Kalix Noah's POV
Everyone comes home around four in the afternoon. My wife, on the other hand, comes home in full armor. I have a bad feeling about this.
She jumps off her horse. Everyone who is having their tea comes closer and looks at her in full gear. "Greetings to his and her majesties," she says.
She makes a curtsy bow and bows her head. "What is the meaning of this, Kassandra?" My wife looks at me.
She smiled sweetly. "Your Majesty, we already packed the wagons that will be used for the resupply mission. In order to get to the border quickly, we have to use the shortcut."
"I have to go with my men until they reach the safest side of the road. I'll be back roughly tomorrow night or the next day," Kassandra added. My forehead wrinkles.
My dad speaks. "Why does it have to be you? How many men of yours will guard the resupply mission?" he asks.
My wife looks at my dad. "Most of them went home, and it will take a long time if we have to wait for them. Those who stay in the training barracks will come," she halts and looks at me.
"Half of them. Axel will stay, as I told them to guard you all as you headed back to the capital city. They'll bring some of our soldiers as well. We learned that you all came here with just ten guards. It's better to be safe," she added.
She comes closer and grabs my hand. "I'm sorry, but I have to lead them on their way to the borderlands. Take care of them in my stead, okay? I'll be back if I can, Your Majesty. Enrique, take care of his majesty for me, okay?" she says.
Enrique was confused because of how she asked him to take care of me. She's about to let go of my palm when I stop her.
"Kassandra, you better..." I paused. She smiled.
My wife steps forward and kisses my forehead. "I'll go ahead, Noah…" she says, smiling widely. She walked away, and all I did was watch her get on her horse and leave.
After that moment, I excused myself and got inside my office. I was summoned during dinner, and everyone was silent again. Kassandra really brings warmth to this table.
I was about to speak when my youngest sister talked. "I'm sorry, but can I speak?" she asks. Mom and Dad nodded.
"Is there a problem, Ava?" Mom asks. She sighs. "This has bothered me for hours. If General Escalante will only lead the resupply mission to the borderlands… why is she wearing her armor and having two swords and a gun?"
We're all taken aback because of what she says. I never expected her to notice such details. Her look flashes in my head as well. That's true either way.
"I mean, she shouldn't be wearing such heavy armor as if she's heading into the battle. The way she asks Enrique to take care of my big brother is making me uncomfortable," Ava explains further.
My dad speaks. "I hope you're wrong, my daughter. Maybe she usually does that. Her soldiers who will go with her might be wearing their armor too," Dad says.
My jaw clenched. I hope my father was right. You better not hide something from me, Kassandra. You better not!
My parents and siblings went home yesterday, and it's already dusk, but my wife isn't home yet. She says that she'll be home yesterday or this day, but I don't see her shadows from afar.
What is happening?! I look at Enrique. "Have you taken all the documents needed for tomorrow's monthly meeting in the palace?" I ask. He nodded.
"Everything was already packed in your bag, Your Majesty. What I'm worried about is... I'm sorry for my rudeness. Don't worry about her, your majesty. She'll be home. She must have helped her soldiers like she did in Easton," Enrique explains.
I hope that's the reason because if not, it will be a problem. "Then let's sleep early. We have to arrive in the royal palace before ten in the morning."
He bows his head and leaves. I went to our room, and even if I'm in bed, I still remember what my sister Ava said. I didn't notice that detail. But I hope Enrique and Dad were right. I hope my wife is okay in the borderlands.
…
We arrived at the palace an hour before the court meeting. I've prepared myself for whatever situation I'll be in.
It's always been the case for the past few years, and I'm used to it. I was in my room here in the palace. I remember when Kassandra was lying in my bed, wounded.
I sighed and decided to review my reports instead of thinking negatively. That won't help me at all. After taking a nap, I went to the court meeting hall.
The door was open, and several officials were already there. We waited for minutes, and every seat was filled except my wife's chair.
"Good morning, everyone. We are all here for our monthly court meeting. As usual, our agenda is to give me updates about the areas you've been ruling and the court seats that you are all managing," Dad says.
Mom was sitting next to him as usual. My third big brother speaks. "I'm happy to announce to your Majesty that our national Treasury is doing well. Our products, exports, and other business entities are making our economy healthy," he halts.
"We've been doing great for the past four years. Your projects might happen soon because of the money we get from taxes," Brother Avion added. My dad smiled. He looked satisfied with what he heard.
"How about the department of agriculture? How's our food security and granary for this season?" he asks.
Earl Daniel stood up and spoke. How can I forget? He's working as the assistant director of that department.
"This season, Your Majesty, all our winter vegetables were more than enough to supply our kingdom's needs. We also exported some vegetables that can be found here, and we generated around 30 million for that," Daniel says.
"Very good. Let's talk about the security of our country. First, I want to hear from Admiral El Greco of the Navy forces. How's the situation in your department?" Father asks.
I stood up. "As of the moment, Your Majesty, we've faced several attacks from pirates in different ports in the entire kingdom, and—" I was stopped by the loud noise. The door was forced open, and it was Arida!!