As the thunderous boom reverberated through the grand hall, the atmosphere shifted from celebratory to tense. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, causing a ripple of gasps and murmurs among the gathered crowd.
Rowena frowned as she looked up and waved her hand, making the roof of the castle translucent.
Asher's eyes narrowed as his gaze landed on the giant translucent shield covering the entire Bloodburn Kingdom. It was powered by Rowena's Deviar and would activate upon detecting any incoming attacks.
But the strange thing was nobody saw any incoming attacks.
A collective intake of breath filled the hall when they saw a strange sight.
Blood-red letters came into view, an eerie sight etched against the sky. Clearly, not just one but probably the blood of hundreds were used to etch such huge words.
[ Asher Drake, we will be expecting your presence in our kingdom within a week. No more than 5 people other than a single protector shall accompany you. Break your word, and your kingdom will suffer for the cowardice of their king ]
The message was clear and menacing, directly challenging Asher and his new position.
Thorin, standing with his usual indifference, broke the stunned silence.
His voice, though calm, carried a weight that resonated throughout the hall, "It's the Draconians," he stated matter-of-factly. The underlying tension in his voice was not lost on the audience.
Vernon, his face etched with a grim expression, spoke next, "They have gone too far by doing something like this on an auspicious day," His words reflected the thoughts of many in the room, adding to the growing unease.
Moraxor and Narrisara glanced at each other with a grim expression, realizing that these draconians were their problem as well, especially after their daughter's marriage.
Seron, anticipating the rising panic in the kingdom, borrowed Rowena's authority to use the castle to announce to the common people all over the kingdom, "Everyone, please remain calm," he announced authoritatively, "Our kingdom is not under attack. This is merely an elaborate message from the Draconians," His attempt to soothe the nerves was met with varying degrees of success outside.
Isola, standing beside Asher, looked up at him, her eyes filled with concern. She knew of the impending challenge, but the reality of it still struck a chord of fear.
It seemed obvious the draconians were out for blood.
However, Asher and Rowena's eyes were looking far beyond the ominous message, piercing through the shield where they spotted a solitary figure in the distant sky.
A woman with wings and piercing red eyes, her gaze seemingly locked onto theirs with an icy coldness, before she vanished into the horizon.
Rowena's hands curled into fists, feeling a rare surge of cold anger and frustration, the indignity of the Draconians' challenge on such a significant day burning within her.
She had envisioned a flawless coronation for him, a day of celebration and unity, but this brazen act had marred its perfection.
She couldn't even lash out in return due to the vast power difference between their kingdoms and to avoid being the first one to potentially start a war.
Feeling her turmoil, Asher reached out, his warm hand enveloping hers.
His comforting smile, filled with unspoken support, eased her tension, promising to take care of this.
His eyes then hardened as she looked back at the sky.
He knew the draconians did this because he hadn't informed them when he was coming yet and clearly he didn't expect them to be this impatient. But how dare they try to ruin a day like this?
Turning to face the assembly, Asher's voice resonated with confidence and determination, cutting through the tense atmosphere, "It seems the Draconians are eager for my visit. I shall honor their invitation and depart for their kingdom a week from now," he declared, his tone neither defiant nor submissive, but assured.
"I will be picking five people from this hall to accompany me," he continued, surveying the room, "But first, I would like to see who would want to volunteer. Those willing to join may step forward."
The hall, previously filled with whispers and murmurs, fell silent as his words sunk in. The gravity of the situation was clear - this was no mere formality, but a potentially perilous journey into the heart of the strongest kingdom who viewed them as mortal enemies.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that this could be a suicide journey if things go wrong.
Rowena had her brows furrowed since she didn't like this limit of 5 people.
But that was the rule, just like how that draconian prince was accompanied only by one senior while the rest of his entourage wasn't strong enough to count. But she knew they didn't care because of their confidence in their kingdom's strength.
She would have joined Asher if not for having to be here for the kingdom.
She knew, in the past, everything went smoothly in such scenarios. But there was no guarantee that the draconians wouldn't be foolish enough to break the pact by trying to do something to Asher when he gets there.
Several hands rose in response, a mix of young and old, eager to stand beside their new king. Among them were seasoned warriors, nobles seeking to prove their loyalty, and even a few younger faces, driven by a blend of bravery and the desire for glory.
Some were doing it as a chance to get into the good books of their new king, while others were feeling compelled to volunteer out of the pressure to not look bad before the king.
Even if he was casually asking, they knew how impudent it would be to not volunteer when it was his first request as the king.
Silvia was about to raise her hand with an ecstatic smile, but feeling her father's gaze, she looked at him and saw him shaking her head and saying in a low voice, "Not for this, my child."
