Drayton Empire part 1

In this moment in the Drayton empire

The halls of Drayton Manor were eerily quiet, the usual murmurs of servants and guards quieting down at the news. The king sat on his throne, his features sharp and his frown deep.

There were deep lines across his forehead and around his mouth, the marks of a man who had seen victory and betrayal many times. His cold, piercing blue eyes held a fearless intensity, capable of silencing anyone who dared to challenge him. His expression was nothing but anger.

"How did this happen?" His voice echoed in the room, sharp enough to make the guards at the doors tremble. "My daughter, taken under our eyes! And now you're telling me there's no trace of her kidnappers?

The minister, his Assistant and consultant, stepped forward, his face calm. "Your Majesty, we've sent scouts in all directions. It's only a matter of time before we uncover their trail."

The king slammed his fist on the arm of his throne. "Time? Do you think we have time? The Ingocian Empire is watching us, and if they know about this... We cannot afford mistakes."

At the mention of Ingocia, murmurs stirred in the room. Near the shadows on the edge of the room stood a group of hooded pesons. Their faces were hidden, but their presence was felt terrifying, silent reminder of the power they may held. They did not speak, they did not move, but their silence spoke volumes.

The king's look switched to his son, who stood beside the minister, his arms crossed. The prince, with his tall, fit build and sharp features, had an aura of a queit and dangerous person. His black hair was tied back, and his piercing eyes seemed to be focused on what he was saying. He didn't speak immediately, and his posture gave the impression of someone who weigh every word he say.

"The safety of the princess is important for sure," the prince finally said in a steady voice, "but it is not as important as her meeting with Ingocia means to us. If her capture is delayed..."

The king nodded slowly. "She's a piece in a bigger game. Losing her would be costly."

The minister stepped forward, his voice cautious. "We must also consider her intentions, Your Majesty. Perhaps her abduction wasn't entirely forced. There are… questions about her plans before this incident. Plans she didn't share."

The king's eyes narrowed, suspicion shining in his gaze. "Do you think she knew?"

"Perhaps," the minister replied carefully. "But it's unclear."

One of the masked figures moved slightly, breaking their silence. The sound drew attention, and although their faces remained hidden, the power they radiated silenced the room. The figure spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "What matters now is action, not speculation. Find her. And if she's working against the empire's interests, deal with her accordingly."

The king leaned back, his anger barely contained, his sharp eyes scanning the room. The room was silent, with only the faint crackling of torches. Outside, the wind howled over the empire's walls, bringing a sense of anxiety.

Near the foot of the throne, a young woman knelt, her hands shaking as she clutched her dress. Her soft brown hair was simply tied back, and her pale skin showed the lingering effects of illness. Her name was Elena, the princess's loyal servant, and her absence during the princess's capture had not gone unnoticed.

"You were supposed to be by her side," the king said in a low but scathing voice.

Elena raised her eyes, filled with fear. "Your Majesty, I was ill, and I couldn't stand. If I could go, I would…"

"Enough!" the king said loudly. "Excuses won't bring her back. You failed in your duty, and I will never forget it."

Elena bowed her head, tears threatening to fall, but she said nothing.

The king turned his attention to his son, his tone sharp. "What else do you know about her kidnappers?"

The prince stepped forward, his expression calm, though there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "They've proposed a trade of their captured soldiers for the princess. "They claim they want to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

A whisper rang out in the room, but it quickly subsided when one of the masked figures spoke. His voice was calm. "This is clearly a trap. We must agree to their terms, lure them in, then crush them. Let them know the price of crossing Drayton."

The prince's eyes narrowed. "We don't have time to set traps. Every moment we waste here, it gives ingocian empire to know about that, and the longer the princess is gone, the weaker we become."

The king raised his hand, silencing everyone. He rose from his throne, his presence casting a shadow over the room. "You've made your point well," he said, his tone cold and deliberate. "But this isn't about time or tactics, it's about strength. We are Drayton. We don't plead or negotiate with our enemies."

He then turned his cold gaze to the hooded figures. "Prepare your trap. Kill them all."

The prince hesitated for a moment, then nodded, his expression unreadable. "As you command, father."

The king's lips curved into a cruel smile. "I count on you, my son."

The decision was made, and the tension in the room grew. Elena, still kneeling, silently clenched her hands together, her heart heavy. She knew that the princess's capture was only the beginning of something much darker.