IN THE KING'S OFFICES:
Raphael, dressed in a black royal outfit with golden patterns, was sitting on a sofa, drinking tea with Duke Darius, who wore a white noble outfit embellished with blue motifs. The latter was also sitting on a sofa in front of King Raphael, also enjoying his tea.
As Raphael placed his cup of tea elegantly on the table, he said in a peaceful and calm air:
"So, my friend, what brings you to this beautiful morning? "
Darius in turn put down his cup of tea and answered in a calm but admiring voice:
"Nothing very interesting, Your Highness. I am simply impressed to see that all your children have exceptional qualities. "
Raphael began to smile, a mixture of pride and curiosity in his eyes.
"Oh really? And what are these famous qualities that you may have noticed? He said while taking back his cup of tea gently, a smile filled with pride on his lips.
Darius joined his hands on his knees and tilted his head slightly before answering:
"If I may, I'll start with Lucas. Although he is still a child, he shows an exceptional talent for the sword and has a mastery that far exceeds that of those of his age. Yesterday, during our first session, he managed to make me draw my blade. And you know yourself that it is not a small matter, Your Highness." he said with a serious air, tinged with admiration.
Raphael, who was drinking his tea, froze instantly, surprised by the Duke's words. He placed his cup of tea on the table and burst out laughing, a warm sound echoing in the room.
"You mean that my cadet managed to get the Grand Duke of the West to draw his blade? He said with a peaceful laugh, while wiping a few tears that beaded in his eyes.
"It's already impressive that he was able to stand up, even briefly," he added in a calm tone.
Darius smiled slightly when he saw Raphael's reaction.
"Yes, Your Highness, Prince Lucas has an exceptional talent," he said with an admiring smile.
"But that's not all. From what I have seen, Princess Layna also has an exceptional talent. Although her style is technical and fluid, different from Prince Lucas' brutal and instinctive style, she shows a great mastery of the sword for her young age." he said while sipping his tea elegantly, a slight smile on his lips.
Raphael smiled slightly and said in a calm voice:
"She surely takes this elegance from her mother. And she has the same determination as her grandmother. So I don't need to worry too much about him. "
Darius gently placed his cup of tea on the table and tilted his head slightly, recognizing the truth in Raphael's words.
"Even if both are exceptional, we cannot forget the first prince, Dayvon. "
He took a calm but respectful tone and continued:
"Although he does not have a talent equivalent to that of the princess and the second prince, he has a great capacity for leadership and is a born strategist. He has already proven it at the academy during tactical simulations and expeditions. He thwarted all enemy movements with disconcerting ease and always led his troops to victory, whatever the situation. His intelligence is formidable. "
Raphael smiles slightly, a mixture of pride and reflection being read on his face.
"Dayvon has been different since his mother's disappearance. He prefers to use strategy and cunning rather than brute force, which makes him unique. But thanks to that, I think he was able to find his way. "
He got up and went to a window of his office, contemplating the beauty of the courtyard garden. The rays of the morning sun illuminated the bright flowers and sparkling fountains. A slight smile appeared on his lips:
"Each of them has exceptional abilities. But they grow too fast, which gives me cold sweats. But... »
He took a deep breath, his tone becoming more serious:
"Today, the crown has to face several conflicts, whether internal or external. I have not yet managed to put all the nobles under the full authority of the crown, and some of our spies have reported suspicious movements within the Solaris empire. "
Darius got up in turn and approached Raphael near the window, his hands crossed behind his back.
"In this regard, Your Highness, I heard a rumor that most of the northern nobles would seek to extend their influence and territory without the crown's knowledge, and that Duke Turner would be at the head of all this," he said in a deep voice.
Raphael, having heard this, bit his lips, trying to contain his anger.
"These damned Northerners! Is it because I was too lenient with them that they allow themselves to do what they want? He said in a threatening voice.
"If it was up to me, I would have already eliminated them, but..."
So, he took a deep breath to calm his anger and resumed in a calm but authoritarian voice:
"But as a king, I have to opt for a thoughtful solution and not act impulsively. For now, this news about the North is just rumors. "
Darius, still behind Raphael, replied in a calm tone:
"I understand your frustration, Raphael, but as you said, we must not act hastily at the risk of provoking a civil war. We must act calmly and thoughtfully. "
Raphael turned to Darius, his face still marked by a palpable tension, but his tone becoming measured again:
"You're right, Darius, but we can't stand idly by in the face of these rumors. How do you think we should act? "
Darius thought for a moment before tilting his head slightly:
"I propose that you send Prince Dayvon, accompanied by some units of the royal knights, to observe the situation in the North. This will show the nobles that the crown is vigilant and will not tolerate any suspicious action. "
Raphael, slightly surprised, looked at Darius with a mixture of surprise and curiosity:
"Send Dayvon to the North? It's a bold idea, indeed. But is this the right solution? "
Darius stared at Raphael and answered in a calm and thoughtful voice:
"Sending Prince Dayvon to the North will send a strong message to the nobles. The prince has great tactical intelligence, and with his presence, he will be able to perfectly analyze the situation. In addition, we know that a secondary branch of the royal family resides in the North. So we won't have to worry too much. "
Raphael turned again to the window, contemplating the garden illuminated by the sun's rays.