Silvia pouted and, with a sad and disappointed look, lowered her hand.
Sabina was tempted to step forward. How could she resist a chance to go on a journey with him where there could be times when both of them could go missing and no nosey people would be there to care.
But she could only shake her head in frustration since she couldn't go against the wishes of her House.
Asher saw Leonidas and Caelum raising their hands without hesitation and looking at him with eager expressions.
He also saw Silvan raising his hand with a determined expression and didn't expect him to not show any hesitation. Was he that dutiful?
"Okay. Leonidas Stormrider, Caelum Nightshade and Silvan Drake…I accept your service," Asher said with a brief nod as the three of them deeply bowed and said in unison, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Asher's lips then curved as he saw the man sitting two seats away from Silvan, the only vassal of his in the hall who wasn't stepping forward.
Instead, Oberon was sitting with his eyes staring at the space ahead as if he didn't hear what Asher said.
"Prince Oberon," Asher called out with a tone that effortlessly blended respect with a hint of challenge, "I've been recently informed again of your glorious achievements that stand out among most in this kingdom. So I feel you are worthy enough to accompany me for this journey. What do you say?"
Rebecca's features tightened, her face a picture of barely concealed fury and anxiety.
Oberon, trapped under the weight of Asher's direct challenge, felt an uncomfortable spotlight cast upon him. His hands clenched the armrest of his seat, knuckles whitening under the strain.
Rebecca rose swiftly, her voice laced with a forced apologetic tone, "Your Majesty, my son has only recently awakened from a prolonged coma. He is yet to regain his full strength. I fear he may not be able to serve you to the best of his abilities."
Seron rubbed his forehead and sighed softly.
Asher, undeterred, exhaled softly and waved off her concerns, "That's quite alright. Even in a diminished state, a genius of Prince Oberon's caliber is an invaluable asset. Let's not underestimate him. Besides, he has Jesryth to support him, doesn't he?"
The mention of Jesryth seemed to strike a nerve. Rebecca's face twitched noticeably, her eyes betraying a flicker of unease. How dare he have the audacity to mention that after knowing everything?
Rowena, observing the unfolding drama, addressed Oberon in a tone that was cold and imperious, "Oberon, your king has asked you a question. Will you not answer? But remember his wish shall be your command."
Rebecca's cheeks flared a deep shade of crimson, the indignity of Rowena's direct challenge a bitter pill to swallow. She wasn't even making it seem like a choice. Like mother, like daughter indeed.
Oberon felt so many gazes landing on him, but feeling Rowena's gaze and hearing her cold, sweet voice was the last straw. Before he knew it, he was already on his feet and looked at Asher.
His voice, though strained, carried a feigned enthusiasm, "It would be my utmost honor to accompany Your Majesty on this significant journey."
Asher's smile broadened, a silent acknowledgment of Oberon's reluctant commitment, "Your willingness to serve is greatly appreciated, Prince Oberon."
Rebecca, her heart racing with a mix of dread and protective instincts, suddenly stepped forward after seeing no other choice, "Your Majesty, I too wish to volunteer to join this mission," she declared, her voice carrying a mixture of resolve and concealed anxiety.
She was sure this brat was planning to do something to her son by forcing him to join. She couldn't let Oberon out of her sight in a situation like this.
The room buzzed with murmurs and whispers, the atmosphere charged with surprise and speculation.
But since her son was involved, they could understand why she wanted to volunteer. Otherwise, no senior powerhouse from the three great houses would volunteer for a journey like this unless they had something to gain out of it.
Nobody would expect them to volunteer since they had their own duties and responsibilities to do unless it concerned the safety of the kingdom.
Just then, a calm, dignified voice cut through the murmurs, "I would like to volunteer as well, Your Majesty."
Asher raised his brows upon seeing a graceful beauty with a mature aura and dressed in a bright red gown stepping forward with an earnest smile.
All shocked eyes turned towards Naida, the Lady of House Valentine.
Her presence, always poised and serene, now seemed to hold an added layer of determination.
The crowd was visibly taken aback; her offer to join the mission was unexpected, especially for someone of her stature.
Vernon's expression was a complex blend of concern and confusion, leaned in, his voice low but urgent, "Naida, what are you thinking? Asher already has ample support for this venture. Why are you doing this?"
Naida turned to face Vernon, her expression composed yet resolute, "It's a decision I've not taken lightly, dear. Remember…he is our king now."
Vernon's brows furrowed even more, knowing what she meant, but a certain feeling was gnawing at the back of his mind upon seeing her do this.
"You…" Rebecca muttered with a look of disbelief as she looked at Naida. Why was she poking her nose into this?
Feeling her gaze, Naida looked at Rebecca and offered a brief smile before looking at Asher.
