Drayton Empire part 2

The meeting finished, and the king dismissed everyone with a wave of his hand. Keven, the prince of Drayton, stepped forward as the others did, his dark, piercing eyes looking on Elena, who still knelt near the throne.

"Elena," he said, his voice steady and cold, "come with me."

She looked up, her expression between confusion and fear, but she didn't argue. Rising slowly, she followed him out of the grand chamber.

Keven led her to a small room away in the far corner of the palace. The room was simple, with a table, a few chairs, and a large map spread out across the surface. Once they 're inside, he closed the door behind them.

"You'll go with us," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "When the deal is done, you'll take the princess to the Safe Zone. Things are probably going to get crazy there, and I want her far away from that."

Elena's eyes widened in shock. "You're letting me go with you? After what your father said… I thought…"

Kevin cut her off, his voice calm but firm. "My father blames you for what happened, but I don't, and he's angry right now. You're loyal to her, and you'll need someone to trust when this is over."

Elena hesitated, her voice faltering. "But… what if things don't go as planned? What if they attack during the deal?"

Kevin's gaze turned sharp; his tone steady. "I'm prepared for it. I'll calculate every possible scenario, and I'll hide troops nearby. If they make a move, we'll be ready to attack. But my goal is to avoid a fight altogether. If we can trade without bloodshed, it'll be better for everyone."

Elena looked at him. "Do you think it's possible to stop them without a fight?"

Kevin's expression didn't waver. "Maybe. Maybe not. But I'll do everything I can to make it happen. And if it doesn't… I'll protect her. No matter what."

Her voice trembled slightly. "You've never lost a fight, Kevin. You can stop them yourself."

Kevin shook his head, his voice calm but firm. "That's not the point. Winning isn't the answer here. Every fight leaves scars, and I don't want my sister to see any more of that. She deserves better."

Elena's chest tightened at his words, realizing the weight of what he was asking her to do. "I'll do it," she said firmly. "I'll keep her safe."

Kevin nodded, his gaze softening once more. "I know you will. That's why I trust you with this."

He pushed himself off the table, straightening his posture. "The troops will be in position by tomorrow. The moment the trade happens, take her and leave."

Elena hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. "What about you?"

Keven gave a smile. "I'll handle the rest."

Elena could see the weight he carried, the conflict between his loyalty to his family and his hope to stop the endless cycle of violence caused by his father.