Chapter 32

Daniel had escorted me and my wife to the throne room. I pushed out my chest, standing as tall and as proper as I could.

When we entered, the loyalists fell to the ground in a bow. My heart sank. They were bowing for me. It felt like an unreal power to possess once again. We sat on the throne, and the loyalists rose. In the crowd I could see Johnny, Charles, and Orion.

I cleared my throat before speaking.

"Thank you for showing your support to the Lafayette kingdom. I know it has been difficult to support your kingdom during these harsh times, but we appreciate your loyalty nonetheless." I rose from the throne.

"We are going to stop Vendov from creating the empire he desires, and we are going to return to our kingdom."

"Pardon me, your majesty. But, how? Vendov clearly has us outnumbered. We barley made it to Belmonte without being slaughtered!"

Chatter begin to ensue among the loyalists.

"It appears we are outnumbered, yes. But we have two incredible fighters who will train each and everyone of us. We will stay in Belmonte and recruit citizens from our ally kingdom of Belmonte. Creating a strong army is the first step to success."

"Your majesty, I do not think that will be enough." A loyalist said.

"Your majesty! There's a rumor going around that there's another dragon. Is that true?"

The chatter stopped.

"Yes. We have a dragon on our side."

"How? Where is it?"

"It is hidden right now for everyone's safety. But believe me. We do have a chance in taking back Lafayette and winning the war. Please, trust me. I want to secure a good life for all of you." I looked back at Mavis. She gave me a light nod.

"A good life for my family. My wife and child."

"The king has a child?"

"The king has a child!"

I heard various phrases about the topic passed around the room.

"You will be rewarded once we win. Please, everyone eat well and rest. Tomorrow we will begin recruitment and battle training." I said, dismissing everyone.

Mavis and I left the throne room and returned to our chambers after my speech. I took the crown off, my head rushed with warmth.

Orion and Daniel knocked upon entering.

"Everyone appears to be in a much more stable mood. What you said had worked." Daniel said.

"I hope it was enough. That was overwhelming."

"But you did great." Mavis reassured me.

"Thank you, Orion. They seemed to receive it well." I said to him.

"That's what I'm here for."

"Johnny and I will begin training tomorrow. I think it's best if everyone attends."

"Agreed. The sooner the better." Daniel said.

"Orion and I can leave so you two can prepare for bed." I told Mavis and Daniel. They exchanged a look at each other.

"If we're keeping our relationship a secret we think it's best if you sleep in here with me instead." Said Mavis to me.

"She's right. We want to protect Opal, and if hiding our relationship is what it takes, so be it." Daniel said.

"Johnny and I will take turns patrolling the castle. This way I can guard Opal as well with little suspicion."

"Let's go to her room. I would like to see her before bed." Mavis said to Daniel.

He followed behind his queen, leaving me alone with Orion.

"I'll see you tomorrow for training, then. I look forward to seeing the skills you have picked up on your journey." Orion said, reaching for the door.

"Orion." I stopped him. He paused. I didn't know why, but for a moment, I didn't want him to leave.

"Thank you." Is what slipped out of my mouth.

"Don't mention it. See you in the morning." He said.

The castle grounds were filled with loyalists. Daniel and Johnny had emptied the weaponry room and brought armfuls of supplies. Every weapon that had ever been created was there. Swords of every cut and style. Daggers, sharp and dull. They laid out an array of bow and arrows, shields, and armor. It felt overwhelming at first, but I needed to be a leader.

"Alright, half of you will train with Johnny on attacking, and half of you will train on defense with Daniel. Then, we will switch. Understand?"

Everyone agreed to the plan. I split the groups in half, sending them to begin their training. Mavis had joined, wearing pants for the first time I had ever seen her in them.

"My queen. You wish to join the training?" I asked her.

"I would like to have training to protect myself if need be. I'll be joining Daniel's group."

I participated in Johnny's group. Her training style was the same she taught me. Despite being surrounded by weapons, she taught everyone how to attack with their bodies first.

"Do I have to?" Charles wined.

"Everyone must learn. This is not optional. If want to fight for Lafayette, and for yourself, you must train." She said. She took Charles's hands and squeezed them into fists.

"Do not tuck your thumb under." She said.

She walked around, examining everyone's techniques. By lunch time, everyone from Johnny's group was beat, quite literally. I envied Daniel's group who learned defense first before heading to Johnny's side.

