11 Royal Request

A small group of girls sat close together around a table, drinking the heat of that hot afternoon away while enjoying the lifestyle of being legal Markebic citizens.

They exchanged meaningless conversations and small idle chatter while discussing recent rumors they've heard.

"Speaking of which," Girl A commenced, "I heard that a piece of Viesta Luna fell to earth recently. Can you imagine?"

Girl B took a sip of her drink and nodded, "They said there might be magical components located within the meteorite at its very core."

Girl C snorted, "Fakest news I've heard so far, magic doesn't even exist. I thought you gave up on that childish mentality when you turn eighteen."

Girl B huffed, "You don't know that! And don't call me childish for assuming, I could actually be right."

"Even if you were right there's no way they would present it to the public," Girl D affirmed, stabbing her fork into her own meal. "If there really were magical components inside the rock then they would have extracted it long before the announcement."

At that Girl E perked up, "My mom actually works at the Markeb Astronomic Laboratory, and she told me their radio scanners did manage to pick up some sort of strange frequency from inside of the meteorite. But unfortunately, the crust and out layer is too thick for any of their machines to cut through."

"But then that would mean there actually is something then," Girl A exclaimed.

"It's probable, but there's no confirming if it's actually significant," Girl E reaffirmed. "They're still running test on it so the rock that gets put on display is more likely to be a prototype or a stand-in. In other words, a waste of money."

Girl B allowed her mind to wander while the others changed the topic from astronomy to male specimen. What type of object could be found inside that meteorite anyway? It'd probably not be something man-made considering it came from space, and if gave off its own unknown detected frequencies.

Perhaps maybe something their ancestors left behind during their first journey to space, like money or an exciting jewel that can no longer be made anymore.

Whatever it is, it must hold great value if the MAL wishes to keep it away from public view.

-

The silence that followed after was more defeating than the grilling anticipation inside everyone's guts. All stared at the Emberian before them as though he were a mad man while others at their Majesty, awaiting why type of unruly response he would counjer.

Just then as the conversation sunk in the most shocking event in history happened during those late-night hours. The King, head tilted back to the sky, eyes closed and mouth hanging, hand on his stomach and over his eyes, took in a deep breath and laughed.

He laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed.

He laughed as though tomorrow wouldn't exist.

His laughter rang throughout the chambers and even echoed outside the castle. His chuckles were deep and breathless, gasping for air each time it intensified.

Each pounding sound left an ache in his sides, a tear at the corner of his eyes. His face flushed red from his shortness of breath and a part of him felt as though he should hide it from how unroyal and carnal it must have made him look.

Like a mad man with nothing to lose.

To an outsider you would have suspected he was having the time of his life.

Everyone in the room stared at one another while they waited for him to calm himself down. Their brows furled in confusion and fear, concerned that the infections of the sinful lifestyle of an Emberian have somewhat demonically festered into their still youthful king.

Finally, when the moment died, he lowered his head back, a silly little smile still on his face. "You humor me, Cyrus, I'll give you that much."

He cleared his throat and recollecting his bearing, faint giggles still ghosting over his lips, "You claim that even though you may be an Emberian you are nothing like the men who are currently sinking our ships, yet still ask of me for my interest in war? Not only that but it seems you fail to understand that war means nothing to me, as we are already within the depths of it as we speak."

Cyrus had a frown on his face, one that contradicted Adrian's grin, "Seeing your happiness makes me feel bitter if I know it is only because you are mocking, Your Majesty."

"Oh no no no! Please forgive my abrupt behavior, I just found your hypocrisy to be quite amusing to me."

The other two men behind him seemed to be agitated, so he figured his behavior must have offended the likes of them as well.

Cyrus continued, "Just because we all share the same common interest does not make us all alike. The members of the Dragon Clan spark war with pride being their motivation, hosting these battles and conflicts simply because they feel as though they have something to prove."

"And you are different because?"

He tsked.

