Chapter 13: I WILL JOIN THE WAR

The messenger interrupted his fun, irking the King, "Fool! How dare you raise your voice in my presence?"

"I- please forgive me, Your Majesty, but this matter is of urgency. They people… they have started a rebellion against the throne."

"Their leader is the new Alpha of the Ravenwood pack- Cayden Osborn."

In the winter before Licia's 16th birthday, the war began, taking everyone off guard. As soon as Licia got to know about the situation, she immediately dashed to her mother's chamber, "Mother, I will join the war."

"You must not!" The Queen, who was looking out of the window, responded before she could even finish.

"But, mother…"

"I have already sent a secret letter to Hinderwad, requesting for assistance. The reinforcement will arrive hopefully within the next few weeks." She turned to look at Licia and said in a serious tone, "As soon as the soldiers arrive, we will leave with them for Hinderwad. Once we cross the borders of this kingdom, Cayden won't be able to do anything. We shall plan our next move there and take back the kingdom."

Licia could understand where the Queen was coming from, at this moment it was the most intelligent thing to do but…

"Are you… Are you asking me to abandon the battlefield and flee?"

"Yes!" Her tone was affirmative as she continued to explain, "Ducian the Third has no authority as the King any longer. His army has fallen weak in front of the rebels; this is a losing battle we are fighting and I cannot allow you to put yourself at risk." She turned away and looked at the mellow green garden spread outside the kingdom; she knew that it was only their palace which was left untouched and the land beyond the palace walls were already ruined because of the war. She didn't know how long she would be able to see the green spread in front of her; the troops were coming towards them faster than she expected.

She said, "I just hope the King manages to hold on till the reinforcement arrives as there is no hope of survival left for us in this place anymore. We cannot die like this, Liam."

Liam…

That was the prince's name- the perfect, idealistic prince that the Queen sculpted with her own two hands. Maybe the Queen was right and it was the most logical thing for them to do, save themself first and buy some time so that they can come back with a better strategy to win back the kingdom.

But…

If she were to abandon her people and her country at this crucial time, what was the point of all the training and development that she underwent for the past 15 years. What was the point of living as Liam who will be ruling over and protecting this vast kingdom when he couldn't even protect himself first?

Licia seemed to have no answer for these questions going around in her head.

If she flees now, will she ever have the right to reclaim the throne after abandoning her own country?

Will the people ever forgive her for not having their back?

Will… she ever be able to forgive herself for doing this to them?

If they are unable to return to Ulsalwad and she doesn't have to pretend to be Liam anymore, what will she do as Licia? She had no idea or training to live like that.

Few days later…

It was Licia's 16th birthday!

Her chamber was decorated excessively and a big feast was prepared to celebrate the eve. Licia, dressed in royal clothes as Liam, stepped out of the room to look at the ministers and chancellors who were there to wish him.

"My sincere congratulations, Your Highness." The prime minister bowed down and smiled at the young prince, "I apologize for failing to arrange a banquet for you on this special day."

Every year on her birthday, Licia would let the guards open the palace gates so that the common citizens could join her for the celebration. She would distribute wine, food and clothes to the guests and even give away some money to the people in need. The ministers were planning to organize an even bigger feast this time and invite the people of packs from outside their kingdom as well but sadly, the war broke out and they could no longer do it.

Licia smiled, "Don't apologize, Prime Minister. I know we are not at liberty to do so. I am grateful that you all have gathered here and joined me to celebrate the day despite such hard times."

"It is unfortunate, this war was never supposed to happen." One of the chancellor said, deeply melancholic about the situation. Licia nodded, "True! Times may be tough but we shall win this together and restore peace in Ulsalwad."

The Ministers were elated to see the spirit in this young lad and happily took their leave. After they left, the Queen saw Licia sighing and asked, "Tired?"

"No, mother!" Licia proceeded to sit on her chair and said, "I am not tired but… Soldiers out there are risking their lives to fight our war while I am here safe and sound, enjoying a banquet. It is… getting harder for me to keep my head up from the shame."

"I see…" The Queen walked up to him and kept her palm on her shoulder, "But there is an important thing that you must know, Liam! A ruler has to boast from time to time. If we show our vulnerable side to the people, they will become fearful and lose their faith in us."

"But, that doesn't mean that boasting is the only thing that a ruler should do. If he does then he will fail and fall from grace, just like your father."

"Always think of the people who follow you, Liam. They are your people, they are the one who made you so you are the one who should be protecting them."

Licia looked determined as she said, "Yes, mother. I will keep that in mind."

"Your Majesty!" The guard outside greeted, attracting the attention of the Queen and Licia.