Chapter 2 – The Prince They All Fear
Kaelen trained alone in the palace yard, his upper body bare, revealing a map of deep scars etched across his skin. With every swing of his massive blade, the air grew heavier, a visible pressure filling the space. Around him, knights watched from a distance, silent and wary.
"Hey, you huge piece of meat! Swinging a big chunk of iron won't help you," a voice called out.
It was Rowen, the second squad's commander, arms crossed, wearing a smug grin.
Kaelen didn't respond. He simply kept training, his focus unshaken.
Rowen frowned. "Are you ignoring me?! I'm the commander of the second squad!"
Still no response.
Frustrated, Rowen drew his sword and pointed it at Kaelen. "Hey! Don't walk away from me!"
Kaelen stopped. His gaze turned, cold and unblinking. Just a stare—no words—but it was enough to make Rowen flinch.
"Now you see me, right?" Rowen asked, hesitating.
Kaelen's voice was calm. "Do you want to fight me?"
Rowen glanced at the growing crowd behind him. Backing down now would ruin his reputation.
"You guessed it."
But before he could take a step, a towering figure appeared behind him. The air itself seemed to freeze.
Rowen turned slowly. "S-Sir Thorne! I was just… talking to the prince."
Thorne didn't blink. "You pointed your sword at a prince of the empire. You'll be punished. Now—150 laps of the training ground. In full armor."
"What? Sir—"
A single glare from Thorne ended the protest. Rowen ran off without another word.
Thorne turned to the rest of the knights. "Is this a stage play? Get back to training!"
The field emptied in seconds.
Kaelen resumed his practice, unbothered. Thorne gave him a quiet glance, then left.
[Inside the King's Chamber]
"Greetings, Your Majesty," said General Eryk Flameborn, bowing.
King Eldric Drakemor looked up from a scroll. "Yes, General Eryk. What's the matter?"
"A horde of monsters attacked our western outpost. They've overrun the area and are disrupting nearby regions."
Eldric slammed his fist on the armrest. "These cursed beasts... they never let us live in peace."
"I request permission to send our battalion to reclaim the post," Eryk said.
"Call the captains, marshals, and generals. We'll meet and decide our next move."
The chamber doors opened. Queen Theryn entered with Minister Cedric at her side.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Eryk said respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," added Cedric.
Theryn walked forward casually. "Majesty, I heard Kaelen is back again."
Eldric narrowed his eyes. "Yes, Lady. Why does it matter to you?"
"Nothing much. I just wanted to know if he's safe."
"Since when were you so concerned about Kaelen?"
Theryn's face tightened slightly.
"Eryk, arrange the meeting. I'll be there shortly," Eldric said.
"A meeting? About what, Your Majesty?" Theryn asked.
"It's not something that needs your suggestions," Eldric replied coldly.
"As Queen, I have a right to know what's happening in the kingdom."
"Our western post was taken by monsters. We're discussing how to reclaim it."
Theryn glanced at Cedric, who nodded and stepped forward.
"If I may, Your Majesty, I'd like to offer a suggestion," Cedric said.
Eldric raised an eyebrow. "What can a Minister of Land and People say about war?"
"I may not have fought, but I still have the mind of a minister."
"Fine. Speak."
"Prince Kaelen has proven his strength time and again. I suggest we send him, with a few soldiers, to reclaim the post."
Eldric and Eryk turned to Cedric, eyes sharp. Cedric instinctively stepped back behind Queen Theryn.
"I agree," Theryn said, her voice light but laced with venom. "We all know how strong Kaelen is. If he's no good for anything else, let's at least put that strength to use."
Eldric's tone dropped. "Mind your words, Lady. Kaelen is still a prince. My blood runs through his veins."
Theryn smiled—tight, mocking. "Then perhaps that blood should finally do something for the empire, Your Majesty."
Eldric's voice rose. "Lady. I won't say it again. Watch your tongue."
"Your Majesty, please," Eryk interjected calmly.
"Eryk," Eldric said, regaining composure. "Escort Lady Theryn to her chamber. Then begin the preparations."
"As you command. Your Highness, this way."
Theryn gave a final, annoyed glance before leaving.
[In Queen Theryn's Chamber]
Theryn stood before her mirror, fury simmering beneath her composed expression.
"Enjoy your moment, Kaelen," she whispered. "I'll make sure you never get what you want."
Cedric stood behind her. "Your Highness… please calm down."
"Cedric," she said, "summon Marshal Korven and General Tomas. Tell them they're to meet me before the war council."
Cedric bowed. "As you wish, my lady."
Chapter 3 – Coming Soon...
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