12- Preparing

After discussing with each other, they were present in the royal hall to talk about this matter with the king as well to know his perspective.

"How are you going to do it? Do you think the writer is still alive?" He mused, holding his chin.

"If it was not then someone must be from its generation, someone had to be carrying its legacy and be aware." Zephyr replied to him sternly. 

There had to be something or someone who would know how to deal with that demonic creature before it could ravage them.

"When they can write the book on how to unleash him then they should know how to seal him too," Yor added. 

"What was the name of the book?" Azura asked, attending such a serious meeting for the first time. 

"The Perfection of Dark Art, it was in my possession as my sister left it for Young Lord," Lady Red informed them coldly.

Zephyr's lips formed in a thin line from worry, wondering how she would mold the story this time according to their favor.

"But, unfortunately your Uncle decided to follow a path of greed and caused us all a destruction," King Jude added, earning an internal sigh of relief from him.

"I apologize for being unable to protect it,"

"Sorry, Lady Red, but I am confused," Azura spoke in between. 

"About what, Azura?" 

Zephyr turned to her, standing next to her so she would be reassured and not panic.

"Didn't such books have seals or a special condition to open them, like pure blood like Zephyr?"

He paused, his heart skipped a beat but Lady Red flawlessly covered it.

"I couldn't open that, I don't know anything. He and his son knows how they managed to do it," 

"I see," 

"So you are going to find that writer to know how to deal with that monster?" King Jude asked again for confirmation as they all nodded.

"Yes, before he spreads his commanders and take over Rose, we must find a way to halt it," 

"Very well, I shall assign some of my generals," King Jude enunciated.

To which Yor raised his hand slightly, "I would like to request to add Delvin in it too,"

And Zephyr expressed his discontent, "Huh? Why does that soldier have to come with us?"

"Because I need someone to keep an eye on you," 

Yor smirked, making him scoff, certainly not wanting Delvin anywhere near him as he had pissed him off a lot.

"Do you think I need someone to manage me?" 

"Your loneliness? Yes,"

"I am not lonely, I merely refused to interact with people lower than me." Zephyr declared.

It was not new, he had always been like this, uncaring, wrapped in a world of his own.

"Disregard my position now, I have a status to maintain," 

Holding his head high but that statement made everyone in the hall sigh. 

No matter what happens, his posture of a superior one never fails to stumble.

"Ah, you and your pride,"

"What did I do now?"

"Delvin will also join us," Yor enunciated, smiling feebly at his Young Lord who had no idea what wrong he did or spoke.

"Whatever," Zephyr muttered, folding his arms at his chest.

"And so will I," 

Azura was also about to excitedly join them only to be cut off by Zephyr dominantly.

"You are not going anywhere. You will stay here, Azura," He ordered seriously, not in the slightest mood to take her along.

"But-"

"That is my order. You will stay here," 

She opened her mouth to argue but his glare sealed her lips. 

"This is not fair, Young Lord,"

"That is my order, Lady," 

Making an almost crying face, she moved back, feeling insulted before everyone- like, her efforts were ignored. 

Stomping her heel furiously on the ground, she walked away when he didn't consider her a part of them but deep down.

He was concerned about her protection.

What if she got hurt? 

After their talk ended, he pointed at his people strictly, determination surging through him.

"Let me start the preparation and find about its whereabouts meanwhile you guys prepare yourself," 

"Yes, Young Lord," 

After assigning everyone work for the preparation, he came to see Azura whose sound of crying could be heard in the corridor.

Sighing at her stubbornness, he stood outside her door.

"Azura, listen-" 

"Don't talk to me." 

"Ah, Young Blood," Yor arrived, watching the Prince attempting to convince his princess.

"What do you think, Yor? Did I make the wrong decision?"

"That is for you to find out. What kind of King would you be if you are not sure of your decisions?" 

Yor shrugged his shoulders, not helping him out.

"Then I did this for her protection. By all means, I have no intention of placing my lady in danger and that is final," He declared.

Loud enough for her to hear but no response came so he decided to yell.

"Do you hear it?!"

Yor chuckled, shaking his head, "As prince, as his lady, both are stubborn."

Zephyr glared but he pretended he didn't see before walking away while he was attempting to make Azura listen and open her door but she didn't.

And he didn't move an inch from her door for the rest of the day.

Soon they gained their information, it was faint but at least a clue to guide them so they could choose their next course of actions.

They were about to leave as king Jude presented his strongest warriors.

"I apologize but I could offer my two best warriors as of the moment. Marcus and Jay, If we face an attack, do know we have to be prepared too,"

"I understand. That is enough," Zephyr nodded in agreement.

"Good luck all of you," 

They all turned to the sky.

The darkness was spreading everywhere but they were prepared to leave to find a path in order to defeat this monster. 

"Be ready, we will leave by dawn,"