this event truly means, though none of us shall speak it aloud."

  The tension was subtle, yet present, a silent understanding among the wives of the Cheinzs sons that this event carried more than just political significance. Duchess Thalassa gave a soft chuckle, shaking her head.

  Duchess Thalassa: "For now, let us allow our sons their moment to speak freely. It is rare for them to be gathered all at once."

  A glance was exchanged between them, a quiet agreement. For all their wisdom and worries, there was nothing they could do now except wait and observe. A few feet away, the sons of Cheinzs lords stood together in a separate, more relaxed gathering. Although each house carried its own prestige and strength, these young men were cousins first, rivals second. Standing at the center, Chains Sletcheinzs folded his arms, his expression unreadable as he observed his cousins.

  Chains: "So, what news do you all bring? Surely there must be something interesting."

  Dylond Sheencheinzs, ever the composed one, gave a small smirk.

  Dylond: "Would it surprise you to know that I hear whispers of an impending shift? The nobles have been more restless than usual."

  Ryordan Shaincheinzs, sharp-eyed and ever observant, leaned slightly against the nearby pillar.

  Ryordan: "A shift? More like a storm brewing. I've heard merchants and foreign envoys speak of… unusual movements among the noble factions."

  Antaraia Sancheinzs, ever the quiet listener, finally spoke.

  Antaraia: "This event has drawn the eyes of many. That much is clear."

  Lodriand Sheencheinzs, the eldest among them after Chains, exhaled slowly, his gaze distant.

  Lodriand: "And what of our… other matters?"

  The words were left hanging in the air, and for a brief moment, silence followed. Volcane Sletcheinzs, the younger among them, scoffed.

  Volcane: "Why speak in riddles? We all know what tomorrow holds."

  A brief chuckle came from Donny Sheencheinzs, shaking his head.

  Donny: "It is not the 'what' that is in question, Volcane. It is the 'how' and 'why'."

  Lyordian Sancheinzs, ever curious, frowned slightly.

  Lyordian: "We were never meant to meet them, were we?"

  Raynard Shaincheinzs, the eldest of his household, gave him a sharp look.

  Raynard: "And yet, we will."

  Another silence settled, heavier than before. The weight of what was to come pressed down on them, though none would voice their true thoughts outright. It was unspoken, yet understood, their hidden sisters were finally to be revealed. As the conversation continued, the noblewomen subtly watched their sons, noting the way they spoke in careful words, the way their expressions shifted in thought.

  Duchess Sylvanie spoke softly, "They sharper than we give them credit for."

  Duchess Thalassa nodding, "As expected. They are Cheinzs blood, after all."

  A quiet sigh escaped Duchess Hesperia, her eyes briefly closing.

  Duchess Hesperia, "Let us hope they are ready for what is to come."

  Beyond the grand halls of the Cheinzs estate, in a secluded and modest mansion not far from the Cheinzs manor, four figures sat in dim candlelight. Each held ornate letter, the wax seal of their respective fathers unbroken.

  "Tomorrow… the world will know of us."

  "Are you ready?"

  "Read the letter first."

  "No turning back now."

  A breeze passed through the open window, rustling the silk of their halfmasked. Tomorrow, the world would see them for the first time. Tomorrow, the Tides of Fate and Blood would begin to shift.

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