1214-01-06
"What?"
"Adrian" Voss said, his voice calm but firm. "It's simply not possible with Wara. They're a people who only follow the influence of the dragons."
My father, his voice strained and heavy with emotion, added, "My dear boy, do you want to see our cities destroyed? Our people slaughtered? What will become of Pallas if this war comes here?" His voice broke slightly as he continued, almost choking on his words.
"What will you do, your Majesty?" Voss pressed again, his eyes steady, watching me closely.
I looked down at the ground, my thoughts in turmoil. Pallas—this city, my home—it's the place my mother ruled, the place where so many memories live. These people, this land, deserve to be protected. But do I want to march into certain death?
No. It's not about what I want. The people will fight for what they believe in. And perhaps, through their struggle, there will be hope for something better.
I took a deep breath and raised my head. "I'll lead," I said finally. "I'll lead our people."
Voss's lips curled into a faint smile, and I noticed for the first time the small scar just above his upper lip. "It's up to you to tell Liora," he said.
"I know," I replied, trying to steady my voice. "Let's make preparations to leave on the twelfth. That way, I'll have a little more time with her before I go."
Voss chuckled, his grin widening into something almost mischievous. "Sounds like a plan."
"You may leave," my father said, his voice formal but laced with exhaustion.
I bowed deeply before him and turned to leave. As I passed through the great hall, I caught sight of Voss leaning in to speak with him. Then, the massive doors behind me groaned shut.
War. It's inevitable, my mother used to say. The one thing she never wanted me to see. And yet here I was, standing at the edge of it. I'm scared. Scared I won't return. Scared I'll fail Liora, my people, and Pallas. Scared this country will fall if I do.
But fear changes nothing.
I repeated the words she used to tell me: Fear not, for you are not alone.
And though I was terrified and longed to run, I knew my responsibility—to my people, to my home.
I wandered the castle grounds, my mind racing. My footsteps echoed faintly on the stone paths as I paced back and forth. Why was Wara doing this? Why wasn't what they had enough?
The garden at night was a different world altogether. Hidden blooms, shy during the day, unfurled in the moonlight. The air smelled sweet, tinged with the faint chill of the evening. Liora was still there, sitting among the flowers. When she saw me she jumped to her feet.
"I…"
"I know," she interrupted softly, her words quick but filled with understanding. "Let's go out tonight."
"I need to get ready…" I began.
"Let's not waste a minute," she said, running toward the gate of the castle.
The gate loomed ahead. It wasn't just a gate; it was a symbol of the power and history of AHK.
"How did you get that key?" I asked as she slipped it into the lock.
She turned the key with a triumphant grin. "Leroy gave it to me," she replied proudly.
The gate creaked open, and together we stepped into the unknown night.
We slipped through the main gate as quietly as we could, each step deliberate, trying not to draw the attention of the guards. Liora had wrapped a soft blanket around my head, covering my face in a way that seemed absurdly simple—but surprisingly effective.
"Here," she whispered, tugging it snug around my features. "No one will be able to tell it's you."
I chuckled under my breath. "You think this will work?"
"Trust me," she said with a smirk, tucking the edges carefully.
I never truly experienced the capital at night. The castle always felt distant from the city, both in its towering position and the way it separated me from the people. But now, under the cover of darkness, it was a different world.
The streets of Pallas were alive in ways I had only imagined. Lanterns, made of burnished metals, hung high above us, their golden light spilling over the cobblestones like liquid fire. The air mingling with the warm aroma of baked bread and the occasional sharp tang of spices from unseen vendors.
The people of Pallas were resilient. Even in the late hours, life hummed around us. Workers moved carts laden with goods, children played in the quieter alleys, and laughter echoed faintly from nearby taverns. I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my people, even as a nervous tension sat heavy in my chest.
Liora walked beside me, her steps light and confident. She seemed perfectly at ease, while I struggled to keep my head down. My brown hair, like hers, wasn't uncommon here, but my golden eyes—those were harder to hide. Still, no one seemed to notice us.
Breaking the silence, Liora finally spoke. "See? Told you it'd work."
"You're right," I said softly.
Minutes turned into hours as we wandered the city. The hum of voices, and the golden glow of lanterns.
