Chapter 39: Trust

"Are you ready?" Lila asked quietly, watching Selene as she stood before the mirror.

Selene didn't answer right away. Her reflection stared back at her, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.

She was dressed in silver and obsidian black armor, which hugged her form with strength and elegance. She looked every bit the warrior queen, even if inside, she felt like a crumbling citadel.

Her fingers twitched slightly at her sides. She had barely rested last night. Every time she closed her eyes, all she saw was the battlefield—Ronan's men, Thaddeus' sneer, and a future ruled by darkness.

"It's not too late to stop this," Lila said gently. "Master Thaddeus gave you two weeks. You could… listen. Obey. Prepare the castle for his arrival. Not everything has to end in bloodshed."

Selene turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Are you with me, Lila? Or against me? Because sometimes, it's hard to tell. And if I can't trust you, then I have no business keeping you by my side."

"I'm not against you," Lila said, voice strained. "I'm trying to protect you. You don't even know if you can find Ronan. And if by some miracle you do find him—what then? Do you really believe he can stop Thaddeus? Because I don't."

Selene's face tightened. "How many times do I have to tell you to keep your opinions to yourself." She said, brushing past her. She walked toward the sword stand, picked up Valerius, and strapped it around her waist.

"You can leave the castle, Lila," Selene continued, her voice now cold and controlled. "You can walk away from this. You don't have to stay, I'm not forcing you to."

Lila's shoulders slumped. "It's you I'm worried about. You could leave too, before it's too late. Before you get yourself killed."

Selene spun back around. "Where is this suddenly coming from?" she snapped. "I told you—I'm prepared to die trying. There are worse fates than death. One of them is living in a world where Thaddeus sits on the throne."

A long silence settled between them

"You're right," Lila finally said, eyes dropping. "Forgive me. I'm just…"

"..Afraid," Selene finished softly, stepping closer. "I am too. But fear doesn't get to decide who we are. Promise me, Lila. If I go out there to face death—I need to know the person at my back will not betray me. Can I trust you?"

Lila looked up, meeting her gaze. "You can trust me. Always."

There was a knock at the door.

Lila moved to open it, revealing Travis, clad in dark leather armor. He stepped in, but the moment his eyes landed on Selene, he froze.

For a heartbeat, he said nothing.

She looked stunning, radiant and terrifying in her beauty. Her long raven hair, cascading down her back like waves of silk. Her armor caught the light, outlining her strength and grace. The sword at her side gave her an air of authority, and her presence filled the room—commanding, determined, and beautiful in a way that made it hard to look away.

She was breathtaking.

Travis blinked, shaking himself out of the trance she'd cast.

"The men are ready for you, my Queen," he said with a bow.

Selene nodded. "Lead the way."

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Outside in the courtyard, what remained of the royal army had gathered. Horses stood saddled and restless, their breaths misting in the morning air. The men, clad in full armor, stood in disciplined rows, eyes steady, hands clenched around their weapons.

Selene strode into their midst, head high.

She climbed a few stone steps and turned to face them all.

"We ride today not just to find a man, but to bring back your King," she called out, voice ringing across the courtyard. "King Ronan who bled for this kingdom, who gave his life to protect it. And if the Rebellion stands in our path, we give them no mercy. For every life they've taken, we will take ten. For every village they've burned, we will raise their own ashes against them."

Her eyes swept across the crowd. "You are not just soldiers. You are the flame that will set this kingdom free. And you will not rest until your King sits on his throne again."

The men raised their swords in unison, letting out a fierce cheer. Selene mounted her horse, and the rest followed suit, ready to ride.

But just as they prepared to leave, a shout rang out.

"Wait! Wait!!"

A young man sprinted into the courtyard, panting hard, his face streaked with sweat and dirt. His clothes were travel-worn, his voice hoarse as he screamed again, "The King! He's in my village!"

Every head turned. Swords were drawn as the guards stepped forward, blocking his path.

"I need to see the Queen!" the man cried, struggling against their hold. "Please, I speak the truth! The King is alive!"

Selene raised a hand. "Let him through." She commanded as she dismounted her horse.

The guards parted, and the man stumbled forward, collapsing at her feet.

"One of our villagers brought him in—he was half-dead, covered in blood, a spear in his chest. But he's alive. Somehow, he's alive."

Travis stepped forward, frowning. "Are you certain of what you speak?"

"I am," the young man said without hesitation. "I saw him with my own eyes. My village head sent me here."

Selene turned to Lila, who had stepped beside her quietly. ~He speaks the truth.~

Selene looked back at the man. "Take us to him."

"My Queen, this could be a trap," Travis warned, voice low and sharp.

"It's not," Selene said, already pulling on her gloves. Her tone left no room for argument. She swung onto her horse again. "Get him a horse. He rides with us."

Travis gave a reluctant nod, motioning to one of the men. Within moments, the young man was mounted beside them.

And then the army began to move, thundering out of the courtyard, hearts burning with hope.