Chapter 9: Unavoidable War
The King tried to reassure the Queen, "Don't worry, Arthur is there to ensure Artemis's safety.
Though he is but fifteen years old, he is already a fine soldier." However, these words did little to change the Queen's mood, particularly when Arthur was mentioned.
Her disinterest in Arthur was evident.
"You see more in him than the Zodiac did. He was rejected, Dwight! Our household has no place for such a failure. He is worthless. A man like any other," the Queen retorted with clear disdain. Her face showed deep contempt for Arthur, stemming from her disappointment that, despite being the firstborn son, he was not chosen by the Zodiac Leo
"Aye, I am, my dear," the King gently reminded the Queen, acknowledging that he, too, had not been chosen by the Zodiac Leo in his youth.
"Nonsense. You are the King of Chyros Desi," the Queen responded, her tone softening as she sought to reassure him of his status and importance.
However, King Dwight was well aware that his ascension to the throne was largely due to the untimely demise of his father, the former king.
He understood that his role was, in many ways, a stewardship, keeping the throne warm for Artemis until he reached the appropriate age to take over.
This understanding added a layer of complexity to Dwight's reign, as he navigated not only the responsibilities of kingship but also the preparations for a smooth transition of power to the next generation.
After expressing those thoughts, the King seemed to lose his inclination for further conversation.
He set his wine glass aside and lay down on his bed, visibly withdrawing into his thoughts.
The Queen quickly followed, attempting to console him.
She reminded him that, as the firstborn of the late king, he was indeed the rightful heir to the throne.
Her words were not just reassurance but also an affirmation of his legitimacy as the current ruler.
As she spoke, the Queen gently pushed the King down onto the bed and positioned herself atop him, her actions seductive.
She gazed into his eyes, her demeanor shifting to one of allure and intimacy.
As the Queen tenderly held the King's face, preparing to kiss him while praising his virtues as a respectable, strong, and dependable ruler, the mood between them shifted.
She emphasized the stark difference between King Dwight and Arthur, her tone reflecting a mixture of admiration for the King and disdain for Arthur.
However, just as the Queen was about to kiss him, the King gently grasped her hand, diverting her advance. He then made a profound statement,
"Without men like Arthur to keep us safe, your precious noble blood would long since have graced the gutter."
This comment highlighted his recognition of Arthur's value and the essential role people like Arthur played in the security and stability of the kingdom.
After expressing this sentiment, the King gently removed the Queen from atop him, indicating his need for rest due to their early departure to Lion's Gate the following day.
Despite her displeasure with the King's words and behavior, Queen Rosaria had little choice but to respect his wish for rest.
She withdrew, allowing the King his space and settling herself in a separate area to sleep.
This moment illustrated the delicate balance in their relationship, where personal feelings and royal duties intersected, sometimes leading to moments of tension and disagreement.
In a secluded part of the palace, where the beauty of the moon was prominently visible, Arthur sat deep in thought, unable to sleep.
His mind was filled with considerations about the mission he would embark on the next day.
It was an opportunity for him to prove himself to the entire kingdom and, more importantly, to his mother, who had little faith in him.
Lost in his reflections, Arthur was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Wishing on the star?" Erica said as she approached him.
She found him gazing at the night sky, seemingly lost in the vastness above. Her presence suggested a sense of companionship and understanding, offering Arthur a moment of solace and perhaps an opportunity to share his thoughts and apprehensions.
Erica, noticing the weight of Arthur's thoughts, offered her support, reminding him of the importance of rest, especially given the challenges awaiting him.
"You're going with them tomorrow, aren't you?" she inquired, showing her awareness of the upcoming journey.
Arthur affirmed, explaining his role as Artemis's Vanguard and his sworn duty to protect him at all costs.
He expressed his concern over Artemis's penchant for taking risks, which only strengthened his resolve to stay close and guard him vigilantly.
He also confided in Erica about the additional mission assigned by his father, indicating the complexity and significance of his responsibilities in the days to come.
Erica's mixed feelings of joy and worry were palpable as she absorbed Arthur's revelations. To alleviate their shared apprehension, she suggested that they pray to the stars for a safe return following their mission.
She also promised to eagerly await their return, hoping for their safe journey back.
In a moment of quiet reflection, Erica focused intently on her heartfelt prayer.
The moon's light beautifully illuminated her, enhancing her natural grace. However, amidst her prayers, a tear unexpectedly rolled down her cheek, a manifestation of her deep-seated worries.
Arthur was taken aback to see the tear in Erica's eyes and gently wiped it away.
Erica, not originally from the Chyros kingdom but from Velos Desi, had moved there after her homeland was ravaged by war.
The fear and trauma from witnessing such devastation still lingered in her, intensifying her concern for Arthur and Artemis.
This moment between them not only highlighted the emotional bond they shared but also underscored the personal impact of conflict on individuals, even those who are not directly involved in the fighting.
To alleviate Erica's sadness, Arthur assured her of his safe return. He promised to keep her as far away from the dangers of war as possible.
After expressing these comforting words, Arthur raised his hand, seemingly about to embrace Erica, but he restrained himself. Instead, he gently suggested that it was getting quite cold and they both should rest.
Following Arthur's remarks, Erica managed a smile and bid him goodnight.
Both recognizing the importance of rest, especially with the challenges of the coming day, they parted ways.
Arthur, despite his own anxieties and the weight of the responsibilities ahead, made an effort to rest, understanding the necessity of being well-prepared for what was to come.
This moment between them was a tender exchange of support and understanding, highlighting the strength they drew from each other in trying times.
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