King Tobias smiled when he saw his elder son and Commander Iria entering the room together. He heard that Iria managed to convince the Crown Prince to eat something which he was really grateful for.
"You two reach on time. Come and have a seat," he said, pointing his chin at the long couch opposite him. The two complied without saying anything.
Much to the Commander's joy, the Nardodian Crown Prince wasn't in the room. Though she knew that he will be here sooner or later, at least she can be at ease for a while.
"I have a meeting with the officials and Crown Prince Emor in the morning," King Tobias said, his gaze directed at his son. "You weren't present, Zaro, and neither was Orius. As my successor, you should have known that it's an important meeting."
"I know, Father," Crown Prince Zaro promptly replied. "I apologize."
Letting out a sigh, the King shifted his gaze to the Commander. "Do you know what's wrong with him these days, Iria? I can't understand him at all."
Though the King always refrained from reprimanding his children when others were around, Iria was an exception. She grew up with his children and everyone considered her as a family. So, she always knew if something was going on in the royal family.
"It has nothing to do with Iria, Father," Zaro Aventine argued before Iria could say anything. "Don't drag her into this," he added.
"Look at you," King Tobias sighed. "You act like a spoiled kid but you still speak for your friend. If you are going to behave like this, why don't you just tell me yourself? It's about time that you break your silence."
Breaking his silence? Should he say that he heard Commander Iria mumbling the Qalagon Crown Prince's name in her sleep? Should he say that she even begged him not to leave?
Not a chance.
"I was thoughtless, Father," he finally said. "I will get ahold of myself from now on."
King Tobias observed his son quietly for a few seconds before he nodded. "Alright. You should act in accordance with your words, Zaro. I don't want people to say that the heir of Jerivia is an irresponsible man."
"I will keep that in mind," Zaro Aventine responded.
Now, King Tobias shifted his attention to Iria again. "You didn't hunt yesterday?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Crown Prince Emor said that he wishes to explore the forest. So, we only did that," Iria informed the King.
King Tobias glanced at Iria for a while and said, "I heard that you know each other before he came here."
The Commander glanced at the King with amazement written all over her face.
How did he know that?!
However, she soon realized that her King was still waiting for her response. Then she nodded. "That's right."
King Tobias rubbed his temples, concentrating on his thoughts. "Crown Prince Emor will be here just for two more days. So, I hope you can bear for just that, Iria."
Iria Alewine was feeling confused. Did the King know about the back story? She doubted that but... why else would he say that?
She sensed how Crown Prince Zaro's gaze was on her and then it made her recalled the time she told him about her story with the Nardodian Crown Prince. However, before she could say anything, the arrival of Emor Tripas was announced.
"I apologize for being late, Your Majesty. A letter arrived from Nardodia and that kept me from coming sooner," Emor Tripas explained to the King and took a seat on a single couch. He briefly nodded at Crown Prince Zaro and Commander Iria.
"No problem, Crown Prince Emor," King Tobias said. "It must be important."
"That's right," Emor Tripas replied with a nod. "My uncle planned to prepare a feast to celebrate the revival of our kingdom and also to commemorate the newfound friendship between our two kingdoms. So, he wants me to know if you will be able to attend. It will take place after two weeks."
King Tobias gave a quick thought and said, "I still have many unattended matters regarding Helsia. So, I guess I will be very busy." He paused and said, "But I think the Crown Prince will be able to go in my place." He shifted his gaze to his son who seemed to be a bit taken aback.
"That's also a great idea," Emor Tripas remarked.
Crown Prince Zaro looked at his father before he finally turned to the Nardodian Crown Prince who was looking at him. "I will attend the feast," he stated.
Crown Prince Emor smiled. "I'm glad. However, there's still one more thing." He made a deliberate pause and then turned to Commander Iria. "My uncle especially expressed his desire to have the Masked Commander in the feast too. He said that he is very excited to meet her."
No one noticed how the Nardodian Crown Prince nervously clenched his fist the whole time he said that! He put up a smile and acted normal but... he was feeling too much pressure on the inside!
What did his uncle want this time?! Why did he specially asked for her presence?!
King Tobias thought about the words of the Nardodian Crown Prince before he looked at Iria. "What's your opinion, Iria? Will you be able to go to Nardodia?"
Iria Alewine wasn't sure about it. She had never been to Nardodia and not to mention that she wasn't that eager to see King Aryan Tripas!
How would she know that the cunning and greedy King won't try anything during the feast? Zaro will go there and if the King indeed had some plans, it will be a disaster!
"I will go," she promptly agreed, thinking of her best friend. She didn't want him to enter the territory of Aryan Tripas with just a few guards!
Little did she know her response made Emor Tripas shut his eyes, feeling helpless. However, he soon opened it and forced a smile. "Alright. My uncle will be very pleased to hear that."
He hoped that everything was just his hunch and nothing more. Nevertheless, he knew that he could never once predict what his uncle's next move will be! Not to mention that no one can stop him once he made up his mind, even him.....
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