going to town

Zyran slammed his hand against the rail, shooting a furious look at Ali, who instinctively took a step back, knowing that Zyran resented being given orders.

"Your Highness, I only voiced my thoughts. I'm certain Her Highness doesn't share the same view. You understand her better than anyone," Ali said, attempting to calm Zyran by raising a reassuring thumb.

A guard approached Zyran, bowing respectfully before delivering the message.

"Your Highness, you have been summoned by the king to the court chamber," the guard announced.

As he dismissed the guard with a nod, Zyran made his way back through the ornate corridors of the palace, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.

Upon entering the court chamber, Zyran was met with the sight of various officials and ministers engaged in intense discussions. With a graceful bow, he approached the king, who was seated at the head of the chamber.

"Good you are here," the king acknowledged, his voice commanding attention. "We were discussing the escalating tensions in the East, and troubling reports of foul play have come to light. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Zyran responded.

"Your Majesty, my recent visit to the state affair yielded limited results. However, during my investigation, I uncovered discrepancies in the records of our men. Despite casualties, some files of missing soldiers have yet to be resolved."

"It has also come to my attention that General Richmond was among the missing soldiers during the raid. Despite dispatching my best men to investigate, we have received no updates on his whereabouts," Zyran finished.

"Hmm" hummed the King thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.

"Your majesty, things have proven difficult. The imperial soldier should be dispatched there quickly before things go out of control, please pass your order Your Majesty," Lloyd urged, his voice tinged with urgency.

"There's a celebration coming up. I wouldn't want to cause some discomfort, Zyran. You would be leading our men to war after the celebration. Send words to Uriah to ready his men. We will be marching to war soon," the king ordered.

"Yes your Majesty," Zyran acknowledged with a respectful bow.

"Lloyd, make sure our weapons are ready before that time. I don't want any errors, let no more failures reach my ears," the king commanded, a glint of warning in his eyes as he fixed his gaze on Lloyd.

"Yes, your Majesty," Lloyd replied with a deep bow.

The meeting was adjourned and everyone left the hall.

In Zyran's chamber, Amira settled in front of her ornate mirror as Nora meticulously brushed through her locks, preparing Amira for a restful night.

The door creaked open, and Zyran entered the room, his commanding presence palpable. Nora respectfully acknowledged his arrival with a bow before Zyran gestured for her to leave, assuming the task of brushing Amira's hair himself.

Amidst the quiet atmosphere, Zyran ran the brush through Amira's silken strands while she gazed at him through the mirror.

Breaking the silence, "I am visiting town tomorrow. Would you like to accompany".

His piercing gaze met Amira's in the reflection, without hesitation she replied.

"I have plans with Novalie tomorrow"

Maintaining his inscrutable demeanor, Zyran leaned in closer prompting Amira to turn towards him their faces mere inches apart. As her sudden movement brought their faces into proximity, Zyran's intense gaze lingered on her lips before meeting her eyes in a captivating alluring manner.

Zyran tilted his head to the side, his piercing gaze never wavering from Amira's.

She bit her lips in apprehension, fully aware that he was subtly pressuring her to concede.

"You will have to go to town on your own tomorrow. I'm sure Ali and Aaron will be better company than me," Amira asserted holding her ground.

Zyran released a low chuckle thoroughly amused by her resistance.

"Alright, I won't persuade you," Zyran stated as he moved away standing tall and fixing his gaze upon her.

"You should rest early. Tomorrow will be a long day," Zyran advised before making his way to leave.

"You're leaving?" Amira's voice detained him in his tracks. Zyran glanced over his shoulder, meeting her eyes.

"Why?" he inquired.

"Nothing," Amira replied with an uncertain shake of her head.

"Good night," she bid him, her voice barely above a whisper.

The next morning, Amira stood outside the palace, waiting for Novalie to join her for their ride to town. The air was frigid winter was drawing near.

Draped in her fluffy jacket, she looked back into the palace, hoping to catch sight of Novalie, but the lad was nowhere in sight.

Amira sighed.

"Your Highness," Matthew, who stood to the side bowed.