Two moons had passed. Wally’s footsteps echoed through the marble halls of the palace as he approached the grand doors of the courtroom. The guards, standing at attention, swung the doors open as Wally neared.

  Entering the courtroom, Wally’s gaze swept left, taking in the walls of concrete inlaid with emerald, the lush green carpet trimmed with gold, and the marbled floor, studded with granite and emerald gems. He strode towards his throne, a magnificent seat of pure gold adorned with plush green cushioning. The crowd of nobles and civilians parted like a sea before him, their hushed whispers falling silent as he passed.

  Reaching his throne, Wally lowered himself onto it with deliberate slowness, exhaling a measured breath. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the faces of his constituents.

  “You!” Wally’s voice cut through the silence as he gestured imperiously at a man. “Step forward. What is your complaint?”

  The man approached, bowing deeply. “My king, I hail from Stackton, a town beyond the kingdom’s borders. For a decade, my family and I tended a thriving farm there.”

  Wally’s impatience flashed across his face. “Get on with it!” he growled, his fingers drumming against the armrest.

  “Y-yes, my king,” the man stammered. “Four moons past, bandits led by one Cutthroat Carl descended upon us. They pillaged our stores, razed our crops and home. My children—” his voice broke, “—they murdered them, left them hanging. My wife...” He choked back a sob. “They violated her before my eyes and then slew her. I beg you, my king, bring these men to justice!”

  Wally’s fingers stilled on the throne as he fixed the man with an unreadable stare. His gaze shifted to a nearby noble. “James, what do we know of this Cutthroat Carl?”

  James cleared his throat. “It appears, Wally, that Cutthroat Carl belongs to the Red Anchor Bandits. Their leader goes by Hawk Blade.”

  Wally nodded slowly. “Find this man quarters and see him fed,” he commanded, then as James moved to comply, added, “And James? I expect a full report on this Cutthroat Carl upon your return.”

  James inclined his head. “Of course. Come, good sir, let’s find you lodgings in Braxton.”

  As James escorted the man out, the clank of armor announced a new arrival. Cassandra strode in, her presence commanding immediate attention from the nobles who wordlessly parted before her. She approached Wally’s throne and bowed, the echo of her steps fading into expectant silence.

  “Cassandra, what is it?” Wally’s fingers tapped an impatient rhythm on his throne.

  “My king, all the generals have arrived in Braxton. They await outside the doors,” Cassandra reported, her eyes flicking briefly to her left before returning to Wally.

  “Everyone out!” Wally’s voice boomed. His gaze shifted right. “Maid, see to it that the war room is prepared with meals.”

  As nobles filed out of the throne room, their hushed whispers fading, Wally rose and approached Cassandra. He looked up, meeting her eyes, while she maintained a stoic forward gaze.

  “Let’s proceed to the war room,” Wally said, a hint of smugness in his tone. “I must say, that Braxton armor suits you well. The green with silver trim is quite striking.”

  Wally circled Cassandra before striding out of the throne room, brushing past the waiting generals and down the hall. He entered the war room where a square table spanned the space. Nearby, a long rectangular table groaned beneath the weight of food and ale. Silver plates gleamed, accompanied by copper and silver utensils. The main table, a masterpiece of granite, silver, and emeralds, was surrounded by sterling silver chairs, their leather cushions stitched with silver-dipped thread.

  As Wally entered, his eyes locked onto a maid. He pointed a crooked finger at her. “You there, pull out my chair and fetch my meal.”

  “Yes, my king,” the maid replied, hurrying to comply. Wally’s gaze followed her movements as she retreated to the food table.

  “Hurry up!” he barked. The maid hastily returned, carefully placing his food and wine before him. As she turned to leave, Wally’s hand shot out, grasping her arm.

  “You’re new. I haven’t seen you before,” he observed, his eyes narrowing. He gestured to the chair beside him. “Sit!”

  The chair squeaked as the maid pulled it out, settling into it with unexpected grace.

  Wally raised his wine goblet, his eyes never leaving the maid. “Where are you from? And who hired you?”

  “My king, Sinjin hired me. I’m from Tera,” the maid replied softly.

  Wally’s eyes widened as he examined the woman. Her skin was slightly tan, her long black and red hair framing a face lit by orange eyes that reflected the flickering candlelight around the room.

