Chapter 46: Chapter 46: The King’s Decision
Finally, the King looked back at him, his expression a complex mixture of exhaustion and genuine concern.
"I can’t give you an answer on the crystals for now," the King said, his voice heavier than before.
"I need to consult the Inner Council. Six crystals... that’s not a decision I make alone. The reserves are barely holding a significant amount of Mana Crystals necessary for this kingdom. Releasing six is the same as giving away part of our magical defense."
He stood up slowly before continuing.
"But the rest of the requests—granted."
The King’s voice hardened with authority.
"Evacuation wagons, food supplies, medical equipment, soldiers, scholars. All of it. You have my blessing to organize it immediately."
He turned to look at Thaddeus, his eyes sharp.
"You handle it."
Thaddeus’s eyes widened.
For the first time since they had entered the throne room, the prince looked genuinely surprised.
"Why me? You have other sons."
The King’s gaze didn’t waver.
"Do you dare question the orders of a King?"
His father looked at him, smirking faintly.
Thaddeus scoffed and shook his head.
Now he’s using the King’s authority on me.
He had spent years watching his father avoid responsibility, yet here he was, wielding absolute authority like a weapon.
"Of course not, my King," Thaddeus said, the sarcasm thick enough to taste. "Your wish is my command."
"You are the only one somewhat close to Drazeil," the King continued, his voice dropping.
"I’ve seen how you interact with him. The way you understand him. You understand his methods better than anyone. That makes you perfect for this."
"I see."
Thaddeus’s tone was neutral now. The sarcasm was gone.
The King tapped his throne three times.
The sound was sharp, echoing through the chamber like a drumbeat.
Six guards entered immediately—the same ones who had laughed at the coachman earlier. Their armor gleamed, and their expressions remained smug.
Thaddeus looked at them and smirked, his eyes cold.
"I think you should dismiss these two from their positions. They clearly don’t know how to do their jobs."
The King didn’t even hesitate.
"You’re dismissed. Leave the palace. Don’t come back."
The guards’ faces drained of color.
Their smugness vanished instantly.
"Your Majesty—"
They didn’t even get a chance to finish speaking before two of the other guards, older men with steely expressions, grabbed them by the arms and dragged them away.
The doors slammed shut behind them with a finality that made the coachman’s shoulders tense.
The King turned to the two remaining guards. They were younger, but their eyes were focused and serious.
"Take the coachman to the guest quarters," the King ordered. "Let him rest. Give him food, water, whatever he needs. And guard him well."
He paused, his expression hardening.
"When I or Prince Thaddeus requests him, only then should he be released. No other person has the authority to request him without permission from the King. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guards replied in unison.
The coachman could barely stand. His legs were shaking, his face pale from exhaustion and the weight of everything he had witnessed.
Elder Theai turning to ash.
Shadows that couldn’t be killed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he whispered, his voice cracking.
The King’s expression softened slightly.
"You’ve done your duty. Rest now. When this is over, you’ll have your reward."
The guards led him out, his steps slow but steady.
Thaddeus watched them leave.
Then he turned to his father, his expression more serious than before.
"So... what’s your plan now?"
"I shall discuss the Mana Crystal release with the Inner Council," the King replied. "I need to know whether we’re giving away our last line of defense. If Drazeil believes six crystals can stop this, then I need to understand exactly what we’re risking."
The two guards who had dragged the dismissed guards away returned and stood silently at attention.
The King instructed one of them to summon the Royal Messenger.
The messenger arrived almost immediately, bowing low.
He was young, perhaps twenty years old, dressed in a uniform bearing the royal crest.
"Send a message to every member of the Inner Council," the King ordered.
"There will be a compulsory meeting by noon in the Privy Chamber."
His voice hardened.
"Emphasize the word compulsory. No exceptions. No delays. If anyone refuses to attend, they will be removed from the council."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The messenger bowed once more before leaving.
Thaddeus stood from his seat, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve.
His movements were casual, but his eyes were sharp.
"You do realize," he said quietly, "I’m still here for one more thing."
The King blinked.
Then he sighed, a sound carrying years of exhaustion.
"Ah, yes."
He reached beside the throne and opened a hidden compartment within its armrest.
The mechanism was intricate, requiring a specific sequence of movements.
From within, he withdrew a golden token.
