346: Royal dynamics (part 2)

Royal dynamics (part 2)

It was clear that the Crown Prince of Emoria was not about to descend the carriage without a proper explanation, and though Adela was upset with him, providing one was the right thing to do.2

"...Duchess von Conradie had an accident on her journey here, and she was taken to the infirmary in her husband's estate," she informed him, providing only the essential details before realizing that more information was necessary. "...It seems the Duke was also affected by the accident."

"Sasha and her husband?" Noctavian vividly recalled Sasha's warm smile from their previous encounter in Kolhis, but her husband remained a faceless figure, as he had never met him. "Why was I not informed?" he queried with a growing sense of curiosity.

"...Your subjects refrained from disturbing you while you were away attending to your social affairs."

"When did this happen exactly, Mother?" He inquired with a dejected tone, his direction unmistakable.

"...Two days ago," she replied, locking eyes with his dark brown gaze, bracing herself for what would come next.

Noctavian took his time to construct a coherent sentence, a testament to his intelligence and diligence in his countless lessons. While he excelled academically, his reluctance to express his thoughts clearly betrayed his youth and relative lack of experience.

"Would you like to share something with me, Noctavian?" she gently encouraged.

His dark brown eyes gleamed bravely as he responded, "...I understand His Majesty's rule against using portals. However, I would like to revisit the matter of your edict concerning Lanark's falcons."

Recognition flickered in her pretty green eyes, and he could tell that she was aware her decision to move the falcons to the borders of Latora might not have been the wisest one.

"I see," she acknowledged. "Were you practicing falconry by the cliff, then?"

"Yes," he replied, lifting his head with confidence, making it clear that her decision had consequences. "They were vulnerable to the warlocks, and by distancing them from your estate, you've left them exposed. It troubles me that we're retreating from the problem instead of fortifying our defenses and eradicating the warlocks once and for all."

"My dearest Noctavian," Adela said tenderly, reaching out to run her hand through his soft locks with a faint smile on her lips, "You will eliminate the warlocks in due time, won't you?"

He nodded, unwavering in his conviction. It was the reason he dedicated himself to training day in and day out – to put an end to the terror inflicted by the warlocks on his Emoria once and for all.

Her smile faded as she continued, "There's something else you need to know... The messenger who brought news of the Duchess also carried another report," she began, her heart racing with both anticipation and dread. "It concerns Sir Arkin."

A vague image of his uncle formed in Noctavian's mind, and he wondered if this was the news his mother had been dreading for so long.

Adela had subtly implied to her son that his only living uncle might have met an unfortunate fate somewhere far from Emoria. It was an idea that had haunted her for the past few years. She had spread news and inquiries calling for his return, reaching out across Emoria, Kolhis, the Kingdoms of the East and West. Yet, he had seemingly vanished from the face of the Earth.

"What's the news about Sir Arkin, Mother?" Noctavian asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"It appears he's been sighted in Lanark," she replied emotionlessly.

Something out of the ordinary flickered behind Noctavian's eyes, but it quickly faded once he smiled.

"Is that true?" He blinked, then added, "Do you think he heard about the accident and rushed to see Duke von Conradie?"

"..."

According to the news, Arkin had slain a second warlock who posed a significant threat to Sasha's life. After all, she was their primary target, having eliminated each member of the Varinthian Council one by one with her own sword.

"Your Excellency?"

"...I don't want to discuss it until I can confirm it with my own eyes, but here," she said, bringing their joined hands up and placing them just below her neck.

Noctavian's smile was broad. "Your heart is soaring!"

She chuckled. "Yes. You see, he's not just my brother."

Noctavian nodded. "He's your knight and your best friend."

As her son's arms enveloped her, she closed her eyes and returned the embrace. He hugged her less often now, making these moments all the more precious to her.

"I hope you get to see him alive and well, Mother. Please introduce him to me when it happens."

"Thank you, Your Highness." She tightened her arms around him and held back her tears. Noctavian had never seen her cry in all his years, and she intended to keep it that way. "I'll be at the infirmary. I trust in your hospitality when it comes to the Duke of Latora."

"Go to Sasha and rest easy, Mother. We'll brief each other about the discussions once you return." He glanced at her pockets where her white leather gloves were. "Will you need to heal Sasha or Duke von Conradie?"

She shook her head. "No. I was informed that the physicians are not worried about them."

He frowned. "Then don't forget to wear your gloves. You weren't feeling well last week; you should conserve your energy."

She complied immediately, taking her gloves out and putting them on.

"I'll see you soon, Mother," he said before opening the door, jumping out, and closing it, then nodding at the coachman.

The three platoons guarding his mother under the Viscount's care saluted their Crown Prince with a chest tap before following the Archduchess's carriage. This left the Crown Prince, his knights, the Duke of Latora, and his loyal guards behind.

"Rauul," Noctavian uttered in a hushed tone once his mother's carriage had vanished from sight.

The Duke of Latora leaned in. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"...Your men are faster than mine."

Rauul's expression grew stern. "Ask, and it shall be done."

"Arkin von Conradie... I want him here before he has a chance to meet with Her Excellency."

Rauul signaled to his two closest guards. "You heard His Highness."

The men, their heads covered by Latora's blue scarves, acknowledged the command and retreated into the line of trees surrounding the estate.

"One more thing," Noctavian added, his gaze still fixed on the trees where the men had disappeared.

"What is it, Your Highness?"

"...I encountered two outsiders today, foreigners. I need to discuss this matter with you."

Rauul's brown and blue eyes hardened. "I am all ears, Prince Noctavian. What about them and how would you like us to proceed?"

Noctavian looked up at Rauul with dark, guarded eyes, "I must contact His Majesty immediately."

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