Two years after Prince Heiko witnessed the death of his father during the 91st Battle of Tyton, and subsequently, the defeat of his kingdom, he was sent to the gates of the victor, armed with nothing but empty words and a command from his elder brother to form a treaty of peace. 

Two years after General Celestino Adesso released the arrow that felled the great king of Simo, he is presented with the youngest of his sons. Though barely a man at seventeen summers, the prince was far from wet behind the ears. In fact, his tactful yet brazen form of statecraft vaulted him far beyond his years. Coupled with his draconian mannerisms, and a knack for callous pleasure, it was only a matter of time before Celestino caught a whiff of something sinister. 

But Prince Heiko was no fool. He was betting heavily on that sharp nose. He wanted a sense of dubiety to gnaw at the general. He needed to create mistrust in his elder brother in order to build credence in himself. Because he knew of Celestino Adesso, and of the illustrious king he served. He knew they wouldn't trust him over his elder brother any more than they would trust a raincloud to bring sun. He knew that to those men, he wasn't honorable, and because of that, he was forced to play the games he was known for. The ones that conspired in the dead of night, the ones that spoke no words but shifted kingdoms. The ones that could obtain the allegiance of General Celestino. Little did the young prince know, however, allegiance was not all he would obtain. But no matter how much Heiko wanted to offer the man what he desired, he could not - not while bound to the gods. 

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Hallowed Be

Aisha smacked the side of the cart in way of reprimand. 


“You’re in over your head, general. I know your opinions of the youngest prince are low, and if you keep them that way, you will be left in the dust. There is not only him but also personally chosen men at his side who are quite capable of succeeding in this coup, so long as they remain focused. And Prince Heiko demands focus.” 


“Sharp man,” came her sarcastic coo. “When the stubborn man refuses to kneel in Simo, he is cut at the knees. Do not be stubborn, general. I’m sure your own king needs you whole upon your return.” 


Cele grunted. He knew that was something he would have to accept – he was in Simo and he was now playing with Simonese rules. He could not win as an Ilysian. Not as a stubborn one, anyway. And he had already crossed the point of no return. He was in the frigid kingdom, and in the hands of the frigid prince. He was at Prince Heiko’s mercy. 


The Lull Before - Part 12