Just like Iria said, Zaro Aventine was already dealing with internal conflicts, mostly a rebellion stirred up by, according to him, Orius.
What worse was that the ex-officials and the remaining soldiers of Helsia already claimed back two provinces near the capital and each day, those who used to be soldiers under the rule of King Rozalez enter that province, fighting against the soldiers of Jerivia on their way.
"When will back up arrive?" the Jerivian King asked Derin who was standing on the side a few steps away.
"The news will reach Jerivia by now, Your Majesty. That means it will need around another 5 days," Derin replied.
Zaro Aventine clenched his fists. "5 days. That's too much while the former soldiers of Helsia enter those provinces each day! In five days, we won't be able to stop them even with the help of the backup soldiers."
"They are too many, Your Majesty. We can't stop them for now," Derin said to the King. "If they manage to enter the capital, you will be in danger, Your Majesty."
Zaro Aventine shut his eyes and clenched his fists tighter. "Orius create quite a trouble," he muttered as he opened his eyes. "Is there still no news on him?"
"No, Your Majesty. But I believe that he is already out of Helsia by now." The guard made a deliberate paused and continued, "I heard that Nardodia is preparing for a war against Qalagon. The King of Nardodia is also aided by Alora and Azamet. Though the Nardodian King always prepares for war, I don't know why he is in such a hurry right now."
"Qalagon will be fighting a war?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Though nothing is clear, it is believed that Qalagon will be backed by Cedore and Zoris. If it really happens, it will be a huge war," Derin replied.
"If Cedore enters the war too, it will surely be an Alewine Army lead by Orius," the Jerivian King stated as he concentrated on his thoughts.
If the war really happened, Jerivia will practically be stuck in the middle of all the chaos and that won't be good.
What would be the best move?
* * *
Orius and Andres already heard the situation from Iria and just as the Queen expected, her brother and cousin find it hard to keep themselves in check. However, they were worried about Iria.
Will she really be able to lead the soldiers?
"Don't worry about me," the Qalagon Queen said when she noticed the concern on their faces. "I will be able to do it. I know that."
Orius wished to protest and Andres felt the same. However... they can't do that while knowing Arin's condition.
"Fine," the Duke responded with a nod. "I'll be beside you and even if you happen to struggle, I will protect you."
"But that means we need to return to Cedore as soon as possible," Andres chimed in. "I will inform my father once we arrive and the soldiers will have to get prepared too."
"Don't worry. The soldiers of the Alewine Army are prepared all the time. This is one of the moments we are waiting for," Orius said to his cousin who sighed.
"Do you think my father will deem just one army enough? I can lead the Royal Army and I also have soldiers of the private army whom I trained myself."
When Iria tried to speak up, Andres beat her at that.
"The forces of Azamet are really strong, Iria. As one of our neighboring kingdoms, I knew their power well. You shouldn't underestimate them. So, even with the help of Zoris and the Alewine Army, you shouldn't be too certain. The more help, the more the better."
The Queen thought about it and nodded. "Alright."
"When will you depart for the border?" Orius promptly asked.
"I still have things to handle. So, maybe in two days," Iria replied. Thinking of Arin, there was an undeniable concern in her face.
How she wish she could rush there without anything holding her back!
"Then we should hurry too. We have to return," Andres stated and Orius nodded.
"Let's return now."
With that said, they get prepared and depart for Cedore along with Ophelia, Valerie and the guards.
The moment Iria finished seeing off her family, Elian came to her.
"Your Majesty, I just sent a messenger to deliver your letter to Zoris as you ordered."
Iria nodded and walked back inside the palace with Elian following her.
*
The Queen spent the night and the next day for preparation. She had to deal with urgent works and other works will be handed over to the Prime Minister who will be taking charge in her absence.
When it was dawn of the next day, she was all set to depart with the soldiers of the Royal Army. When she was about to leave the palace, Morin was there to see her off.
"Can't I come with you?" the young Prince asked his sister-in-law with a downhearted expression on his face.
"It's dangerous for you," Iria replied as she caressed the Prince's hair. "Your brother is not here and you have to stay here on our behalf. Besides, you are safer here."
"But I'm worried about Arin," the Prince muttered as he narrowed his eyes.
Iria gave a quick thought before she said, "Then train diligently while I'm gone, Morin. If you do that, in the future when our Qalagon is in danger again, you will be the one going out to fight the enemies while your brother and I wait for you here in the palace. So, train and learn diligently even if I'm not here. Alright?"
Imagining his brother to be able to rely on him was always a motivation for the young Prince. As such, he nodded. "I will do that."
Iria smiled and hugged the young Prince. "I'll be back soon with your brother and we will be very happy if you improve a lot while we're gone."
Morin Helev pulled back and nodded with determination. "Don't worry, sister-in-law. After this, you won't have to fight again. I will become stronger and protect you for the rest of your life."
The response drew a little smile from Iria's lips.. "I can't wait for that."
Follow current nov𝒆ls on freew(𝒆)bnov𝒆l.(c)om