Chapter Text
The Kingdom of Aurum Apexus rose from a scattering of warring tribes into a vast and glittering dominion whose banners came to define the horizon itself. Its origins are traced back nearly a thousand years, to a time when the land was fractured and lawless, and survival depended on the strength of one’s sword-arm. According to scholars, the first High Sovereign unified the strongest warlords not through conquest alone, but by binding them into a structured hierarchy of loyalty- thus giving birth to the Great Houses.
Over generations, this system evolved into a complex feudal order, where power was not merely seized but inherited, negotiated, and carefully balanced. Be it through civil discussions or arranged marriages.
At the heart of Aurum Apexus stand the 11 Great Houses, each entrusted with dominion over vast territories that stretch from fertile river valleys to iron-rich mountains and wind-scoured coasts.
These Great Houses are not equals in temperament or ambition, but they are bound by ancient oaths to the Crown and to one another. Beneath them exist countless lesser houses- minor lords and vassals who govern towns, guard trade routes, and maintain order in the name of their liege. These smaller houses often rise or fall depending on favor, marriage alliances, or their performance in times of war, making the political landscape of the kingdom as fluid as it is rigid.
What distinguishes Aurum Apexus from other realms is its relentless expansion. For centuries, it has pushed its borders outward, absorbing neighboring lands not only through military campaigns but also through diplomacy, arranged unions, and economic dominance.
Each newly claimed region is folded into the existing hierarchy, assigned to a Great House or divided among them, further strengthening the kingdom’s intricate web of allegiance. Yet this growth comes at a cost: rivalries between the Great Houses simmer constantly beneath the surface, and while open conflict is rare, intrigue, betrayal, and quiet power struggles are woven into the fabric of court life.
They do try their utmost best to stay civil with each other however peace can only last for so long until one loses patience and sense.
The ‘Crown’ was also known as The Crown Synod. It was a council of sorts. There was no singular independent man that ruled the kingdom. But collective people from all the different houses that were worthy of the position. They are men and women known to be unbiased and they are selected with caution and care. Ones that stray from these objectives and are kicked out of the Synod with no one to spare a thought.
They bring order to the empire of Aurum Apexus. The Houses might not enjoy some of their decisions but it's necessary for the realm.
In the empire of Aurum Apexus, peace was never truly peace.
When the 11 Great Houses were not locked in open rivalry- not clashing banners at the frontiers nor contesting glory upon the Grand Circuits of war- their strife merely turned inward. Pride, ambition, and old grudges do not vanish in times of quiet; they fester. Within each dominion, beneath gilded courts and marble keeps, lesser houses circle like hawks, ever watchful for weakness in their betters or advantage over their rivals.
Thus it was within the vast and ordered realm of House Stellaris Argentum.
Renowned for its discipline and silver-star standard, Stellaris Argentum ruled with cold precision. Its dominion was a marvel of symmetry. Fortified cities of pale stone, roads measured to exactness, armies drilled to silent perfection. Yet even in such a rigid hierarchy, ambition stirred.
Two minor houses- House Vaelcor and House Myrenth- long bound in uneasy alliance, allowed rivalry to eclipse reason. What began as disputes over tribute levies and rights to forge-steel contracts escalated into whispered accusations of dishonor. Retainers clashed in shadowed courtyards. Knights met not in tourney but in blood-feud. Soon, entire districts burned under silver skies as sworn vassals took up arms against one another.
The conflict spread like a fracture through tempered steel.
For a time, the High Masters of Stellaris observed in silence. Order is not preserved by haste. They allowed the lesser houses to reveal the depth of their treachery. When proof emerged that House Myrenth had conspired to undermine the Dominion’s authority, withholding levies and rallying banners in secret, judgment fell swift and absolute.
Legions bearing the triple-star sigil descended.
House Myrenth, guilty of its crime, was not spared consequence. Its lord was stripped of rank, its forces disbanded, its heirs sent to serve under direct Stellaris command. The message was clear: ambition without sanction is treason; conflict without control is chaos. The House was no more, and the land and people of House Myrenth were Stellaris bound.
And chaos has no dominion under the Silver Star.
House Vaelcor was eradicated by House Myrenth. Its keep was dismantled stone by stone, its name struck from the rolls, its bloodline extinguished . No banner remained to mark its passing. The men, women and children of this House had been burned, beaten and executed in this foolish rebellion by House Myrenth. Not a single person from House Vaelcor had been left alone.
The House of Stellaris had finally, after so much blood shed, decided to take action.
