"How can you not inform the King about what you do here?"
Iria Alewine was in her chamber. Sitting on a bed, she was looking up at Prince Orius who didn't even react to her question.
"Is that necessary? It's not like I don't fulfil the task he gave me," Orius Aventine simply said.
The Commander let out a sigh. "Your Highness, His Majesty is worried about you. Can't you be more considerate of him?"
"This is none of your business." The Prince's voice was quite cold though he didn't raise his voice. "You might be getting better but you should still be careful for a while. I'll leave now."
He turned his back at the Commander and left in a hurry while Iria stared at him helplessly. What was wrong with him?
* * *
The lunch with King Tobias and the royal family of Qalagon was pretty calm despite the conversation going on. The two kings mostly communicate with each other and the others only speak up from time to time. However, one thing still troubled King Tobias the most.
The way the Crown Prince looked at Iria.
He noticed how the Crown Prince cared for Iria. Throughout lunch, all the Crown Prince's attention was on Iria. It was obvious that he had feelings for her.
Did he... perhaps... love her?
King Tobias inwardly shook his head.
pαпᵈα-noνɐ1·сoМ It won't be.
"What do you think of Iria, Crown Prince? Do you get along well?" He suddenly asked Crown Prince Arin as he was too curious. Somehow, he sensed huge chaos that was brewing.
"We're doing fine, Your Majesty," Arin Helev promptly said. "Iria is a good person."
King Tobias sensed the uncomfortable feeling which Iria hid behind a fake smile. He knew her well than anyone and he could saw right through her. However, he wasn't the only one as Arin noticed it too. It made the Crown Prince wondered what was going on.
Why did the King suddenly ask that question? Iria Alewine was feeling perplexed. Did he notice something?
Feeling troubled, she glanced at King Tobias but the latter was already discussing another topic with King Regan. As such, she quietly continued eating with an uneasy mind.
*
The Masked Commander might be an infamous one whom many people looked up to, but she was still a human too. So, it didn't mean that she can't be nervous.
Iria Alewine often felt nervous too but there were only a few people and things that could scare her and... one of the very few people who could make her feel scared was the man standing before her.
Standing in one room, Iria glanced at King Tobias who was standing with his back facing her. The King calmly stared out of the window and they were the only ones in the room.
"I think the view of the capital from the palace is quite great," King Tobias remarked. "It's my fifth time in Qalagon but my first time entering the palace."
Iria recalled the King's behaviour during lunch just a while ago. She knew that the King would want to ask her some questions but... she didn't know how to start.
When Iria remained silent, King Tobias turned around and looked at her. "You look nervous, Iria. That's unlike you," he calmly said.
"I -"
"Have you heard about our upcoming war with Helsia?" The King suddenly asked and Iria wondered if he was deliberately changing the topic.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I heard that you plan to lead the soldiers yourself," she replied, maintaining a formal tone and demeanor.
"And?"
"I'm against the idea. Please reconsider."
King Tobias narrowed his eyes and fell silent for a while. "I thought that you will agree with me."
"You know me well, Your Majesty. It's a given that I won't agree to put your life in danger," the Commander promptly replied.
"We don't have a better choice," King Tobias firmly said. "I can't let Zaro do this."
"Then I will do it."
"You know that's not possible," the King argued.
"There must be a way. What if something happens to you -"
"Why are you talking like Zaro?!" King Tobias snapped. Disappointment was written all over his face.
The Commander quickly lowered her head when she heard the King's voice that hinted at anger and displeasure. "I apologize."
"This is not like you, Iria. You were never this short-sighted," King Tobias continued in a much calmer voice. "I've fought many wars and survived each one of them. I won't die so easily."
Iria Alewine slowly raised her head when she recalled what Prince Orius said to him while they were in Zoris. Then she looked at the King. "My father also survived many wars but... in the end, what killed him was a single arrow."
King Tobias raised a brow when he heard Iria's words. She never brought up her father's death before!
Without thinking twice, Iria Alewine dropped to her knees. "I apologize for disappointing you, Your Majesty. I will accept any punishment for my defiance, but please... reconsider your decision. I already lost my father and I don't want to lose you too. You know you're like a father to me."
King Tobias blankly glanced down at Iria. Was she still that scarred by her father's death? It's been three years and he thought that she was slowly moving on.
Was he wrong?
When the King was finally back to his sense, he bent his knees and helped Iria up. "Don't kneel. Your leg is not fine."
"But -"
"I know," the King calmly said. "I know what you're trying to say."
Iria stared at the King, waiting for what he was about to say next.
"I still have three days left here. You should give me some time, Iria," King Tobias continued. "I will think about it and try to find a solution."
Though it was rare for the King to change his mind, Iria Alewine was happy with it. She had one solution in mind but she wasn't sure if it would be effective.
Meanwhile, Prince Orius was standing outside next to the door and listened to the conversation between the two. The expression on his face was unreadable but on the inside, he was feeling more than troubled. Feeling like he had no other choice, he walked away and returned to the Crown Prince's palace.....
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