fall of the southern troop

Amira awoke the following morning to find Zyran emerging from the bathroom, water cascading down his perfectly sculpted physique, scars were prominent on his skin, likely souvenirs from past battles.

He was engrossed in drying his hair and only noticed Amira sitting up.

"You're up already?" he remarked, tossing the towel on the rack and beginning to dress for the day.

"Do you have any plans for today?" he inquired as he slid a shirt over his head, turning to await Amira's response.

"Um, no, not that I'm aware of," she replied, trying to avert her gaze from his striking appearance.

He nodded as he buttoned up his shirt. "I'm heading to a state affair. Would you like to come along?" he asked, turning to face her directly.

"Wouldn't I be a burden?" she asked.

"You barely weigh a feather. How could you be a burden?" he countered, raising an eyebrow, Amira blushed and bit her lip.

"Alright, I'll go get dressed; I'll be quick," she said, hastening off the bed, wincing at the pain that shot up her ankle from the minor mishap they had at the soirée yesterday.

Zyran glanced down at her feet and noticed a swollen patch. Amira excused herself and walked towards the bathroom.

Sitting in the carriage, Amira looked out the window, her gaze fixated on the bustling street.

"I was born in this town, I spent my childhood freely wandering these streets," she heard beside her. She turned to see Zyran looking at her while reminiscing about his fond memories.

"I never knew that. I always thought you grew up in the palace like your siblings," she responded.

"They had the sheltered life of royalty," he replied, his eyes turning empty as he peered out the window.

"The atmosphere in the palace isn't always pleasant; some things exist just for the sake of it," he remarked.

"Is that why you have difficulty connecting with your siblings? Because you didn't grow up with them," Amira inquired.

Zyran's brow furrowed as if he was immersed in contemplation, before relaxing into a smooth expression.

Amira shared, "We all have our ways of understanding each other, even though I wasn't very close with my siblings. We had our differences, but I wasn't mistreated. That's what's important," to Zyran.

"What difference does that make? You weren't acknowledged by them," Zyran said as he adjusted his cufflinks.

Amira was astonished by his words. She hadn't realized he knew about her family conditions.

The carriage came to a stop in front of a grand building so immense that Amira couldn't help but wonder what activities took place within its walls.

Zyran assisted her down from the carriage, and they proceeded toward the building, which stood proudly like a tower.

A group of elegantly dressed individuals gathered around the building, engaging in lively conversation. Security personnel patrolled the premises, ensuring the area was secure.

Amira gazed in wonder at the imposing structure before her. She had never considered such an elaborate escape route.

"The institution handles state affairs, manages the monarchy, and safeguards the kingdom under the direct command of the king. You could say they are the cornerstone of our vast military forces," Zyran explained, observing the fascinated expression on Amira's face.

Amira remarked, "I never realized state affairs could be so intense."

As they entered the building, they were greeted by the sight of copper-painted walls, echoing the solemnity of military life. Soldiers marched in perfect synchronization.

Zyran pulled Amira aside as he noticed a man hurrying towards them, carrying folders in his arms.

"Prince Zyran!!" Someone exclaimed. Zyran turned towards the source as he stood by an office door, quickly closing it behind him.

Zyran turned to Lord and acknowledged his presence at the headquarters with a nod. "A surprise to see you here. I wasn't aware you were in town," Lord Enoch said.

Zyran's expression was grim as he replied, "I wouldn't be here if things were going well. Our forces in the east have suffered a significant defeat, and we've lost almost half of our southern troops."

Worry etched Lord Enoch's brow as he licked his lips and peered down at the scroll on the table in front of him.

"I received the list of damages, and it's not reassuring. We had to retreat to camp," Lord Enoch said, passing the scroll to Zyran. Zyran unfurled the scroll and began reading through the report.

Five hundred casualties, nearly a thousand lives lost. Should I be rejoicing about this? Zyran expressed, letting the scroll slip from his grasp. It made a distinct thud as it hit the ground.

Amira had never witnessed Zyran as visibly angry as he was at that moment. There was no hint of a smile on his face.

Amira turned at the sound of approaching footsteps her gaze settled upon a man clad in armor, his sword swaying at his side, bearing a grave expression.