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Evening.
Throne Hall, Wyfkeep Castel.
Wyfellon, Wyfn-Garde.
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"How about sending reinforcements to the borders and spies outside too?" Second Prince Spencer suggested and that attracted nods and scowls.
Across from Alaric, General Rowan, a grizzled knight with a scar that cut across his cheek, cleared his throat. "We must consider the practicalities. Our borders need reinforcement, yes, but sending all our forces would leave our castle vulnerable. We cannot risk an attack here while our eyes are elsewhere."
A few heads nodded in agreement, and Alaric saw his opportunity to weigh in. He leaned forward, speaking in a calm but pointed tone. "Then we need to deploy strategically, not rashly. Station reinforcements where they're most vulnerable. Keep our strongest defenses closer to home."
The men turned toward him, listening intently, and he continued, "The enemy wants us divided. We show strength by remaining focused, not by charging headfirst into every rumor we hear."
Some officials grumbled in agreement, while others exchanged wary looks. Alaric could feel the eyes of the room on him, but one gaze, in particular, burned with intensity.
The king, Gideon, his face set in a stern expression, glared directly at him, as if daring him to take this counsel too seriously, daring him to keep the attention. Alaric returned the gaze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Gideon didn't like it whenever Alaric would do something good, he wanted Alaric to remain in the dark, be known for the rumours he spreads and be hated for sins he never commited but Alaric despite his dark nature was a good man. To some extent.
Knowing this man was probably happy when his mother died, Alaric could never like him from the time he started to understand why he was different.
When Gideon, the kings frown deepen as the watched him, Alaric winked at him before flashing him a disarming smile, then he watched with satisfaction as the king's eyes widened, a flicker of fear breaking his composure.
That's the best emotion to soothe his eyes, Alaric mused.
Across the table, Lord Alden, a young but ambitious knight, glanced nervously from the king to Alaric, and then back at his maps.
"If we're so sure of ourselves, then what if the enemy isn't bluffing? We risk not only our borders but our very people."
Alaric barely said anything on this table and whenever he does, the others barely have reasons to object but here they are with Alden.
Alaric arched an eyebrow, his expression calm yet unyielding.
"If our strategies hinge on fear, we'll be overrun before a single enemy crosses our borders. Alden, We'd make the strongest defense only if it's made with patience, and not panic." His words resonated, and he saw several heads nodding but he didn't care about their approval.
Alden looked around frantically, suddenly realizing whom he'd objected. The demon prince.
He didn't want to die! He gulped and tried to sneak a peak at Alaric but the prince was already watching him, so he paled instantly making Alaric roll his eyes.
He wasn't that petty he thought, forgetting he'd killed a man for winking at his wife.
Alaric only had to voice his opinion to geth the head of council, Lord Edric off his back, as he'd been feeling his gaze since but at least it wasn't with contempt like the king's eyes would always carry for him.
Prince Benjamin tapped his fingers on the table, his expression taut with both frustration and a hint of admiration. "Alaric is right. Let's bolster our forces wisely, but I also demand—no, I insist—that we increase our intelligence networks along the borders. We need to know our enemy's movements well before they reach us."
The council fell quiet, mulling over the prince's words. Alaric could see the gears turning, the weight of the decision settling on their shoulders.
Yet, amid the gravity of their plans, he couldn't shake the thought of his wife, her face a steadying light amidst the tension of the room.
What was she doing now? he thought.
How was her day? he wondered.
He would love to know what she did today. He mused.
What was this?
He didn't know what his mind and body was going through but he knew he had to focus.
The meeting cl tinued and soon they could leave.
The meeting had barely ended when Prince Enid, as lively as ever, rushed over to Alaric with his usual swagger.
He moved to drape an arm over Alaric's shoulder, but Alaric sidestepped smoothly, his cold gaze not catching Enid off guard.
Second Prince Spencer chuckled from a few steps behind, clearly entertained. Enid, unbothered by the dodge, caught up to Alaric's pace, smirking.
"Saw your wife today," he said, his voice carrying that casual arrogance he was known for. Alaric stopped instantly, his expression hardening as he fixed Enid with a glare. He remained silent, though, waiting for Enid to continue.
"Quite interesting, she is," Enid went on, his smirk widening. "Fiery, isn't she?"
Alaric's lips twitched, almost mumbling, "Fiery indeed," as he resumed his stride, barely acknowledging the comment. Enid rolled his eyes dramatically, falling back into step beside him.
"She says you're better than me," Enid added with mock disbelief, earning Alaric's attention.
"Surprised, aren't you? Who would choose you over me, hmm? I mean, just look at me! Far more handsome and approachable."
Alaric's gaze was cutting as he responded flatly, "You're a prostitute, Enid. That's a substantial disadvantage."
The comment drew a laugh from Fifth Prince Lucas, who joined their conversation with a smirk.
"A downright whore," Spencer added, his laughter booming through the hall, catching the attention of a few nearby officials and knights who couldn't help but chuckle.
Alaric, feeling a strong urge to put distance between himself and his unruly cousins, picked up his pace toward the exit. Just as he neared the doors, Enid called after him again, "Oh, brother, one more thing!"
Alaric turned slightly, his dark hair casting a shadow over one eye, his expression unreadable. Enid's smirk was sly as he added, "Don't go asking your wife what I said to her."
The air in the room seemed to still, tension building in the charged silence.
Alaric held Enid's gaze, his face hardening for a split second before he turned away, his footsteps echoing as he strode from the hall, leaving his cousins behind in their laughter and taunts.