Set To Depart

Once inside the war room, he summoned his council once more. The atmosphere was urgently charged as Lancelot, Percival, and a few trusted commanders gathered around the table, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

"Thank you for joining me again so swiftly," Arthur began, taking a seat at the head of the table. "We must discuss the next steps in our efforts to secure alliances. I hope you will accompany me to the nearby nations for peace talks. Our kingdoms need to unite to stand against the coming storm."

Lancelot nodded, his expression resolute. "You can count on me, my king. I will rally our allies and ensure they stand with us."

Percival, ever the strategist, leaned forward. "We must also prepare our arguments well. The other kingdoms will need convincing that a united front is essential for our survival. We can't afford to waste time."

Arthur smiled, grateful for their unwavering support. "I knew I could rely on you both. While we embark on this mission, I must appoint someone to oversee the kingdom in my absence."

He glanced at Tristan, a loyal knight known for his steadfastness. "Tristan, I choose you to act as regent while I am away. Your loyalty to Judep and understanding of our people make you the ideal choice."

Tristan bowed his head respectfully. "I will do my utmost to uphold your vision for Judep, my king. The people will be safe under my watch."

"Additionally," Arthur continued, "I want Gawain to serve as the inspector of the old city. He will oversee our people's evacuation preparations and ensure secure routes."

Gawain, who had been quietly listening, straightened in his chair. "I will see that the old city is ready to receive our people. We cannot afford any mistakes during the evacuation."

With their roles assigned, Arthur felt a sense of relief. He had chosen men he trusted utterly, knowing they would protect his kingdom in his absence. "We must work together to keep the people safe. I will not return until I am certain our alliances are strong enough to withstand the threat we face."

Lancelot's brow furrowed with concern. "We must be careful, Arthur. The road ahead will not be easy, and our enemies are cunning. We must stay vigilant."

"I will," Arthur replied, his heart stubborn. "But I cannot do this alone. We all must play our part in this. Remember, our strength lies in unity."

After concluding the meeting, Arthur went to Leslie's chambers, his heart heavy with the knowledge of his departure. As he entered the room, he found Leslie standing by the window, her gaze lost on the horizon. The sight of her filled him with warmth, a reminder of why he fought so fiercely for their kingdom.

"Leslie," he said softly, and she turned to him, a smile breaking across her face.

"How did the council go?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with concern and curiosity.

Arthur stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "I have chosen Tristan to act as regent while I'm away, and Gawain will oversee the old city. I will travel with Lancelot and Percival to form alliances with neighboring nations. I wanted you to know before I leave."

Leslie's smile faded slightly as the reality of his departure set in. "You're leaving soon?"

"I must. The fate of our people depends on swift action, and I cannot waste any time." He brushed a thumb over her knuckles, sensing the tension in her posture.

"I understand, Arthur," she said, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. "But promise me you'll take care of yourself. I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

"I promise," he replied earnestly, feeling the weight of her words. "And when I return, I will make sure we have our honeymoon. I want to take you away, just the two of us, away from all of this."

Leslie's eyes lit up with excitement, a spark of joy cutting through the moment's heaviness. "Really? You promise?"

Arthur chuckled softly, feeling a rush of affection. "Yes, I promise. Just think of it—a time for us to be together without the world's weight on our shoulders."

"I will hold you to that promise," she said, a playful glint in her eye that filled his heart with hope.

Before leaving, he turned to his brother, who had been drawing in a corner of the chamber. "Un, I want you to stay close to Leslie while I'm gone. You will keep her safe from any shadows that may threaten her."

Un nodded, a severe expression replacing his earlier amusement. "I will watch over her, brother. You have my word."

With that settled, Arthur knew he had to address one more matter before the morning was over. He needed to ensure John's safety. As he left Leslie's chamber, he made his way to a secluded part of the castle where he had arranged for two guards to meet him.

"Are you prepared to protect my brother?" Arthur asked as the cloaked guards approached, their faces obscured by their hoods.

"We are skilled in the shadows, my king," one of them replied, his voice low and steady. "We will follow him closely and ensure he is protected at all costs."

"Good," Arthur said, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "He has no idea of the dangers that lurk outside these walls. Keep him safe, and I will reward you handsomely upon my return."

With the guards prepared, Arthur returned to Leslie and joined her and John for a final feast. The warm glow of candlelight flickered around them as they sat at the table laden with food.

"Thank you for being here," Arthur said as he settled in, grateful for the familiar comfort of their presence.

Leslie smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "We wouldn't be anywhere else."

The food was rich as they shared stories and laughter, and the wine flowed freely. For a moment, Arthur forgot the storm brewing on the horizon.

After they finished their meal, Arthur knew it was time to say goodbye. He stood up and turned to Leslie and John, his heart heavy but full of purpose. "Let's go to the castle's entrance. I must take my leave."

As they made their way to the entrance, Arthur could feel the moment's weight settling in. The cool night air enveloped them, and the stars twinkled overhead, a reminder of the vast journey ahead.

Arthur turned to face them at the entrance, his heart swelling with emotion. "I will return, and we will have our honeymoon. You both mean everything to me."

Leslie stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I believe in you, Arthur. Come back safe."

John nodded, his expression earnest. "Take care, brother. We'll be waiting for you."

With a final embrace from Leslie and John, Arthur turned toward the open road leading away from Judep. He, Percival, and Lancelot mounted their horses with great passion and determination. Arthur knew he was leaving behind the people he loved to fight for their future. As he set off into the night, the weight of his duty propelled him forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.