The atmosphere in the palace remained heavy, as though the very walls absorbed the tension that now gripped Avalon. The air hung moist and oppressive, like the grief of a mourning widow—a silent witness to the turmoil within. The ruckus from the recent assassination of Commander Geb and the kidnapping of Princess Asake had left everyone on edge, and the emperor's restrictive orders did little to quell the unease.
Within the secluded corners of the palace, whispers and mutterings of discontent echoed like a clandestine symphony.
"How great was the needless order given by the emperor," one official whispered to another.
"Exactly. Just because his daughter was kidnapped, we're forbidden to leave the palace? It's absurd!"
"And making Boyka the commander of the ground forces—what was he thinking?" another chimed in, his voice a low grumble. "What has that outsider done to earn the emperor's trust? Mark my words, there's something suspicious about him."
"He's going to take all the credit for any success, while we remain prisoners to the emperor's whims."
The group nodded in agreement, their dissatisfaction palpable. Little did they know, their words were not as private as they assumed.
---
Boyka sat in his quarters, a small smirk playing on his lips as he listened to the recorded conversations. His network of electronic bugs, planted discreetly throughout the palace, had proven invaluable. The recording device in his hand played the officials' mutinous words on a loop, their betrayal laid bare.
"Fools," he muttered under his breath. "They think their whispers can escape my ears."
---
Later that day, Boyka made his way to the emperor's private chambers. His footsteps were measured, his demeanor calm, but his mind churned with calculated precision.
"Your Majesty," Boyka said as he entered, bowing deeply.
"Ah, Boyka," the emperor said, gesturing for him to enter. "I've been waiting all day to hear your report. Do not waste time—tell me everything."
Boyka nodded, his tone grave. "The news, sire, is troubling. I regret to inform you that Commander Geb attacked me. I had no choice but to kill him in self-defense."
The emperor's face hardened. "Commander Geb? Why would he attack you?"
Boyka took a step closer, lowering his voice. "It appears he discovered my assignment, sire. I caught him snooping in my quarters. His actions made it clear that he was working against us, and perhaps even loyal to Abbadon."
The emperor's expression darkened further, his fists clenching at his sides.
"That's not all," Boyka continued. "I strongly suspect that Abbadon is behind the princess's kidnapping. He has spies within the palace, sire. Of that, I am certain."
The emperor's breathing quickened, his frustration boiling beneath the surface. "Who among my people would dare betray me?"
"Your Majesty," Boyka said, pulling a small device from his pocket, "I also caught some of your officials speaking ill of you. Here is a recording of their conversations."
He pressed a button, and the room filled with the sound of the officials' voices, their discontent laid bare.
"Selfish emperor," one voice sneered.
"What does Boyka have on him to earn such trust?" another said bitterly.
The emperor's face twisted in fury. "These ungrateful wretches!" he roared, slamming a fist onto the table. "How dare they speak of me this way? I'll have them executed—every last one of them!"
Boyka raised a hand, his voice calm and measured. "Please, sire, we cannot afford to act irrationally. If we expose our hand too soon, we will never find the princess. We need to outplay them, not reveal our intentions."
The emperor took a deep breath, though his anger still simmered. "Then tell me, Boyka. What do you propose?"
Boyka stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Sire, I suggest we take the fight to Abbadon directly. We must consider the kingdom lost to him for now—he will not surrender it without a battle. I propose leading a small contingent to Earth to free the prisoners Abbadon has captured. Those prisoners will owe their lives to you, sire, and they will be loyal to your cause."
The emperor leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Your plan has merit, Boyka, but I cannot spare you from Avalon. I need you here."
Boyka's expression remained stoic. "Your Majesty, I am the only one capable of executing this mission. My success will depend on stealth, strategy, and trust—qualities that others may lack. Let me prove my loyalty to you by carrying out this task."
The emperor fell silent, his gaze fixed on Boyka. For several moments, the room was filled with nothing but the sound of the emperor's steady breathing.
Finally, he spoke. "Very well, Boyka. I will grant you this mission. But you must fulfill my orders swiftly and return to me in earnest. My daughter's safety must remain our top priority."
Boyka bowed deeply. "Thank you, sire. I will not fail you."
---
As Boyka left the emperor's chambers, his face betrayed no hint of emotion. He had already planned for this moment, and every move he made was another step closer to his ultimate goal.
He made his way to the palace hangar, where a sleek spacecraft awaited him. His preparations were complete, his course set. As the ship's engines roared to life, Boyka's mind was already on the planet Polaris, where his next steps would unfold.
"Abbadon," he muttered under his breath, "your reign of terror is about to end."
With that, the ship lifted off, leaving the palace of Avalon behind. Boyka's journey was far from over, and the shadows of conspiracy continued to loom over the galaxy. But one thing was certain: he was a man on a mission, and nothing would stand in his way.