After the shameful loss at Inap with Lapen.
Norand's General Rulean was furious. He had to send the report that they were defeated and the majority of soldiers had died in that attack.
When this report reached Norand's capital, Eijin, to Emperor Cyanx and his court. The court was very disappointed and had mixed reviews. As some official stated that this was unacceptable as how could General Rulean mobilize his army without even consulting and taking permission of His Highness. This only shows his evil intention of upsurging the throne whereas some official opinionated that General Rulean could have misjudged the situation and taken a wrong decision, which led to his defeat.
Emperor Cyanx, who had initially thought of calling Rulean home for the light festival to enjoy some time with him. As Rulean loved light festival from his childhood. But with this unforeseen incident. After, he listened to all his officials and finally commanded, "General Rulean is summoned in the palace to explain his conducts immediately. So, further clarity of situation could be deducted and decided."
With the official decree, Rulean had to go back to the Eijin. So, he headed home. When he arrived the city was glittering like gold at night in the festive light coming from each of the houses.When he got to the palace and went to pay his respect to Cyanx. Cyanx said," I have to admit that it was a very good plan but it seems the new general of Lapen is even better. Because he had figured the loophole in his military plan. Furthermore, if it had been a planned ambush for you. I am afraid you would not only lose the battle but your life as well, Rulean. Rulean, if you have been victorious in this sneaky attack, no one would dare to slander you. In the past when you took risks and returned victoriously, no one doubted your intention but now when you failed once, they are questioning your intention. I do not doubt your intentions little brother. But, I just want you to let me have a think about it and let me see what other officials have to say as well and then I will decide what to do."
Cyan then turned towards the city from his balcony and said, "Since you are here. Let us enjoy this light festival. " During the evening they stay in the high terrace, and enjoyed delicious food and drink, and enjoyed the beautiful city dazzling in the light. It appeared as it was gleaming like gold in dark.
The next day at the court. Rulean was summoned to the court and asked why did he do that?
Rulean explained that they had noticed that during their surveillance it was noted that the number of soldiers at the Lapen border had reduced and he felt that if they could seize this opportunity, they could win that location with less effort and venture forward. Therefore, they attacked without notifying the higher authority. But as they were about to win the battle; Lapen's General came with reinforcement and they had to retreat. Furthermore, he stated that their attack was very sneakily executed, it was impossible for them to have sent a messenger to ask for reinforcements. And they could not have arrived in such a short time. This only meant that the Lapen's general had foreseen that the Norand would attack them.
Emperor Cyanx after hearing the entailment of the attack finally replied, "This only indicated that they must have mobilized their soldier for battlefront at Ouran. And if he came back with reinforcements in such a short span it only means that he had defeated the other party. Otherwise, he could not bring his soldier for reinforcement after reposting. It seems we have a formidable new opponent. Therefore, addressing the official queries and situation, I order Rulean to monitor the border and update regarding their activities and not to launch any attack on them without my consultation."
With the new decree, Rulean headed back to his camp.
On the other side, Armine was working hard to secure her borders, she had also included new recruitment. And started training and confronting the soldiers to see their problems. To improve the soldiers' retention ratio. As she was doing this it was evident for Rulean from the other side of the border that she was making her defenses strong. In this process, 6 months had passed.
At that time in the palace. King Ather was starting to worry about the queen. As the queen, Cleo had started to lose her complexion and appeared sickly. So, that King decided he would spend some of his time with her every day. When he woke up he went to had breakfast with her. As Queen said, "I do not want to eat it. Its smell, it's is making me feel like throwing." Just then King Ather walked into Queen's room.
When King Ather heard what she said he replied, " Why do you not want to eat the breakfast. Look at you. You have become so pale. If you do not like the smell of it. We can get something else. I am very worried about your health. Therefore, I am gonna accompany you in all your meals today."
Queen said, "Your majesty. I am fine. Do not worry. You do not need to accompany ..." as she was about to complete the sentence she was nauseous and ran toward the bucket, which was being held by one of her maids. Seeing this Ather order, " Get me the physician."But the queen intercepted," Your Majesty, It just happened today only. Do not worry about it." But King Ather was resolute so he called for the physician. When the imperial physician came and checked her. He looked at the queen like questing her with his eyes and saying, your Highness what shall I do? Should I tell the truth as it has come to this stage or do you still want to hide your pregnancy? Understanding his dilemma. Queen turned to the King and said I wish to talk with the King in private, right now.
King Ather who was expecting news regarding her condition replied, "My love we can talk after the physician tells me about your health. Queen firmly said, " Your majesty this is very important it has to be told now." Ather who had never seen her being so persistent. Allowed the physician to go out.
Queen, " My majesty I have something to tell you."
"Please tell me what is it"
Queen said, "My majesty I am expecting."
The King looked perplexed, "How is that possible the best physician told that it was impossible for you to give birth again."
Queen, "Yes, but Lord Owen, the new disciple of imperial physician helped me to get cure. That is why I am having this morning sickness and look pale. "Then queen gently put her hand on her belly and said, "Majesty, I know this child will be our son"
King Ather, " Son" who appeared to have tears in his eyes, put his hands on her tummy and said Queen I do not have words to describe my happiness. But why did not you tell me earlier?
" His Majesty, I was not sure the treatment would work and it was not certain that baby will be able to grow healthy. I wanted to be sure and not disappoint you. After giving you hope."
" My Queen, why would I be disappointed. You are my wife and I would stand with you in both your happiness and difficult times."
As the King was moving his hands on her tummy. He asked, "Why is your belly not big as other pregnant women? Is it you are not eating and starving my child?"
Queen laughed and replied," Your Majesty in my family ladies for some reason never had big belly as other families. But do not worry they all have given birth to normal babies. So do not worry."
" Your Majesty, I wanted to talk to you about Carmine. I miss her very much. I know she will be so happy to know that she will finally have a sibling. But, my majesty I want her to be able to see her sibling. Can you do something about it?"
King Ather was silent for a while put his hands on his chin and said, " My Queen, I miss that naughty kid. But, now she is the General, patrolling the border I cannot casually summon her in the palace. Wait... I know ...I will summon her to come for a banquet for her victory. As the maiden I gave her was married off to Lord Owen. So, it meant she did not receive her rewards. I will send a royal decree to summon her to-palace for the banquet in 3 months' time. So, she could see her younger sibling.