Chapter 520: Convergence for Orders
Callis huffed, dissatisfaction etched so plainly on her face it might as well have been written across her forehead.
"Hey, are you all right?" Athillia asked softly at her side.
"I’m fine. Just... flustered. If I were Anna, I wouldn’t even bother," Callis muttered.
The Bargesian princess smiled knowingly.
"That’s exactly why she’s the empress. She’s not like us. And asking you instead of your brother, I think that was a clever move."
"Why?" Callis arched a brow.
"Because Prince Kiev wouldn’t do it. His resentment runs too deep after being implicated in the case," Athillia explained.
The Mederian princess gave a slight nod. She was right. Kiev would never do it; the mere thought would have sent him into a fury.
"Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. At least I don’t feel so nervous now," Athillia admitted, drawing deep breaths.
Her hands trembled slightly. Her heart, however, pounded mercilessly. Would this turn out all right?
"Hey... you’ll be fine. Everything will be all right," Callis reassured her.
Athillia managed a wan smile, though her thoughts still churned.
Meanwhile, Kyren and Sir Ashburne remained composed. The grand duke was steady in determination, while the commander kept his jaw tight, displaying the weight of his concern for Ardel, a kingdom now left without a ruler.
Just then, the doors of the throne hall swung open. Charles stepped out, bowing respectfully to the grand duke and his entourage.
"Please come in, Your Highness. His Majesty is ready to receive you," the chamberlain announced.
"Thank you," Kyren replied with a curt nod.
The group entered the hall, advancing with formal reverence until they stood before the king.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting," said King Kyden.
Dark shadows circled beneath his eyes, signs of the restless nights Queen Emelda had spoken of.
"It’s no trouble, Your Majesty," Kyren answered. "We arrived without notice and intruded on your packed schedule. We’re grateful you made the time for us."
"I’ve summoned the Four Pillar Families’ heads and representative for this discussion as requested. They will be here soon since they are already in the palace," King Kyden said. His voice carried both firmness and fatigue.
Then, glancing at Kyren, he added, "And grand duke... spare me the formal greetings. Even if you wish to maintain your previous title, we all know your true status. Pretending otherwise only unsettles me."
Kyren smiled. "Very well, then, Your Majesty."
King Kyden’s gaze shifted to the entourage behind the grand duke. Two among them—a young girl and a seasoned knight—were strangers to him, while another was Callis, the Mederian Princess. This combination of rare presence stirred his curiosity.
"Proceed," the king said with a nod.
"Firstly, I must apologise for not coming sooner. Only now have matters settled, and I finally have a moment of respite after the chaos," Kyren began.
"Understood. And how is Anna?" the king asked.
"She is much better, resting comfortably at the mansion. Her Majesty Queen Emelda is by her side, and my knight, Sir Alexander Jarr, has informed me that his mother, Duchess Valerie Jarr, will soon pay her a visit."
"That is good to hear," King Kyden replied warmly. "She will take comfort in the ladies’ company. Also, my congratulations to your knights on the happy news of the pregnancies."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am grateful for your magnanimity in allowing your maids and royal governess to assist at my mansion," Kyren said.
"They are meant to provide service for Anna, too. Her well-being must always be of utmost priority." King Kyden affirmed. Then his expression grew serious. "Now, tell me, what is the purpose of this meeting?"
"I came here to settle a few pending matters," said Kyren.
Just then, the doorkeeper announced the arrival of the heads and representative of the Four Pillar Families, interrupting the moment.
"You called for us, Your Majesty?" asked the Duke of Sanad after the greetings.
"It was His Highness the Grand Duke who requested your presence," said King Kyden.
Matthew’s eyes drifted toward the women standing with Kyren. Callis’s beauty was always a soothing sight to him, but his expression soured when his gaze fell on Athillia.
He scowled at her with a look that seemed to say, ’What is this young nuisance doing here?’
Athillia swallowed hard under his deep, intimidating stare, suddenly feeling very small.
"Your Highness, do inform us. We are at your service," Gabriel, the Duke of Greene, said.
Kyren nodded and said, "I will explain each in turn. The first point concerns Ardel and this man."
Turning to the knight, the grand duke introduced him. "This is Sir Blake Ashburne, Commander of the Ardel’s Battalion, who fought alongside us in the war with Barges."
The men acknowledged the commander immediately.
"The Ardel armies would not have survived without His Highness the Grand Duke’s aid," said Sir Ashburne. "He saved me from being slain by King Ronan and led us to victory. Since then, my kingdom has acknowledged Cassian sovereignty, knowing His Highness is Lady Raychard’s husband. Furthermore, Her Ladyship is now recognised as the Empress of Ro’an."
"The throne of Ardel remains vacant after King Ronan’s fall," the grand duke continued, "and my wife has requested that Sir Ashburne serve as regent. But he has declined."