  Leaning back in shock, Wally breathed, “From Tera? That’s a long way from home. I’ve never seen such beauty before.” He paused, realizing something. “Excuse me, I didn’t catch your name?”

  “My king, my name is Muse Deckerson,” she answered, her face betraying growing nervousness.

  “Muse, stand up and bend over,” Wally commanded, wiping his hand on his royal trousers.

  Muse scooted the chair back, stood, and took a step away before bending over.

  “Lift your dress up...” Wally’s hand twitched with anticipation.

  Muse hesitated for a moment before slowly lifting her dress.

  As Wally’s arm reached towards Muse, the war room doors swung open, admitting his generals. Wally quickly retracted his arm, returning it to the table as he sipped his wine. He turned to Muse, grinning. “Meet me in my chambers after this meeting.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Addressing his generals, Wally gestured to the table. “Now that everyone’s here, sit down. Let’s eat and drink this wine.” The generals bowed before taking their seats, as maids began filling their plates.

  Wally’s gaze returned to Muse. “You, I told you to go to my chambers.”

  “Yes, my king,” Muse replied, accidentally dropping the plate on Sinjin’s lap as she turned to leave.

  Sinjin jumped up. “What th—” He looked up, his eyes meeting Muse’s. For a moment, they stared at each other.

  Wally cleared his throat, his gaze shifting between them. “Maid, leave us now,” he commanded. His eyes darted to another servant. “You, clean this mess up.”

  Sinjin glanced once more at Muse before turning his attention back to Wally.

  “Sinjin, she’s going to my chambers right now. Find another seat,” Wally said, his tone brooking no argument. Sinjin nodded, rising to take the chair next to Wally. A maid swiftly filled his wine cup.

  Wally’s eyes swept down the length of the table. “Now we have decisions to discuss.”

  His gaze settled on Eira, her seafoam blue hair cut to neck length, framing a face marked by curving eyebrows and glacier-green eyes. Her skin carried a slight greyish tone, lips tinged with subtle blue. A short, pointy nose completed her distinctive appearance. She was dressed practically in a shift and brown trousers, with black boots peeking out beneath.

  “Eira, you could have worn something more appropriate to this meeting.” Wally tilted his head as he tapped his finger on the table.

  “Yes, my king. Please excuse me, I will change.” Eira started to rise.

  “No! Stay... Now give me your report on Edan.” Wally leaned back.

  “My king, I have reports stating there is a rebellion starting in Edan.” Eira leaned back, taking a quick sip of wine. Her face remained blank, masking her fear.

  “What else, Eira?” Wally tapped his finger on the table.

  “My king, the man goes by the name Akuma.” Eira takes another sip of her wine.

  “I can read your report later, Eira.” Wally leaned forward for his wine, his eyes already moving to the next person. “Okay, Philph, what do you have for me?”

  Philph shifted slightly, his lean frame accentuated by the low-profile armor he wore. The movement caught the light, drawing attention to his striking features. Long brown hair, touched with unexpected shades of blue, framed his face. His eyebrows, a matching blue, arched over captivating eyes with their unusual hues of gold and blue. A pointy nose and clean-shaven jaw gave his face a sharp look that matched his rigid posture.

  “My king, my informant has located Chase. You will not like the location...” Philph looked away.

  Wally’s eyes widened. “Where is he located, Philph?”

  “Chase is in Ash.” Philph paused as Wally’s frustration revealed itself.

  “Where in Ash? Look at me!” Wally demanded.

  Philph slowly met his gaze.

  “HEY! Don’t make me ask again.”

  “My king, he is in Xander’s estate as we speak,” Philph said quietly.

  Wally leaned back, blinking, his fist clenching as he muttered under his breath.

  Balist leaned forward, his presence commanding attention. His long jet-black hair and thick eyebrows framed eyes of unusual purple and brown. A battle scar across his nose and sharp, pointy profile added to his imposing appearance. His medium frame was encased in bulky, masterfully crafted armor of titanium steel, gleaming with blue-tinged nickel. An ax leaned against the table.

  “What or who is Chase?” Balist asked.

  Wally’s head snapped towards the man. “What the fuck did you just say, Balist?”

  “My king—” Balist began, but Wally cut him off, slamming his hand onto the table, pointing towards Balist.

  Cassandra closed her eyes and breathed deeply, tension visible in her posture.

