Matteo let go of Roderigo, making him land roughly on the ground, coughing and gasping for air.
"Be thankful I didn't crush your windpipe on the spot, even your King wouldn't have been able to save you. This was just a warning, there will be no such warning next time."
Roderigo sat still, listening to Matteo while trying to come to terms with how his life flashed right before his eyes.
"I'll do as you say Uncle, but on one condition..." Matteo stated calmly without emotion.
"W...w... what might that be my boy?" Hantin stammered in fright.
"Please let me lead my former soldiers." Matteo got on one knee and bowed his head in salute to the king.
"As you wish. Heed my decree, as from today, my nephew, Matteo Lennisworth will be in charge of the former Lennisworth noble army." The king made his decree. "Thank you your majesty." Matteo said and walked out of the dining room towards his room. As he walked, everyone made way for fear of angering him. Angela followed closely.
'There is something about that man that changed, and that change strikes fear into everyone present. It's a good thing I have decided to get rid of him this early.' The king thought; but as these thoughts ran through his mind, everyone thought something else...
'Such anger... Just what did Matteo encounter that night???'
Roderigo had only one thought in his head, "Such strength... His eyes... He's a monster!!!"
"Are you alright Roderigo??" Hantin asked.
"I'm fine my King." Roderigo replied.
"My King..."
"Yes, Roderigo?" Hantin answered.
"That man... He... He's dangerous... Very, very dangerous my King..." Roderigo said shakily, the near death feeling still fresh in his mind.
"Hmmm... It is a good thing we are sending him to the frontline no?" Hantin asked Roderigo.
"It's both good and bad my liege... Have you considered the eventuality of his return?" Roderigo asked.
"Indeed I have, and I have that covered..." Hantin gave a sinister smile to Roderigo before entering his carriage.
What the King didn't know was that Matteo had plans of his own. He returned to his castle ignorant of his impending downfall.
"Matteo?" Maria called out to Matteo while knocking on his door.
"It's fine mother, come in." Matteo answered his mother.
Maria walked in to see Angela holding Matteo's head like he was a child.
She gave a warm smile as Garcia walked in right after.
"You should have seen yourself brother!!!" Garcia said excitedly.
"You nearly made 'his Royal Majesty' piss his pants, hahahahaha..." Garcia said in sarcasm and started laughing.
Everyone joined in his laughter and when everyone stopped laughing, Maria asked the question on everyone's mind: "Seriously Matteo, I have never seen you that angry, what happened?"
"You know how annoying Roderigo has always been mother, and today he tried to hit my woman... Honestly I'm surprised he's still alive myself. I've put up with him long enough..." Matteo said matter of factly.
He turned to Angela, "call your sister in here, the rest of you stay... We need to talk." Matteo said in a serious voice.
"What is it about son?" Maria asked in a worried manner.
"It's about the war..."
"You called for me my Lord." Lilly greeted Matteo.
"Drop the formalities love, you're now a part of our family now that you belong to my brother." Matteo said to her.
"Now... Let's begin..."