They left House Myrenth for dead. Showed everyone in the kingdom what would happen if they crossed the Great House again through selfishness.
Thus peace returned to Stellaris Argentum, ordered, silent, immaculate, too late.
Yet across Aurum Apexus, the other Great Houses took note. For in the empire of gold and glory, war between rivals may shape legends… but war within shapes survival.
When Max Verstappen was a young boy, he knew he was destined for greatness. It was written in his blood. It was a part of him. Rooted into his soul. He was a part of House Verstappen that laid under the dominion of House Tauryx Tempest. When he was a young boy he was trained to conquer all challenges that he faced with his head held high and power firmly clenched in his hand.
He was heir to House Verstappen. He was already polished for that rule since he came out of his mother's womb. However his father was not satisfied with that designation, training him, guiding him with an iron first to be accepted into House Tauryx Tempest. His father had large ambitions for his boy, they were vast and relentless. Who was Max to deny such a sweet sweet fantasy, even if it left him bleeding?
When he was 15 he was accepted into House Tauryx, he was a squire for Ser Vettel. Which was short lived because Ser Vettel had shifted his loyalties in a harsh conflict to House Ferrion Ignis.
Lord Helmut had seen Max's potential. They knew precisely what Max was capable of and so he was accepted into the House and treated as one of their own. After the binding ritual of course.
When Max had finally been accepted into House Tauryx. He thought— maybe foolishly— that it would be enough to make his father proud. To make him feel content with Max. However that didn't seem enough for the man. Anything Max did was never enough for his father. Max despises the man because of it.
His father had told him that simply being a part of House Tauryx would gain him nothing. He had to rule it. Take control.
“Being part of Tauryx means nothing,” he had said. “You don’t join power, Max. You take it.”
So that became the goal.
Not acceptance.
Dominance.
Chip away at the others that laid in the line of succession. Max had begrudgingly accepted the challenge. It wouldn't be that hard, he had assumed. His only real competitors were Daniel Riccardo of House Riccardo, Carlos Sainz Jr of House Sainz and Alexander Albon of House Ansusinha. It should have been simple. It was supposed to be easy politics. Gain the favor of the Lord's and be number 1.
However sooner rather than later Max had realised how fucking hard it could actually be. Max had found something unexpected, friendship and kindness in those three men. Friendship he had never experienced. He was surprised at how the three men did not really fight him for much, not for position or for favor with the Lord. Didn’t claw for favor. They simply… coexisted.
It unsettled him.
He had the favor of Lord Helmut in the matter of a few moons. However his father did not find it enough.
His father decided that Max was taking things too slow and he had started a conflict with House Sainz. Lord Helmut had supported Max's house for obvious reasons. Which frustrated Carlos Sainz Sr. Which ultimately caused his son to be pulled away from House Tauryx and sent him to House Ferrion.
His father had also seen Albon as a threat. He poured lies in Lord Helmut's ears and had the boy removed from House Tauryx as well. It didn't help that Lord Helmut himself seemed to have clear problems with the poor boy, Max suspects it was probably because of House Ansunsiha’s unfortunate scandal a very long time ago. The boy was treated like garbage.
Max felt pity for Alex. He had enjoyed the boy's presence. His sarcasm helped Max survive ridiculous compulsory lectures. He was shunned from House Tauryx and instead he found himself in House Willenor Ragalia. He was accepted much easily and without judgement.
However the departure that had affected Max the most was of Daniel. It cut deeper than he would have preferred.
Daniel had left on his own accord. Max hadn't known but Daniel felt the neglect from Lord Helmut. The favoritism that Max had received had become so blindingly obvious and discouraging that Daniel simply could not stay out of loyalty. His care for Max didn't seem to overpower his brewing hatred for House Tauryx. Max wishes it was. He had hoped Daniel would become his right hand man when he eventually inherited House Tauryx. Sometimes things don't go as planned because hope can hardly survive reality.
Daniel had left and pledged his loyalty to his own House, becoming its heir. Max still met him at festivities in the capital or tourneys. It brought Max comfort that Daniel didn't hate him.
His status as heir to House Tauryx was stable. It was indisputable. It didn't matter how many spares the House would adopt, they would eventually leave for another due to the unkind treatment and toxic environment that only the toughest of shells could possibly handle. The House went through his brothers as fast as Lord Brown went through the food at other House's festivals.
Max tried his best to guide his new brothers that would join House Tauryx. But his advice and lack of understanding of ones who weren't as privileged as he was. He did try. It just wasn't enough. His brothers would leave as quickly as they arrived. The House seemed to devour its own blood alive. And at the top of it all, Max stood alone.
