Chapter 41 — The Declaration of War
The council chamber fell silent after the guard's announcement.
Mia stood beside Nathan, still trying to understand what was happening.
"The attack on our palace…" she whispered. "Was it connected to the message?"
The King nodded grimly.
Before anyone could answer, the massive doors of the council chamber suddenly opened.
Another royal guard hurried inside.
"Your Majesty, we have received an urgent message from the northern border."
The King turned toward him.
"Speak."
The guard bowed.
"The Kingdom of Valeria has officially declared war against the Benold Kingdom."
Gasps filled the chamber.
Nathan's expression hardened.
"Valeria?"
The King nodded slowly.
"They've been quiet for months. Apparently, they were preparing for this."
Mia looked at the map on the table.
"Why would they declare war now?"
A council member placed another document before the King.
"They have demanded that Prince Nathan surrender his claim to the throne."
Nathan stared at the document.
"And if I refuse?"
The council member looked at him.
"They attack."
Mia felt Nathan's hand tighten around hers.
But then another council member spoke.
"There is something more concerning."
Everyone turned toward him.
"Valeria isn't only interested in Prince Nathan."
He looked directly at Mia.
"They've named Princess Mia as their primary target."
Mia's heart sank.
Nathan immediately stepped closer to her.
"They won't touch her."
The council member shook his head.
"That is exactly what they want you to say."
Nathan frowned.
"They know Princess Mia is the person closest to you," the man continued. "They believe that if they threaten her, you will make decisions based on emotion rather than strategy."
Mia looked at Nathan.
And suddenly she understood.
"They aren't trying to defeat you first."
Nathan met her eyes.
"They're trying to get to me through you."
"Exactly."
The King stood from his chair.
"From this moment forward, Princess Mia will have increased protection. She will not travel without guards. Her schedule will be restricted, and every person entering her palace will be investigated."
Mia immediately shook her head.
"I understand the danger, but I won't become a prisoner."
Nathan looked at her.
"Mia—"
"No."
She turned toward him.
"I spent my entire life fighting to have control over my own life. I'm not going to surrender that simply because another kingdom has threatened us."
Nathan's expression softened.
"I don't want to control you."
"I know."
He stepped closer.
"I just don't want anything to happen to you."
Mia took his hand.
"Then we'll face it together."
Before Nathan could respond, the doors opened again.
A messenger entered carrying a black envelope sealed with red wax.
He approached the King.
"This was delivered by a Valerian messenger."
The King broke the seal.
He read the letter.
His face slowly changed.
"What does it say?" Nathan asked.
The King looked at his son.
"They don't want a battlefield."
He handed the letter to Nathan.
Nathan read it.
His jaw tightened.
Mia looked over his shoulder.
There was one final demand.
Bring Princess Mia to the border within three days.
Below it was another sentence.
Refuse, and the first attack begins.
Mia stared at the words.
Nathan crushed the letter in his hand.
"No."
The King looked at him.
Nathan's voice was cold.
"They want Mia because they think she's my weakness."
He looked at his wife.
"They're about to learn she's not."
And somewhere beyond the borders of Benold, the enemy was already preparing its first move.