The Dark Forces

The grand chambers were illuminated by the warm, flickering glow of enchanted sconces, the quiet scratch of a quill against parchment filling the air. Serena sat at her massive desk, her crimson eyes focused on the documents before her. The weight of the city's future seemed to press into the very air around her, yet her movements were calm and deliberate.

The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the hurried clatter of boots on polished stone broke the silence. Lian entered, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as she stopped before the desk and snapped a sharp salute. Her cheeks were flushed, and she struggled to steady herself.

Serena glanced up, her quill pausing mid-stroke. "Lian, why are you out of breath?" Her tone was calm, but the faint edge of disapproval was unmistakable.

"My Lady, you summoned me," Lian managed between gasps. "I—ran here as fast as I could."

Serena arched a brow, setting her quill down with deliberate care. "Ran? Through the entire castle? Lian, unless the walls are literally crumbling around us, I don't expect you—or any of my soldiers—to exhaust themselves over a simple summons. Is that clear?"

Lian's posture stiffened, her face coloring with embarrassment. "Y-yes, my Lady. My apologies. It won't happen again."

Serena waved a hand dismissively, her expression softening slightly. "Good. Now, catch your breath and relax. I don't need you collapsing on my floor."

Lian nodded, taking a moment to compose herself. Once her breathing steadied, she straightened again. "May I ask why I was summoned, my Lady?"

Serena leaned back in her chair, folding her arms as she studied Lian with an unreadable expression. "I want your thoughts on something."

Lian blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "My thoughts? On what, my Lady?"

Serena's lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained sharp. "How can we increase our military might? The economy is flourishing, the people are thriving, and the city is secure. It's time to focus on something greater." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "I want to hear your ideas. How do we make our forces stronger, more efficient, and more formidable?"

Lian's mouth opened, but no sound came out. She stood there, clearly startled by the question, her mind racing. After a long pause, Serena's gaze narrowed slightly. "Well? I didn't summon you here to stand there like a statue. Speak."

Lian swallowed hard, her voice hesitant. "I—I need a moment to think, my Lady. This isn't a small question."

Serena inclined her head, gesturing for her to continue. "Take your time, but not too much. I'm waiting."

Lian closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. When she opened them again, there was a flicker of determination. "We could… start by expanding the training regimens for new recruits, my Lady. Many of our soldiers are skilled, but they rely heavily on traditional methods. If we introduced more modern tactics—battle simulations, specialized combat drills—it could give us an edge."

Serena nodded slowly, her fingers steepled under her chin. "Interesting. Go on."

Encouraged, Lian continued. "We could also establish dedicated units for specific roles. Scouts trained for reconnaissance, siege engineers to handle fortifications and equipment, and perhaps even a corps focused on magical combat. With the adventurers' guilds in place, we could recruit those with magical talent and integrate them into our forces."

Serena's eyes gleamed with interest. "A corps of battlemages… That could be useful. And the adventurers' guilds would indeed provide a steady pool of talent. What else?"

Lian hesitated, then added, "Perhaps we could invest in better equipment. While our current gear is serviceable, we could commission master smiths to create superior armor and weapons. It would be an investment, but one that could save lives in the long term."

Serena leaned back, tapping a finger against the armrest of her chair. "Expanding training, specialized units, magical integration, and improved equipment… All good ideas, but they come at a cost. How do you propose we fund these initiatives?"

Lian paused, her brow furrowing in thought. "We could allocate a portion of the adventurers' guild profits toward military funding. They're already benefiting from the stability our soldiers provide. It's only fair they contribute to maintaining that stability."

A faint smile tugged at Serena's lips. "Pragmatic. I like it. But we'll need to approach that carefully to avoid alienating the guilds."

Lian nodded, her confidence growing. "We could also introduce voluntary training programs for the citizens. Not everyone needs to be a soldier, but if more people knew basic combat techniques, it would bolster the city's overall defense in case of an attack."

