Episode 16

As a writer and in compliance with your request to maintain the paragraph structure without adding further explanations, here's the rewritten version of the text:

German: "Little brother, come see; it's magnificent."

Tomas: "I know where she's headed, but who was that?"

German: "I heard they were going to the military base."

Tomas gives him a look and dashes off to the military base.

German: "Ah, love."

Meanwhile, with the king...

Lucas: "Your Majesty, are you certain of this? We are but warriors, not refined gentry. Will the princess truly consent?"

Leonardo: "My daughter will obey my command, and this engagement is a royal decree."

Dikson: "Your Majesty, I accept the proposal, but first I request to meet the princess."

Leonardo: "That seems fair."

In Leonardo's thoughts: With Dikson marrying Irene, we secure an alliance, his loyalty, by virtue of my kingship.

Leonardo: "You may leave now."

Outside the royal chamber...

Dikson: "Father, the king... If we refuse, it will call our loyalty into question."

Lucas: "You’re correct, my son. It's just that I wished for all my children to marry for love, not because of deals or royal commands."

Dikson: "I understand. Jaiden married out of love, and look at Valery, she's been wandering out quite often lately."

Lucas turns a thoughtful gaze upon his son: "What are you suggesting?"

Dikson: "That our beloved Valery is interested in someone."

Lucas is pensive. How could it be that a young man has caught her interest? She had never shown inclination towards any boy before. Now, he must pay closer attention to his daughter to discover who this youth is that has captured his little girl's interest.

Meanwhile, Carlos and Valery arrive at the military base, in the sector where their shadow company is stationed, faces always concealed.

Their identities must remain secret; they are the elite squad.

Upon entering the base, everyone watches the pair with covered faces. Once with their comrades, Valery selects a team of 15 soldiers to accompany her, while Carlos and the others will hide at strategic vantage points in case of an attack. Their orders are crystal-clear: safeguard Prince Octavio of the north.

Tomas enters the base searching for Valery but doesn’t spot her. Instead, he sees a party of 30 soldiers riding off on horseback. He catches sight of nothing but those captivating eyes, confirming it was indeed his Valery.

He approaches one of the soldiers and asks.

Tomas: "Who are they?"

Soldier: "Those with their faces veiled are the Shadow Company, of General Roberson's army. That one with piercing eyes is dubbed Demon, and the other, Ghost.”

Tomas: "Demon?"

Soldier: "Yes, the most lethal assassin in the ranks. What we hear of him is frightening—he’s ruthless and bloodthirsty, sparing no one."

Tomas stands deep in thought, Valery's words echoing in his mind. War brings out the worst in us—you kill or be killed. Once you take a life, there's no returning from it. This isn't a place for cowards or merciful sentiments; there's no room for pity on the battlefield. Pity could be your own undoing.

Tomas understands Valery's words, but now the challenge is convincing his father to allow him to marry his beautiful and sweet Valery.

In the meantime, a week later at the border, Valery and 15 of her finest soldiers are welcomed by Tadeo and the rest of the locals. On the border, everyone respects and is fond of them since they've kept their lives safe.

Tadeo: "Prince Octavio, along with General Vigo Mortens, will be joining us."

Valery: "Thank you, how is everything around here?"

Tadeo: "All is calm."

They wait and soon spot the prince's entourage approaching.

Octavio: "It's an honor to be escorted by you."

Valery (Demon): "We must press on, Prince."

Glancing at General Vigo, Valery can still see the scar from their battle on his face. She too had sustained injuries that day; a prominent scar on her right side inflicted by the general.

She detests him for witnessing him tearing apart a young peasant—this general was truly merciless, unbothered by whether victim was woman or child, slaying them with sadistic glee.

The journey back to the castle is uneventful, and upon arrival, they are greeted by the king, the princes, and Princess Daian, with only Tomas missing.

Meredit: "Where could Tomas be hiding lately?"

Leonardo: "Perhaps he’s off practicing, I'm not certain."

When German sees the prince arriving with the elite troops, he glances at his father.

King Leonardo: "Welcome, do come in. Captain Demon, I thank you for your diligence; you are dismissed."

Valery merely nods in response. As she passes by General Vigo, their eyes clash, revealing a palpable tension between them.

Octavio: "General Vigo, we're here for my sister's wedding."

Once Valery rejoins her troops alongside Carlos, he asks her.

Carlos: "Up for a duel?"

Valery: "Certainly."

All gather to witness the combat, as it’s quite a spectacle to see the two best fighters, with their exceptional prowess, in action. It’s always a mystery who will emerge victorious.

[... ... ...]

Apologies for not updating yesterday; I am dealing with tendinitis and must take care.

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