Chapter 11: The Gathering Storm

The Everhart family had settled into their chambers in the palace, but there was little time to relax. The royal summons was not merely for pleasantries—King Aldric had made it clear that turmoil was brewing in the Western Territories, and House Everhart was expected to take part in the resolution.

Leon lay on his bed, staring at the intricate carvings on the ceiling. Despite the luxury of the palace, he couldn't shake a sense of unease. The king's words from their meeting replayed in his mind. There are forces at play beyond mere banditry.

A knock at his door startled him.

"Come in," he called.

The door creaked open, and Sophia stepped inside, her usual composed expression tinged with concern. "Father has called us to meet in his study. He says it's important."

Leon sat up immediately. "Rachel and Mother are coming too?"

Sophia nodded. "Of course. We should go quickly."

Leon followed her through the palace corridors, their footsteps muffled by the lavish carpets. The Everhart family had been given an entire wing to themselves—an indication of their high status—but despite the grandeur, there was an undeniable tension in the air. Palace servants moved about hurriedly, their hushed whispers hinting at troubling news spreading through the court.

When they arrived at Duke Alistair's study, the rest of their family was already inside. Rachel leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, a frown on her face. Their mother, Lady Eleanor, sat in a high-backed chair, her expression unreadable. Duke Alistair stood near a large map spread across the desk, his sharp gaze scanning over various markers placed upon it.

"You're here," Alistair said, nodding to Leon and Sophia. "Good. We need to talk."

Leon glanced at the map. "This is about the Western Territories, isn't it?"

His father's expression darkened. "Yes. Reports from our scouts confirm that the situation is worse than we thought. Several noble families loyal to the crown have been attacked. Their estates were burned, and survivors speak of shadowy figures leading the assaults—fighters who appear and disappear as if they were never there."

Leon's stomach tightened. "That doesn't sound like ordinary rebels or bandits."

"It isn't," Alistair said grimly. "This reeks of something more organized, something deliberate. King Aldric is worried that a faction within the kingdom is plotting against him, and given how quickly these attacks have spread, he may be right."

Lady Eleanor finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. "We need to be careful. The royal court is full of schemers, and if someone seeks to weaken the king's rule, they may also see us as threats."

Rachel scoffed. "Let them try. I'd like to see them handle House Everhart."

Alistair shot her a look. "Do not underestimate our enemies. Strength alone will not win this battle—knowledge and preparation are just as important."

Sophia leaned over the map, her keen eyes analyzing the markers. "What's our next move?"

Alistair exhaled slowly. "The king is holding a council meeting tomorrow with the noble houses. He wants House Everhart's stance made clear." His gaze shifted to Leon. "This will also be your first introduction to court politics."

Leon straightened. He knew this day would come, but he hadn't expected it so soon. "What should I do?"

"For now, observe and learn," Alistair said. "Speak only when necessary. Some nobles will try to gauge your intelligence, your temperament. Others may seek to provoke you. Do not let them."

Rachel smirked. "If anyone tries anything, I'll handle them."

Lady Eleanor sighed. "Rachel, we are here as representatives of our house. No unnecessary conflicts."

Rachel pouted but said nothing more.

Alistair tapped the map. "Aside from the council meeting, I will be meeting privately with some of the king's closest allies to assess where they stand. House Everhart must tread carefully—if the kingdom truly is on the verge of civil strife, we must be ready."

Leon took a deep breath. He had expected palace life to be filled with etiquette lessons and noble rivalries, but this was something far more serious. The kingdom was on the edge of war, and his family was at the center of it.

---

The next morning, the royal council chamber was filled with the most powerful figures in Eryndor. Nobles from all corners of the kingdom sat at a long, ornate table, their expressions varying from mild curiosity to outright suspicion. King Aldric sat at the head, his presence commanding despite his calm demeanor.

Leon stood behind his father's chair, beside Rachel and Sophia. His siblings remained poised, their expressions unreadable, but he could sense Rachel's impatience.

King Aldric spoke first. "You have all heard the reports. The Western Territories are under attack. I have summoned you here to discuss what must be done."

A grizzled noble with a thick beard leaned forward. "Your Majesty, if this is truly the work of traitors, then we must respond with force. Crush them before they gain more ground."

Another noble, younger and lean, shook his head. "Rushing in blindly could be a mistake. We still do not know who is truly behind these attacks. If we accuse the wrong people, we could spark a rebellion where there was none."

Murmurs spread across the table.

Duke Alistair finally spoke, his voice steady. "I agree that we must tread carefully, but inaction is not an option either. House Everhart is prepared to aid in uncovering the truth behind these attacks. If we can determine who is orchestrating them, we can strike with precision."

King Aldric nodded. "That is exactly what I intend. I am forming an investigation unit comprised of trusted nobles and warriors. They will travel to the Western Territories to gather information and, if necessary, act against those responsible."

Leon felt his heart skip a beat as he realized what this meant. His father would undoubtedly be part of this mission. Would he go as well?

A noble from across the table scoffed. "And who will lead this mission, Your Majesty? It must be someone with both strength and wisdom."

The king's gaze swept across the room before landing on Alistair. "Duke Everhart will lead."

Murmurs rose again, some approving, others wary. Leon caught the glance exchanged between a few nobles—clearly, not all of them were pleased with this decision.

Rachel's smirk widened. "Of course. Who else could handle it?"

Sophia shot her a warning look.

The king continued. "This matter is of great importance. Those of you who wish to prove your loyalty to the crown may offer your assistance. But let it be known—this mission carries great risk."

The room fell into thoughtful silence.

Leon clenched his fists. A real war might be coming. And if that were the case, his life in the palace would be anything but simple.