Serena's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on Lian. "You've given this more thought than I expected. It seems you've been holding back. Why?"

Lian hesitated, then said quietly, "Because I didn't think it was my place, my Lady. You have so many brilliant advisors, and I'm just a soldier."

Serena's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. "You're more than just a soldier, Lian. You're one of the few people I trust to speak honestly. That's why I summoned you. Don't hold back again. Is that clear?"

Lian straightened, her face resolute. "Yes, my Lady. I'll remember that."

Serena nodded, her faint smile returning. "Good. Now, let's get to work. We've got a military to strengthen."

Serena gestured toward the chair across from her desk, her crimson eyes glinting with sharp focus. "Sit, Lian. We're going to turn your ideas into something actionable."

Lian hesitated for a moment before pulling out the chair and settling into it. She sat straight-backed, her hands resting awkwardly on her thighs as Serena unrolled a fresh sheet of parchment and dipped her quill into the inkwell.

"Let's start with the army," Serena began, her tone brisk. "We need a name—something that strikes fear into anyone who hears it. This isn't just a military force; it's the backbone of Celestafell's future."

Lian considered for a moment, then ventured, "The 1st Dark Army? It's simple, direct, and ties to your title."

Serena nodded, scribbling the name at the top of the parchment. "Good. The 1st Dark Army it is. Now, we'll need to organize it. Specialized units, like you suggested. Scouts, siege engineers, a battlemage corps… What about heavy infantry? Cavalry?"

Lian leaned forward slightly, her nerves giving way to focus. "Heavy infantry is a must. Heavily armored soldiers with shields and spears to hold the line. As for cavalry… we'd need to invest in better horses or possibly breed warhorses for endurance and strength. It won't be a quick process."

Serena nodded, jotting notes as she spoke. "That's fine. We're building for the long term. We'll also need elite units—small, highly trained squads for special operations. Something like… the Black Vanguards. Does that sound fitting?"

"It does," Lian agreed. "But they'll need the best equipment, the best training, and absolute loyalty. Picking the right soldiers will be critical."

Serena smiled faintly. "And that's why I have you. You'll oversee the selection process for the Black Vanguards. No one gets in without your approval."

Lian blinked, momentarily taken aback. "My Lady, I—are you sure? That's… a lot of responsibility."

Serena set the quill down and fixed Lian with a steady gaze. "I wouldn't assign it to you if I weren't sure. You've proven your loyalty and your insight. You're the right person for the job. Now, let's move on."

Lian nodded, her resolve firming as Serena picked up the quill again. "What about the Navy and Marines?" Serena asked.

Lian frowned, leaning back slightly. "With all due respect, my Lady, do we need a navy? We're not near an ocean. The closest large body of water is leagues away, and it's barely more than a glorified lake. As for amphibious units, I can't see why we'd need them. It's… impractical."

Serena paused, meeting Lian's gaze with an intensity that made her shift slightly in her seat. "And that's exactly why we need them. No one would expect us to have a navy or an amphibious unit. Think about it, Lian. While our enemies are preparing for land-based engagements, they won't anticipate an attack from the water. It gives us an edge—a way to strike where they're weakest."

Lian tilted her head, still skeptical. "But the cost, my Lady… Ships, sailors, specialized equipment… It's a massive investment for something we might never need. Wouldn't that money be better spent on strengthening the army?"

Serena leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "It's not about immediate need. It's about potential. A Navy and Marine Corps aren't just for war—they're for exploration, for trade, for securing allies across the seas. They're a statement. Celestafell won't just defend itself—we'll expand, project power, and thrive in ways no one expects."

Lian opened her mouth to argue but stopped, considering Serena's words. Finally, she sighed. "You always see farther ahead than the rest of us, don't you?"

"That's why I'm sitting here, Lian," Serena said with a faint smirk, dipping her quill into the ink. "Now, let's get into the details. The 1st Dark Naval and Marine Corps. What do we need to make this a reality?"