"My brother Andy lives in the North region. Although he was part of the royal lineage, he always preferred to stay away from the affairs of the crown and live a peaceful life with his family. "
Darius, hands behind his back, added:
"Of course, although far from political affairs, you entrusted him with some lands in the North, and he became a respected man in the region. With him at the prince's side, we won't have to worry about his safety. In addition, this mission will allow Prince Dayvon to gain experience. "
Raphael stared silently at the garden for a moment. After a long reflection, he turned to Darius, his gaze full of resolution and apprehension.
And after a moment of silence, he sighed slightly and said in a calm voice:
"You're right, Darius. Such an experience will be of great help to Dayvon. Even if I want to protect him longer, I must not lock him up and prevent him from spreading his wings. "
He turned around and observed the capital in the distance through the window, a slight smile on his lips.
"Thanks again for your advice, Darius," he said in a calm and peaceful voice
"I will send Dayvon to the North, accompanied by some units of the royal knights and the knights of the Ebony Rose. They will be escorted by the royal airship 'Atherion', accompanied by two other ships." he said in a calm and thoughtful tone.
Darius tilted his head slightly in approval.
"This is a wise decision, Your Highness. Prince Dayvon will be well protected, and the sending of the Atherion will send a clear message to the nobles of the North. "
Raphael nodded, his eyes still fixed on the capital.
The morning's rays of sunshine, illuminating the roofs of the buildings, gave the city a bright beauty.
Raphael observed the capital for a moment, lowered his head slightly, closed his eyes and let a smile of pride appear on his lips.
"I know Dayvon is able to handle this mission, but as a father, I can't help but worry," he said in a calm tone, although slightly tinged with concern.
Darius approached and put a hand on Raphael's shoulder.
"It's natural, Raphael. But remember that Dayvon inherited your intelligence and wisdom. He will be able to manage perfectly," he said in a soft and comforting voice.
Raphael turned to Darius, a slight smile on his lips.
"You've always been able to find the words to cheer me up, Darius. Thank you for that. "
Darius smiled in turn.
"Of course, I know you like the back of my hand. Without me and Hallan, you would have already started several wars against the nobles of the kingdom," he said while staring at Raphael with a teasing look.
Raphael shrugged his shoulders.
"But I've never done them. And if I had ever launched one, it is certain that I would be triumphant." he said with a confident look and a teasing smile on his lips.
The two men burst out laughing, sharing a moment of complicity. After laughing, they contemplated the view from the window.
Raphael spoke again, his tone becoming calm again.
"I will ask Hallan to prepare the Atherion and the other ships for their departure next week. "
Darius nodded his head.
"It's a great idea. Hallan will be able to take care of the preparations with the rigor and efficiency that we know him. "
Raphael, still looking through the window, added:
"Darius? "
"Yes, Your Highness? Darius replied with respect.
"As for you, I would like you to go east of the kingdom. Take with you a quarter of the knights of the Order of the Phoenix, those who are currently stationed in the capital. Strengthen our border with the empire by joining them to the knights already on site, and report the information we received on their movements to Captain Daymond. "
Darius tilted his head slightly.
"It will be done, Your Highness. I will leave as soon as the preparations are finished," he said in a calm and peaceful voice.
Raphael nodded, a smile on his lips.
"I know I can always count on you, Darius. "
Darius smiles, a mixture of pride and gratitude in his eyes.
"It's an honor, Your Majesty. "
Raphael turned to the window again.
"And Darius... Take good care of yourself. I don't want to lose someone dear to me. "
Darius smiled slightly.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything and come back as soon as possible, Raphael. You have my word. "
After their discussion, Raphael and Darius stayed together for a few moments, talking about various subjects.
A FEW MINUTES LATER:
As Lucas walked in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, he suddenly stopped and asked himself:
"Could I meet Aelrin if I go through the palace's training grounds? "
After a moment of reflection, he whispered:
"I hope I can meet him before the start of my training. "
He resumed his walk in the royal courtyard and decided to go through the training grounds, hoping to meet Aelrin there.
TO BE CONTINUED .....