As Wolfram left the throne room, the air behind him seemed to buzz with curiosity. The guards and servants lining the halls exchanged furtive glances, all wondering what had been said between the prince and Kaiser Anno. Sir Leopold von Eisenberg, the commander of the Kingsguard, was the first to approach him. With a respectful bow, he greeted Wolfram.
"Everything went well, I hope, my prince?" Sir Leopold's tone was polite, but his eyes betrayed the concern beneath the formal words.
At that moment, Wolfram's gaze was locked on Aslı. For the first time since his return, the weight of his recent confrontation with the Kaiser seemed to lift just enough for him to notice her in a way he hadn't before. Now, freed from the uncertainty of Türk-il and the chaos of war, he saw Aslı differently. Her sharp blue eyes, her flawless pale skin, and the way she carried herself with strength and elegance captivated him. The realization of her beauty hit him all at once, catching him off guard.
Shaking off the distraction, Wolfram turned back to Sir Leopold. "For now, it went… well enough," he said, his voice carrying a weary edge. "But truth be told, I don't even know anymore. I don't care, either. Let whatever happens, happen. I feel like an old man already. I just need some rest."
With that, Wolfram gave Sir Leopold a small nod before heading toward Aslı.
As he approached, Aslı looked up at him, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "So, how did it go? Did he decide to hand over the throne once he saw what a fine man you've become?" she asked, her tone light and playful.
Wolfram chuckled, the tension from earlier finally easing. "Oh, of course. He's even suggested we make the woman you brought with you queen," he replied, his smile matching hers.
They both laughed, but beneath the humor, there was a new understanding forming between them. The glances, the shared jokes—there was a deeper connection growing, one that neither could ignore any longer.
Just as their laughter faded, Sir Leopold returned, his voice respectful but insistent. "My prince," he said, "shall I escort you to your chambers? You've had a long journey and must be in need of rest. Duchess Aslı," he added, turning toward her, "we would be honored to host you in our finest guest quarters. Please, follow me."
Wolfram and Aslı exchanged a glance, the unspoken bond between them lingering in the air as they followed Sir Leopold to their rooms. As they entered their respective quarters, the exhaustion of the journey finally caught up with them. Wolfram, weary from the weight of his meeting with the Kaiser and the many battles behind him, welcomed the comfort of the bed. It wasn't long before he drifted into a deep sleep.
As Wolfram wandered through the palace gardens, the early morning mist still clinging to the air, his mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. The confrontation with Kaiser Anno, the weight of his decisions on the battlefield, and the uncertainty of his future all pressed heavily upon him. He was so lost in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice Sir Leopold von Eisenberg, the commander of the Kingsguard, approaching with a sense of urgency.
"My prince," Sir Leopold said, his voice firm but respectful. Wolfram turned, noticing the concern etched on the man's face. "The commander of the Teutonic Order, Duke Frederic, is currently in talks with the Kaiser. They've requested your presence immediately."
Wolfram exhaled, his expression darkening slightly. He had known this moment would come—the consequences of his actions, particularly the execution of key figures like King Janusz, Duke Halfdan and King Igor were not something that would be easily dismissed. Now it seemed those consequences were catching up with him.
"Judgment day has arrived," Wolfram muttered to himself. He squared his shoulders, the weariness of the past days lifting slightly as he steeled himself for what was to come. "Let's face it with honor."
Without hesitation, he began walking with Sir Leopold toward the throne room, his mind focused on the encounter ahead. The grand halls of the palace echoed with their footsteps, the weight of anticipation growing with every step. The towering stone walls seemed to close in, their ancient, cold presence reminding Wolfram of the many warriors who had walked these same halls, facing judgment before him.
As they rounded a corner, Aslı appeared from behind a column, her pace quickening as she caught sight of them. Her sharp eyes, always observant, had picked up on the urgency of the moment.
"And where do you think you're going without me again?" Aslı demanded, her voice tinged with frustration. She caught up to them, her piercing blue eyes locking onto Wolfram's. "This time, it seems serious. I'm coming with you."
Wolfram's lips curled into a slight smile, despite the tension. He admired Aslı's unyielding nature, her refusal to be left behind in matters of consequence. But he knew the gravity of the situation. "This isn't the time for your usual antics, Aslı," he said softly, though there was no true reprimand in his tone.
Aslı crossed her arms, her stance defiant. "I've come this far, haven't I? I'm not staying behind now." Her words carried a determination that matched the resolve in her eyes.
Sir Leopold, clearly uneasy about the situation, glanced between Wolfram and Aslı, unsure of what to do. The command for Wolfram to appear before the Kaiser had not included Aslı, and her presence could complicate an already delicate situation. He opened his mouth to object, but Wolfram raised a hand, cutting him off.
"She will be quiet," Wolfram assured him, his tone resigned but firm. "I'm sure of it."
With a reluctant nod, Sir Leopold accepted Wolfram's decision, though he still seemed apprehensive. Together, the three of them continued their approach toward the Kaiser's throne room, the weight of the moment palpable.
As they neared the imposing doors, the grand entrance to Kaiser Anno's throne room loomed before them, flanked by towering guards. The sounds of hushed voices could be heard within, and Wolfram knew that Duke Frederic and the Kaiser were already deep in discussion.
Just before they reached the doors, Aslı gave Wolfram a sideways glance, her expression unreadable for a moment. "Whatever happens in there," she whispered, "just remember—you're not alone."
Wolfram met her gaze, and for a brief moment, the intensity of their bond flickered between them, stronger than it had ever been. But there was no time to dwell on it. He straightened his back, his expression hardening once more, and stepped toward the doors.
The guards, recognizing Wolfram, immediately pulled open the massive doors with a loud creak. Inside, the vast throne room stretched out before them, its towering columns and intricate tapestries emphasizing the grandeur and authority of the Kaiser. At the far end of the room, Kaiser Anno sat upon his throne, and beside him stood Duke Frederic, a man of considerable power and influence within the Teutonic Order. His stern face was lined with the experiences of countless battles, and his eyes bore into Wolfram as soon as he entered.
Without hesitation, Wolfram, Aslı, and Sir Leopold entered the room together. Aslı's presence was unexpected, and the eyes of both the Kaiser and Duke Frederic briefly flicked to her before returning to Wolfram.
The three of them walked forward in silence, the weight of the moment heavy upon their shoulders. Wolfram knew this would be no ordinary conversation, and whatever happened next could shape the course of his future in the empire. With Aslı and Sir Leopold at his side, he braced himself for the judgment that awaited.