Lian leaned forward, her skepticism melting into focus. "Well, for the navy, we'd need shipwrights—experienced ones who can build vessels capable of both combat and transport. The first step would be scouting the nearby towns for anyone with shipbuilding expertise."

Serena nodded, jotting down the notes. "And for the Marine Corps?"

"They'd need to be versatile," Lian replied. "Trained for both sea and land combat. They'd also need to learn how to operate in small units, launching raids or securing coastal positions. We'd have to recruit the best swimmers, the most adaptable soldiers. And… it wouldn't hurt to start looking into naval magic, if such a thing exists."

Serena's eyes gleamed at the suggestion. "Naval magic. Now that's interesting. Something to explore. Good thinking, Lian."

"Thank you, my Lady." Lian hesitated before adding, "But this is going to be an enormous undertaking. Are you sure we're ready for it?"

Serena leaned back, a small, confident smile playing on her lips. "We weren't ready for the Adventurers' Guilds, the Laborers' Guild, or half the reforms I've put in place. But we did them anyway, and look where we are now. Celestafell thrives because we take risks others are too afraid to consider. This will be no different."

Lian nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Then I'll follow your lead, my Lady. Let's make it happen."

Serena smiled, dipping her quill back into the inkwell. "Good. Now, let's draft these plans. The future waits for no one."

The grand chamber was quiet, save for the faint rustle of parchment as Serena reclined on a plush velvet couch, the two freshly drafted proposals clutched in her hands. The warm, golden glow of enchanted sconces illuminated the room, casting soft shadows over the richly upholstered furniture and the polished stone floor. Serena's crimson eyes flicked back and forth across the text, her brows furrowed in concentration.

Her boots were unzipped but not removed, a small detail that spoke of her intentions to resume work despite her current position. The delicate stockings that clad her feet and legs were sheer black with faint, elegant floral patterns trailing from her toes to just above her knees, subtly accentuating her form.

Lucien stepped into the room, his footsteps deliberately quiet as he took in the sight of her. She didn't seem to notice him—or at least, she gave no indication that she had. Her focus was entirely on the proposals in her hands, her sharp gaze scanning every line of text. Her lips moved slightly as if testing the weight of each word, her expression flickering between approval and frustration.

As he moved closer, however, he caught the faintest shift in her eyes, a subtle glance in his direction that confirmed she was fully aware of his presence. She didn't acknowledge him outright, instead feigning ignorance as she continued reading.

Lucien's gaze dropped to her boots, the unzipped leather exposing the tops of her stockings. He noticed the slight slump in her shoulders, the tension in her brow, and the way her fingers fidgeted with the parchment. She looked like someone who had intended to take a quick break but had gotten lost in her thoughts instead.

Without saying a word, Lucien sat down at the edge of the couch near her feet. Gently, he reached for one of her boots, tugging it free with deliberate care. The motion caught her attention, and her crimson eyes finally flicked to him, one brow arching.

"Well, look at you," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "What a good puppy. You know, I'm a fan of foot-kissing. I even reward it."

Lucien rolled his eyes, setting her boot aside before moving to the other. "Careful, your Majesty. If you keep calling me names, I might start charging for my services."

"Oh, you'd be the first," she quipped, her smirk widening as he slipped off her second boot. "I usually have people tripping over themselves to do my bidding for free."

He set the second boot aside and glanced at her feet, clad in those delicate floral stockings. For a moment, he was struck by how strangely vulnerable they looked. But as he took her foot in his hand, his thumb brushing against the sole, his expression shifted. Blisters and callouses marred the soft fabric, evidence of the toll her relentless work had taken on her.

Lucien frowned but said nothing, his hands moving instinctively to massage the sore muscles. He pressed gently at first, testing her reaction, then gradually applied more pressure as he worked to ease the tension.