He knows the path Max is on is the path his father wishes he had the privilege to take every second of every day. Max lives his father's dreams. Not his own. Max doesn't care for it. He will be content with this life that has been thrust into his hands and he will make use of it. He won't abandon the duty that he has been given. He won't fight against it. He would not run away.
He has fought and argued and proven that he deserves the power that he has been gifted. He won't run away from it. He will be Lord of Tauryx Tempest the second Lord Helmut falls from his high throne and he will relish in it, not looking back.
Max was in his office going over some documents and papers related to some conflict between some minor House's. Horner tells him that he should give the duties to someone else. He thinks the houses will eventually settle the matter between themselves.
Max had snapped back, reminding the older man of the hell that had broken loose in House Stellaris Argentum. They had left two houses in conflict to deal with their own problems but by the end the bloodshed was plentiful and quite unfortunate.
His mind wandered to the fact that this civil war had produced an orphaned farmer's boy. The one lonely survivor of his family's unprecedented fate. George Russell. The current second in line to House Stellaris. Max has met the man on very few occasions, he's fought tourneys against the man. They are at a current split in victories against one another last time he checked. Max hasn't talked much to the man. He's noticed he doesn't talk much. The man is quite stiff, stoic and distant in a way that borders on indifference. And yet he was striking. Has an otherworldly beauty to him.
Daniel had found Max's simple observation very hilarious and unbelievable. Max didn't understand, Max will appreciate beauty if he sees it. He could say the same about Charles- Max shakes his head. He promised himself to not let his mind wander to this again. Not to Charles.
At that moment the door to his office opens wide and Isack, his newest brother, stands before him. Chest heaving, breathless. He looks like he ran to Max's wing of the castle. He has beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and he seems to be in shock.
Something bad has happened. Max can tell from the boy's distressed face.
“What is it Isack?” Max asks as he places his quill down and walks over to Isack. Who currently is trying to catch his breath. He is in a state of collapse. What could possibly have happened.
“Isack, breathe. And tell me what's wrong.” he reminded him.
The boy closed his eyes and let out a long and loud exhale before he eventually faced Max.
“He's dead.”
Max paused, studying Isack's expression.
“Helmut?” He asked unsure.
Isack rolled his eyes, “Of course I'm talking about Helmut! The old sack has been on his death bed for five years.” He explained as if it was obvious and stupid that Max hadn't picked up on it immediately.
Nonetheless Isack is correct. Helmut had been on his death bed for ages now. Everyone expected the man to croak and take his final breath any day now. However, like all members of House Tauryx, the man stayed persistent.
But now today was the day. The old bull is dead and Max reminds himself that he is heir. He is head of House Tauryx automatically. Well. This isn't too bad now is it.
“Now come on! Horner's asking for your presence and he'll assign himself Lord if you don't pay your respects to the dead.” Isack insisted as he urged Max to follow him to Helmut's chambers, where the man had most probably passed in his king sized bed. Such unnecessary space for a man such as Helmut? You really do get whatever you want if you have enough power.
Max composed himself and followed Isack.
Max knew it would be any day now that he became Lord Verstappen of House Tauryx Tempest. Helmut's death doesn't really change anything. It simply verifies his position so that The Crown Synod would write his name in ink in their important fancy books. Declaring him a leader of House Tauryx and everyone under him.
It's something he's worked his entire life for and as Max walks to a dead man's chambers, it might make him a bad person but he feels prideful. Not as though Max cares, one sin an hour is allowed for him he always tells himself.
They finally make it to the Lord chambers. The room stunk of death. How long has it been since anyone checked up on the old man?
Max entered the room with Isack right behind. Horner stood over Helmut's body with a cloth to his nose. One might think the man was wiping snot from his nose but really he was protecting himself from the awful smell of the dead.
How long has he been dead for?
Max finds humor in this. The old man was neglected the same way he had neglected everyone and everything he swore to protect. It must be true that what goes up must always come back down.
Horner seems to finally force his eyes away from the former Lord and manages to look at the heir. “So nice of you to finally join us Max.” Christian says with a hint of annoyance.
Max simply offers him a shrug. “I was busy handling the dead man's House, Christian. Something that I've been doing for the past 5 years.” Max comments as he walks over to be at the other side of the bed. Adjacent to Christian.
Max studies Horner's lifeless body. He is certain of a few people who will be joyous at the be a of this unfortunate incident.
“He is dead isn't he?” Max asks.
“Completely.”
