Aelrin then began to cry under Lucas' gaze.
Lucas, his eyes slightly fogged after listening to Aelrin's story, widened his eyes, shocked by the last sentence. He could not imagine the horror he had experienced that day.
He remained silent, instinctively understanding that Aelrin needed to cry and release this pain buried too long.
Under the cool breeze blowing through the Solnycto, Aelrin let his tears flow, stirring memories that he had always kept deep inside him.
After a few minutes, he slowly calmed down and wiped his tears. Keeping his head down to avoid meeting the prince's gaze, he continued:
"After seeing my parents' bodies... I remained frozen. I didn't understand what I saw. I hoped it wasn't real. "
"Then... I don't know how, but I found myself lying on a bed in a half-destroyed house. I must have lost consciousness. Next to me, Lyra was sleeping... but she had a high fever. "
"Our neighbor tried to put a wet towel on her forehead, but her condition did not change. She didn't react. "
"A few days later, she woke up... but she was even weaker. His condition has only recently begun to improve... thanks to you and his highness Dayvon. "
"While she was asleep, the survivors of the village dug graves for the dead... then they left the village. All that was left was me, Lyra... and our neighbor. "
Aelrin interrupted, feeling a knot in her throat again. He took a deep breath to regain his calm.
"Before Lyra woke up... I went to my parents' grave. "
He stopped, having tears in his eyes.
"I hoped... that my eyes would play tricks on me. That they were going to come back. But I was wrong. "
"I stayed there, frozen, crying silently at the foot of their graves... until our neighbor came to get me out of this nightmare, announcing that Lyra had finally woken up. "
"That night, the three of us were around a fire. My sister and I were snuggled up against our neighbor, under a blanket. "
"She told us stories to calm us down... and she told us that one of her acquaintances would soon come for us. She promised us that we could live in peace again, in the kingdom of Ingrissia. "
"A few days later, this person came. She took us to Ingrissia. Thanks to her, we were able to enter the kingdom. "
"In the beginning, we lived with our neighbor. But over time, she started a family with her companion. "
"Not wanting to be a burden, I decided to leave with Lyra, even if she was still sick. "
"After a few days of walking, we reached the capital. We settled in a small house, in the neighborhoods under renovation... That's where you found us, you and Prince Dayvon. "
After Aelrin had finished, Lucas remained silent.
The wind gently made his white hair dance, but he did not move. His fists were slightly clenched, and his eyes fixed on the ground, as if he was looking for his words among the blades of grass.
Then he slowly looked up at Aelrin.
"I'm sorry..."
His voice was low, barely a breath, but marked by a deep sincerity. There was no misplaced pity or compassion, only sincere sadness and a form of admiration.
"Even if I'm not responsible for what you've been through... I'm sorry to have made you relive these painful memories. "
"I... I can't imagine what it was. Losing his parents in this way... having to survive, protect your sister... and moving forward despite everything. "
He stopped, raised his head, and observed the blue sky through the leaves of the Solnycto. His eyes shone slightly in the sunlight, and the breeze made his hair wave.
"You're strong, Aelrin. Much more than you think. Some would have given up, but you... you held on. You watched over your sister and you continued to move forward despite everything. "
He paused, then added:
"You know... my mother once told me: "A real man is not one who abandons at the first obstacle, but one who continues to move forward with his head held high, without doubting his abilities, despite the trials." "
"And you, Aelrin... you are much more special than you think. "
Aelrin raised his head slightly, and discreetly turned his gaze towards the prince. Seeing Lucas speak sincerely and bluntly, a feeling of comfort settled in him.
While Lucas was still watching the sky, he continued:
"You know... lately, a dream has started to germinate in me. An ambition that I have never entrusted to anyone. "
"I want to rebuild the empire of Ingrissia. "
Aelrin, surprised that the prince told him about his dream, raised his eyebrows slightly. He did not expect such a revelation.
