Chapter 7 - Preparation for War

The kingdom of Valtoria was on high alert as news of the impending war spread like wildfire. Edward, William, and their father, King Lincoln, were in a frenzy of activity, preparing for the impending battle.

Richard, still reeling from his family's intervention, was summoned to the throne room once again. This time, it was to discuss the war effort.

"Richard, we need you to lead a battalion of soldiers," King Lincoln said, his voice firm and commanding. "You will be an important part of our defense against the enemy."

Richard nodded, knowing he had no choice but to comply. He was the prince, after all, and it was his duty to serve his kingdom.

But as he left the throne room, he couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. He was a skilled fighter, but it had been 7 years since the last battle, and he was only 16 then. He had been too busy with his studies and royal duties to keep up with his combat training.

The sound of clanging swords and the smell of armor filled the air as he made his way to the training grounds. He watched as the soldiers practiced their moves, feeling a pang of doubt. Could he really lead them into battle?

Just then, a gruff voice spoke up behind him. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The prince has finally decided to join us."

Richard turned to see his old mentor, General Marcus, standing behind him. The general had trained him in combat when he was younger, and Richard respected him greatly.

"General Marcus," Richard said, trying to sound confident. "I'm ready to lead our soldiers into battle."

The general raised an eyebrow. "Are you, now? Well, let's see what you're made of, prince."

With that, the general handed Richard a sword, and they began to spar. Richard's rusty skills were quickly apparent, and the general was not impressed.

"You've got a lot of work to do, prince," General Marcus said, as they finished their training session. "But I'll help you get back in form. We don't have much time, but we'll make do."

Richard nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over him. He would not let his kingdom down.

As Richard finished his training session with General Marcus, he sought out Lisa, eager to share the news of the impending war and his role in it. He found her in the palace gardens, her beauty radiant in the sunlight.

"Lisa, I have something important to tell you," Richard said, taking her hand. "The kingdom is going to war, and I'll be leading a battalion of soldiers."

Lisa's expression turned worried. "Oh, Richard, I can't bear the thought of losing you. Please, don't go."

Richard tried to reassure her. "I'll be fine, Lisa. I promise I'll return safely."

Just then, a commotion at the palace entrance caught their attention. Princess Luan, accompanied by her father, King Ryder, had arrived to join forces with King Lincoln in the upcoming war.

Princess Luan, a skilled fighter, spotted Richard and General Marcus training and approached them. "May I join in?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Richard scoffed, "What would you know about fighting?" he said with a smirk.

Princess Luan raised an eyebrow. "Really, my prince? Is that how you look down on women?"

Richard was taken aback, but before he could respond, she continued. "I've been watching you, and you're rusty. I challenge you to a fight. If you win Princess Luan's words were laced with a hint of mockery. "I'll let you be with your servant girl, Lisa. But if you lose, you'll be mine, and I'll make sure you forget all about her."

Richard's face flushed with anger, but he knew he couldn't back down from the challenge. He nodded, "Very well, Princess Luan. Let's settle this in the training grounds."

General Marcus intervened, "Hold on, Prince Richard. You're not thinking clearly. You're not ready for a fight like this."

But Richard was stubborn. "I'll show her, General. I'll show her that I'm not to be underestimated."

The two opponents faced off in the training grounds, their swords clashing in a flurry of movement. Princess Luan was a formidable fighter, and Richard found himself struggling to keep up.

Lisa watched anxiously from the sidelines, her heart heavy with worry. She knew Richard was rusty, and Princess Luan was a skilled warrior.

As the fight intensified, Richard stumbled, and Princess Luan gained the upper hand. With a swift strike, she knocked the sword out of Richard's hand, and it clattered to the ground.

"You lose, Prince Richard," she said, her voice triumphant. "You're mine now."

Richard's face burned with shame, but he knew he had to accept the consequences of his actions. He looked at Lisa, and his heart ached with regret.

Lisa's eyes welled up with tears as she saw Richard's defeat. She knew he was trying to protect her, but she also knew he wasn't ready for a fight like this.

Princess Luan approached Richard, a sly smile spreading across her face. "You should have stayed out of this, Prince Richard. Now, you're mine, and I'll make sure you forget all about your little servant girl."

Richard's face twisted in anger, but he knew he was beaten. He looked at Lisa, and their eyes met in a moment of understanding.

"I'll always love you, Lisa," he said, his voice firm. "No matter what happens, know that you're the one I want to be with."

Lisa's heart broke at his words, but she knew she had to be strong. She nodded, trying to hold back her tears.

Just then, King Lincoln and King Ryder approached, their faces stern. "Enough, Princess Luan," King Lincoln said. "This is not the time for personal vendettas. We have a war to win."

Princess Luan's face fell, but she nodded, knowing she had to obey. "Yes, Father. I'll wait for another time to claim my prize."

Richard's eyes never left Lisa's face, and he knew he would do anything to protect her, even if it meant facing Princess Luan again.