The northern threat
371 Words
Three weeks later, a messenger arrived from the north.
The palace bells rang before sunrise.
Elara was awakened by the sound.
She hurried to the throne room, where ministers were already gathered.
King Aldric stood before a large map.
“What happened?” Elara asked.
Her father pointed toward the northern border.
“Several villages have reported enemy soldiers near the frontier.”
Queen Celestine’s expression tightened.
“How many?”
“We don’t know.”
The room fell silent.
The kingdom had enjoyed peace for almost twenty years.
Most of the younger generation had never seen war.
Elara looked around the room.
The ministers were frightened.
The soldiers were preparing.
And Prince Lucien had suddenly become very important.
Armand controlled the largest army in the region.
If Valeria went to war, its alliance with Armand could determine whether it survived.
That evening, Adrian was assigned to the northern command.
Elara learned of it from her father.
“How many days?”
“His unit leaves tomorrow.”
She stared at him.
“Why him?”
“Because he knows the northern terrain.”
Elara said nothing.
Later that night, she found Adrian in the courtyard.
“You are leaving.”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“At dawn.”
She tried to remain composed.
“Will you return?”
Adrian looked at her.
“I intend to.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only honest one I can give.”
She nodded.
“I hate war.”
“So do I.”
“Then come back.”
Adrian hesitated.
“I will do everything I can.”
Elara smiled weakly.
“I’ll remember that.”
He handed her a small wooden object.
It was a carved horse.
“My father made it.”
She looked at it.
“Why give it to me?”
“So you have something that reminds you that I intend to return.”
Elara closed her fingers around it.
“I’ll keep it.”
The next morning, Adrian rode north.
Elara stood at her window until he disappeared beyond the palace gates.
She had never realized how quickly someone could become important.
Now she knew.
And that knowledge frightened her.
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