"I can't take you with me." Alfred's voice boomed in his room as Isra stared deep into his eyes with annoyance and betrayal.
"You promised me th.."
"I did promise you. But Edward isn't even a year old yet and you want to leave him. He needs his mother." Cutting her off he didn't budge.
"What about you? Acting as if he doesn't need his father here." Her voice was full of anger but quickly turned sad, "What about me? I can't deal with it, Alfred. His cries, his screams. It's all too much. I thought the pain would leave him, but it just doesn't." She fell to the bed grabbing her head and silently crying.
Alfred sat next to her, grabbing her head, and pulling it into himself. "I'm sorry Isra. It is just something I have to do. Do you think I want to leave you and Edward? I have to leave."
"But why?" Her voice was desperate. "You have done all these things so your people will follow your commands without question. Why can't you leave it to William to lead the war this time."
"And undermine myself." He scoffed but quickly turned serious, "Besides, he won't be here forever. I can't leave all my wars to him. I must learn for the future." Alfred stood up, looking down at his wife. Her tear-filled eyes looked back up at him. With a deep exhale he spoke. "I'll try to finish the war up quick, but you know it will take time." Crouching down he placed his head on her lap, "If it ever gets too tough, just leave for a while and return to the palace when you can. But you must understand Edward needs you here when I'm gone. I need you here when I'm gone. You are the only one I truly trust to govern in my place."
Standing up he gently kissed her forehead. Looking back down at her she gave a small weak nod. "You can't be too long." It was a quiet voice but it was enough. Alfred smiled softly.
"I must go now. Don't worry the campaign won't start for a while. I may just miss Edwards's first birthday, but it should take two to three months before we are fully prepared to attack." He reassured her one last time and left the room. He knew he was being hard on Isra but it was something he had to do in a time so close to war.
After stepping out of the room, gone was his caring face, replaced with a stern appearance. Walking towards the council room, Chris followed closely behind as a new guard took his place outside Isra's room.
The two men walked quickly, shortly arriving in the large council room. William, Charles, Esmond, Catherine and Abu waited for him. They all bowed deeply, being waved off as Alfred took his seat, Chris taking the one next to him.
"The death of the Sultan's daughter has kicked off the war. Nasr has done a good job of getting word to spread but he has also rushed his march, not letting his troops truly gather. Whilst we could attack now, we must hold off. Let them walk deeper North." Alfred said getting nods from everybody around "This will be the first war we fight where we won't summon levies from every lord of the Kingdom. It is an experiment but also a chance to show the world the strength of our nation that has been locked away for so long."
Looking towards William he was the first to talk. "The Royal Forces, are armed and trained. As you know they have been slowly mobilizing into my territory for some time now. Whilst it's most, it's not all. I have had to keep what is needed on the border with the Commonwealth." Alfred nodded turning towards Charles.
"The Unyeilding are also ready and are waiting for your order to move. My only question is, who command will they fall under during the war." His eyes panned to William, not wishing to be undermined of control of his own force.
"It shall be under mine and William's command unless said otherwise, but don't worry. I have a plan for you and The Unyeilding when we break through the South." Alfred said with a reassuring smile as he turned to Catherine and Abu. "Your roles are vital. Our main farmland is in the south. To transport food north by carriage will take too long. Catherine, have a constant ship convey from the south to your lands. Once there, Abu. You and your people will be in charge of the rest of the transport across the land. I can't stress enough how vital these transports are."
His voice was serious but it was unnecessary as the two understood. Finally, his gaze fell on Chris and Esomnd. "Chris. Place more men you can trust and are loyal on Edward and Isra. We can't have what happened to the Sultan happen here. 24 hours a day they will have a guards when I'm gone."
Chris gave a deep bow. "Esmond. Have Daisy learn to be a nanny. She will watch Edward alongside his pre-existing nanny. She is to guard him with her life and take him to safety if the time ever comes." Esmond gave a deep bow.
"Isra will be in charge of the Kingdom when I'm gone. If any issues arise, you are to deal with them in private Esmond. Raven and Anton will be in the capital to provide support, but they have their own issues, we can't rely on them too heavily."
Everyone followed as Alfred stood up, bowing. "In three months we must be prepared for war. Get your affairs in order and begin preparations." With his final words, he left the council room, swiftly followed by Chris.
Deep within the Grand Principality of Valdmire, Aswad stalked a room. He had watched it for a month straight in darkness, memorising every minute detail there was. His body blended within the shadow, watching, waiting for the moment. The moonlight broke through the window, and the guards heard the distance clock. With exhausted yawns, they walked away leaving the door unguarded.
His eyes sprang to life, as he slithered to his target. Counting down from 60 silently, he moved swiftly.