"You shouldn't be looking down on us so easily, Your Majesty," Cyrus scowled. "It seems you have forgotten the only difference between our nation and yours is the locations and the climate. We live our lives almost equivalent to the T. "

Adrian snorted, "How so?"

"First of all, both of our nations are divided. Secondly, these divided areas of land are not treated equally or fairly in comparison to others. Lastly, we both suffer economic wise due to the fact neither of our homelands can produce fertile soil in healthy environmental estates, nor will the High Council bother to help us in these conflicts."

The last bit of his sentence was what put him into shock. He had just realized that the High Council had even rejected the claims of the Ember Domain for wanting to have more transported goods to their nation.

That fact angered him even more knowing that it was their neglect that pushed the nation into such a devastating place of war.

Both Nations shared the exact same struggles and each had their different ways of coping. The Neo's shared their tears with neighbors, seeking comfort that the person next door was always worsen for wear than you.

As for the Ember Domain theirs were to dominate others, because what better food source to feed off from that than power craze high you feel when becoming victorious in the glamor of battle?

But still, lack of food is never a good excuse to cause innocent people to suffer. Not when you can openly admit to them sharing the same problems as you do.

"Though our lives may be similar we are still very different," He reaffirmed, hands refolded behind his back once more. "At least my people don't kill each other every day just because they cannot agree on a small simple topics, nor start wars with others just because we know we can."

Cyrus smirked, "Not yet, Your Majesty. The Ember Domain was just like the Neo Empire long ago in the past, where we were all together under one rule, despite who was privileged and who wasn't. But that didn't last for long, and neither will it for you. It only takes a day for all the impoverished to stand together and agree that the lives they are living, the way they are treated, the neglect they receive, isn't fair."

He started taking a few steps forwards before being stopped by the guards next to him.

"Your father was able to prevent that from happening because the people of this nation feared him. But no one, not even the High Council, respects you in the slightest. Before long you will find yourselves at the mercy of the people, where no matter what choice you make half of your country will hate you for it. Next thing you know you would have been killed, and the nation you love so much forever in shambles."

Adrien felt his teeth grind behind his closed mouth, his fist clenched in frustration. To think, this man would even have the audacity? To come into HIS nation and tell him how awful of a king he is? Then to compare the mighty powerful Neo Empire to a horrid place such as the Ember domain?

And how did he even learn of his privately written letters to the high council in the first place?

Cyrus noticed the look on his face and clapped his hands with an apologetic smile, "Ah but that is not why we are here. There's always a time to prove a point as there is a time to make a new friend. The only reason why I mentioned we were so similar is because we also both share a common enemy."

He continued, "Despite the agreements our ancestors made long ago to ensure the division wouldn't lead to some form of anarchy we promised each clan would rule one respective area of the Domain, and would not bother the others. However, as time passed the Dragon clan continues to grow more and more selfish, longing to reign control over the entire Domain for themselves.

"You see, the Chimera Clan, rulers of the west, and the Manticore Clan, rulers of the east, have been the unfortunate ones to repeatedly suffer from the hands of the Dragon clans might time and time again. Slowly over the years, a few warriors of the Dragon clan would take a small proportion of the Chimera and Manticores property for themselves, making their total area of ruling wider than what was agreed upon.

"Not only that but the Chimera clan have faced the judgment of the Dragon clan so many times that at this point they're practically their lapdogs, willing to do whatever the Dragon Clan so pleases. As such, we feared the same thing happening to the Manticore clan so we offered them our promised protection, and luckily managed to hold them off."

Adrian scratched as his stubble, "So you mean to tell me that the Dragon clan has been causing problems for both the Ember Domain and the Neo Empire?"

Cryus nodded, "That is correct. It has gone on for so long now that at this point we fear one day we may be face to face with an all-out war between ourselves, the northern and eastern tribes versus the western and southern tribes."

That was...valuable information. He so openly admitted probably one of the greatest weaknesses the Ember Domain currently suffers from to someone who is the ruler of their rivaling Nation. Adrian could so easily devise a plan as to how to get the two clans to turn on each other long enough that he can finally rest and put his focus back on his people.