The moment it appeared, the atmosphere in the room changed.
The air itself seemed heavier.
Ancient.
Powerful.
Intricate runes glimmered faintly across its surface, shifting and changing like living light.
The royal crest was engraved at its center, but unlike the token the coachman had carried, this one was older.
Far older.
And far more powerful.
A Royal Signet Token.
The King held it between two fingers, his expression solemn.
Before he could speak, Thaddeus leaned forward.
For the first time, his curiosity seemed genuine.
"You know..." he said thoughtfully. "I was actually thinking you’d hand me the ring on your finger."
Silence.
The King stared at him.
Thaddeus pointed toward the royal signet ring resting on his father’s hand.
The ring was massive and ancient, its surface carved with symbols that seemed to shift whenever someone looked directly at them.
"You wish," The King said.
"The day I hand this ring to anyone would be the day that person inherits the throne."
"I see."
The King’s voice softened.
"That day will come."
Thaddeus caught the token as the King tossed it toward him.
He examined it briefly, his fingers tracing the runes.
They seemed to pulse in response to his touch.
"You are authorized to use this only for matters concerning Wrenhollow, the Quiet Taking, and any other mission of critical importance," the King said firmly.
"This is not a toy. It is power. Use it wisely."
"This token grants you temporary authority."
Thaddeus opened his mouth, ready to ask something.
The King cut him off immediately.
"And before you ask, no, you cannot use it to order servants to bring you wine, acquire a private estate, or start a gambling tournament."
Thaddeus looked genuinely offended.
"Father."
"What?"
"You think far too little of me."
"Anyway, I’ve already placed restrictions on the token," the King replied. "Even if you attempt to use it for something else, it will be nearly impossible."
Thaddeus raised an eyebrow.
"So you’re saying there is a chance I can do other things with it. I simply have to figure out how."
The King stared at him.
Then sighed.
Of all his children, Thaddeus had always been the most...
The most...
He didn’t even know what word to use anymore.
"That isn’t the point, Thaddeus."
"The point is—"
"Yes, yes, Father. I get the point."
The King groaned.
Then he raised his signet ring and pointed it toward the token.
Golden light erupted from the runes.
The token glowed brightly as the restrictions were sealed into place.
The runes burned with golden fire before gradually fading back to normal.
Thaddeus examined it again.
The symbols shifted whenever he looked directly at them, forming patterns that made no sense and yet somehow felt meaningful.
"Alright," he said.
His voice was steady now.
"I’ll handle the mission."
He turned and began walking toward the exit.
"And Thaddeus."
The prince stopped.
Looked back.
"Be careful."
Thaddeus smirked.
This time it was softer.
More genuine.
"Always."
He slipped the token into his pocket and left for the Eastern Wing.
The throne room grew silent.
Everyone had been dismissed.
The King stood alone.
Slowly, he reached for the crown resting beside the throne.
His fingers traced its edge.
Theai.
The name echoed through his mind.
He remembered her blue eyes.
A bitter smile touched his lips.
"Still sacrificing yourself for others... even after all these years."
The memory came uninvited.
He remembered a younger version of himself.
Not a king.
Not a ruler.
Just a reckless prince who thought himself invincible.
He remembered getting lost during a hunting expedition near the northern forests.
His guards had become separated from him.
His horse had broken its leg.
Night had fallen.
And something in the woods had begun following him.
Theai had found him first.
She had been younger then.
Sharp-tongued.
Annoyingly stubborn.
Completely unimpressed by royalty.
Instead of bowing, she had smacked him across the head with her walking staff.
The King let out a quiet laugh.
"You idiot. If you’re going to get yourself killed, at least don’t do it near my village."
That had been the first thing she ever said to him.
Not "Your Highness."
Not "Prince."
Not even "Sir."
Just an irritated young woman scolding a foolish man.
Years later, when he inherited the throne, she remained exactly the same.
She never bowed.
Never treated him like a king.
And eventually...
They stopped speaking altogether.
The reason why was something he had buried long ago.
The King’s smile faded.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Damn you, Theai."
The words escaped him quietly.
Even in death, she was still giving him impossible decisions.
Slowly, he opened his eyes.
The Inner Council would be gathering soon.
There was no longer time for memories.
Only decisions.
And for the first time in many years, the King feared he might make the wrong one.
