Ethan stood alone in his office, the early morning light casting long shadows across the room. His eyes remained fixed on the map of Veldoria, its border with Zethia now a flashpoint of tension. Every decision he made rippled outward, affecting countless lives.
The knock came sharp and deliberate.
"Enter."
Viktor stepped inside, his eyes serious, a grim resolve etched into his features. Behind him followed Elena, carrying a fresh stack of reports.
"They've responded," Viktor said, his tone steady.
Ethan straightened. "Their demands?"
"They want a neutral third-party oversight for the inspection and a halt on further military build-up," Elena explained.
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "They're testing us."
"And watching closely," Viktor added.
Elena set the papers on his desk. "We've already agreed to the inspection. Now we proceed cautiously, without hesitation. Time is on their side unless we make it our own."
Ethan nodded. "The inspection will show the world we have nothing to hide. But I won't let Zethia dictate how we protect ourselves. We'll maintain readiness while keeping our intentions clear."
He turned to Viktor. "It's time to meet the five guards you've chosen."
---
The Guardroom
In a stone-walled chamber beneath the palace, Viktor stood with five soldiers. Each one embodied a balance of skill, loyalty, and discretion. Ethan appraised them silently as they lined up, their postures straight, eyes unwavering.
Viktor gestured to the first, a tall, wiry man with sharp features and keen eyes. "This is Captain Orrin. Expert in reconnaissance and subterfuge. He'll be your shadow when you're beyond the palace walls."
Orrin bowed. "Your Majesty, I'll see danger before it ever reaches you."
The second was a stocky woman with short-cropped black hair and the arms of a blacksmith. "Lieutenant Sariah. Hand-to-hand combat specialist and weapons trainer. She's deadly with or without a blade."
Sariah nodded, her eyes hard as steel. "I won't let anything get close."
Next, a slender young man with a confident smirk. "This is Alric. He's quick, both in mind and movement. A marksman with a talent for reading people. He'll be invaluable for spotting deception."
Alric saluted. "No one hides a blade from me, Your Majesty."
Fourth in line was a broad-shouldered, middle-aged soldier with a weathered face. "Ronan. Veteran of the northern campaigns. His experience in strategy and defensive formations will be critical."
Ronan's deep voice rumbled. "Defending you is defending the kingdom."
Lastly, Viktor motioned to a quiet woman standing slightly apart. Her silver-gray eyes seemed to see everything. "This is Mira. She's unmatched in stealth and intelligence gathering. If there's a threat brewing, she'll find it."
Mira inclined her head. "Knowledge is the sharpest weapon, sire."
Ethan studied each of them. "You were chosen because I trust Viktor's judgment, and he trusts yours. My life and this kingdom's future will depend on your vigilance. Serve with honor, and know that your loyalty will not go unnoticed."
Viktor's voice was firm. "Dismissed. Stay ready for further orders."
As the guards filed out, Ethan placed a hand on Viktor's shoulder. "Thank you. These are good people."
"They are the best," Viktor said. "And they'll be ready when it counts."
---
Council Chambers
The circular table in the council chamber reflected the gravity of their meeting. General Kaspar, Elena, and Viktor sat with Ethan, the weight of their discussion hanging in the air like the storm clouds outside.
"Zethia's acceptance of the inspection is a maneuver," Kaspar warned. "They're setting the stage to paint us as aggressors if we make one wrong move. We must stay vigilant."
"We will," Ethan said, his voice firm. "But I'll not allow them to dictate terms that leave us vulnerable. We'll cooperate while fortifying our positions. Let the world see that our strength is tempered by reason."
Elena leaned forward. "The Solara ambassador arrives soon. We'll need to control every aspect of those talks. Diplomacy is our best weapon, but the public must also see confidence in our actions. Fear is spreading faster than truth."
"Agreed," Ethan replied. "We'll make a public appearance—together. Let the people hear directly from us. They need to see unity and strength."
---
The Capital Streets
The city buzzed with whispered fears as Ethan walked through the cobbled streets with his guards. Viktor led, Orrin keeping to the shadows, while Sariah and Ronan flanked the king. Alric's sharp eyes swept the crowd, and Mira lingered at the edges, always watching.
Merchants paused in their dealings, citizens gathered in hushed clusters, and children clung to their parents as the king passed.
At a carpenter's stall, a middle-aged man with calloused hands bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, my son serves at Fort Malen. Is…is war coming?"
Ethan met his gaze. "Fort Malen stands strong, as does Veldoria. We are working for peace, but we'll defend our people with all our strength."
The man nodded, a glimmer of hope softening his expression.
At a baker's cart, a young girl offered a loaf of bread. "For strength, sir."
Ethan accepted it with a warm smile. "Thank you. Every bit helps."