Chapter 3 – " Weight of The Throne "
The war council chamber was filled with the low murmur of voices. Generals and marshals sat around the great round table, their armour clinking softly as they shifted in their seats. Maps, scrolls, and a large brass lantern lit the centre of the table, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.
The heavy doors opened.
Eldric, the King, strode in with Eyrk at his side. Every man and woman in the room rose instantly.
"Everyone, please—sit," Eldric commanded, his voice steady yet carrying the weight of authority.
Chairs scraped against the floor as they obeyed.
"I assume you are all aware of the situation at the western outpost," Eldric continued, his gaze sweeping over the table. "We are here to discuss it. I am open to suggestions—present your ideas."
General Arath, a tall man with weathered skin and the confidence of a hundred battles, stood. "My lord, if you will permit me, I will lead my squad to reclaim the outpost at once."
Before Eldric could answer, Eyrk leaned forward. "Sir Arath, your resolve is admirable. But the western frontier is treacherous—dense forests, poor visibility, and enemy forces skilled in ambush. We should not act without careful consideration."
Eldric nodded. "I agree with Eyrk. We must discuss further before committing troops. Anyone else?"
Marshal Korven cleared his throat. "If I may, my lord." His tone was calm, but his eyes flickered nervously.
"Go on, Korven," Eldric said.
"I propose we send the First Prince, Kaelen, to lead this mission," Korven said. "We all know his… capabilities. We can assemble a special squad to accompany him."
The room fell silent. Korven's eyes darted to Eldric, only to meet a hard, furious stare. The king's jaw tightened; his presence alone seemed to make the air heavier. Korven's hand twitched slightly, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple.
General Tomas broke the silence. "I agree with Korven. The Prince's strength is well known. He should take the lead."
Eldric's eyes narrowed. "I see what's going on here, you both—"
Eyrk interjected quickly. "Perhaps we should settle this by vote."
One by one, the council voted. In the end, the decision was made—Prince Kaelen would lead the mission. Eldric's expression turned cold. Without another word, he rose and left the chamber.
Eyrk stood. "Thank you for your time. I will determine the date for the Prince's departure."
When the council had dispersed, Eyrk entered the king's private chamber. Eldric was pacing, his face a storm of anger.
"My lord, please… calm yourself," Eyrk said carefully.
"You know it too, don't you?" Eldric's voice was low, almost trembling with restrained fury. "The Queen is behind this."
Eyrk hesitated. "…If I had to guess, sire, I would say you are right."
A dangerous aura pulsed from Eldric in his anger, but Eyrk stepped forward. "Sire, I will accompany the Prince personally."
Eldric exhaled slowly, forcing his expression under control. "Inform Kaelen to report to the courtroom."
Under the shade of a great oak, Kaelen sat with his back to the trunk, eyes closed. The dappled sunlight reminded him of afternoons long past—days spent here with his mother, laughing and free. A single tear escaped down his cheek.
"Why are you here?" he asked quietly, eyes still closed.
From the shadows of another tree, Eyrk emerged. "His Majesty wants you in the courtroom."
Kaelen rose without a word, walking toward the palace, Eyrk following silently.
In the Courtroom
Eldric sat upon the throne, and the council was already assembled. Kaelen entered, bowing with formality.
"You called for me, Your Majesty," Kaelen said.
"Yes," Eldric replied. "I have a mission for you."
As their eyes met, Eldric's chest tightened at the sight of Kaelen's scarred face—a constant reminder of the boy's suffering.
"But I have yet to receive the reward for my last task," Kaelen said flatly.
Eldric's tone hardened. "Always thinking of rewards. Do you not feel the responsibility that comes with being a prince?"
Kaelen's lips curved slightly. "If you want my honest answer—no."
A murmur passed through the hall. Eldric's fists clenched on the armrests.
"You will receive a combined reward," Eldric said sharply. "And I will assign a squad to accompany you."
"No." Kaelen's voice was calm, but resolute. "I prefer to go alone."
Eldric's frustration deepened. "Do you think you can retake an outpost from a swarm of monsters by yourself?"
"Yes," Kaelen replied simply. "And to be frank, I can't trust anyone to guard my back."
The king's voice rose slightly. "You may be capable, but this mission is dangerous. You could lose your life. That is why you will take a squad—and no one defies my orders."
Kaelen tilted his head. "Life? Why should you care if I live or die? Your soldiers will follow your orders, yes—but you won't be there when I'm face-to-face with the enemy. I will accept the mission only if I go alone."
The room grew heavy, the air almost suffocating. Eldric's fists tightened until his knuckles whitened.
"…Do whatever you want," Eldric said coldly. "Get out."
Kaelen bowed slightly and left.
In his modest quarters behind the palace, Kaelen placed his sword back on its stand before collapsing onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before whispering, "Mother… how do you expect me to survive this? I'm so tired."
In the King's Chamber
Eyrk entered to find Eldric standing at the window, staring into the darkening sky.
"Sire, are you well?" Eyrk asked.
"I only wanted to protect my child," Eldric murmured. "But I have failed."
"You have not failed, sire," Eyrk said softly. "The Prince simply doesn't see the truth behind your harshness."
Eldric turned slightly. "If you were in Kaelen's place, could you understand?"
Eyrk lowered his gaze in silence.
"That boy lost his mother at six," Eldric continued quietly. "After that, no one showed him love. I tried… but it only made him a target. You remember the assassination attempt—the scar on his face? I believe Queen Theryn was behind it. My love for Kaelen angered her."
Eyrk's eyes widened.
"I could do nothing," Eldric said bitterly. "The kingdom could not survive losing a second queen. So I became harsh. She left him alone… for a time. But now, she moves again. Because of his burned face, he never found friends. And now, he faces this mission alone."
Eldric's hand pressed against the cold window frame.
"You did what you could, sire," Eyrk said. "As Emperor, your duty comes first."
Eldric's voice softened, almost breaking. "I'm sorry, my love… I could not give our son the warmth he deserved."
Chapter 4 soon….