"I know, you have to tell yourself that it's strange. Our kingdom is already one of the largest and most powerful on the continent. I could just aspire to become crown prince. But by reading the history of our lineage... I understood something. "
"For generations, our family has rested on its laurels. Through laness or negligence, she lost influence and power. And this had weakened our kingdom. It was only recently, under the reign of Queen Anna, that the kingdom regained its power, conquering new territories. "
"But his reign ended abruptly after an accident. Today, it's my father who leads. He seeks to stabilize the kingdom, to prove that we are back. "
"Yet, despite everything, many nobles have taken advantage of the decline of our family to strengthen their influence. Some have even forged ties with other kingdoms. There are conflicts behind the scenes, and my father does his best to contain them. "
Lucas lay down in the grass, resting his head on his hands, looking relaxed. He continued, in a calm tone:
"He intimidates them, thwarts their plans... but I find it useless. At the last banquet, I saw how corrupt some nobles are. They live only on the past glory of their name. "
"Maybe I seem greedy for power... but I just want to create a country so powerful that no one will dare to threaten us anymore. A country where the people will live in peace, without fear. "
Aelrin remained silent, touched by the prince's words.
Then he whispered, his voice trembling:
"You have big dreams, and great ambitions. What could a boy like me bring you? I even doubt that I deserve my place by your side. "
Lucas smiled, then got up slowly. He laid his eyes on Aelrin and replied in a calm tone:
"This is where you are wrong, Aelrin. You deserve your place. "
"The mere fact that you are still here is sufficient proof. You lived through hell... and yet, you are still standing. "
Aelrin gently raised his eyes, crossing the prince's warm gaze.
Lucas continued:
"I need brave people by my side. So never say again that you are useless. "
He then stretched out his hand to Aelrin, a sweet smile on his face:
"You're stronger than you think. So become even stronger, to show everyone that you are worthy of being by my side. And I will become stronger too, to prove that I am worthy of being the master of one of the most powerful knights to come. "
"Let's get stronger together, Aelrin. Let's show this world what we are capable of. "
Aelrin felt a surge of comfort and motivation. He looked up at Lucas, his eyes filled with admiration.
But before he could answer, footsteps were heard. A royal guard was approaching.
Arrived a few meters from Lucas, he said in a calm and respectful voice:
"Your Highness, Duke Darius asked me to come and remind you that he is waiting for you. It's been a while. "
Lucas jumped, visibly caught off guard.
"Ah... tell me it's a joke..." he said with a nervous laugh.
The guard shook his head, looking sorry.
"He's going to kill me..." Lucas whispered, swallowing his saliva, a drop of sweat running down his forehead.
"Sorry Aelrin, we'll talk later, now I'm really late." he said before rushing to the training ground, followed by the guard.
Aelrin watched him walk away, a slight smile on his lips, surprised by the prince's relaxed attitude.
"So here is the one who is described as the most talented on the continent..." he whispered, looking up at the sky, looking soothed.
He raised a hand, his palm open towards the sun, watching the light filter through the leaves of the Solnycto.
"Father. Mother. From where you are... I promise you: I will become stronger. I will be worthy of being the knight of His Highness. "
A few minutes later:
The sun was already high in the sky, bathing the training grounds in a golden light.
Lucas arrived running on the field, his breath slightly short. He wore his white training outfit, adorned with the golden royal badge.
In the middle of the field stood Duke Darius, with his arms crossed, his eyes stern.
Seeing the prince approaching, Darius did not move. He remained straight, his gaze fixed on him as if he were reading in him.
"You are late, your highness," he said in a calm but icy tone, as Lucas stopped in front of him.
A shiver ran through Lucas. He stopped a few steps from the duke and tilted his head slightly, without trying to justify himself.
"I'm sorry... I went through the court hoping to meet someone there... but it's not an excuse, I agree. "
Darius remained silent for a moment, watching Lucas as if to judge if he deserved to say more. Then he sighed softly and declared, in a composed tone:
"You are twenty-five minutes late, your highness. It's only our second day and you already allow yourself to arrive late. "
His tone became harder.
"You may be talented, but it doesn't exempt you from discipline. Every minute lost in training becomes a weakness in a real situation. And the weak have no place on a battlefield. "
Lucas clenched his fists, aware of his fault.
Darius turned his head slightly, then announced in a firm tone:
"To punish you... you will do three times as many exercises today. "
Lucas swallowed his saliva with difficulty.
"Understood." he replied without protesting, in a resolute tone.
He began to make several turns of the field to warm up, under the attentive gaze of the duke.
The latter stared at him for a moment. His expression softened slightly, although it remained serious.
