The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

35 : The Town of Alvellor

"Please take me with you, Your Highness." Silla had been begging Darya to take her with her in the upcoming battle she will be going to. "You do not have to worry about me because I have graduated with knighthood. I am qualified to stand in the battlefield-

"I respectfully decline your request, Silla." Darya stopped from walking to face Silla. "You have just graduated knighthood and you are not experienced enough to stand in the battlefield. This is not just out of concern for your life but I am speaking as a leader." Darya's voice became firm, to show Silla that she is serious about declining her request.

Seeing that from Darya's eyes, Silla could only look at her father who's coming with her. Alluka could not look at her eyes and she can see that he does not want her to join as well.

"I will pray for your success, Your Highness." Silla was forced to accept rejection. It has not even passed a month since her mother gave birth and now her father is going into the battlefield? What happens if...

Darya tapped her head, "We will come back successful, including me, your father, and everyone else."

Hearing these words from Darya, Silla felt eased somehow. She nodded as she watched the two of them leave in a hurry. She then cheered herself up with her responsibility to protect the Imperial Palace.

It is a battle that they did not expect. It is also not a war but it will most likely lead to war. An informant arrived late at night, announcing news about the neighbouring kingdom expanding their territory to the South East area of the Largoth Empire. Darya expected this but she never thought that it would come sooner. This was the beginning of the war between the Corstan Kingdom and the Largoth Empire, before. She was nine-teen at that time and she was already the Emperor. They won the battle due to her talented knights that are competitive in the battle. However, she is not sure about the outcomes of this as it did not go according to when it should happen.

Darya met the number of knights to the outer gates. She discussed her plan to the five captains along with Alluka. After that, she advanced to the South East of the Empire with Captain Theobarlt and some of his subordinates.

Along the way, they are also talking about the strategies they are going to do. They also checked all the weapons they are going to use and all the foods they have preserved for the battlefield.

Two days later, they arrived at the town of Alvellor which was being camped by Corstan knights. Captain Billion's Team was assigned to evacuate the people from nearby towns. Captain Key and Captain Urgos Team were left to the Imperial Palace for reinforcement. All she had was a small number of Captain Theobarlt's Team while Captain Quira's Team were scattered to hidden places to attack.

After observing the Alvellor, Darya's Team camped in the nearby forest to talk about how they are going to attack. She gathered the leaders of each group she formulated and discussed what is best to do. When the night came and the moon was up to the sky, they were just disseminated around to wait for the signal of one of the knights.

"Will you be alright?" Captain Theobarlt finally had a chance to speak to Darya. He does not want to interrupt her concentration earlier which is why he took this only chance to talk to her alone.

Darya wants to see Captain Theobarlt's expression but his cheeks and forehead were covered with coal. She can only see his red eyes that glow with the light of the moon. She touched his cheek and pulled him close to kiss him.

"I will be fine as long as you are here right?" She touched her forehead to his'. "You are my trump card in this battle. It means that you will be the one who will make the win."

He nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. I will do my best."

Captain Theobarlt has the sharpest senses of them all. He can determine the number of enemies within the premises. This is why she is in the front lines with him.