I joined the loyalists to lunch. I sat next to the commoners at the long table as they shared stories over cold sandwiches and fruit.

"We're so thankful for your return, your majesty." Said a man I was sitting next to. He had a short beard and big shoulders.

"The rule over Vendov was horrid." Said a woman from across the table, biting into her red apple. Her hair was dark and bags lined under her eyes.

"I can only imagine. I apologize my return took some time, but I am glad to be here with all of you now."

Orion wondered up next to me with an apple and a cheese sandwich behind me.

"May I join you, your majesty?"

"Please." I shifted my body over to make room for Orion.

He did not hesitate taking a big bite into his sandwich. He ate fast.

"Vendov exploited our resources and worked us to the bone. Whoever questioned his authority, or even mentioned Lafayette, would be punished. As would their family." The loyalist man explained.

"His crudeness shows no bounds. My husband tried to speak out against his tyrannical rule. They used him as an example and beheaded him." The woman's voice shook as her eyes began to pool with water. I extended my arm across the table to comfort her.

"I'm sorry for what happened. Nothing can replace your loss. We will do everything we can to ensure your husband's fight wasn't for nothing."

"Pardon me, your majesty. I just need a moment." She spoke through the soft sniffles. She had gotten up and isolated herself to the outside. I debated following her.

"Just give her a minute. She's been through a lot." He said.

"Seems like it." I said, returning to my food.

"Where are you from, sir? I never saw you in Lafayette. Are you from Belmonte?"

Orion swallowed hard. I studied him, unsure of what he was going to say.

"My name is Orion. I'm from Vendov."

The man gasped. A few other people nearby turned their heads.

"Vendov! What the fuck are you doing here then?" The man balled up his fist.

"I am the son of the Vendov king. I have traveled here to fight on your side of the war."

Gasps and chatter filled out the room.

"Your majesty, you allowed the SON of our ENEMY in here? He's going to betray us! He's going to get us all killed!" The man jolted up.

"Orion hates his father just as much as we do. He says he is here to help, and I believe him." I said.

"LUNCH IS OVER! EVERYONE HEAD OUTSIDE!" Johnny announced, shouting over the chatter.

We all rolled outside to our commanded locations to continue training. Daniel taught the group the most effective ways to shield with our bodies. His lesson was less strenuous than Johnny's.

The sun began to set, indicating the end of the lessons. To complete the day. Johnny had everyone return the unused equipment to the armory.

"Why did you even bring this out? We didn't even use it!" Charles said to Johnny.

"Gotta get you to build muscle somehow. You'll be expected to bring it out tomorrow as well."

Charles groaned. Everyone prepared for dinner after the armory was stored. The castle grounds were entirely cleared, everyone went inside. I began to head in.

"Your highness, a word?" Johnny said, stopping me outside.

"Of course, Johnny. Is there something wrong?"

"No. I just was wondering if you think my training lessons are too harsh. It worked for you and Daniel, but I have heard a lot of complaints already."

"The harsh training might not work for everyone. Maybe warn people before you beat them up?"

"We're on a time crunch, the sooner the army is trained, the better it will be for us." Johnny said.

"I know, but not everyone reacts well to it. Just try lightening up a tiny bit. It could go a long way." I said.

Johnny nodded in agreement.

"Yes, sir. I have to retrieve someone in two days time who I feel may be useful for us. Will you take over training for me that day?"

"I can sure try, but I will not be as nearly as good as you."

"Thank you. Let's go in before the stew gets cold." Johnny said, walking ahead of me towards the castle.

I was almost to the castle door when I heard unpleasant sounds coming from the darkness. Men were ferociously grunting, followed by what sounded like hitting.

I turned around and followed the sound, hovering my hand over my sword. I walked down by the castle wall and turned the corner.

Four men were kicking, hitting, and yelling at someone against the wall. They shouted as they released their brutal attacks.

"What's going on here?" I approached the beefy men.

"We're just disposing of a problem for you, your majesty."The man who was sitting near me at lunch with the large beard said.

I ducked down to see who the victim was. His hair was dark, his face was scarred.

"STOP! BY ORDER OF YOUR KING, I COMMAND YOU TO RELEASE HIM!"

They finished their final blows and backed off from their victim. It was Orion. His eyes were bruised, and he was covered in blood.