Then Liora stopped abruptly. We stepped to the side of the street, toward a small booth. It was unattended, its shelves holding a modest display of trinkets and food.
"Come on," she said, sitting down at the empty booth's bench. I followed, the faint sound of our boots against the cobblestones fading as we settled.
"Liora…" I started to speak, but she cut me off with a mischievous grin.
"What is it, Ian?" she teased.
"Ian?"
"I can't exactly use your real name right now, can I?"
I laughed softly. "I suppose not."
But my laughter faded.
"What's wrong?" she asked gently.
I hesitated. "Am I… a bad king for not wanting to fight?"
She reached for my hand. "No, of course not."
"Then why do I feel this way?" My voice cracked.
"Adrian," she said firmly, "you're not a failure for not wanting war."
"But—"
"I'd be more surprised if you did. I've known you for years."
"Then why…" My words faltered, and I shook my head. "Why does it feel like I'm letting everyone down? Like I'm failing them by being scared?"
"There's no shame in being scared," she said, her voice steady.
Tears formed in my eyes.
"I don't know what to do, Liora. I don't want to fight, but I don't want to lose everything either. How can I lead ?"
Her hand tightened. "Adrian," she whispered, "What makes you a good king, no good husband is that you care about your people, about this city and about me."
"I'm scared."
"I know," she said softly
Tears fell down my face causing the blanket to fall. It slipped away, revealing my face—and more importantly, my eyes.
Liora noticed immediately, her eyes widening as a few people passing by began to glance our way. Without a moment's hesitation she leaned in and kissed me. For a moment, the world seemed to be replaced by her presence.
As she pulled back, a playful smile crossed her face. "The tears make your eyes sparkle even more," she laughed softly, brushing a stray tear from my cheek.
I was about to respond when a gruff voice cut through the moment, startling me.
"What are you two doing here?"
I froze, my eyes clamping shut as Liora spun around to face him. "Sorry," she said quickly, her voice light and apologetic. "We were just resting. It's been a long night." She tugged the blanket back over my eyes.
The man stepped closer. "Wait," he yelled. "I'm Leo,".
"It's nice to meet you too, Leo," I replied quickly.
Leo turned to Liora, his tone shifting to something almost conspiratorial. "Here, take this," he said, passing her something.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice curious but careful.
"A little something to keep you both out of trouble," he said with a wink.
Liora pulled ahead and the city began to fade with each step. When we were far enough away, she stopped, tugging the blanket from my head. Her face was lit with a mischievous grin as she held up the items Leo had given her.
"Wafers," she announced triumphantly, handing me one.
I looked at it and frowned. "Mine's half-eaten," I complained, holding it up.
She shrugged with a laugh. "He didn't exactly give us three for free, now did he? Consider it a tax."
"A tax?" I scoffed, biting into the wafer. "When I get back I'm increasing your taxes."
"Oh, please," she said, rolling her eyes. "My family's already given you their most prized possession."
"And what's that?" I grinned.
"Me," she replied with a playful smirk.
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest loosening for the first time all night.
As we slipped back into the castle, Liora ran ahead, rushing past Leroy, who stood near the entrance with his arms crossed. His expression was a mixture of disappointment and exhaustion.
"Your Majesty," he said disappointedly . "You're filthy."
"Thanks, Leroy," I muttered, wiping my face with the towel as we began walking toward my chambers.
Leroy's face was unusually tense, his eyes darting ahead as if checking for anyone who might overhear us.
"Why are you so nervous?" I asked, my voice low.
"I told Voss and Hector that you were studying and couldn't be disturbed," he replied, his tone hushed but firm. "Your Majesty, it's not wise to leave the castle at this time."
"Leave?" I asked, arching a brow. "You're right, Leroy."
"Thank you, sir," he said, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
But as we continued, a question weighed on my mind. "Leroy… what was Ghar like?"
He hesitated, his steps slowing for a moment. "I don't remember it too well," he admitted, his voice quieter than before.
"And what do you prefer? Ghar or Ahk?"
"Ghar is a place of fighting and chaos," he said after a pause. "I'm much happier here."
When we finally reached my room, Leroy handed me fresh clothes before bowing. "Once you're clean, tomorrow morning, you'll need to go to the king's chambers."
"Why?"
"He has summoned you once more."