Episode 16

After following Edwin, Katerina saw him return towards the border, so it's likely that he has left to go back to his main camp. To make sure of that, Thomas was the one who followed after him, while Katerina headed to another area. Jane sent her a message, where she gave the location of another Ketzanian squad. After a couple of hours traveling on Snow, she reached some mountains. Jane was waiting for her and told her that these troops were trying to reach the kingdom of Jik, a small kingdom a few kilometers from the border. If they take it, they can force the king of Jik to give them the kingdom and his army.

"I have taken my squad to Jik. They have warned the king and are ready to fight."

"Well done, Jane. Now go, I'll take it from here. It's a big squad, so some will probably escape."

"We'll be prepared for that."

Jane climbed onto the griffin that had been assigned to her and left the place. The advantage of it being night is that there is less chance of being seen. Katerina, being left alone, must wait for the right moment to attack. Snow remains silent and has even lain down under a leafy tree. Katerina is grateful that the griffin is loyal and silent, so she doesn't need to leave him far away from her.

Katerina sits next to the animal and strokes the feathers on its neck. While she waits, it is best to attack until they have gone to sleep. A surprise attack is always more successful.

On the other hand, Arek was calm. That night the enemy had retreated, so they could rest a little. Maybe tomorrow they could have a quiet day while the enemy recovered. Jack had suggested taking advantage of the moment, but crossing that battlefield was not very safe. They didn't know if they hadn't set a trap, and they couldn't risk losing more people. Besides, everyone was tired. They deserved at least a little sleep after dinner.

"Your Highness, we have a problem. This month's supplies have not arrived. We have sent messengers, and they say that the emperor is sending less this time. If the enemy doesn't finish us off, hunger will," said General Graham.

"Damn it... They want us to win the war, but they don't send food for their soldiers..." Arek was furious.

Surely the emperor did it believing that if he left them without food, they would fight desperately and seek to win the war at once, but it doesn't work like that. If the soldiers don't eat, they won't be able to fight.

"I will send a messenger to Marquis Rosesky. He should know about this," said Lara, the leader of the Roses.

Lara was a girl a little older than Arek. She had arrived recently, taking the place of her father, the previous leader, because he had fallen ill. At first, those in Arek's army thought that she would not be able to fully cope with the position because she was young, but there she was, perfectly guiding the Roses.

"Thank you, Lady Lara... I hope the Marquis can help us."

"That damn emperor is crazy, leaving us without supplies? He forgets that we are fighting to protect his empire... Not only does he have a cowardly son, but he is also a traitor." Jack was furious.

Of course, the soldiers were also unhappy with the news. The emperor was practically leaving them to their fate, without taking into account what they were doing for the empire.

"The marquis is right not to support the crown prince. He must be trash, just like his father. I don't think that coward deserves the throne," Lara expressed.

All those present look at her with some confusion, but the truth is that she is right. An emperor who abandons them and a cowardly heir was already too much.

"Call me what you will, but if you ask me, His Highness Arek, is much more fit for the crown," General Graham pointed out.

"I agree, sir. His Highness has more courage, and he is here with us, giving his best to lead us to victory," Lara added.

Arek can hear everyone present agree with the words of Graham and Lara, something that is important to him and lets him know that he could have the support of the army if he seeks to fight for the throne.

"If His Highness will fight for the throne, I would be on his side," Jack said.

"I would be too, and so would the Roses," Lara assured him, and yes, her squad agreed with her.

Arek listened to everyone agree.

"I thank you, but before fighting for the throne, we have to prevent another country from wiping us out," Arek encouraged them. "And when it's all over, if you support me, I'll be willing to do anything."

Everyone shouts in unison at Arek's words. It seems that he will have more help than expected, and the fact that the army is on his side is a very big advantage because, if a rebellion starts, the status of the nobles will not be of much help.

In the capital of Lutzalya, inside the palace, the Empress's birthday was being happily celebrated. It was a grand party. Nobles from all over had arrived, and although they asked about the conflict between them and Ketzania, the emperor assured them that his army was fighting bravely, for although the conflict had been going on for years, it did not seem to end.

"We have heard that it is the second prince who is in charge, but the crown prince has not gone even once."

"It is true, Your Majesty. The rumors are getting stronger and stronger. Supporting the crown prince is becoming more difficult every day," a duke said doubtfully.

"It is said that the Marquis Rosesky no longer supports His Highness Rowan. Proof of this is that in these four years, Lady Rosesky has not appeared in the capital. Look, today neither she nor her father has shown up for the Empress's birthday."

"The Marquis seeks to break off his daughter's engagement, but it is said that you have not wanted to allow it. The crown prince is losing very important support."

The emperor was furious, but he had to hold back his anger upon hearing all these accusations.

"Lady Rosesky and the crown prince are fine. Every so often, he visits her at her family's villa. Soon, the wedding will take place," the emperor assured them.

The nobles did not expect such a thing, but if it is true, the wedding will be a very important event. The emperor will send for Katerina. He will give the order that she must marry Rowan soon. That way, there will be fewer rumors, and no one will say that they have lost the support of the Marquis Rosesky.

Of course, the next day, this information reached the ears of the marquis, who immediately went to the palace. He was furious at what the emperor was planning.

"We have waited long enough. It is time for our children to unite their lives," the emperor replied.

"For years I have told you that my daughter will not marry His Highness. I have even offered to pay monetary compensation for it, and now you think to force my daughter..." the marquis complained furiously.

"It is an imperial order. I have already told you that I do not intend to accept the breakup. You had better go and get Lady Katerina. I'm sure she will obey the order."

"I am afraid that my daughter is the one who least wants this. That should have been clear when the crown prince went to the villa, and she rejected him. Bear in mind that the engagement was because it was thought that my daughter was the saint, which was shown to be false."

"Enough, Marquis. I have already sent the messenger, and they will bring Lady Katerina. The wedding will take place as agreed," the emperor shouted furiously.

"My daughter is not in that villa. I'm afraid she's busy dealing with the enemy of the country. Unlike the crown prince, she is not a coward."

"Watch your words, Marquis, you are talking about the next emperor," the emperor complained.

The marquis stands firm in his words. The royal council present in that place listened to the marquis's words. The murmurs were not long in coming, and a minister stood up.

"What does what you just said mean?" he asks curiously.

"My daughter has been trained in magic and combat. Now she has gone to the battlefield to support the second prince. As you well know, she admires him, and I have prepared her to help him."

"T-that's not possible... Lying before me can be considered an offense," the emperor claimed.

"I am not lying, Your Majesty. My daughter has proven her worth, and so has the second prince. I think you already know which side I will support." The marquis stands firm in his words.

And that phrase has been enough for the council to enter into debate, for the marquis has expressed his support for the second prince and even refuses to allow his daughter to marry the crown prince. Without a doubt, a great rupture has been declared between the Roseskys and the emperor. The marquis left that palace, and although Katerina believes that the marquis does not know everything she does, the truth is that Thomas made sure to inform his father and has assured him that he will be protecting his sister.

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