The Most Loyal General (2)

Teo was calm despite knowing full well that he would receive the most scolding. On the way out Miley cat him a worried look. But Lan hurriedly pushed her out of the door. He disliked the new punishment just as much as the old one. However, by punishing Miley in this manner, it goes to show that the Queen still trusts her. After all, everyone knows how highly the Queen regards the fourth Knight. This 'punishment' is considered a punishment in Miley's eyes only - and in others eyes is regarded more as 'time out.' The room temperature seemed to be slipping by the minute. Teo didn't dare to speak up. He understood the Queen's attitude after all the years of service.

He's known her since before he became her general, back when she was still a princess and a knight. So he understood full well that she was debating about what to do about this present situation. Though Miley's powers caused the most damage and innocent people got hurt. On his side, he publicly displayed his half-dragon side. It's not considered wrong having half animal blood. It's seen as usual even. However because it's deemed to be rare, many people wish to manipulate it.

She must be thinking about a suitable punishment. "General Teo, I've decided. I will send you to the western borders once your injuries have healed up."

That's --? As lenient as that sounded. Teo did not wish to leave the central city right now. Even more so after what happened with Miley. "My Queen--!"

"Silence." Queen Lyn's tone and expression were deadly. Though he debated about the seriousness of the matter on his way here, this was a first for him, seeing the Queen like this.

"Do you understand what you've done? While it was something that was bound to come up eventually due to you're age. But I was going to find the best time and wait until your power stabilized more. However, with this abrupt reveal, people are going to use and treat you like a political tool." Lyn trailed off and sighed, "Honestly General, since we're on this topic. I understand why you lost control even though you showed no such signs before. It's Miley isn't it?"

Teo did not say anything to the second half - he already figured from Lan's attitude that the Queen knew. It was the Queen, who ordered everything. Teo spoke up, "I can handle the people." He was already a man of little words and the Queen scolding him reduced his sentences more.

"Would things not have ended up this way if I made you my head knight?"

"No," Teo replied immediately. He shook his head, and added, "Even if you made me head knight that time, I'm sure my reckless behavior would have still troubled you. And you'd be lacking somebody who cares about the Kingdom." That's right for him; he didn't care about the Kingdom. The only reason why he is standing here now; the only reason why he is in the mist Kingdom is because of his loyalty towards Queen Lyn.

If it weren't for her, he wouldn't be here at all. As cruel as it may seem, he does not have any significant attachment to this place.

Lyn reached out and took a cup from the table, as she brought it to her lips and sighed, "I can't even enjoy my morning meal without being poisoned."

By instinct, he rushed over and slapped the cup away. Teo realized it a second too late and quickly knelt on the ground. One cannot approach the throne seat area without permission. What's more, he was in the middle of receiving his punishment. The sound of the chair creaking drew his attention to the noise; he noticed that the Queen had stood up. She silently watched him for a few minutes, and Teo dared to look up. He always thought he was one of the few who understood the Queen well. But it turns out that's not the case here.

"Indeed you're very loyal to me General. It's exactly like my father wanted. But, what I want is not just loyalty alone. You may be loyal to me, but do you have any respect towards me?"

Teo was unable to read the Queen's tone, as he thought about her words. What is she talking about? Doesn't his loyalty prove he respects her? No matter how much Teo thought it through, he could not understand what the Queen's words meant. So he kept silent.

"I see." The first line was said faintly, before the Queen continued, "I'm very disappointed in you."

......…..

Two hours later -Stable -

Though the Queen implied, he ought to heal up before heading out. The General figured it would be better if he prepared early, so for the last two hours he was finishing up his preparations. The title of 'general' never meant much to him. But it contained heavy responsibilities. With great power comes great burdens, and yet he never found this job to be a hindrance in any way to him. It's convenient having this title, and while he is not attached to it in any way, he's grateful. With this title, he can protect the Queen. That's all.

But that very same Queen looked at him with such cold eyes, Teo exhaled deeply. That's the first time he's seen her like that. It's understandable she's mad, but he didn't think it would be this severe. In other people's eyes, he received a lenient punishment too. After all, everyone knows the West borders need defending with the head knight being in the East. Sending him to the battlefield was not considered a punishment to the average person. People view it as the Queen being serious at last.

Teo knew better though; this is a punishment. His thoughts broke off when the person who spent the last two hours sneaking about, finally broke her cover, "Gahhh--- Don't kick me." Miley exclaimed.

Teo briefly caught a glimpse of one of the nearby horses kicking Miley. "If you hide in such a place, it's natural don't you think?" The place Miley chose to hide in wasn't particularly smart. It was the area where the horse food was.

Miley quickly scurried to her feet, "You noticed I was here?"

It was a stupid question for both of them. Of course, Teo noticed she was there.