Chapter 27: SILENTLY

After calming down Queen Ruby who was currently asleep, King Lumiere swung his long legs to approach the bedroom window. Both hands of the tall body were placed behind. His dark eyes were drawn to the dark sky that was no longer raining.

His mind was frantic. He already knew about Leonard sending ravens all over the East. By now, Valliant had become an enemy to all kingdoms. The desire to help his son was his instinct as a father. But Pascal kept telling him to stay on the throne and just watch every move he made no matter what.

''You were not born with brothers as your strength, Son. Let Father be your strength. Help you. You underestimate this father of yours too much. I have a lot of experience that you didn't have before your birth.''

''And father has told me everything,'' he cut in quickly. ''The people only know one thing, Father. As long as King Lumiere is in the palace, that means the kingdom will be fine. With or without their prince. I don't want the people to go into a panic.''

A smile was etched on his old face. And it disappeared as the sound of someone laughing distracted his focus.

Crysta had been playing with Titan in the palace garden. The giant tiger didn't budge despite Crysta's constant teasing. Stroked his head, tossed a ball in hopes that Titan would chase it and also ran around with his flesh on his back.

Crysta is playing with Titan in the palace garden. The giant tiger didn't budge even though Crysta kept teasing him. He stroked his head, tossing a ball hoping Titan would chase it and also running around with meat in hand, hoping Titan would be tempted. But all the tiger did was curl up on the grass. Not interested. It seemed that Crysta didn't know that only Pascal could invite the beast to play like a pet.

''Come on, Titan. Chase the ball,'' said the girl who had just thrown the round object into the center of the garden.

Seeing how cheerful Crysta was, a memory flashed before his eyes.

Crysta was not the only princess born in this region. A long time ago, there was also a princess born who was just as beautiful as Crysta. The Eastern Region seems to have gotten a curse. Which only has one princess in each generation.

Of course, matchmaking from various kingdoms came at the princess's ripe age. Every king wanted a daughter-in-law of noble blood. Princes flocked to the kingdom, hoping to get the blessing to marry the princess. Until a plague came, eliminating every prince candidate on its own. The crown prince in every Eastern kingdom died mysteriously.

In his confusion, the king found one remaining crown prince candidate. However, the crown prince did not take part in the princess's matchmaking from the beginning because he was at war. And upon the return of the crown prince to his kingdom, it was not only the people who welcomed his victory. But also the princess.

Until now, they both lived happily and had a son named Pascal.

***

''Apparently, we are not the only ones who harbor hatred. This will greatly benefit us, Your Grace.'' King Gerold's advisors had just received news from the East.

The Medellin Kingdom that was appointed to lead the invasion of Valliant was having an important meeting with the envoys of the Western kingdoms. There was not a single empty seat at the table.

In six of the eight kingdoms in the West, Valliant wanted to finish off every king who was still breathing if it wasn't taken out immediately. Therefore, this meeting was not just about revenge. It was also about self-preservation.

King Gerold looked at the entire audience. The way he looked was sly. At the same time, he was furious. King Veston was his cousin. Losing someone who is intertwined in blood ties is the greatest sorrow for a person. Also, Cassava, whom he planned to marry off to his eldest son. But knowing Cassava gave herself up for Pascal to sleep with made him feel disgusted with the princess.

''Are you sure Valliant has no reinforcements?" the king asked his minister of war.

''My spies tell me that Valliant is alone. The matter regarding Princess Crysta is not an easy one to handle, Your Majesty.''

''Unilaterally broken treaties never end well,'' King Gerold muttered. ''We must know when the East will make their move. Before they do, we must move first.''

''Valliant has two routes. Land and sea. It will be difficult to see the Valliant palace even by ship because hundreds of Valliant ships are docked in the royal anchorage area. As for the land route, our arrival will be easily noticed,'' Gerold explained. ''What is your solution?''

Everyone was silent as they thought of a way out. Prince Drake, the crown prince of Medellin finally spoke up. He had heard enough about Valliant. Also enough about Pascal. Leading him to conclude a thought that made little sense to him. But he had to say it.

''I don't think we need to prepare any attack for now, Father.''

Discordant voices spontaneously responded to the prince's statement.

''So we should just keep quiet?''

''That would be proving ourselves to be cowards.''

Drake let out a long breath. Seeing how the general reaction was what he had expected. No one supported him including his father. Even his closest friend, Prince Blaze only frowned at him.

''Listen. Pascal is a knight. He has been trained in war. The blood-soaked field is just a play zone for him. So, to defeat him, we must also think like his mindset,'' he said trying to calm things down. Still, the babble continued. He was mentally weakened. His confidence plummeted.

''I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I think we've been silent for too long since Calvard was attacked. Which led to Argorn being invaded shortly afterward. Preventing Valliant from taking over the West is by way of war,'' replied the general from Creden. ''There is no other choice.''

''Right now, silence is not a solution,'' retorted the prince of Vregon, Lumos.

''Prince Drake must have a special reason for saying such things,'' Blaze seemed to be trying to understand Drake's thoughts. ''Tell me what you mean, Brother.''

The thing that had been missing in Drake finally reappeared. An excitement surrounded his mind at the moment. It made him say what he meant with passion. He nodded his head to Blaze in thanks for supporting him before speaking up.

''Remember what happened to Argorn? That kingdom was attacked shortly after King Veston plotted to take revenge on Calvard. I repeat, planned. And yet to execute the plan. This means, Pascal already knew about the attack before King Veston's army made its move. Mistakes are the most valuable teachers of experience. We must strengthen our kingdom first before going on a mission,'' Drake said seriously. ''Tighten up the palace. Increase the guard. Close the borders. I don't want Valliant Warriors coming into my two-year-old brother's room while I am on my way to the East.''

King Gerold nodded in understanding. ''But, how long can the palace guard go on, Son? Time is running out and we can't just stay where we are.''

''One week, Father. That is enough time.''

Drake found his father's fingers tapping on the table. Making the spirit in his heart shrink again. His father still felt it was not the right decision. And that feeling was supported by King Gerold's statement moments later.

''I can't wait that long, Son.''

Drake let out a disappointed sigh as he closed his eyes.

''Prepare the troops. We will leave for the East at sunset tomorrow,'' the king said with a loud tap on the table before rising from his chair.

''Aye, Your Majesty.''

''Yeah.''

A roar of excitement accompanied the departure of the important people in the West.

Leaving Blaze and Drake there.

''Aren't you going to obey your father's orders?''

''I don't know,'' Although not excited, he still approached Blaze who was now sitting on the table. ''I just feel that Pascal is far away too dangerous. What kind of prince ignites a war just because of a woman?" he asked incredulously.

''He's a Tristan. What did you expect? Blaze smiled slyly. ''Come on. Get your troops ready and we'll meet at the West Lake campsite tomorrow afternoon. I'll tell you how to conquer that tyrannical bastard.''