Chapter Ten: Unforseen Complications

Duke Argent's eyes narrowed as he read the letter again, his mind racing with the implications. The arrival of the Prince of the Mumford Empire and the request for his presence in discussions suggested a delicate diplomatic situation.

He wondered what his brother, Emperor Raoul III, had gotten himself into this time. Their relationship was complicated, to say the least, with a mix of familial duty and political maneuvering.

Just as he was about to set the letter down, a knock at the door broke the silence. "Enter," he called out, expecting Marcus Rashford with more news or perhaps a refreshment.

"Father," Zephyr greeted as he stood in front of Duke Argent.

Looking up, Duke Argent asked, "Zephyr, what brings you here?"

"I heard two letters has been sent to the Duchy." Zephyr replied.

"Yes," Duke Argent got up from the sofa and walked towards the window.

Outside the window, the garden could be seen, hills, forest and the town he ruled over.

Looking outside, he said, "Get ready in the next four days. And make sure the meeting room is clean,"

"Yes father," Zephyr bowed before leaving the room.

***

As the four days passed, the Duchy of Argent buzzed with activity. Zephyr oversaw the preparations, ensuring the meeting room was spotless and the guards were on high alert. Duke Argent, meanwhile, had been going to and fro between the castle to meet the Emperor.

On the eve of the meeting, a sense of unease settled over the castle. Zephyr found his father pacing in the garden, the moon casting long shadows behind him.

"Father, what troubles you?" Zephyr asked, approaching him.

Duke Argent stopped pacing and turned to his son. "The Emperor... speaks of a great threat, one that requires our immediate attention. I fear we are on the cusp of a great change, Zephyr."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed. "What kind of threat?"

Duke Argent hesitated before responding, "I will reveal more tomorrow, when the time is right. For now, let us focus on the task at hand."

The next morning, Zephyr stood by his father's side as they awaited the arrival of their guests.

As they stood in the grand hall, the sound of horses' hooves echoed outside, followed by the murmur of voices. Zephyr's grip on the hilt of his sword tightened, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

The doors opened as Duke Marshal's boisterous voice rang out, "Rowan, I hope you bought out the wine,"

Duke Argent, Rowan, chuckled and shook his head, "Chester, Your old habits die hard. The wine is flowing, but let us focus on the matter at hand."

Duke Marshal threw a quick grin, laughed and clapped Duke Argent on the back. "Ah, come now, Rowan! Wine and war go hand in hand! We can't save the world on empty stomachs!"

The room erupted in a mixture of laughter and murmurs of agreement. Zephyr rolled his eyes good-naturedly, familiar with Duke Marshal's antics.

"Ah, Zephyr you've grown a lot since I last meet you." Duke Marshal looked at Zephyr as he pulled on his beard.

Zephyr gave a bow in thanks.

"Haha, as uptight as your father." Duke Marshal laughed hartley. "This is Kieran Luke Ashwood, the eldest son of Orien Kage Ashwood. I'm sure you've heard of him." Duke Marshal introduced the tall young man next to him.

The man was difficult to ignore. He had dark purple hair paired with cherry red coloured eyes. A strong nose bridge and thin lips.

Kieran bowed in greeting.

After the pleasantries, Zephyr led them towards the meeting room. Duke Argent told the servants to bring four cups of tea and four wine glasses, and unsummoned the other servants.

As they entered the meeting room, Zephyr couldn't help but notice Kieran's striking features. The combination of dark purple hair and cherry red eyes was unsettling, yet intriguing.

Duke Argent gestured for them to take seats, and the servants arrived with the tea and wine. Zephyr poured the tea, while Duke Marshal helped himself to wine.

Kieran's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the maps and strategy boards. "I see you're preparing for war, Duke Argent. May I ask, what's the situation?"

Duke Argent leaned forward, his expression grim. "We've received reports of the Shadowhand Clan's movements. They're gathering forces in the north, and we suspect they'll strike soon."

Kieran's expression turned thoughtful. "I've heard rumors of their plans. My father, Orien, has been tracking their movements. I can share our findings, if you'd like."

Zephyr's interest piqued, he leaned forward. "Please, share what you know. Every bit of information helps."

Duke Argent and Duke Marshal watched both boys talk with proud looks in their eyes.

Duke Marshal passed a wine glass to Duke Argent. "I guess your Duchy is in safe hands,"

Duke Argent smiled, accepting the wine glass, and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is. Zephyr has grown into a capable young man. And Kieran, seems equally impressive."

Duke Marshal beamed with pride. "Aye, he's a good lad. Orien taught him well. He's got a strategic mind, just like his father."

Taking a sip he continued, "The Ashwood's are know for that. To bad Orien and his wife, Emeilia are aren't here to see it."

"Let me guess, another honey moon?" Sipping his, he asked.

"Bingo," Duke Marshal said as he gulped down his wine.

As they sipped their wine, Zephyr and Kieran continued discussing the Mumford Empire's movements, their conversation flowing easily.

Zephyr pointed to a map, tracing a path with his finger. "If they're gathering forces here, we could launch a surprise attack from the east."

Kieran nodded, his eyes lighting up. "That's a great idea. But we should also consider the possibility of a traitor within our own ranks."

Duke Argent's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing. "A traitor, you say? That's a grave accusation. Do you have any evidence?"

"Yes I do. I never accuse without evidence." Kieran's red eyes darkened as he revealed what he found out.

Kieran's expression turned solemn, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I've discovered a hidden message in the Empire's communication. It suggests that someone within our alliance is feeding information to the Shadowhand Clan."

Duke Argent's grip on his wine glass tightened, his eyes locked intensely on Kieran. "Who is it? Who's the traitor?"

Kieran hesitated, glancing around the room before focusing on Duke Argent. "I'm not entirely sure yet, but I suspect it's someone close to the Emperor. Perhaps even a member of the Imperial Guard."

Zephyr's eyes widened, his mind racing with the implications. "That's a serious accusation. If true, it could compromise our entire strategy."

Duke Marshal's face darkened, his voice low and menacing. "If I find out who's behind this, I'll make sure they regret ever crossing us."

The room fell silent, the weight of Kieran's revelation hanging in the air like a chain.

"Father I have an idea, but you may not like how it will be executed." Zephyr said.

"What do you mean?"

"We will need the Captain of the Dragon Raiders,"

Duke Argent stood up in a flurry of anger, "No! Absolutely not! What are you thinking?"

Still keeping his expression, Zephyr continued, "You know she is the only one who can do this,"

"No! Because of this job we almost lost her!" Duke Argent was adamant on refusing the suggestion.

Taking in a deep breath. Zephyr continued, "It was not. It was because of..."

"Because of what?" Calming down Duke Argent asked.

"If you want to know, you must ask her yourself,"

Rubbing his face, Duke Argent said, "Sorry about this gentlemen, we are moving this meeting upstairs."

"Worry not, I'm used to the and Zephyr fighting. And Kieran is quite indifferent to this since he and his father afte quite a lot as well,"

Kieran simply threw a pointed look at his fathers friend and sighed.

They walked upstairs. As they walked they took a few detours. This made both Duke Marshal and Kieran realize how massive the Argent Duchy was.

After 20 minutes of waking. They arrived before a huge door decorated with golden flowers and silver figures.

Zephyr knocked on the door as he gently called out, "Sage, can we come in?"

A euphonlous and melliflous voice replied, "You may,"