Chapter 7: A Glimpse of Ice and Fire
Ezekiel, now Darius, moved through the grand halls with purpose, the sound of his boots echoing against the marble floors. His thoughts were sharp, his goals even sharper. The war room was a place of strategy and power—a place where decisions that shaped the kingdom were made. He had no doubt his presence was not a request, but a command.
The towering doors to the war room opened with a low creak as the guards pushed them aside, revealing a chamber bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. A long table stretched across the room, maps and documents sprawled haphazardly over its surface.
At the head of the table sat his father, King Kael Lionhart—a man whose very presence exuded authority. His broad shoulders and weathered face told the story of countless battles fought and won. The king was a living legend, an SSS-rank warrior hardened by decades of blood and fire. His piercing gaze moved to Ezekiel, cool and calculating, but it wasn't his father's presence that caught Ezekiel's attention.
Sitting at the opposite end of the table was a woman who could only be described as radiant. She had silver-white hair that shimmered like moonlight and light blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. Her features were delicate yet commanding, a perfect blend of grace and strength. Her curvaceous figure was accentuated by a fitted gown that, while elegant, carried an understated air of danger. She was the embodiment of ethereal beauty.
Ezekiel immediately recognized her—his twin sister, Seraphina Lionhart. Though born on the same day, at the same hour, and the same second, they were worlds apart in standing. Seraphina, the product of the king's union with the revered queen, was seen as the kingdom's treasure. Darius, born of a slave, was the shameful shadow cast by her brilliance.
Ezekiel's lips curled into a smirk. This will be interesting.
"Brother," Seraphina said, her voice smooth and composed, though it carried an undercurrent of amusement. "It's rare to see you summoned to the war room. I wonder, is it out of necessity… or curiosity?"
Ezekiel returned her gaze, his expression unflinching. "Perhaps the king sees more potential in me than others do," he replied smoothly, his tone carrying a subtle edge.
Seraphina's lips twitched into a small smile, but her eyes remained guarded. "Potential," she mused. "A curious word. Potential is like a blade—useless if left unsharpened."
King Kael cleared his throat, the sound immediately silencing their exchange. His steely gaze swept over both of them before settling on Ezekiel. "Enough," he said, his voice like iron. "I summoned you here for a reason."
Ezekiel straightened, his expression serious. "What is it you require of me, Your Majesty?"
The king leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his broad chest. "The neighboring kingdom of Orvalis has begun mobilizing their forces. Scouts report increased activity along the border. If war is coming, I want to be prepared. I've called the council together to assess our strength."
Ezekiel nodded slowly, taking in the information. "And what role would you have me play, Father?"
Kael's eyes narrowed. "You've been… unpredictable as of late," he said, his tone sharp. "Your recent actions have not gone unnoticed. I intend to test your loyalty to this kingdom."
Seraphina's eyes flicked to Ezekiel, her expression unreadable. She studied him closely, as though searching for any sign of weakness or deceit.
"Consider this your trial," the king continued. "You will accompany Seraphina on a mission to the borderlands. There, you will assist in gathering intelligence on Orvalis' movements. It will be dangerous, but I expect you to prove yourself worthy of your bloodline."
Ezekiel's smirk returned, though he masked it quickly. A test, is it? he thought. Fine. I'll show you what I'm capable of.
"I accept," Ezekiel said, his voice steady. "But tell me, Father—what will you do if I succeed?"
Kael's expression remained cold. "Success is not rewarded; it is expected," he said. "Failure, however, will not be tolerated."
Ezekiel inclined his head, his mind already racing with possibilities. This mission was more than a trial—it was an opportunity. If he played his cards right, he could turn this situation to his advantage.
"Very well," he said. "I'll do what is necessary."
Kael's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before shifting to Seraphina. "You will keep an eye on him," he said. "I expect a full report upon your return."
Seraphina nodded gracefully. "Of course, Father," she said. "I'll ensure he doesn't stray from the path."
As the meeting concluded, Ezekiel found himself walking beside Seraphina as they left the war room. The tension between them was palpable, though neither spoke at first. Finally, Seraphina broke the silence.
"You've changed," she said, her tone neutral. "Darius was never one to speak so boldly."
Ezekiel glanced at her, his smirk returning. "Perhaps I've found a reason to be bold."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "Be careful, Brother. Boldness without caution is a dangerous thing."
"And caution without boldness is cowardice," Ezekiel countered. "I have no intention of being a coward."
They reached the end of the hall, and Seraphina stopped, turning to face him fully. "I don't know what game you're playing, Darius," she said quietly, her eyes narrowing. "But I'll be watching."
Ezekiel met her gaze, unflinching. "Then enjoy the show."
With that, he turned and walked away, his mind already plotting his next move. The mission ahead was dangerous, but it was exactly what he needed. If Seraphina wanted to watch him, he'd give her something to see.
Something unforgettable.