  “Balist, I’m issuing you damping cuffs and a hundred lashes after this meeting,” Wally snarled before summoning one of the maids. “You, get over here and pour me more wine.”

  “My king—” Balist attempted, only to be silenced once more.

  “Two hundred lashes now! I don’t want to hear from you anymore, Balist,” Wally barked.

  Balist leaned back, resigned, drinking his wine. The maid refilled Wally’s cup with trembling hands.

  “Now, Cassandra, what do you have to report regarding the Order of Seraphs?” Wally asked, lifting his wine to his lips.

  “Yes, My king. It seems that Razlin has lost three generals and three of her vice generals as well.”

  Wally’s eyes widened, his head shaking in disbelief. “Which generals left?”

  “Serenity, Rickstin, and Percival, along with their vice generals, my king,” Cassandra replied, her gaze steady on Wally.

  “Why did they leave?” Wally’s fingers drummed impatiently on the table.

  Cassandra maintained her calm demeanor. “They were displeased with the handling of Xander after their fight.”

  A smile stretched across Wally’s face, unable to contain his glee. He raised his cup. “Here’s to that bitch Razlin for losing some of her generals.”

  The other generals lifted their cups in a toast, wine glasses clinking. As they drank, their eyes met, a hint of fear passing between them.

  “Now Sinjin, what reports do you have for me?” Wally held out his cup for a refill as he looked at his general. A maid hurried to fill it.

  Sinjin’s presence commanded attention. His jet-black hair, streaked with red and orange, was pulled back in a ponytail. A dark mustache with the same fiery hues matched his red-orange eyes beneath slanted black brows. A scar marked the skin below his left eye. His Braxton armor mixed with cloth, and at his side rested a spear of Crysac metal—a rare material forged where lava met sea against titanium.

  “My king, I have several reports. Xander left Nowhere Inn two moons ago. He appears to be heading to Ash.”

  Wally took a slow drink of wine, setting his cup down carefully. His eyes swept left and right before returning to Sinjin. “What else do you have for me?”

  “Maid!” Sinjin called, holding out a rolled document. The maid quickly brought it to Wally.

  Wally examined the seal before breaking it, his eyes scanning the contents. A grin spread across his face. “This is good work, Sinjin. I might even be inclined to reward such service.”

  “Yes, about that reward,” Sinjin’s voice turned sinister. “I want to murder Xander Blight. He killed my nephew!”

  Wally chuckled.

  “What’s funny, my king?” Sinjin’s face darkened.

  “Well, Sinjin, a few things. He’s on his way to Ash. Second, do you think you alone can kill Xander Blight? I need my top general. I can’t have you on a witch hunt at this time.” Wally closed his eyes. “Request denied.” He reached for his wine.

  Sinjin shot to his feet, slamming his fist on the table. “My king!”

  “How dare you!” Wally shot to his feet, pointing at Sinjin. “Sit down before I give you one hundred lashes to the back.” He lowered himself back into his chair. “Any other reports, Sinjin?”

  “No, my king.” Sinjin sat, then added, “Though I request that maid from your chambers be sent to mine.”

  Wally leaned back, grinning as he nodded. “If you bed that whore, you’ll need to marry her. It’s about time you marry.”

  Sinjin stared at Wally, pausing briefly. “Fine, we have an agreement.”

  “Good. Unfortunately, your marriage will have to wait because we’re going to war with Felis. Once we reach our mid-base, we’ll make war plans to attack those damn elves. With this act, since the Mar house is loyal to Felis’s domain, Order of the Seraphs will declare war on us.” Wally’s grin widened. “That’s all you need to know for now.”

  The generals stared in utter shock.

  “My king, why?” Balist asked softly.

  Cassandra sank back in her chair, disbelief evident on her face.

  “Now that we have everything settled, we leave in two moons. This meeting is over.” Wally pushed back his chair and stood. Pointing to a maid, he commanded, “Grab a vase of wine and a cup. Meet me in my chambers.”

  Wally departed. The maid gathered the wine and followed him out.

  The generals looked at one another in silence.

  Sinjin stood, casting a worried look at Cassandra.

  “What is it, Sinjin?” she asked.

  “Nothing. I suggest everyone get some sleep. We have a busy two moons ahead.” Sinjin walked out, the other generals following suit.