Viktor walked stealthily to the throne room. His father, Maximilian crane had summoned him to come immediately. He already knew why he was being summoned. He happened to overhear Genevieve trying to convince Maximilian to send him to the upcoming war.
He wasn't surprised that his father agreed as Genevieve had always had him in her palms. He took a deep breath and walked into the throne room. His father, Genevieve and queen mother Emilia were sitted.
"Viktor" lord Maximilian called,"have a seat"
Viktor bowed and sat down beside queen mother Emilia.
"My dear" lord Maximilian started," I'm sure you are aware of the current situation bloodstone has with Athens"
Viktor nodded,"yes father"
Lord Maximilian nodded and continued, "your step mother found it wise to send you to the war zone. I think it's a great way for you to learn"
"What?!!" Queen mother Emilia who was ignorant of what the meeting was all about shouted, " how can you send a 15 year old untrained boy to such a bloody war"
"Mother..." Lord Maximilian started but was cut short.
"I can't agree with that!", queen mother Emilia said.
"You are shouting mother" Genevieve said with a sweet smile, "the physician spoke against stress, you might die".
"Genevieve!!" Queen mother Emilia shouted and Genevieve offered her another charming smile.
"Maximilian" queen mother Emilia called,"I know you don't want to send Viktor there, don't listen to everything she says"
Genevieve chuckled,"oh please, he is only doing what's best for Viktor. Since he can't connect with his essence. He could still be useful by fighting for his people."
Viktor sat down quietly as they continued to argue about his fate. A cruel smile adorned his lips as he watched on. He barely has anything they said as he had already made up his mind.
"Viktor won't go and that's final" Queen mother Emilia said as she heaved in anger and frustration.
Genevieve clicked her tongue,"I think you are being over sentimental mother"
"Why won't you send Markus too?" Queen mother Emilia asked.
Genevieve chuckled and said,"Markus would be Willing to go but he is currently undergoing training to master his essence"
Queen mother Emilia laughed bitterly,"how clever of you Genevieve but Viktor is going nowhere"
"I will go" Viktor said cutting everyone short as they all turned to face him.
"Viktor" Queen mother Emilia called, "you don't have to do that to prove yourself or anything"
Viktor smiled,"I'm not proving anything to anyone. Lady Genevieve is right, I could learn a lot."
"Good!" Genevieve exclaimed in sheer happiness, "at least, he is wise enough to see my good intentions"
"Viktor please..."queen mother Emilia began
Viktor smiled at her, "I'll be fine grandma, you take care of yourself until I'm back"
Queen mother Emilia nodded, her heart laden with sorrow.
Lord Maximilian opened his mouth to say something but closed it back. For a moment, there was love and regret in his eyes but he had no choice.
Genevieve smiled, she was finally getting rid of Viktor. His absence would make Markus journey to the throne easier.
"Take care"Lord Maximilian crane said
"I'll take my leave" Viktor bowed and walked out of the room.
He was about to leave the corridor when his eyes fell on Markus who sat down with with his head on his knees.
"What are you doing over here?" Viktor asked and Markus raised his head.
"I overheard everything" Markus said standing up, "they are forcing you to go to a dangerous war"
Viktor scoffed, "they didn't, I decided to go" he said playfully.
"But why?"Markus asked a bit Confused.
"Sometimes the hard way is always the best way" Viktor said and patted Markus.
"Besides..." Viktor continued, "I cannot let them have the last say" he added wih a sly smile on his lips.
Markus laughed a little, "how do I manage the castle without you?"
Viktor ruffled his hair and said,"I know you can do it. Take care Markus"
"Wait" Markus called, "are you leaving now?"
Viktor shook his head and said,"I have a business to settle first" saying this, he walked out of the corridor.
As soon as Viktor left, the smile on Markus face changed to one of hate and envy.
He was more than glad that Viktor left and he can now work his way to the top.As his mother had said, "Viktor's departure will open new doors for you"
Markus looked around with a sly smile on his face before walking away from there.
Viktor walked towards the garden slowly. He had taken a horse as he didn't want to attract any attention. It was a garden far from the castle.
He held a bouquet of flowers in his hands as he entered the garden. He walked for a while before stopping in front of a stone. He took out a handkerchief and cleaned the stone. He then dropped the flowers there.
On the stone was engraved the name, "Irene rune", she was Viktor's mother.
"Mother" Viktor called gently, "you must not be happy with my decision. Since I can't connect my essence, this is an opportunity to grow in the ranks. I know that lady Genevieve doesn't wish well but you've taught me to use the best of every situation"
Viktor smiled sadly as he continued, "I'm sorry that I have to leave you all alone and go somewhere far away. I promise to come back safe and alive mother. Wish me goodluck"
Viktor smiled as he noticed a butterfly fly around and settle on his hands, "I'll take this as a goodluck wish mother. Adieu for now and I'll be back soon. I'll stay with you all through the night so don't worry and rest well. I love you mother and miss you so much."
Viktor sat in front of the gravestone as he stared into the darkness of the night.
He knew his life was going to change but definitely for the better.