At dawn the next day, Emperor Denny stood atop the city walls, with General Derek and other commanders at his back.
"Derek, today I bid you farewell with honor! It pains me that I cannot join you in battle," Denny said regretfully. The emperor’s reputation as a warrior king was well-earned—no one in Aeloria commanded troops better. But now, as sovereign, a royal campaign was unthinkable. Not only would Empress Vallier object, but that scheming old fox Caelen would probably dash himself against the Aurelia Palace gates in protest.
"Ha! Your Majesty’s fists must be itching for a fight!" Derek boomed with laughter. "Rest assured, we’ll thrash the Nerathis savages so hard they’ll soil themselves!"
"Aye! Just sit tight and wait for our triumphant shouts!" Henry bellowed, his voice as subtle
