Prepare Everyone

The aftermath of the war left many citizens homeless, their homes destroyed or damaged. Hiyasmin was deeply concerned about where these displaced individuals would sleep and how they would rebuild their lives. While the entire town was not completely destroyed, the heart of the town bore the brunt of the destruction, leaving numerous families without shelter. Plans were made to accommodate and support these displaced citizens as they navigated the challenges of rebuilding and recovery.

Upon Liam's return, it was evident from the weariness etched on his face, as well as a hint of anger, that the recent events had taken their toll on him. Minister Quagmane and Commander Leonel shared a similar demeanor, reflecting the gravity of the situation they had just faced.

King Daemond wasted no time and swiftly departed, returning to his own kingdom to bolster defenses and prepare for any potential retaliation from Amelia. The uncertainty surrounding Amelia's whereabouts and intentions added to the tension, with intelligence units working tirelessly to gather any information that could lead to her capture.

The kingdom understood that as long as Amelia remained at large, the threat of further conflict and chaos loomed. Plans were underway to form a specialized force dedicated to tracking down and apprehending her, as her freedom posed a constant risk of her regrouping with new allies and mounting fresh attacks. Achieving true peace seemed impossible as long as Amelia remained a free agent with the potential to gather strength and resources.

Hiyasmin's fists clenched in anger as she recalled the events involving Princess Amethyst. The confirmation of King Philippe's death at the hands of King Daemond in a decisive battle weighed heavily on her mind. Despite the victory, the escape of Princess Amethyst with major injuries added to the turmoil.

The memory of Princess Amethyst's actions resurfaced, particularly her stabbing of Hiyasmin and the insults directed at her cousins. Hiyasmin understood the complexities within her family - Ludwig as an Ascendant, Liam labeled as Dirty Blood due to his mother's slave status, and Alexa known as a Witch. Despite these labels, Hiyasmin knew the true character of her cousins, recognizing their efforts and sacrifices for the kingdom and Etherealis.

Princess Amethyst's derogatory remarks and actions crossed a line for Hiyasmin. She felt a fierce protectiveness towards her family, believing that they deserved respect and acknowledgment for their contributions. The insult and injury inflicted by Princess Amethyst fueled Hiyasmin's resolve to ensure justice and safety for her family and the kingdom they served.

As Hiyasmin fought fiercely against Princess Amethyst, driven by anger and determination to avenge her family's honor, she became consumed by a berserk rage. She relentlessly pursued Amethyst, intent on delivering a fatal blow. However, Princess Amethyst's cowardly tactics, aided by her knights, allowed her to escape and vanish into the wilderness, leaving Hiyasmin seething with frustration.

Meanwhile, Minister Quagmane's somber demeanor and words revealed a profound loss to the kingdom. "King Zachariel is dead," he announced, his grief palpable as he reflected on the fallen king's qualities. Despite King Zachariel's occasional arrogance and pride, he was not a traitor nor driven by greed for power. He was known for his prudence and foresight.

King Zachariel had been the first to uncover King Philippe's treacherous alliance with Amelia, aiming to expand his rule beyond Fortunalia to encompass the entire continent of Etherealis. His intention to claim the four kingdoms and establish dominion over them posed a grave threat. His demise was not just a loss of leadership but also a setback in the ongoing battle against those who sought to manipulate power for their own selfish ambitions. 

The revelation from Minister Quagmane added another layer of complexity and tragedy to the situation. The news of King Zachariel's death at the hands of King Philippe, followed by King Daemond's decisive action against King Philippe, left a somber atmosphere hanging over the gathering.

The absence of a clear successor to King Zachariel's throne further compounded the challenges faced by the kingdom, especially the Wind Kingdom. His children were too young and inexperienced to wield the power of the Wind Ones effectively. The eldest brother, at just fourteen years old, lacked the training and maturity necessary to handle such immense power. Attempting to possess the Ones in such a state could prove fatal, potentially leading to his own demise.

The emergence of the Ones from King Philippe's deceased body, revealing his affinity for black sorcery, added urgency to Minister Quagmane's words. The gray color of the Water Ones indicated the corruption of black magic, highlighting the need to act swiftly before it consumed itself completely.

"We must secure and neutralize these Ones before they are consumed by the dark magic," Minister Quagmane emphasized, holding up the half of the Ones in his possession. The other half remained with Princess Amethyst, King Philippe's daughter and a key ally of Amelia.

Minister Wilhelm's trembling voice spoke of the grim reality facing them. "Princess Amethyst is the last remaining royal blood of Water Fae," he stated, highlighting the delicate situation they were in. The alliance between Princess Amethyst and Amelia posed a significant threat, especially given their shared affinity for dark magic and their potential to cause further chaos and destruction.

Hiyasmin's sigh echoed the somber atmosphere that had settled over the meeting chamber in the heart of the library. Despite obtaining the Ones of the Fire Kingdom, their troubles seemed far from over.

The meeting had extended for more than two hours, with Hiyasmin, Liam, and the ministers present, except for Minister Ksaver, who had been missing since the war began. It was speculated that he might be organizing his knights as the Minister of War.

Liam's voice cut through the tension as he addressed Commander Leonel, a close friend treated as family. The news of missing comrades struck a chord of concern and dread among the gathered group.

Commander Leonel's distant expression betrayed the weight of the news he bore. "The house was already destroyed when we arrived," he recounted, his voice filled with sorrow. "Blood was everywhere, and the bodies of our fallen knights lay among the wreckage." The mention of Rivalz's death and Louise's disappearance added to the heavy atmosphere. "They are gone..." Leonel's voice trembled, revealing a rare glimpse of fear and uncertainty.

"What do you mean that Louise… is gone?" The sudden appearance of Ludwig at the threshold, visibly weakened but filled with intense rage and power, sent shockwaves through the gathered group. His bloodshot eyes and disheveled appearance only heightened the aura of danger that emanated from him.

As Ludwig questioned the fate of Louise, the tension in the room escalated. His intense emotions manifested in his body, causing it to ignite in flames. The sudden burst of fire startled everyone, and Minister Wilhelm's audible gulp indicated the fear and awe that gripped them in the presence of the King's power.

Hiyasmin acted swiftly, rising from her seat as she observed Ludwig's fiery state. Before the flames could spread further, Minister Quagmane intervened, using his own power to contain and extinguish the fire that threatened to engulf the chamber.

The fear of Ludwig exploding like before, during his first battle against Amelia, lingered in the air. However, the king managed to regain control, calming himself as he felt the presence of citizens nearby. His restraint in not succumbing to his innate nature and endangering his people spoke volumes of his resolve and responsibility as a ruler.

"Prepare everyone…" Ludwig's low and ominous order was met with a knowing understanding among the group. It signaled a call to arms, a readiness for conflict and bloodshed. The weight of impending battles and the challenges ahead set the stage for a turbulent and uncertain future under Ludwig's reign.