But such a sly and devastating tactic is almost beneath him. He knows that even if the results would prove to be in his favor for a moment once the inner war ends the odds would be back on his side of the table in no time.

Still, to be trusted with such a vital detail from another ruler himself...

"And this is of our concern because?"

The Emberian was taken aback by the king's sudden cold attitude, "I beg your pardon?"

"What?" The Neo King snorted, "Did you expect us to pity you and join you in battle? While it is true that not all Emberians are the same that doesn't change the fact that the issues of the Ember Domain forever remain within the Ember Domain. Getting ourselves involved in a war that has nothing to do with us is just a waste of our time and our already so few resources."

Adrian laughed, this time much shorter than before, "Besides, if the Dragon Clan is more occupied fighting members of their own blood they might finally leave us Neo's alone, and our people can live in peace and silence for once."

Cyrus stood with a scowl, approaching the king once more, "Surely Your Majesty is not that foolish-"

He was stopped midway when two long spears crossed over his chest, a silent but firm warning any further movement would result in his imminent death. Despite such, he did not seem to waver, probably looking as though he could easily handle fighting every soldier in that room all by himself, without the assistance of the other two men behind him.

He took a deep breath and placed a hand over his chest, "Apologies for the outburst, but I'm a bit astonished you don't understand how this is a problem that relates to you at all. In fact, this is a problem for the whole world!"

"How do issues like those manage to pertain to all of humanity?" Adrian questioned.

"If the Dragon Clan, assuming they'll have the help of the Chimera Clan, successfully take over the entire Ember Domain that would mean their chief would become in charge of the whole nation. You know, the same chief that has been permitting the order to send his men to berate yours?"

Ah.

"If that man was given access to the ENTIRE nation then that would mean instead of the small few petty battles you have been dealing with what could turn into a whole civil conflict."

Ah.

"Did his Majesty really believe all those ships you've been dealing with now was the whole proportion of what the Ember Domain has to offer? Remember, your military strives in skill while ours in numbers."

That was true.

"You're barely managing to hold us off now, imagine every single person the Domain has to offer against your people. Skill or not our population alone would be too overwhelming for you to handle."

For the first time that night, Deborah decided to speak up, "What exactly would be the closest number to the total amount of people currently within the Ember Domain? And how many of those people are soldiers?"

Cyrus seemed displeased at the woman's sudden speech, as though upset she was permitted to talk to him at all. Regardless he still answered her question, "Our population in the Domain is about ten times the amount of the Empires. Also, our people favor our skills in strength and battles more than anything else , so nearly every person I speak of is a willing participant in something as scarce as war."

"And how does this situation pertain to the whole world?" Deborah continued. "You have still failed to emphasize what makes this matter a global issue."

Cyrus still seemed unsettled by Deborah, "Do you really think that the Dragon Clan would stop once they've conquered the whole Ember Domain? As I said, the Neo Empire wouldn't stand a chance against the bane of the dragon, which would mean they've successfully taken control over two whole nations. At that point, it's only a matter of time until they take their battles to the Gaeans of those of the city of Markeb. Next thing you know the flag of the Dragon and the flame of its people will be well known by every face on this planet.

He slapped his hand against his open palm, "I'm talking about World.Dom.Mination."

Deborah and Adrian looked at each other, saddened expressions clear on their face as they weighed down the information they had just been fed. It was a habit both shared to seek comfort in the eyes of each other when being face with unsettling news. One that had never failed them up until now.

"And you came here to ask our hand in assistance with beating them," Adrian confirmed.

Cyrus nodded, hand on his chest with a pleased attitude. It was quite clear he was satisfied now that both Majesties managed to grasp the true intensity of their situation.

"If we can both take down the Dragon Clan your people won't have to worry about petty skirmishes anymore. Once their numbers are reduced the Ember Domain will go back to how it was intended, with each claim getting an equal portion of land. All stolen property of the Dragon Clan will return to its rightful owners, and the next time they bother you let us know and we will assist you the best we can."

