I tried to look as relaxed as possible without being overly suspicious, curious about how different than usual this meeting would be.
The nervous tapping of Peter's fingers on the table did not go unnoticed as we waited for the last members to join us. But everyone remained quiet, even when our number was final.
Finally, he cleared his throat and with a low voice, he began to speak about reports of the troop movements nearer to our borders. The tension in the room grew palpable as the discussion shifted to the potential threat these armies posed. Not a single one dared to try to push their own plans forward to my attention today.
"What have they seen?" I asked, leaning across the detailed map with tiny villages and settlements sown across it in irregular patterns.
"The first two talked about six units camping right by this river. And the other three right by that hill." Marco pointed at the little golden ring someone else put on the map "They have no flags, no colors, and quite a lot of tents spread through the meadow."
"But the third had a much more detailed report. He sent the message to the other two as he didn't want to leave his position. I dared to break the seal, I'm sorry, Your Majesty." Marco finished as he handed me a folded piece of paper with just a few lines.
It was not a joke.
My heart quickened as I knew that tough decisions lay ahead, decisions that could potentially alter the course of our nation's destiny. But I was ready to protect what was mine.
"Alright. Peter, send two dozen men to each of these villages." I circled with my finger above these small settlements "Urge them to harvest what they can and send them all with their supplies and livestock in these two fortified cities. I want the main troops available to be used by the end of the next month, lined up by the fields around this abbey. This shameful act is nothing we would expect from an ally and we won't wait for them to make the first move. They had enough time to prove their intentions by now."
The situation was tense, yet, my excitement was endless. This was the only thing I was truly self-confident in. No matter how hard I tried to be a good ruler, husband, or father, planning battles and stabbing another man to death was my favorite thing to do.
But - I had to slow down with my enthusiasm.
"Please, don't go." Valleria whined as soon as I explained what I just put in motion this morning.
Despite the fierce warrior awakening in my core, a softer side emerged as I gazed at my wife, with a tinge of regret and longing. My heart swelled with conflicting emotions. She stood before me, her eyes filled with love and worry, her hand reaching out to touch my cheek. I grasped her hand, bringing it to my lips and placing a gentle kiss upon her palm.
"My love," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I promise to return to you victorious and unhurt. There is no way how I can let this slide, you know it already." I gently caressed her belly rising below her ribs.
She nodded in understanding, a mixture of pride and concern evident in her gaze, her hand trembling slightly in mine. I brought it to my lips and pressed a tender kiss to her palm before pulling her into an embrace. The scent of her hair, the feel of her body against mine, was a bittersweet reminder of what I fought for, what I cherished above all else.
A single step aside could mean a war from all directions, resulting in the death of my family and the end of the whole kingdom, I definitely didn't plan to try to negotiate and appear weak in front of them all.
With a final, lingering kiss on her forehead, I forced myself to pull away, my heart heavy with the weight of duty.
"Aren't you going to sleep with me today?" Valleria tried to stop me middle of the movement, but I was able to ease her mind with another kiss.
"I have a few more things that need my attention, but I'll be here as soon as I can, that's a promise. Should I wake you up?" My seemingly innocent question carried a hidden meaning.
Valleria smiled "Please do."