“Well, Isack.” He faces the boy, who looked as green as grass in the dominion of House Aurelian Verdant. “-Make sure everyone is informed of the death of Lord Helmut. Prepare the funeral and send messengers to send out invitations to noblemen and houses around the kingdom. Don't forget to inform The Crown Synod, so that they don't rob us blind again.” Max groaned at the reminder of the incident.
Isack nods and almost salutes as he speeds away and out of the room.
Max looks back at Christian who looks just as ill as young Isack. “Let's talk outside. The man isn't getting up any time soon.” Max joked.
The older man didn't hesitate before leading the way out of the room. Max would almost laugh. He shook his head and followed the man out.
Christian took a deep breath when the doors closed behind them. He must be exaggerating surely. Max rolls his eyes and folds his arms over his chest.
“You're next in line.” Christian finally stated as he glanced at the closed door.
Max nods in agreement.
“There will be a ceremony of acceptance for the new heir. Which is you.” Christian gestures.
Max nods. “Yes Christian. I am fully aware.”
“And you will need someone to be by your side-”
“Isack will do. No need to fear that Helmut will kick him out like the others-” Max explains however he is politely interrupted with Christian pinching the bridge of his nose.
“That's not what I mean by that Max.” Christian sighed.
Max's brows furrowed.
*Then what could you possibly mean by that?”
Christian looked at Max unimpressed. “A spouse Max. A Lady to your Lord- Or a Lord to your Lord, it really doesn't matter.”
Max froze. What? He thought he still had years till that happened.
“What… you want me to get married?” Max asks incredulously.
“Yes Max. It's tradition. Whenever one is promoted from heir to Lord they are to be married within the same week if they haven't already done so before hand-” Christian pauses, looking at Max with wariness. “-you do have a list of suitors and suitresses? Correct?” He looked at Max with hope in his eyes hoping he had all the information that Max hadn't thought about in years. Not since…
“Fuck no.” Max exclaimed in annoyance. “I was busy managing Tauryx! I didn't care about potential matches when I became heir?!”
Christian closes his eyes and his patience was obviously thinning. He takes a sharp breath in and lets it out just the same. He's trying to calm himself down.
“I can't deal with you right now. This will be discussed with your parents when they arrive and I will go check and make sure Isack hasn't broken a carriage again.” Christian states and walks away. Dismissing Max's concern.
Max stands there in the hallway completely lost. Why wasn't Max ever told about this tradition? It was frequent that new Lords would marry someone right after the acceptance ceremony but he just assumed it was because it was convenient for many people. Not because it was compulsory?
Fuck. His father's going to arrive today and Max will have to converse with him about his future as Lord of Tauryx. Again.
Max was glad the old man had died, so that just this once when he meets his father again he'll have a pleasant time and no more expectations because he thought he'd done his job and then he'll leave Max alone. But unfortunately Max isn't free from his father's iron fist just yet.
He faces the door of Helmut's chambers. The old man even in death creates an unbearable environment for everyone in House Tauryx. Max hopes he burns in hell.
He knows he cannot stay near the dead when he notices a flash of red in his peripheral vision. All of a sudden the smell of Helmut's dead body is starting to bother him even through the large heavy doors.
Max groans and stomps his way to his office. Slamming the door behind him and hoping no one disturbs him for the next hours till the funeral because he needs to mentally prepare himself for his father's constant disappointment.
In the silver castle of House of Stellaris Argentum. George Russell trained in their many training grounds. He found himself here many times. Too many times according to Susie. She had suggested —more than once— that he seek a different hobby to occupy his wandering mind instead of always working himself to the bone alone in one of the training grounds when he wasn't buried with duties around the dominion.
He used to run. In the forests or across open tracks whenever he could. Where the wind could meet him head-on. He found the cold air that hit his face very soothing. However Lord Wolff had put a stop to that annoyingly so. He scolded him saying that running around in the mud was unbecoming of the people of House Stellaris. It frustrated him. How everyone from House Stellaris would constantly tell him to find a ‘new hobby’ and when he found something he liked they were not sophisticated enough, not ‘refined’ enough.
He was going to ignore Susie's suggestion but then she grabbed him by the shoulder and looked at him in that stern way she always. So George ended up listening to the Lady of the House. He tried to find a different solution to his mind. He tried many things but it didn't seem to help as much as tiring himself out till he passed out. Susie had given up then. Finding it futile to waste her efforts on a man like George. A man who had to busy his mind in ways she simply could not understand but she respected.
He was mid swing when he heard the clicking of boots behind him and then a voice.
