Battle of Echelon 5

"My Lord, the king and his wife just left the palace, and they are riding north," a guard informed Raul.

"It's been days since we held our last meeting at the Palace, and it dawns on everyone that there will be a difficult path to the throne of the vampires. Now, everyone is seeking alliances," Raul said to his guard and council member as Isabell entered Raul's courtroom majestically.

"Your majesty!" All the guards dropped their heads and bowed in her presence. Raul whispered into one of his messengers' ears, "Follow them," and then ordered the others to leave his presence.

"You know it's the wrong time to be seen around me? Yet you risk it all, my lady?" Raul asked Isabell, who was already seated in front of him.

They had been having a thing together for some time now. Isabell had always wanted to sit on the throne as queen, and she saw the possibility of Raul becoming the next king rather than her husband. Unlike Vikra, Raul never underestimated her and always considered her in every decision he took.

"The war is coming, and nothing is going to stop it. My husband is planning on killing you after you help him kill your brother, the king, and you know the strength he possesses."

"Yes, he may be strong but foolish at the same time. What makes him think five clans can wipe out an entire seven clans, including the ruling clan known as the strongest of vampires? My brother has the support of the other clans and those who believe in that stupid prophecy of the old. It will be almost impossible to kill the king and his wife."

"My lord, have you thought of involving other kinds?" Isabell said.

"What kind do you mean?"

"The Alpha male and the witches."

Raul's eyes widened at her suggestion. No one had ever dared to cross paths with the present wolf's leader or the coven king, except his brother, and they had no reason to do so at this point in time unless there was a war. "We can only cross borders if there is a war and..."

"And there is a war. A war starts before the killings on the battlefield. You know that. Why not cross borders? I can accompany you if you wish. The wolves and witches had an agreement with us. We can go back to them and make some adjustments. Remember, everyone has a price, and you are good at bargaining. You can offer them something they won't refuse."

Raul inhaled sharply, "What would I give them if they join me to secure the throne?"

"You know what they would like. We have more lands that will interest the wolves, and we have herbs that will interest the witches. Just a little border reduction can secure your friendship. Then later, we can take it back and even more."

"If only Vikra knows the intelligence his wife has, he would have made himself a king long ago, even before this age."

They both laughed and stared at each other for a while. "We should pour ourselves some wine?" Raul suggested casually.

"No, I'm not here for wines. I know what comes after that. I have warmed your bed over and over again, but today will be different. I have a wife's duty to perform to my husband, Vikra. If you so desire me in your arms, then you should start the war as soon as possible."

"It will start on its own. First, I have to get Nimoes out of the way. The news of her death will make the king and queen rage, and then I will escort him to the final gate where he will have his final rest in torment."

After plotting their strategy and sharing a few kisses, Isabell left for her home to meet her husband, who was already drunk and engaging in inappropriate activities with their maids. The sight disgusted Isabell, but she kept her composure.

******

While preparations for an impending war were underway, the king and queen embarked on a journey to the north. Their destination was Lord Silas's castle, where they intended to discuss a marriage arrangement between their daughter Nimoes and Lord Silas's son.

Although Lord Silas's clan was not known for its combat prowess, it had a reputation for producing intelligent and skilled warriors. His son, in particular, was renowned for his toughness and prowess on the battlefield. Lord Silas welcomed the royal couple to his castle with honor.

"My lord, may I offer you a taste of the finest local wines?" Lord Silas proposed.

"Lord Silas, I appreciate your hospitality, but I am more interested in meeting your son to discuss the marriage proposal," King Athan responded in a deep tone.

"My lord, unfortunately, my son is not currently at home. He has ridden out with his best friend, who happens to hold the position of the third-ranked officer in the royal guard," Lord Silas explained.

"Marcus!"

"Yes, Your Highness," Marcus, the chief commander of the royal guard, knelt before the king.

"Who is this third-ranked officer he's referring to?"

"It's Maccon, Your Highness. He's currently on official duty, escorting the golds to Lord Cassius's Castle," Marcus informed.

"I believe I've heard that name before. Nevertheless, once he returns, ensure he comes to the palace. And Marcus, take it upon yourself to mentor him in matters of leadership," Queen Thana added as she and the king rose from their seats, signaling their intention to depart.

Before leaving, Lord Silas requested a private audience with the king. The queen stood at the door, attentively listening to their conversation.

"Your Highness, I have information that might be of interest to you, but I'd prefer if we could speak alone," Lord Silas requested.

"Marcus, prepare the horses. We'll meet you outside," King Athan instructed Marcus before returning to his seat. Queen Thana remained by the door, eavesdropping on the conversation between Lord Silas and her husband.

"Your Highness, I have reason to believe that some of the elders are opposed to your plan of making your daughter the ruler. They are plotting a rebellion against you and your family," Lord Silas revealed.

"Silas, I am aware that my brother is involved and seeks the throne, but rest assured, I have a solution in mind to thwart his ambitions," King Athan responded, but Lord Silas interrupted with more alarming news.

"No, my lord. It's not just your brother. Vikra is behind this scheme. He is currently convening a meeting at his castle, with the support of Drake and other elders. I am certain that the focus of their meeting is about you," Lord Silas disclosed.

Enraged, the king shot up from his seat, exchanging glances with his wife before turning back to Lord Silas. "I will ensure that my daughter becomes queen right before Vikra's eyes. He will have no choice but to crown her. If he refuses, I will..."

"Please, my Lord, let's not speak hastily. I will personally visit Vikra. Silas, make sure you gather as much information as possible. You are now an integral part of the royal household. Our fight is your fight. Acquire the intelligence we need to put an end to their treacherous plans," Queen Thana interjected, taking control of the situation as they left Lord Silas's castle, determined to counter the brewing threat.

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