The King tried to open his eyes which still felt tired. His legs somehow felt so heavy when he tried to lift them. Even the blanket wouldn't let him get out of bed. After a whole day of discussing what Wilhelmia would do to the Southern Kingdom.
They had decided that day.
"War decree."
That night he decided to meet Weithia because he couldn't lie to himself any longer. If he was angry or disappointed, the past could not be changed. Even if tears turned to blood.
The Haven military leaders looked at him with horror and fear. Maybe because it would be the first war in Adam's reign, that's why they felt so hesitant. Damn it, Adam didn't usually say harsh words, even in his heart. But yesterday's meeting really made his patience run out.
He didn't like being underestimated. The blood of his father, the war-crazed King, had flowed in Adam's veins since he was born into the world. Shouldn't it be because he was King Alexander's son, they could be a little calmer.
It was true, all this time he had been too soft. Showing a lot of love and affection. Too pampering the members of parliament, military personnel and the people. His father once said, between being feared by the people or being loved by the people. That's it.
His young soul that was still unstable at that time could not choose, he wanted to combine the two. Be loved and respected. Couldn't that happen. His eyes stared at the large window that stood in front of him. The sky was already blue and the sun still gave him a chance by presenting a new day.
At least he had thanked Him for guiding him to the path of truth. Opening the veil of secrets that had been sinking into time.
But... it was as if something was still missing. He admitted that he was very happy to have found his enemy all this time. He could avenge his parents' revenge perfectly. However, it wasn't just revenge that filled his heart now.
He looked at his clean hands. But suddenly blood flowed out of the pores, increasingly faster, until the blood covered the entire surface of his palms. Adam's memory apparently brought him back to that night. When his mother's blood pooled on the carpet, while his father had died first to protect Adam and his mother. The empty vision made him remember the times he hated so much. A long sword stabbed his father's heart. Blood seeped and splashed on the wall. His mother carried him while running barefoot along the dark hallway.
Adam's eyes widened when an arrow shot through his mother's skull. He remembered very well how the woman hugged him so hard, so hard, that Trevor himself had difficulty letting go. His body felt frozen and his knees were weak until Adam couldn't move and fell with his mother.
He decided to get up and forget about the incident. Ackerley didn't wake him up, even though it was already very late. "Is it because I drank too much wine last night?" he muttered.
"Your Majesty..."
Adam was shocked when his leg was pulled by something. He quickly pulled back the thick blanket. His eyes then caught a figure he knew so well wrapping his arms around Adam's calf.
"Weithia? What are you doing here!?" The King kicked the man's body until he fell to the floor because there was no answer. His legs shook the young man's hips repeatedly but there was no response.
"Wake up."
"Weithia. Since when did you dare to enter my room?"
The young man just babbled incoherently making the King even more impatient. He observed the man from head to toe. His drunken face somehow made the King smile, after forcing him to drink a full bottle of wine. "Weihtia. Open your eyes, lazy." The young man didn't even move an inch.
The King's feet then walked towards his desk in the corner of the room, messy with piles of letters inviting him to tea by the neighbors' daughters that were already dusty and covered in cobwebs. Adam had indeed asked no one to clean the table except himself.
A small piece of paper was covered with crystal stone so that it wouldn't fly in any direction, Adam read it. Familiar with the writing, he remembered that Anthony and the Princess had left for the south. He regretted a little for waking up too late so he didn't have time to see them off.
The man's writing was still the same after years of separation. He smiled faintly, tucking the paper into one of his reading books. His eyes fell back on Weithia who was lying awkwardly on the carpeted floor. He decided to prepare himself and closed the bathroom door.
Adam returned in his everyday formal attire.
His shoes were always polished. His hair was always neatly combed.
His eyes stared at the Knight who was sitting unsteadily on the sofa near his window. His face was still half asleep, flushed and messy. "This kid has really never touched alcohol. But has made love to a woman. What a ridiculous statement."
"Moreover, an innocent kid like you does have the courage to touch a woman, huh?" Adam muttered.
His feet stepped forward and brushed aside the young man's tangled bangs, "How did you get here? Didn't Anthony take you to your room?" he said softly. Weithia just shook her head weakly.
He decided to leave Weithia and head to the dining room. Eating alone. Empty. Quiet. No one accompanied him. Trevor and Ackerley were also nowhere to be seen.
He immediately walked to the meeting room which was also empty, no one there. He sighed. And closed the door again. Everyone was busy after yesterday's meeting. Wilhelmia had spread the war decree and soon the news would spread throughout the country.
He stepped out of the palace, riding towards the vast green field that was usually used for Haven matches or training. A large building not far from the palace complex stood the military education place. Not even a few kilometers away, Wilhelmia's military headquarters could be seen. Tall pillars supported the building firmly.
"Your Majesty!"
From a distance, Trevor's voice was heard calling him. Adam spurred his horse closer.
"What are you doing? I just wanted to see you. The higher-ups want to ask you to hold another meeting."
Adam nodded in understanding. His horse was tied to a fence as he stepped in following Trevor into the headquarters.
"Good afternoon, Sirs." Adam greeted with his loud and clear voice. All the men there raised their hands to salute the King. Hard faces that had seen war and death greeted him. Men with big muscles even though their hair was gray. Men with fierce faces even though they were wrinkled. The Captains of the five Haven companies were present. Lieutenant Bardolf extended his hand to shake hands with the King.
Trevor led him into a meeting room, not large and looking very monotonous. Dozens of men in dashing uniforms entered after Adam stepped forward.
"Mr. Ackerley has distributed leaflets in the border towns and villages. Informing all government officials of the announcement you made yesterday." Trevor whispered. Adam nodded in understanding.
A man with a slightly plump body raised his hand. His voice was slightly higher, "Sorry to interrupt your time, Your Majesty."
"No. I don't mind." Adam smiled. "I didn't explain all the details yesterday. We still have about a month before the war breaks out. Before that, I'm still waiting for Willhelmia's envoy to deliver the declaration to Grissham. Whether they accept it or not, I don't know yet."
"What I do know is that if this war really happens. You all must feel pessimistic and afraid of my leadership." Adam began his sarcastic tone.
"Not at all, Your Majesty."
Adam could tell whether someone was lying or not. It was in their facial expressions. Eye movements and tone of voice.
"Your Majesty, what will we do if Grissham refuses?"