"I dare not, Your Majesty," Sir Ashburne said with a bow. "We once had a regent, and the people suffered under his iron-fisted rule. They would only fear the same fate if another regent were appointed. Besides, I am of humble birth. Leading armies and waging battles are my skills, but governing a kingdom is not my place."
"Then what has Anna decided?" asked King Kyden to Kyren.
"She wishes His Majesty to appoint a regent from among the Heads and representative of the Four Pillar Families. They are descendants of the Northern Warriors, and she believes they are the most suitable candidates. She places her trust in them. Sir Ashburne is to assist the new regent."
The nobles immediately fell to their knees. For the first time, Anna had called upon their duty.
"We would be honoured to serve the Great Khasif, Your Majesty," said Aaron. "Please make your choice, and we shall obey."
"Rise," King Kyden instructed. He paused in thought, then turned to Kyren. "What is your view, Grand Duke? Between the four, who do you deem most suitable?"
Kyren, who had long considered the matter, gave his answer.
"I believe the Duke of Greene is most fitting. He is of noble blood, kin to the Raychards, and currently holds no portfolio within Your Majesty’s cabinet. He is both diplomatic and skilled in governance."
King Kyden nodded several times, weighing the words.
"I agree. The Duke of Sanad already serves as my Minister of Foreign Affairs, and I cannot spare him. The recent reshuffling of posts has been taxing enough. Lord Aaron Pearce is still acting in place of his ailing father, the Marquess of Sylvere, and the march requires his presence. As for the Marquess of Roland, you are eligible, but my concern lies with your sentiment."
The king’s gaze settled on the Marquess.
Matthew responded quickly, "I understand, Your Majesty. I, too, believe the Duke of Greene is the best suited for the position. I am much too restrained, and the people of Ardel would find it difficult to place their trust and support in me."
Inwardly, he was relieved. Gabriel carried a governing temperament—steady, capable, and far more fitting to be entrusted as regent than himself.
"You must begin to change that perception, Marquess of Roland," said King Kyden firmly. "The balance of power on this continent has shifted. Even King Lucien of Galicia has pledged loyalty to the Ro’an Empire, agreeing to an alliance after our aid in saving his people on the Agathe Islands. He even proposed a political marriage with his princess," said the king.
"A political marriage?" asked Benjamin, the Duke of Sanad. "With whom?"
"With the Grand Duke of Gerhard," the king replied.
"That will not happen!" Kyren’s voice rose sharply, alarmed.
"I have not finished!" King Kyden cut him short.
The grand duke clamped his jaw, his expression darkening, but he held his tongue in respect to the king.
"I have already declined the proposal," the king continued, "but King Lucien remains persistent. Since the grand duke will not be named, he has asked for candidates from the Knights of Gerhard or those of noble lineage. He favours the first option more, but I am still deliberating on who might be suitable."
"Why is he interested in my men?" asked Kyren, curious.
"He initially wanted you, but I told him you would refuse. So now he seeks your knights, believing they would reflect your chivalry since they are your men."
Kyren’s expression eased somewhat.
"I know you have bachelors within your order," King Kyden went on. "I meant to discuss this after your return, but events intervened."
"If it is one of my knights King Lucien desires, then I may consider it," said Kyren. "Of course, I will ask their consent first. Though this marriage is for the benefit of both kingdoms, their happiness matters too."
"I agree," said the king. "Since King Lucien places such high hopes in this, I urge you to propose your finest men. I believe Sir Garin Skyler, Sir Luke Parker, Sir Damon McQuinn, and Sir Elijah Henderson are worth the nomination."
Athillia’s eyes widened. Why did her crush’s name have to be proposed? Her mind was still processing this when the grand duke responded to the king.
"I will see to it and speak with them," Kyren replied. "If they consent, I shall inform Your Majesty."
"Certainly. The Princess of Galicia has recently come of age. In my personal opinion, Sir Henderson would be an ideal match, as they are about the same age. However, the other candidates are also acceptable. Please see to it," said the king.
The Bargesian Princess’s heart sank. Did this mean Eli would soon marry the Princess of Galicia?
"I will," said the grand duke.
No! This couldn’t be happening! She hadn’t even had the chance to begin anything with him, yet it felt as though the opportunity had been snatched away from her.
Anxious heat coiled in her chest, a restless ache she could not name. Though nothing bound them, her heart cried in silent protest. Her eyes flickered with unspoken emotion, while her thoughts untethered.
Meanwhile, Gabriel, upon receiving the mandate to serve as Regent of Ardel, accepted his duty with solemn resolve.
An agreement was swiftly reached for Sir Ashburne to assist him, and the knight was instructed to remain at the palace for further discussions regarding strategy, governance, and plans before embarking to Ardel.
"So, we have managed to resolve two matters. What’s next?" asked King Kyden.