Back in the throne room of Valeidio, the tension had finally begun to settle. The air that had been thick with anger and grief now held a tentative peace.
Lord Cedric Warcrest, having succeeded in calming his sister, spoke with a voice that was now softer but still resolute.
"I will send some of my men to Zephyros," he declared, though the fire in his eyes had dimmed. "Not to bring Eirik back, but to ensure his safety. They will stay close, in the shadows, and watch over him."
Lord Cedric, men were not just any soldiers, they were the elite of Valeidio, known as the Warcrest Sentinels.
These men were more than just warriors; they were shadows, skilled in the art of stealth and subterfuge, able to move undetected through the most dangerous territories.
Each of them had been trained by Cedric himself, and their loyalty to the Warcrest family was unwavering.
These men could blend into any environment, observe without being seen, and strike with lethal precision if necessary. They were not only the protectors of the realm but also the silent guardians of the royal family.
King Xavian nodded, recognizing the determination in Cedric's eyes. "Do what you must, Cedric. Just ensure no harm comes to him."
Xavian understood how much Cedric valued family, and he never faulted him for his earlier outbursts. Family was everything to Cedric, and the king knew that the former general would go to any lengths to protect those he loved.
Morgana, who had been weeping silently, now looked up at her brother, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Thank you, brother. Knowing your men will be there gives me some comfort."
Cedric squeezed her shoulder gently, his earlier fury now replaced with a deep, protective love. "I will always protect my family, Morgana. No matter the cost."
The throne room, once echoing with the sounds of conflict, now felt heavy with the weight of unspoken promises and shared grief.
The council members, who had been silently observing the scene, exchanged uneasy glances.
This new development added an unexpected layer of complexity to an already tense situation. They knew the Warcrest Sentinels were a formidable force, and the idea of them being deployed to Zephyros filled the room with a mixture of admiration and apprehension.
The council members were torn between their loyalty to the king and their respect for Cedric, understanding that this move was both necessary and risky.
One of the older council members, Lord Horace, cleared his throat and spoke, his voice cautious. "If I may, Your Majesty, while I understand Lord Cedric's concerns, we must tread carefully. The presence of the Sentinels in Zephyros, even in the shadows, could be seen as a provocation."
King Xavian nodded, acknowledging the concern. "I am aware, Lord Horace. But I trust Cedric's judgment. His men will not interfere unless absolutely necessary. Their purpose is solely to protect Eirik."
Another council member, Lady Helena, who had always been a voice of peace, added softly, "Let us hope it does not come to that. Prince Eirik is a beacon of hope for our kingdom, and we cannot afford to risk his life."
The council murmured in agreement, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on everyone present. The decision had been made, and now all they could do was hope that Eirik would be safe and that Cedric's men would fulfill their duty without incident.
A few moments later, Lord Cedric stormed out of the throne room, his steps echoing through the grand halls of the ppalace
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. How could Xavian have agreed to such a perilous arrangement? And yet, he knew that Eirik, with his gentle nature and strong sense of duty, would never back down from a sacrifice that could save their people.
As he walked through the palace, servants and guards alike bowed and stepped aside, recognizing the fury in his eyes.
Cedric's mind was already plotting his next steps. He would have to order his men to leave for Zephyros immediately, ensuring his nephew's safety from the shadows. They would not interfere with the marriage, but they would be there, ready to strike if any harm came to Eirik.
He reached his quarters, where two of his most skilled Sentinels awaited him, men he had trained personally and trusted with his life.
Despite his anger and frustration, Cedric's orders were meticulous and precise. Every detail was given with care, each instruction designed to ensure Eirik's safety without drawing attention. He wished he could go there himself, but he knew that his sister and his two children needed him here.
As he finished giving his instructions, the two Sentinels saluted and left immediately to carry out their orders, their faces set in grim determination.
Cedric watched them go, a part of him wishing he could accompany them, to be there in Zephyros to protect Eirik himself. But his responsibilities here were too great.
Alone in his quarters, Cedric glanced at a small, worn leather-bound book on his desk. It was a journal he had kept during Eirik's training.
Flipping through its pages, he remembered the early days when Eirik, barely more than a child, had struggled to lift a sword. Eirik had never been like his brothers; he hated anything that would make him sweat or scuff his skin. Cedric had to order special combat gloves for Eirik's training, just so his hands wouldn't become rough.
Even with his hatred for exertion, Eirik had become a formidable swordsman, rivaling even his older brothers. Cedric could count on one hand the number of people in the realm of four kingdoms, who could best his nephew in a duel.
The heir of Zephyros was in for a surprise when he realized that his bride could not only defend himself but also outmatch him in the art of swordplay. Cedric laughed internally.
Cedric smiled wistfully as he recalled those memories.
Eirik had always been different, not just because of his Ferre heritage but because of his unique blend of gentleness and strength.
That heritage made him a target, but it also gave him an inner resilience that few could match. Cedric had forced the training on him, not out of cruelty, but out of love and a deep desire to protect him. He had seen the potential in Eirik and had pushed him to achieve it, knowing that one day it might save his life.
As Cedric closed the journal and sighed deeply, It was a reminder of why he was doing this, why he had to ensure Eirik's safety. He knew that sending the Sentinels was the right decision.
He had trained Eirik to be strong, but the world was a dangerous place, and strength alone might not be enough. The Sentinels would be his eyes and ears, his sword and shield, protecting Eirik when he could not.
The room was silent now. Cedric leaned back in his chair, staring out of space. He had done all he could for now. But the waiting, the not knowing, would be the hardest part. All he could do was hope that Eirik would survive whatever the world throws at him.
Cedric had always been the protector, the one who stood between his family and the dangers of the world. But this time, he could not be there in person. This time, he had to trust in the strength he had instilled in Eirik, and in the loyalty of the men he had trained.
And that, more than anything, filled him with a sense of helplessness he had not felt in years.