Chapter 8

Prince Jax's potential was remarkably high, akin to that of the current king, Feriderin. However, the reason behind the solemn silence in the room was not his talent but his class.

The Kingdom of Caito was governed by the laws of the gods and held immense pride in its traditions. Assassination was viewed with disdain by the people of Caito, considered a despicable profession. Even Nathair Sylvan, one of the king's closest advisors, faced scorn from the populace, with occasional riots erupting in an effort to purge what they saw as a blight upon their proud nation.

King Feriderin understood all too well that the people would never accept someone like Jax ascending to the throne, even if he were the king's only child. However, that was no longer a concern, as just last week, the king had been blessed with a second child, Leonard.

With a heavy heart, the king sighed and relinquished his authoritative demeanor. "Thank you, Minister. I appreciate your assistance. Commander lewes, please escort the minister to the door," he instructed, signaling the end of the audience.

The king rose from his seat and made his way to the window, gazing out at the yard below. From his vantage point, he could see his son, the young prince, engaged in training with a practice sword, under the watchful eye of Commander Bron. They were practicing strikes against a scarecrow set up for the purpose.

As he pondered his next course of action, a voice broke the silence of the room, echoing from behind him. Turning, the king found Nathair Sylvan and Ser Alyen kneeling before him. Nathair was cloaked in black, his figure shrouded in mystery.

"What should we do, my king?" Nathair inquired, his voice a calm yet compelling presence in the room.

The king considered for a moment before issuing a command. "Ser Alyen, do me a favor and bring the boy to see me. There are matters I must discuss with him," he instructed.

"Yes, sir," Ser Alyen replied, rising from his position and swiftly exiting the room to carry out the king's request.

The king redirected his attention to Nathair, his expression pensive. "What course of action do you recommend in this situation, Nathair?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

Nathair, maintaining his trademark composure, met the king's gaze with steady confidence. "I believe, Your Majesty, that it would be prudent to allow the prince to undergo training under my guidance," he suggested calmly.

The king pondered Nathair's proposal, weighing the implications carefully. Despite the controversies surrounding Nathair's reputation, the king acknowledged his expertise and unwavering dedication to the kingdom's welfare. After a moment of reflection, he acquiesced.

"Very well, Nathair. If you deem it advantageous for the prince, then I trust your judgment. Make arrangements for his instruction to commence as soon as possible," the king decreed, his tone resolute yet deferential to Nathair's expertise.

Nathair inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will ensure that the prince receives the finest education and training under my guidance," he affirmed earnestly.

Ser Alyen returned shortly, leading Prince Jax into the room. The young prince's eyes widened with curiosity as he approached his father, who regarded him with a mixture of paternal affection and solemnity.

"Come, my son," the king beckoned, gesturing for Jax to stand before him. As Jax obediently stepped forward, the king began to speak, his voice gentle yet firm.

"Jax, my boy, I have called you here to impart upon you an important lesson," the king started, his gaze locking with his son's.

"Safeguarding the well-being of our people must always take precedence over the pursuit of power for its own sake," he continued, his words imbued with the weight of experience and wisdom. "It is a ruler's duty to protect and serve their subjects, to ensure their safety and prosperity."

Jax listened intently, absorbing his father's words with solemn reverence. Then, the king's tone grew somber as he broached a difficult subject.

"However, my son, there comes a time when one's path diverges from the expectations of society," the king explained, his voice tinged with regret. "It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you, Jax, that you cannot ascend to the throne."

The prince's eyes widened in surprise and confusion, but before he could protest, the king continued, his voice unwavering.

"It is not because of who you are now, but rather because of what you may become in the future," the king clarified, his gaze unwavering. "An assassin."

Jax's breath caught in his throat, the weight of his father's words settling heavily upon him. Yet, despite the shock and disappointment, he remained silent, understanding the gravity of the situation.

With a sigh, the king turned to Nathair, who had been observing the exchange silently. "Nathair," he said, addressing the legendary assassin, "from this day forth, I entrust the education and training of Prince Jax to you. Guide him with your wisdom and expertise, and help him to fulfill his destiny in service to our kingdom."

Nathair inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable as he accepted the king's directive. And thus, a new chapter began in Prince Jax's journey, under the tutelage of one of the realm's most enigmatic and skilled mentors.

King Feriderin gazed pensively as Prince Jax departed with Nathair. A heavy silence filled the throne room. The king turned to his trusted advisor and gestured for Ser Alyen to accompany him to his private chambers.

As they walked through the torch-lit corridors, Feriderin brought up an urgent matter that had been weighing on his mind. "What news of the border skirmishes with Lotharia?" he asked, brow furrowed with concern.

"We have contained the hostilities for the present, Your Majesty," Ser Alyen replied. "Yet I fear open war may ignite in less than two years' time if tensions continue to mount."

The advisor's ominous words deepened the creases on the king's careworn face. Feriderin sighed heavily, dreading the prospect of sending more brave soldiers to fight and die in defense of the realm.

As they stepped into the king's private chambers, Feriderin wasted no time in issuing urgent directives to his advisor.

"Ser Alyen, I need you to instruct Commanders Bron and Lewes to deploy army units six through ten immediately. They are to reinforce security along the Lotharian border," the king commanded, his tone conveying the gravity of the situation. Ser Alyen nodded, ready to carry out the king's orders, but Feriderin paused before closing the heavy wooden doors. With a sudden afterthought, he turned back to his advisor.

"Additionally, send word to Overwatch," he instructed. "Instruct him to dispatch five covert squads across the border into Lotharia itself. He will understand the mission's purpose without the need for further explanation." With those final words, King Feriderin firmly shut the doors, leaving Ser Alyen to set the king's clandestine plans into motion.

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