Chapter 1

There was maize growing on the farm and it excited Kael because it meant there would be a fruitful harvest. He wore a straw hat on his head which just made his hair messier and gloves. His shorts were torn and he was shirtless with sweat dripping down his chest. A bit close to his left breast, almost midline of his chest, was a tattoo. It was intricate and filled with writings that only people who had ever studied magic would know. His neck also held a tattoo but it wasn't as regal as the one on his chest. The one on his neck was red and body.

But that did nothing to Kael. He enjoyed this serene life. Everything he had ever wanted and could ask for was right within his grasp. The magical kingdom of Laosagne was huge and it was best known for its magic just like the name implied. Kael had no idea it was this huge until he had been banished from the royal family.

His father, King Cassius could not understand why someone who was illegitimate would want the crown prince's betrothed. But it wasn't like Kael could do anything about it and he had gotten his brother's blessing. He had been ready to give up Cecilia if his brother requested but then his brother had given him his blessing which was why Kael had gone to their father. Seeking approval from King Cassius Wilderberg led to his banishment.

He should be sad especially since he was on the outskirts of town. There was nobody around this place. The people who came could hardly wait to go back to where they came from. Some came for business but some others, just for gossip. To know how the illegitimate prince was faring.

But sometimes, his brother Augustus who was now the king came to visit. Those days when he came to visit were the best for Kael. Augustus also tried convincing him to come back to the palace but Kael was having none of that. He was comfortable where he was.

Cassius had thought that Kael would rot out here with how barren the land was. At first, Kael had almost shed tears when he discovered where he would be staying but Cecilia had done her magic with her potions. She was someone who people underestimated. She was brilliant and if only people could look past her beauty, they would see how brilliant she was.

Not that Kael could blame them though. He had also been captivated by her beauty at first. Cecilia had red fiery hair and silver eyes which was unlike anything he had seen before. In a kingdom filled with magicians, she was an anomaly because she could not use magic but her potions were the best. Not that people knew about it. She sold using a false name and she did so in the black market. A market where anything could be bought. While the kingdom of magic would frown on someone using potions, no one would do anything if it was sold illegally or bought illegally from the black market. And it wasn't like she had caused issues for people to be after her.

"Kael."

Kael turned towards the sound of the voice. Cecilia stood at the entrance of their house with her hands on her now bulging stomach. It wasn't noticeable to others but he knew. And she glowed more with how further her pregnancy went.

He removed the hat and started towards her when he noticed there was someone else standing next to her. The person was familiar. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. Kael recognized him as someone who always came with his brother. His heart pounded in excitement thinking his brother had come to visit him but he found out soon enough that that was not the case.

He approached Cecilia with cautious steps and wasted no time in asking the man next to her what the issue was.

At first, he had thought something had happened to his brother but the man was quick to put that thought in a ditch.

"My name is Tony. I am...." The man said as a way of introducing himself.

Kael interrupted him. "I know who you are. What I want to know is why you are here. Did something happen to Augustus?" Kael asked Tony with a worried frown.

Tony shook his head. "No. The king sends a message.'

Kael just gave him a raised eyebrow as a reply. Why would Augustus send Tony to give him a message?

Tony reached into his bag and delivered a letter to Kael. The letter was stamped with the royal seal which made Kael frown. What could make Augustus send him a letter?

"The king also requests that you read it in my presence," Tony said to him.

"He requested I read his letter in your presence?" Kael asked with a raised eyebrow.

He could hardly believe his ears.

"Kael, my feet ache. Just open the letter, darling." Cecilia spoke up.

Kael turned all his attention to her and was caught up in her beautiful eyes.

She frowned. "Darling, open the letter."

Kael snapped back to reality. "Yes, sure."

He opened the letter and read through it. With each paragraph, his frown lines deepened. His brother was pleading with him to assist in the war.

He had no idea how he felt about the message. Augustus explained that it was because he knew how good a magician Kael was and that they needed all the help they could get but Kael had given up on magic after he was banished by Cassius.

He was not as strong as Augustus who was the greatest magician in the country. His magical circle was and still is number five. Meaning he had achieved the fifth circle before he was banished and decided to stop there. Being a fourth circle magician was a feat on its own but it wasn't that much different from being a third circle magician. The major difference was that his magic pool became increasingly larger than normal.

"Darling?" Cecilia called out.

Kael was sure she had taken note of the frown on his face which was why she stared at him worriedly. Kael swallowed. He knew she was not going to like this but he had to tell her anyway.

"I've been summoned to war."