Chapter 8: A Royal Summons

The Everhart estate bustled with activity as Leon stood at the grand entrance, watching a procession of royal knights in gleaming silver armor march through the gates. Their banners, bearing the golden lion of the Eryndor Kingdom, fluttered in the afternoon breeze. At their helm rode a tall man with a regal air, his armor adorned with intricate engravings that spoke of his rank.

Leon straightened his posture, feeling the weight of expectation as his father, Duke Alistair Everhart, stepped forward to greet the royal envoy. Beside him, Rachel and Sophia observed with quiet curiosity, while their mother, Lady Eleanor, stood poised, offering the slightest of bows in acknowledgment of the knights' presence.

The lead knight dismounted gracefully, removing his helmet to reveal a sharp-featured face framed by golden locks. His piercing blue eyes swept over the gathered Everharts before settling on the duke.

"Duke Everhart," the knight said with a deep bow. "I bring word from His Majesty."

Alistair inclined his head. "Sir Lucien. To what do we owe the honor of this visit?"

Sir Lucien reached into his cloak, producing a sealed letter marked with the royal sigil. "His Majesty, King Aldric, requests the presence of your household at the royal capital within the fortnight."

A murmur rippled through the gathered nobles. Rachel's eyes gleamed with excitement, while Sophia's expression remained composed, though Leon could see the curiosity flickering in her gaze.

Leon, however, felt a pang of unease. The capital. He had never traveled beyond their estate's borders, and now the king himself was summoning them.

Alistair took the letter, his eyes scanning its contents with a hardened gaze. "This is unexpected."

Lucien smiled faintly. "His Majesty wishes to discuss matters of importance regarding the Western Territories. It seems... recent events have drawn his attention."

Leon furrowed his brows. The Western Territories had always been peaceful, but rumors of bandit attacks and rogue mercenaries had been circulating in recent months. Was the royal court taking an interest in their lands?

"Very well," Alistair said, tucking the letter into his coat. "We shall make preparations to depart."

Lucien nodded before his gaze landed on Leon. "Ah, young Lord Leon. I hear you've begun training under Sir Reynard."

Leon stiffened under the knight's scrutiny. "Yes, Sir Lucien."

The older knight smirked. "Reynard is not an easy instructor. See that you survive his lessons."

Leon swallowed hard. "I'll do my best."

With that, Sir Lucien bowed and turned back to his men. The knights remounted and rode off, leaving the Everhart estate in a flurry of activity as preparations for the journey to the capital began.

---

That evening, as Leon sat in the study once more, Rachel leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "The capital, huh? Excited?"

Leon sighed, rubbing his temples. "Excited? More like anxious."

Rachel chuckled and walked over, ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, little brother. The capital's amazing. Grand parties, endless markets, and more noble ladies than you can count."

Leon groaned. "That's not helping."

Sophia, entering behind her, smiled knowingly. "You'll be fine, Leon. Just remember what we've taught you—swordplay and diplomacy alike."

He looked between his two sisters, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "Yeah... I just hope I don't embarrass myself in front of the king."

Rachel grinned mischievously. "If you do, I'll pretend I don't know you."

Sophia shot her a look. "Rachel."

Leon sighed, leaning back in his chair. The royal summons loomed over him like a storm cloud. One way or another, his life was about to change.