The tension in my father's office was thick. I had just told him my heart—my dream of joining the B.A.M.—and he had crushed it with a single, cold "No."
Before I could answer back, the heavy wooden door swung open. General Soren Vask himself stepped in, flanked by two guards. His black uniform carried the weight of loyalty and blood. Even my father straightened immediately, bowing slightly.
"Minister 118," Soren said bluntly, "the King requires updated information on the eastern transport routes. Military movement will increase through those roads. I came personally to ensure accuracy."
"Yes, General," my father replied quickly, handing him rolled maps and reports from his desk.
I stood frozen, staring at Soren—the man I admired most after the King. My chest pounded. This was my chance.
"General!" I blurted out. "Please… allow me to serve. I want to join the B.A.M., to fight under your command!"
The room went silent. My father's face turned red instantly.
"You foolish boy! Stop this nonsense!" he barked. "General, forgive my son's childishness."
But Soren didn't look away. His sharp eyes drilled into me, studying me with the calm of a hawk. He didn't smile. He didn't frown. He simply asked:
"Why?"
The question almost broke me. But I stood tall and answered.
"Because I don't want to live in the shadow of a desk. I want to bleed, if necessary, for the King. I want to be remembered as more than a number—I want to be remembered as a soldier of Blackwood."
My father slammed his palm on the desk.
"You will NOT join the army!" he roared. "You will inherit my position and continue the transport ministry. That is your duty as my son!"
Soren raised a hand, silencing him. His eyes stayed locked on me. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he turned back to my father and took the reports.
"The King will have these by nightfall," he said. Then, before leaving, his gaze flicked back to me—just for a heartbeat. Not approval. Not denial. Just acknowledgment.
It was enough.
But my father, furious, grabbed my shoulder once Soren left.
"You humiliated me before General Soren. Forget this dream, or I will see to it that you are cast out of this family!"
I swallowed hard, but deep inside, my resolve only grew stronger.
Even if the Minister rejects me… I will find a way into the B.A.M.
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