When fate plays its hand

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Despite kneeling on one knee, Rafael’s posture remained in and unwavering. “To demonstrate fairness, I request permission for the Ministry of Justice to interrogate Commander Warren, so that his testimony can corroborated with that of others. This will help reveal the truth of the matter to the people of Westhaven. “Please believe, Your Majesty, that I do this without any personal agenda. The people of Westhaven know more about the massacre of the villagers than we do. If we try to shield Commander Warren, it will only make them angrier and they will think we have no intention of negotiating in good faith.”

He lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Salvador, his voice growing more audacious as he added, “It will also dishearten the soldiers and citizens of Victory Pass, making them believe that you intend to cultivate loyal generals and place all the blame on the old veterans who have spent their lives guarding the border.”

Crash!

A cup shattered on the floor.

Salvador’s chest heaved and a dark fury clouded his eyes as he shouted, “How dare you?!”

Derek flinched, quickly begging the king to calm his anger.

He then turned to Rafael, pleading, “Your Highness, please stop! Do not provoke His Majesty further!”

Salvador stood, his towering figure casting a long shadow over the kneeling Rafael. His eyes were sharp and cold.

“So, all your previous deference and humility was just a show? You dare defy and challenge me? And now you accuse me of being harsh to the veteran generals? If word of this gets out, won’t the soldiers and the people lose faith in me? What exactly are you trying to do?” asked the king.

Rafael met his gaze without hesitation. “Everything I do for the good of Starhaven, Your Majesty. But I would ask you, what do you think I am trying to do?” Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Salvador was both furious and taken aback by the prince’s calm response.

It was true the king had taken away his brother’s command of the army, but he hadn’t yet taken control of the military’s loyalty. After the Southern Frontier campaign, Salvador had kept Rafael away from military affairs to gradually diminish his reputation in the army. But this gradual process would take time. It was not something the king could accomplish so easily, not in a single moment like this.

Especially now–it was the worst time for such a move.

Salvador’s anger slowly subsided, though his fists remained clenched.

“I don’t want to guess at your intentions. Since you claim everything you do is for the good of Starhaven, as your brother, I have no reason not to trust you. If you believe interrogating Commander Warren is necessary, I will allow

1. it. But I hope it’s not driven by personal resentment. I don’t want you to face any reproach. You must understand my brotherly concern for you,” he said.

Rafael lowered his eyes, his tone respectful as replied, “Your Majesty, you think of me as I think of you. I am deeply grateful, and hope you will believe in my loyalty.”

Salvador nodded. “We are brothers, of course I trust you. You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

As Rafael stood, he gave Derek a helping hand. The aide’s legs wobbled, his face drained of color and beads of sweat dotting his forehead. He never expected the prince to suddenly defy the king like that. It had completely shocked him.

After Rafael took his leave, Salvador issued an order for Barrett to be sent to the Ministry of Justice. This would be his official command, not something Rafael had taken upon himself to do by overriding the king’s authority.

Derek thought the king would be furious, but instead, Salvador only spoke in a cool tone, asking, “Is it true that everyone outside, like Rafael, believes I am sparing Commander Warren in order to build a faction of loyalists to replace the veteran generals?”

Derek fearfully replied, “Your Majesty, you are overthinking. The officials and people of the kingdom all know your wisdom and benevolence.”

“Wisdom and benevolence? Yes, when General Sullivan entered the city, the people were shouting and praising my wisdom, weren’t they?” Salvador retorted sarcastically, rubbing his temples.

Derek didn’t dare to reply. He simply lowered his head and stood off to the side, his back drenched in sweat. The heat from the fires in the hall made the sticky, uncomfortable air even harder to endure.