Thoughts of a Master Tactician

With the Kahi'k and the elders gone, silence fell over the castle was more, and the tension seemed to die down. About twenty tier-one warriors lined up in front of Sol's room and since the door was open they were able to see the young prince who drove away the Kahi'k in a manner no one as ever dreamt of. The look in their eyes had changed to respect and admiration.

"What you did today was incredible but extremely dangerous!" The old steward said with a deep frown. "I beg that you stop taking such risks, at least not now the people need you the most."

Saying this, the old steward fell to his knees with his head planted on the ground. The soldiers outside the door seemed to subtly show support for his words, however Sol saw things differently.

"I took no risk. I was the victor even before the battle started." Sol said with certainty in his tone, leaving many shocked.

The old steward looked up with a look of disbelief in his eyes, peering deep into Sol's eyes as if he was searching for doubt in his eyes, but none could be found. What they didn't know was that Sol spent most of his past life, backstabbing his superiors and taking their place. He knew the necessary steps one must take to usurp the throne, and the Kahi'k skipped a lot 

"I apologize, but this loyal servant requires further explanation to understand what is going through your mind." The old steward said in a passionate tone.

"Darth Ark," Sol said. "He fears the name, that is the only thing stopping him from marching in here and taking my head." 

Hearing Sol's words, the old butler was shaken. He seemed to have forgotten the power of the name, capable of keeping the three alpha families at bay. 

If that name can make the three alpha family leaders hesitate, who the fuck is the Kahi'k?

Sol knew why someone as powerful as the Kahi'k would overlook the insults of a clearly weaker foe. He was terrified of Darth Ark and didn't want to burn all the bridges that would mark an epic battle between both sides upon Darth's return.

Then why did he attempt to usurp the crown in the first place?

While the Kahi'k is the second most important figure in the Ark family, he still lacks the absolute control he needs over the forces of the Ark family. If he could gain control of the crown from the background, he would be able to control the Ark family forces at will, and with the absolute loyalty of the Ark family forces and the puppet Patriarch, he should be able to take down Darth Ark.

"The first mistake the Kahi'k made is assuming I'm still the weak little boy who couldn't look him in the face," Sol said calmly. "In combat, assumptions can be fatal. What happened today is a good example." 

His words shook the heart of the old butler who was present when everything started. The Kahi'k barged into the room hoping to terrify Sol, that could be considered the first deciding moment of the events that transpired, but Sol's response to this changed the entire situation.

"If I were the Kahi'k," Sol's words drew the attention of everyone in the room. "I would have visited tonight but for a different purpose. I will come under the guise of worry about the prince who has just awakened from a comma. My seemingly peaceful visit will tell me all I need to know about his current mental state and the probability of me winning."

Buzz. 

Sol's words left even the guards dumbfounded because they found this reasonable. If the Kahi'k had come with his true intentions hidden, he would have noticed the change in Sol and called off his plan. That way, he will be able to make adjustments to his plan while maintaining the element of surprise.

"The second mistake he made was lacking the conviction to follow up with his plan. Once a blade is drawn, it can not be sheathed easily." Sol said. "If he had gone ahead to kill me. There will be unrest, but I'm certain with time he may be able to suppress it and carry out his plans."

"May?" A guard at the entrance said absentmindedly, but as soon as he realized what was going on, he covered his mouth with both hands and quickly fell on both knees.

"Forgive me!" he cried out.

Sol simply shot him a calm glance and walked towards him, each step he took made the soldier shiver. The guards around and the Old butler held their breath, unsure of what was going on in Sol's mind, after tonight's event they knew not to underestimate this teenager.

"You were ready to risk your life to protect me tonight, were you not?" 

Sol's question made the soldier shudder for a moment before responding hastily.

"OF COURSE! I WILL LAY DOWN MY LIFE A THOUSAND TIMES JUST TO KEEP YOU SAFE."

Hearing this, a charming smile spread across Sol's face before he spoke.

"Then you have the right to understand my intentions," Sol said while helping the soldier to stand. "How are you meant to protect me effectively if you don't understand my intentions?" 

The soldiers and the old steward witnessing the act were shaken as tears welled up in their eyes. A master who values his subjects is the ultimate wish of the people. They couldn't help but feel blessed that they had Sol.

While they were entertaining these thoughts, Sol was thinking of something else. To be honest, he really didn't care about the soldier's opinion. In fact, he didn't like being questioned, but he understood the importance of winning over his subordinates to his side. 

As long as his subjects love and appreciate him, it will make things harder for Kahi'k and all those trying to undermine his authority. He understood he was yet to become King, he needed to do whatever was necessary to secure the throne, 

Even if it means wearing a mask and hiding his true nature!