Adrian bit his lip, facing away in contemplation. The offer, he will admit, was quite pleasing.

If they participated in this so-called war, it would be three against two, with them at the advantage. Lives would be lost, sure, but once their only threat was extinguished they could finally get the High Council approval to feed his people. Less pocket money for the soldiers and more food for the impoverished.

Any spare money left over could even be invested into renovating new public buildings in the Empire. A better library, a green house garden, an official bank. People could get paid more for jobs and the Empire would start to look like an actual Empire for once.

Who knows what could happen!

There was a small voice ringing in the back of his head, one that was demanding vengeance and bloodshed be it whoever had hurt him. There was an ache on his tongue, a rapid thirst that made his saliva run cold and his throat dry. One that could only be quenched by the tears of those of the Dragon Clan.

He felt like a deranged man in the desert, longing for any nearby source to replenish him, and here Cyrus was, taunting him with forbidden fruit, practically begging him to take a bite. He knew he was starving in more ways than one and was offering him all that he needed to fill himself up.

Cyrus seemed pleased at the King's face of contemplation, "Well then, what shall it be?"

It was almost disgusting at how little hesitation Adrian spoke with when he answered his question, "We shall accept-"

"We shall need more time to think upon your offer," Deborah interrupted.

At this point, Cyrus was completely fed up with the women, "Excuse me?!"

Deborah continued, "I understand that to your people war is war, however, that is where we differ entirely. War means countless lives lost and a probability of defeat with even higher consequences. Asking us so foolishly to agree to your demands without even a day of thorough thought and contemplation, in the middle of the night at that as well, is outrageous. We cannot give you an answer just now, we will need to discuss it before we can get back to you."

"Who is 'we'?" Cryus growled. "Is it not your husband who sits on the throne? Since when was the Queen allowed to interrupt conversations and make decisions on others behalf-"

"She is right," Adrian agreed. He felt bashful at how rushed he was with his words and upset at himself for showing just how truly desperate he was. Unbeffiting behavior of a king.

"You came here sooner than planned, so we are honestly showing you more hospitality than required," he spoke. "Not only that but asking us to go to war with you may even damn us further even if we were to succeed. We will need to examine the outcomes of our situation and come up with a plan. Your patience is the least you owe us for ours, so we shall provide you a bed chamber to rest until we decide on our response."

Cyrus, defeated, bowed once more and nodded his head. "Thank you graciously, Your Majesty." He narrowed his eyes at Deborah and turned around to walk away, hands visibly clenched. The other two men behind him followed shortly without so much as speaking a word they themselves giving snide glares as well.

Cyrus stopped before exiting the door, giving his Majesty one last final glare,"I do hope you carry an ounce of intelligence your father did and make the right decision."

Once he was gone Adrian slumped back down into his chair, removing his crown and holding it in his hands, feeling the soreness in his muscles and the tiredness in his mind punching him harder than it did before.

Almost immediately Deborah came rushing to, "Are you alright my beloved?"

"I am fine, Deborah," Adrian assured, a forced smile on his face. "It is just a lot has happened this week and it seems it's finally starting to catch up to me."

Deborah didn't buy it for a second and stood facing the maidens in the back of the room. "Run a bath for His Majesty, and make sure he heads straight to bed right after it."

The maidens bowed before rushing off to their duties. Adrian looked at Deborah a bit upset.

"My love, I already told you I will be fine-"

"You are to make a decision that will forever impact the state of the Neo Empire," Deborah firmly stated. "I refuse to allow you to do such a thing when you are not in the right mind to do such a thing. This may be the last time we even get to rest, I will allow both of us to miss it."

Adrian pressed his head to hers and stroked her face lovingly, "I promise I will take my bath and rest peacefully if you can ensure to me that when I am to head off to bed you shall be the very first and last thing that I see right before slumber."

Deborah grabbed his hand, "I will be there with you shortly."

Adrian smiled, "Wonderful."

He's asked himself before and will continue to ask himself again, how was he ever so blessed with such a perfect goddess to be his wife?