War Of Hearts

Chapter 1

It has been 5 years since Qal Silverite took the throne from his uncle, King Roel Starlight. Ever since he was a boy when he was accompanying his father to the court, he always caught a glimpse of the crown on the dead king’s head. With its ruby-encrusted on bronze steel like roots of the tree. It doesn’t look heavy until the day when they claimed the victory against the Starlight House, and when Lord Thaniel took the crown from the dead King’s mutilated head and put it on his dark raven hair. He immediately felt its weight of responsibility and burden.

He was just a boy of 16 at that time, yet He was King.

The King was seated on the same throne he took 5 years ago as the Lords of the Council lowered their knees on the ground before him in a gesture of subservient service to their sovereign and liege.

Lord Thaniel was standing on his right side, a position held by the Right Hand of the King. A power that comes second to the King, and speaks with the King’s voice and authority. He’s in his early 50s and has served 2 Kings in his lifetime.

“What news have you brought with you, Lord Redstone?” The King asked Lord Hemming Redstone, the Lord of War. 

He put his headdress back to his white hair as he stood when the King addressed him a question. All of the members of the King’s Council were older men yet well experienced in ruling the Kingdom's instability. 

“The good news is, the numbers of our soldiers are increasing thanks to our newly implemented law, the Listed. But we found quite a number of resistance from the families who refused to give their sons to our officials.” Lord Redstone said, “There was quite a heat between the two parties.” He was hesitant to elaborate to the King. As he wanted to solve the problem on his own way.

“What kind of resistance, my lord?” The King asked. Determine to know. His grey eyes were casted on the old man.

“The common villagers surrounded the officials, outnumbering them. The officials had no choice but to retreat.” Ever since the List has been decreed by the King. Common people especially the peasants were against it. Even though they will be paid a handsome price for their service, but what good is gold once the lives of their sons are lost forever to those families? The Lists is a law that commands every boy of 14 years of age to join the army to serve the Kingdom and the King. The war against the rebels costs a huge dent on the Crown’s treasure and the countless lives of the soldiers that were lost during the battle. The King is in need of soldiers.

The King’s steady gaze and neutral expression made the Lord of War’s heart beat faster. Because for the five years of serving him, he knows that King Qal is the most dangerous man when he is silent.

“Send an army back to that Village and demand the boys to be Listed as I command. And if those families refuse to give their son again,” The King says, “Hang them. To set an example so others will remember what will happen if they dare to disobey the King’s authority again.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Lord Redstone said.

“And, what of the Lord Commander and Ser Wan’s situation?” 

Lord Commander Henrik are both members of the Kingsguards, who sworn their life, service, and loyalty to the King. Such a position is an honor to every knight in the kingdom.

The Master of Spy, Lord Harren, and Lord Redstone exchange a look. As if the two of them were having second thoughts about whether to tell the King or not. But since he will eventually find out, they might as well tell him.

“This rebel group who calls themselves as the Rightful One sent the heads of the Lord Commander and Ser Wan’s heads with a letter. That they would bring justice to those oppressed”

“Who are these fools?” He asked in a small whisper, yet enough to hear and make the people’s knees weakened in fear.

“My spies tell me that this group is composed of boys who refused to join the Listed. Indeed, it is a rebellion, Your Grace.” says the Master of Spies, Lord Harren. Who lost his wife and son, 3 years ago. When he almost took his own life Qal stopped him, telling him that he shouldn’t waste his talents on death. So, the King asked him to serve him as his Master of Spies.

“This is the reason why it is important to make sure those villagers who show any resistance should be hanged as an example of the punishment of their treachery and cowardice.” It was Lord Thaniel who spoke and broke his silence since the meeting began. His voice was stern and cold, a combination of poison. It was for him to instill fear among the people, for he is known for his ruthlessness and his wits. That’s why wise people would stay away from him as far away as possible.

Yet, the King remained silent. Thoroughly thinking about his next move and how he should face this new rebellion.

“What are they fighting for?” The King asked.

“There are rumors, Your Grace. That this group’s leader could be one of the twins of the dead King Roel,” said Lord Redstone.

Qal was caught off guard when they mentioned his cousins. He and Crown Prince Talyon used to be great friends. They trained together and served many great knights as their squires. They were more than just cousins, they were like brothers. They fought too many battles side by side until that one day when they fought against each other.

“You know better than I do that the royal twins were killed during the sack of Rose Castle.” He said. Swallowing the bile in his throat.  “This group is a farce and a sham. The moment you give attention to these fools it’s like saying you fear them.”

Lord Thaniel, the King’s Right Hand, turned to him with a grievous look on his face. “Your Grace, I must beg your pardon. But this kind of Rebellion group should not be taken for granted especially they are recruiting young boys and families who are against being Listed. They have a cause that will inspire others to join them against us. I must remind you, My King, 5 years ago, we too were just rebellions in the eyes of King Roel. We were weak to his eyes until that moment we seized the crown from his head. We shall not make the same mistake as he did.”

“Very well. The officials must be accompanied by the Royal Guards to make sure that this rebellion would inspire no one in my Kingdom.” King Qal said in a heavy breath.

He turned towards Lord Redstone, “I am in need of another knight that will replace Ser Wan in the Kingsguard.”

The Lord of War bowed, “Yes, My King.” 

Qal rose from his throne and darted towards the great door of Irons. The guards posted outside bowed. The Lord Right Hand followed him through his chambers and dismissed the servants that 

Were tending to him except for Lady Piya. The King’s concubine. 

The Royal Mistress came from a noble family. She has smitten the King for her blue eyes and cupid bow lips. She’s the longest mistress that he had, some of them did not last long. Her golden locks were freely sprawled on her back. The maroon silk on her body as she lay on his bed, was making it hard for the King to send her away. She smirked to Lord Thaniel, because no matter how powerful he is, he could never lay a finger on the woman who is stopping his daughter from being a Queen.

“If I could have a moment alone with His Grace, My Lady?” Lord Thaniel, swallowed the bile in his throat with a smile.

Lady Piya rose and dipped into a low curtsey before the King in a graceful motion. The King smirked.

“Of course, My Lord.” She mumbles, and exited the chamber, leaving Lord Thaniel with the King alone.

“When are you going to cast that w***e aside?” The Lord Right hand said. The King jumped on the bed with a smile.

“Soon, but not now.” He said, “And, besides her role serves me well. Her father, Lord Pyrwan, is keeping our border safe from a possible invasion from the Sandsteelers. Those cunts.” He gritted his teeth in frustration.

“Because he means his daughter to be the future Queen of Rosegland.”

Qal snorted, “Cousin, you know it will never happen. Have you sent a Raven to the King of Sandsteel about a possible marriage between me and his only child, Princess Priscilla? If that marriage was to happen, it shall ease the tension between our borders.”

“I did. They told me that Princess Priscilla’s hands were already promised to the Dragon Prince of Galapornea. But, I did receive a handful of news from other Kingdoms. The King of Thornea’s daughter, Princess Sungja is unmarried and young-”

Lord Thaniel was not even finished when the King interrupted him again,

“And, ugly. I’ve seen her father and brothers. Their noses were like pigs. How could I let a woman sit beside me on my throne with a pig’s nose? I will not marry that girl. I don’t care how much dowry her father offers me.” The King exclaimed.

“Perhaps, you don’t have to marry a foreigner’s daughter to have an heir.” Lord Thaniel said with a smile,

The King looked at him, “Then, whose daughter should I marry?”

“Mine.”