The council chamber was heavy with tension.
A long oak table dominated the room, scarred by age and past conflicts. Maps were spread across its surface, weighed down by daggers and goblets. Candles flickered as armored generals, seasoned elders, and royal advisors gathered around it, their faces grim.
At the head of the table sat King Robert, his hands folded, his expression unreadable.
"To be clear," General Hawthorne said, pointing at the map, "Durham's forces are already mobilizing along the eastern border. Prince Derrick means to strike first."A murmur rippled through the room."They dare," Lord Admantha scoffed. "After the insult they received, this was inevitable."
"They want war," Prince Loki said calmly, his voice cutting through the noise. "And they will get it."
Across the table, Hailey leaned forward, elbows resting on the wood, eyes sharp and alive. "Durham's men are arrogant. They rely too much on numbers and fear. Break their first line, and the rest will scatter like rats."
Several generals exchanged looks."She's not wrong," one muttered. King Robert finally spoke. "We will not wait for them to march into our lands. We meet them on the battlefield. Tonight, we prepare. At dawn, we ride."
The torches along the palace walls burned brighter than usual, their flames bending violently in the wind, as if the kingdom itself sensed what was coming. Soldiers marched in disciplined lines across the courtyard, steel clashing, boots striking stone in steady rhythm. The air smelled of iron, oil, and impending war.
From the highest balcony,Hailey stood with her arms folded, watching.She was no longer in a gown.Leather armor hugged her frame, fitted for speed. Her dark hair was tied back tightly, refusing to be tamed even now. Below her, captains barked orders, banners were unfurled, and the sigil of Wintercrest fluttered proudly against the night sky.
They want war, she thought coldly.Then they will taste it.Behind her, the balcony doors creaked open."You're going to wear a hole into the stone if you keep pacing," Prince Loki said lightly.Hailey didn't turn. "If I stay still, I might start screaming." Loki chuckled, coming to stand beside her. He rested his elbows on the railing, gaze sharp as it followed the soldiers below. "Durham made their move faster than expected. Prince Derrick is impatient."
"He's insulted," Hailey replied flatly. "That makes him stupid. "That makes him dangerous," Loki corrected. She finally looked at him, lips curving into a familiar, wicked smile. "Good. I was bored." Loki shook his head. "You're enjoying this far too much."
"Of course I am," she shot back. "He threatened our kingdom. He threatened you. What kind of sister would I be if I didn't look forward to breaking his pride?"
Loki's eyes softened looking at her.
"You're not supposed to be on the front lines," Loki said quietly.Hailey scoffed. "Say that again, slower, and maybe I'll pretend to listen. "I mean it," he pressed. "Father won't forgive himself if—"
"If I die?" she finished sharply. "Loki, stop. I'm not made of glass. You and father trained and me personally." He exhaled through his nose, helpless. "That's exactly why I'm worried."
Before she could respond, a horn sounded from the lower gates long, sharp, urgent.
Loki straightened. "Scouts."
Hailey's eyes gleamed. "About time."
"Just wait here I will go check on the weapons". "Okay Brother.
Word spread fast through the castle.Too fast.
Queen Candice stormed into the armory corridor just as Hailey fastened the straps of her armor. The sharp echo of her heels against stone announced her fury long before her voice did.
"Hailey Lucia Winter."Hailey froze.Slowly, she turned."Yes, Mother?" Candice's eyes blazed. "Tell me this is a lie. Tell me you are not riding to war." Hailey straightened her shoulders. "I am." "No." Candice shook her head violently. "No, absolutely not. War is for men. For soldiers. For kings and princes not for my daughter."
Robert stepped in then, calm but firm. "Candice—"
"You knew," she snapped, turning on him. "You allowed this????."