The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 8: The King's Command

Obene's smile widened. "Come, let me show you my people." Without waiting for her response, he took Lilian's hand and led her outside.

Lilian's eyes widened with fascination as she took in the scene before her. They were in a small village of farmers, where the huts were crafted from straw, wood, and grass, resembling large, natural tents. The villagers wore long woolen garments and hats to shield themselves from the elements. As Lilian gazed around, she felt as though she had stepped back in time.

"It's beautiful. Are they from the Kingdom of Lavitica?" she asked.

Obene nodded. "While the kingdom itself is progressive and advanced, there are villagers who choose to live by the old ways, content with what the land provides. A few peaceful towns amidst the chaos," he explained.

Lilian regarded Obene with newfound respect. Her previous assumptions about the inhabitants of Lavitica had been entirely wrong. She felt a pang of guilt for judging them so harshly. Stealing glances at Obene, she couldn't help but notice the gentleness in his demeanor, a stark contrast to their earlier encounter. Was his kindness genuine, or was it just another mask?

She wondered if circumstances had been different, whether Ardan, Kalen, and Obene might have become friends. A smile tugged at her lips as she considered the possibility.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier," Lilian apologized. "I shouldn't have judged you. I was wrong."

Obene's lips curled into a playful smirk. "I'll forgive you if you join me at the riverbed," he said.

"Why?" Lilian asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's a surprise," he replied with a teasing smile.

Despite her hesitation, Lilian agreed, and they made their way away from the village, heading toward a riverbed surrounded by massive rocks. When they arrived, Lilian's breath caught in her throat.

The riverbed was a breathtaking sight, adorned with wildflowers and clear, sparkling water. Sunlight danced across the landscape, casting a warm glow.

"Wow," she murmured in awe.

Obene bent down and picked a white flower Lilian didn't recognize. He approached her and gently placed it in her hair.

"It looks lovely with your red hair," he commented, and Lilian felt her cheeks flush.

Obene's smile deepened as he watched her reaction. They settled on the far edge of the river, enjoying the serene surroundings.

"Why did you take me?" Lilian asked, breaking the silence.

Obene pondered her question for a moment before answering. "We were ordered to round up survivors and imprison them. It was merely fate that I found you."

"Am I your prisoner?" Lilian asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Obene tilted his head and regarded her. "In a strict sense, yes. But I don't treat my prisoners the way you might expect."

Lilian struggled to find a response. His charm was disarming, but she reminded herself not to be swayed by his words.

"How do you feel about this war, Obene?" she asked. "I can see you value peace and tranquility."

Obene exhaled slowly, a weight of resignation evident in the sigh that escaped his lips. His gaze shifted to the flowing river beside them, the clear water reflecting the muted colors of the setting sun. The peaceful scenery contrasted sharply with the inner turmoil he revealed. "We are bound by duty and loyalty to our kingdom," he said, his voice carrying a note of somber reflection. "I wish I had more freedom to act according to my values. Yet, sometimes, duty demands sacrifices—sacrifices that go against the very essence of what I hold dear."