"This morning, I was in the king's office. We had a discussion. "
Lucas, surprised, slowed down slightly and raised his head.
"Father summoned you? "
Darius said coldly:
"I didn't ask you to stop running. Continue. "
Lucas jumped and immediately resumed his race.
Darius, seeing that he was obeying, continued in a calm tone:
"Exactly. We talked about several things. "
He paused, then added:
"I'm leafing for the east of the kingdom in three days. "
Lucas raised an eyebrow while running.
"The East? Are you going to the side of the border with Solaris? "
Darius nodded.
"Our spies have noticed abnormal movements in their army, as well as in their troops close to our borders. Nothing official has yet been announced, but these agitations are not trivial. "
Lucas immediately replied:
"And Father sends you to strengthen the border and prepare for a possible attack? "
"Exactly." said Darius calmly.
"But officially, it's just a routine inspection mission. "
Lucas finished his last lap, out of breath. He asked:
"So, if you leave... who will supervise my training? "
Darius answered bluntly:
"Your father and I had a long discussion. Initially, we thought you didn't need training for now... But we changed our minds. As soon as your aunt returns next week, she will take over. "
Lucas's eyes lit up.
"Auntie Arya! Really? "
Darius nodded.
"She finished what she had to do in the South. She should be back next week. "
Lucas was happy to hear the news. He knew how formidable Arya was and how much he could learn by his side.
Darius looked at him briefly, then continued:
"The break is over, your highness. We will review your attack positions and your guard. "
At the same time, at the gates of the city of Ashwald:
The sun was shining over the bustling city, illuminating the massive walls of the fortress. In front of the large doors, a small troupe had gathered.
Arya stood upright in her perfectly fitted black uniform. An imposing aura surrounded him. His black and red coat floated to the rhythm of the wind. Her white hair slightly exceeded her shoulders, and her red eyes scanned the horizon, mixing hardness and tenderness.
At his side stood his companion, Draven, a knight with brown skin. His long black hair, crossed by a white lock, cascaded on his shoulders. A thin red scar discreetly crossed out his left eye. He held the reins of his mount... and also those of Arya.
In front of them was Kael, the captain of the Death Wolves, surrounded by his men. An imposing silhouette, draped in a dark and purple coat. His blue hair partially masked his purple eyes.
"So, are you already leaving ?" He asked, staring Arya straight in the eyes.
"Don't you want to stay a little longer? Your presence was very useful to us," he added with a slight smile on the corner of his lips.
Arya sketched a corner smile, tilting her head slightly.
"I would have liked to stay, but I have to go back to the capital. Order of the king... and I can't hang out here as "the Ardeal of Swords" approaches. "
Kael approached with a quiet step, crossed his arms.
"You know... the monsters will celebrate as soon as you leave. "
Arya raised an eyebrow, amused.
"That's right, yes... You just want to rest your men while I'm here, and now that I'm going, you're sad. "
Kael burst out laughing.
"Maybe. But I know you. You never rush to the capital just to obey your brother or prepare for a tournament. You go there for another reason. "
Arya suddenly turned around.
"What makes you say that? I sometimes obey my brother, you know. He's the king, after all." she said with a smile on the corner of her lips.
It was then that Draven, with a provocative smile on his lips, added:
"The king called her to teach the art of the sword to the second prince. As soon as she heard this, she jumped for joy and demanded that we leave immediately. "
Arya widened her eyes, shocked. She rushed to Draven, grabbed the collar of his shirt.
"You want to die, Draven?! I told you not to tell anyone!" She said in a threatening tone.
Draven smiled nervously.
"I'm sorry, captain! I didn't do it on purpose..."
Kael burst out laughing when he saw the scene.
"I understand better why you are in such a hurry to leave," he said, wiping a tear in the corner of his eye.
"I won't hold you any longer. "
He added, in a more serious tone:
"We will meet again in a month, in the capital. And I promise you that our knights will not give yours any respite. "
A powerful purple aura emerged from him, imposing.
Arya regained her calm, then an excited smile appeared on her face.
"You're right. We'll meet again in a month, and we'll see if the Wolves of the South can compete with the Swords of the Center," she said, releasing a flaming red aura.
The two placed themselves face to face, their auras clashing in the air, one smiling calmly, the other with excitement.
TO FOLLOW...