(Neverport)

  "Cj, just drop it," Becca snapped, her steps quick and determined as she walked away from her house, leaving behind the rings she had carefully stored.

  But Cj was relentless, following her every step, "No, Becca. We shouldn't trust him. Axel is using everyone. Why are you so blind to it?" His frustration grew as he tried to reason with her.

  Trailing behind them was Philly, trying to catch up but not daring to interrupt.

  Cj's anger boiled over as he grabbed Becca's wrist, forcing her to stop, "Becca, please. Just listen to me."

  She sighed, a weary and saddened look crossing her face, "Cj, ever since Axel arrived, things have only improved. He stopped the Heavenly Army from taking more lives, built a bond with the druids, and soon introducing magic to Neverport. The village is thriving because of him. He has a vision, and people are starting to see that. I trust him, Cj, and I hoped you would too. You're my best friend, after all."

  Cj released her wrist, guilt flashing across his face, "I'm sorry, but—"

  Their conversation was cut short by the sound of commotion in the main street.

  Without hesitation, the three rushed toward the source, only to find knights from the Kingdom of Sungalepore lined up in formation.

  But what caught everyone's attention was the figure at the forefront: King Kurtis of Sungalepore.

  "Why is the king here?" Philly whispered.

  "I have no idea," Becca whispered back.

  The king dismounted his horse, his regal presence undeniable as he surveyed the crowd of bewildered villagers.

  With a polite bow, he addressed them, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. For those unfamiliar with me, I am King Kurtis of Sungalepore. I have come to speak with the leader of this village."

  His voice sparked a ripple of murmurs among the villagers—some confused, others indifferent.

  Becca stepped forward, her clenched fists betraying her nerves, "I'm here," she declared.

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

  All eyes turned to her, and a few whispered among themselves, wondering where Axel was.

  Kurtis regarded her with mild disinterest, "I'd like to discuss a matter of importance in private. Shall we?"

  Becca hesitated but nodded. "Sure."

  As they walked toward the Presence Chamber, Kurtis took note of the village's details, his gaze lingering on the ring Becca wore. "You've allied with druids," he observed.

  Becca's stomach twisted, but she replied firmly, "Yes, two weeks ago."

  The Presence Chamber was modest, featuring two wooden chairs reserved for Axel and Becca, surrounded by a round table and simple decorations.

  "You can sit wherever you like," Becca said, taking her place at the round table.

  Kurtis sat across from her, his eyes briefly scanning the room.

  "Where's the other leader?" he asked, his tone casual but probing.

  "He's out on a mission," Becca replied, her voice steady despite the anxiety gripping her. "He should be back by morning."

  Kurtis nodded and leaned back, "I'll keep this brief. I'm here to request permission to use the mines in this area. In exchange, Sungalepore will provide this village with five gold coins per month."

  Becca didn't hesitate. "No. The raw materials from the mines will remain under Neverport's control."

  Kurtis stood abruptly, irritation flickering across his face, "I see. This was a waste of time."

  As he turned to leave, Becca's voice rang out. "Was using us the only reason you came here?"

  Kurtis froze, his tone sharpening as he said, "I suggest you hold your tongue."

  But Becca stepped forward, her anger rising. "You royals are all the same. When we were starving, when we begged your kingdom for help, you ignored us. I sent five letters—five—pleading for aid. You couldn't even spare a handful of knights to protect us. But now, now that we're thriving, you come here demanding our main source of income? Why would I ever agree to that?"

  Kurtis turned slowly, his gaze fierce and unyielding, "You have no idea what it takes to run a kingdom. Sacrifices must be made. You can't protect everyone."

  Becca's voice didn't waver, "Then let me ask you this: Would you rather see Neverport destroyed so you could take the mines for yourself, or would you prefer a partnership where we sell you the resources? Think carefully."

  Kurtis said nothing, his silence stretching into a tense pause.

  Becca stepped closer, staring him down. "Get the hell out of my kingdom. You're not welcome here."

  A quiet laugh escaped Kurtis's lips as he turned toward the door, "You'll regret this," he said coldly before leaving.

  ---

  Becca stood alone in the empty chamber, her hands trembling as the adrenaline began to fade. The door burst open, and Philly and Cj rushed in.

  "Becca, the king said he'll be back in ten days. What happened?" Cj asked, his voice shaky.

  Becca looked at them for a moment before stepping forward and pulling them both into a tight hug, "Royals just know how to piss me off," she muttered. "But I won't let them take anything from us. This is our kingdom. For Johnathan, Gwen, and Leon—for everything they sacrificed to bring us here—I won't let their efforts be in vain."

  Cj and Philly exchanged glances before holding her even tighter.

  "As always, we're with you, Becca," Cj said firmly.

  "We're the three musketeers," Philly added with a grin. "No one gets left behind."

  A faint smile spread across Becca's face as she rested her head against their shoulders. For now, at least, she wasn't alone.