The Weight of Leadership

When I reached the team, everyone had already mounted their horses, waiting for the signal to move. The princess stood beside me, her hands still tied, her expression unreadable. Without a word, I put my hand on her waist and lifted her onto the horse

She didn't resist, didn't speak, just looked at me with those sharp blue eyes, as if studying me. I met her gaze briefly before stepping back.

I felt Andrew watching me. When I looked at him, he had a smile on his face, and he nodded slightly, clearly amused. I ignored him.

Yuri stood at the front, looking out at the assembled soldiers. His presence alone commanded attention, but when he spoke, the weight of his words made the air feel heavy.

"We have one mission today," Yuri said in a steady, strong voice. "Complete the mission, get our soldiers back, and return home safely. Drayton will not make this easy. Don't trust their smiles, and don't let your guard down. Keep your members alert, and stick together."

His eyes moved across the crowd, stopping at a few of us. "We're not here to start a war, but if one comes to us, we'll end it."

The soldiers nodded, their silence a testament to their concentration. I remained silent, listening.

"Move," Yuri ordered.

I was riding with him at the front, leading my own team as he led the entire operation. The cold wind caressed my face as the horses moved forward, the sound of hooves filling the air.

For a while, we travelled in silence. Then Yuri spoke, his voice low now, just between the two of us.

"You've been quiet," he said, his tone unreadable.

I looked at him. "I don't have much to say."

Yuri let out a light laugh. "That never stopped me."

I didn't respond.

After a moment, he sighed. "I know this isn't easy. Leading people and making decisions. It's not about being the strongest. It's about knowing when to act and when to hold back."

I stared ahead, listening.

Yuri glanced at me. "You remind me of myself when I was younger," he said. "Always thinking, always carrying the weight alone."

I kept my eyes ahead. "And what did you get?"

He laughed softly. "A lot of sleepless nights… and a few regrets."

I didn't respond, but I knew what he meant.

Yuri continued, his voice steady. "Leadership isn't about knowing all the answers. It's about making choices, even when none of them feel right. And sometimes, you'll make mistakes. Big ones." He paused for a moment, then added, "And remember, just because I give you advice, doesn't mean I'm smarter than you. It means I've made more mistakes."

I thought about his words, letting them settle.

Finally, I gave a small nod. "Then I'll make sure to learn from yours."

Yuri smirked. "That would make you smarter than me already."

The conversation ended there, but his words stayed with me as we rode forward.