Serena raised a brow, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "This is unexpected. You've gone from sarcastic nuisance to amateur masseuse. What's next? Will you start fetching my tea unprompted?"

"Don't push your luck," he shot back, his fingers kneading the arch of her foot. "I'm just trying to make sure you don't limp through your next parade. Wouldn't want the people thinking their queen is fragile."

She chuckled softly, leaning her head back against the couch.

They fell into a brief silence, the quiet broken only by the crackle of the hearth. After a moment, Serena glanced down at the documents still on her lap. "You know, I'm thinking about pushing the military overhaul forward sooner than planned. These drafts need refining, but I don't want to lose momentum. Thoughts?"

Lucien didn't look up, his focus still on her foot. "You're ambitious. I'll give you that. But rushing it could backfire. You'll need the full support of your officers before you make any sweeping changes. Otherwise, you risk them resisting, even quietly."

"Good point," Serena admitted, her tone thoughtful. "I'll need to strategize how to introduce it gradually without losing the impact. I suppose that means more meetings. Wonderful."

Lucien finally released her foot, leaning back with a faint smirk. " Not bad for your charming 'subservient' huh?"

"Careful, Lucien, or I might make this a regular task," she teased, pulling her legs up onto the couch.

He stood, stretching casually. "You're welcome to try. But next time, I'm charging for it."

As their banter continued, the tension in the room eased, replaced by a rare sense of comfort. Serena, for all her sharp edges, allowed herself to relax just enough to enjoy the moment.

The room had grown quieter as the evening deepened, the soft glow of the enchanted sconces casting long shadows across the grand chamber. Serena remained on the couch, her head leaning back against the plush upholstery, the rolled-up proposals resting loosely in her lap. Her crimson eyes, though still sharp, carried the faint glaze of exhaustion. Across from her, Lucien sat perched on the edge of the desk, his arms crossed as he studied her with an unreadable expression.

Their conversation had wound down, slipping into a comfortable silence that neither seemed eager to break. For a moment, they simply existed in the same space, the air between them heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Lucien finally broke the silence, his voice softer than usual. "You should get some rest. You're not invincible, no matter how much you act like it."

Serena smirked faintly, tilting her head to glance at him. "Rest? When there's still an entire military overhaul to plan? Sounds like a luxury I can't afford."

He rolled his eyes, standing and moving toward her. "You could at least pretend to listen to me. It wouldn't kill you."

"Debatable," she quipped, though her voice lacked its usual bite. She leaned her head back again, closing her eyes briefly as if savoring the rare moment of peace.

Lucien stopped beside the couch, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. Neither of them spoke, but there was a quiet understanding in the way they stood—no sharp jabs, no barbed words, just a rare, fragile truce.

Without warning, he leaned down, brushing a soft, deliberate kiss against her temple. The gesture was brief, almost fleeting, but it carried an unexpected weight. Serena's eyes fluttered open, her sharp gaze locking onto his, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Neither of them moved, the air between them charged with an energy neither could quite define.

"Goodnight, my Lady," Lucien said, his voice low, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Try not to work yourself to death. It'd be inconvenient."

Serena blinked, her usual sharp wit momentarily failing her. She watched as he turned and walked toward the door, his steps casual, his demeanor nonchalant. Just as he reached the threshold, she found her voice.

"Lucien," she called, her tone steadier than she expected.

He paused, glancing back at her over his shoulder, one brow arched. "Yes, your Majesty?"

Her lips curved into a faint smirk, though there was a softness in her eyes. "You're insufferable."

He chuckled, the sound low and genuine. "And yet, here we are." With that, he slipped out of the room, leaving Serena alone.

She leaned back against the couch, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the proposal in her lap. A small, unbidden smile played at her lips as she stared at the door he'd just walked through. Neither of them could pinpoint when their relationship had shifted, when the sharp edges of their dynamic had softened into something resembling a partnership—or even a marriage.

But as she sat there, the room silent once more, she realized she didn't mind. Not at all.