“About the Supreme Commander,” the king declared, his voice echoing with authority throughout the grand hall. “I shall be personally leading you all into battle.”
A wave of gasps filled the air, the sound a mixture of shock and awe. Nobles exchanged glances, uncertain of how to process the weight of the king’s decision. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as the implications of his words settled in.
The hall fell silent, and one by one, nobles, dukes, and even the queen knelt before the king, their voices united in supplication. “Please forgive us, our king!” they exclaimed, their voices laced with reverence and fear.
“Raise your heads,” the king commanded firmly. As the nobles slowly stood, their eyes wide with both admiration and fear, the king continued.
“I will be personally leading you and observing each one of your achievements. It is my final order, and there will be no changes to this plan.”
While the nobles respected the king’s strength, the thought of him taking to the battlefield stirred a sense of fear. They understood the risks involved, knowing the dangers that lay ahead as they prepared for war.
The king’s voice rang out once more, “So prepare your armies. We will march in two days.”
His words reverberated through the grand hall. The hall buzzed with a mix of excitement and apprehension as the nobles began to discuss strategies and logistics among themselves.
They understood that the upcoming war would be a defining moment for the Ares Kingdom, and their preparations would play a crucial role in determining its fate. As they exchanged plans and ideas, the atmosphere shifted from tension to determination, with everyone focused on the task ahead.
With the king leading the charge, the nobles felt a renewed sense of hope, ready to stand united against the enemy and protect their kingdom.
As the nobles and dukes exited the grand hall, whispers and murmurs filled the air, echoing off the ornate walls.
Some were wide eyed with disbelief, saying, “That was terrifying! The young duke truly is fearless.”
Others joined in, recalling the shocking confrontation, “Did you see how he challenged the queen? Who does he think he is?”
Many were in awe of Julian’s display of power, with one noble remarking, “He killed those two mages so easily! It was like they were nothing.”
Conversations buzzed with a mix of fear and admiration for Julian, whose audacity had captured their attention.
Some wondered if this bold move would unify the dukes or create further divisions. The events of the day had sparked a flame of curiosity and concern, with everyone eager to see how Julian’s actions would shape the upcoming conflict.
The Count of Nesther approached Julian and Alden, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
“That was quite the performance, my lord,” he remarked, his tone a blend of admiration and amusement.
His gaze shifted from Alden to Julian, lingering for a moment, clearly intrigued by Julian’s bold display in the hall.
Julian, still simmering slightly from the confrontation, managed a nod, while Alden offered a polite, if reserved, smile.
The Count continued, “I must admit, not many would dare challenge the queen herself. You’ve certainly left an impression on the court.”
Julian met the Count’s gaze. “Sometimes the truth needs to be spoken, Count,” he replied.
The Count chuckled. “Indeed. But let’s see how well this courage holds on the battlefield. I’m sure it will serve the Ares Kingdom well.” He gave a respectful bow as he took his leave.
Alden looked at Julian with a mixture of pride and a hint of sadness. “Julian, you sure have grown up,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.
Julian hesitated for a moment before asking, “Father, but why does she hate us? Are we not her relatives?”
Alden’s expression grew more serious as he glanced around, then gestured for Julian to follow him. “Come with me,” he said quietly.
They walked together down the dim corridors of the palace, Alden leading Julian to a more secluded area. “There are things you need to know,” Alden began, his voice low. “Things about our family and the royal line.”
They reached a moonlit garden where the moonlight made the flowers and trees look almost enchanted. Alden took a deep breath, and Julian could see a trace of old memories in his father’s eyes as he began to speak.
“The King, the Queen, and your grandfather, back in their youth, they were all mages of the same period, much like Isabel, Julia, you and Marcus are now,” Alden explained as he glanced around the garden. “They trained together, grew together… they were inseparable.”
Alden paused, then continued, “The Queen… she fell deeply in love with your grandfather. But your grandfather, well, he was dedicated to his magic, his studies. He didn’t feel the same way.”
Julian’s eyes widened slightly, beginning to understand. “So, her hatred toward us…”
Alden nodded. “Yes. She’s always resented our family, perhaps even more now that our lineage has grown stronger. It’s something that has festered for many years.”
“Even so,” Alden continued, “the Queen didn’t give up. She pursued your grandfather relentlessly. But fate had other plans.”
He paused, his gaze drifting up toward the moon. “One night, your grandfather found himself in a dire situation during a mission. He was nearly killed… until Gregoria, your grandmother, came to his aid. She saved his life. That moment changed everything.”
A faint smile crossed Alden’s face. “From that night onward, they became acquainted. Slowly, your grandfather began to see Gregoria as more than just an ally. In time, he fell deeply in love with her, and she with him. And that… was the beginning of a bond that would only grow stronger.”
Julian listened, a new understanding dawning on him. “So the Queen has harbored that resentment ever since?” he asked quietly.
Alden nodded. “Yes. She’s never forgiven him ,or us, by extension. For her, it was a wound that never healed.”
Julian’s brows furrowed. “But what about Mother? Why does she hate her own daughter?”
Alden sighed, his expression softening. “Your mother and I fell in love, and we wished to marry. The Queen was firmly against it, wanting someone else for her daughter. But… the King overruled her. He agreed to our marriage, and despite her protests, it went forward.”