“Are you busy, George?” the voice asked. George knew that voice, it could be distorted and George would recognize it in a split second.
He pulled back from his punch from his sparring partner, Aleix Casanova. He nodded for him to leave. Aleix bowed in return before grabbing a rag and leaving the ground.
Leaving George and his pleasant guest in the training grounds.
“Not really, that's more of an adjective reserved for you, Lewis.” George commented as he grabbed a damp cloth and wiped his face of his sweat.
Lewis chuckled at the comment made by George and he leaned against a wooden pillar casually.
“You are false. With the way you handle your duties and my own when I am gone on my…” the man thinks of a word.
George's mind thinks faster, “adventures?”
Lewis smirks. “-not to sound selfish but yes, my adventures. You have quite occupied yourself.”
George shrugs. “I like the work.” He says as he crosses his arms over his bare chest.
Lewis tilted his head slightly “Yes, well that isn't always a good thing.”
George remained silent.
Lewis pushed himself off the pillar “You should go on a little adventure too don't you think? How about on my next visit to House Ferrion, you come along! You could benefit from the change.” Lewis suggested.
George raised a brow. Lewis had been visiting House Ferrion quite frequently as of late. George can't help but think it's related to something more than just his… adventures.
“And who do you think is going to handle our responsibilities while we are off enjoying ourselves in House Ferrion?” George asked flatly.
“Kimi and Doriane of course! Those kids need to learn these responsibilities at some point don't you think?” Lewis explained without hesitation.
George let out a short laugh. “Absolutely not. Last time I gave Kimi any work he did half the job and I had to clean up the matter myself. Doriane is still more capable, sure— but she already handles some of Susie's duties. I can't give her more work load, I simply can't.” He shakes his head.
Lewis frowns. “How have Toto and Susie not reprimanded your atrocious working habits brother?”
“Oh they have.” George said lightly. “Toto gave up the second time around and Susie still does try, however her guilt trips are becoming less and less effective.”
Lewis closes his eyes and lets out a slow exhale.
“Well you'll have to get out of the dominion with me anyways.” Lewis declared.
George wore his shirt and looked at Lewis with a narrowed gaze. “What did you do?”
“I didn't do anything!-”
"You must have done something if I'm required to leave the dominion alongside you.”
“Well I didn't kill the old crusty ball sack Helmut of House Tauryx Tempest.” Lewis defended himself.
George blinked. His eyebrows turn up. Shock dawned on his face. “He’s dead?!” He asked surprised.
Lewis smirked, “As dead as a doornail.”
George lets out a laugh in disbelief. “Well that's great news! I'm sure Alex is celebrating with a glass of Willenor’s finest wine.”
George was really glad. The old hag had finally taken his final breath. George never liked Helmut. His lack of respect for the people he brought into the House Tauryx. His blatant favoritism and injustices towards his own people. He had met the man many many times. George knew the man hated him. For reasons most people did. They thought George's position in House Stellaris was due to the house taking pity on him. To think the man was arguing about George's legitimacy, even though he was just a spare, not a threat to anyone. He was only 6 years of age for god's sake.
Helmut was a rotten man. It's a relief he's gone.
Lewis rolled his eyes. “I knew you'd act like this,” he muttered.
George looks at Lewis in an askance manner. “After the hell the bastard put Alex through? It'd be a concern if I didn't act like this ”
“Well try not to look this pleased at the funeral, George. They'll execute you on site.”
“Not my House, not my problems Lewis.”
A beat.
“Also why can't Kimi or Doriane go with you instead? Or hell, why isn't Toto going with you? Why must I accompany you?” George added.
“Toto actually is joining us. You think he'd ruin his reputation by not attending the funeral? Plus you wouldn't leave me alone with him to go all the way to Tauryx.” Lewis asks.
“Is he mad at you?” George asks.
“Something like that-” Lewis lets out an awkward laugh and before George can ask further questions he continues, “Also I wasn't joking about Kimi and Dori needing the experience.” Lewis pointed out.
George sighed, already resigned.
“How long will we be there for?” He asked.
“A long while. Tomorrow noon it's the funeral, we'll leave at dusk. Two days after that is the acceptance ceremony for the heir. And many other things.” Lewis explained waving his hands in the air as a demonstration.
George rubbed the back of his neck. Maybe he pushed himself too far in training today, his muscles are starting to sore.
“Oh may the Gods help Stellaris with how long we will be gone for.” George prayed half-heartedly.
“Ye of little faith.” Lewis smirked.
George rolled his eyes. “Fine I'll pack”