The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 63

Calie and Marie exchanged curious glances, their eyes narrowing in suspicion. Marie was the first to voice the question that lingered in the air, "Gramps, why was the king in your room?"

Gramps, ever the smooth talker, scratched his head and grinned, "Ah, you see, we were just discussing some kingdom matters. Old Octaviano here has a wealth of experience, and I thought it would be prudent to seek his counsel."

Calie arched an eyebrow, "Counsel in your room? Seems a bit cozy for political discussions."

Blaze, always quick to pick up on subtleties, chimed in, "Yeah, I've never seen you seek counsel this intimately before."

Octaviano chuckled, "Well, you see, Craig and I go way back. We've always been close, and when he offered me some tea, I couldn't refuse. The kingdom's affairs are complex, and sometimes, a more relaxed environment helps facilitate discussions."

Gramps nodded in agreement, "Exactly! No harm in discussing important matters in a comfortable setting."

Blaze smirked, "A comfortable setting, huh? More like a conspiratorial tête-à-tête."

Calie and Marie shared a look of disbelief. "Conspiratorial?" Marie asked.

Blaze pointed at the two with a teasing grin, "They're practically plotting the kingdom's future while sipping tea in private. It's either a brilliant strategy or a royal bromance in the making."

Gramps chuckled, "Oh, Blaze, you have a way with words. It's just old friends catching up, that's all."

The king added with a smirk, "And discussing how to deal with Illiyas and his misguided attempts to reinstate me."

Calie and Marie exchanged another look, this time understanding that there might be more to the camaraderie between Gramps and Octaviano than met the eye. It was a peculiar dynamic, but one they seemed to accept, realizing that alliances were formed in unexpected places, even if it meant cozy discussions in Gramps' room.

The group continued their conversation, exploring the intricacies of the situation, while Blaze's perceptive observations added a layer of lightheartedness to the otherwise serious discussion.

Matsu, seizing the opportunity to shed light on the situation, grinned mischievously and exclaimed, "Oh, I can't believe you forgot, Marie! Remember that one time we caught these two lovebirds sharing a moment in the cell?"

Marie's eyes widened, and her face flushed with embarrassment. "Wait, you mean... I thought that was just a drunken mistake!"

Blaze chuckled, "Well, it seems like the mistake is on your end, Marie. Looks like Gramps and the king have a history beyond politics and tea."

Gramps and Octaviano exchanged amused glances, clearly unfazed by the revelation. Octaviano gave a casual shrug, "Ah, those were simpler times. We all make choices under the influence, don't we?"

Calie and Marie, now realizing the truth, shared an awkward laugh. Calie teased, "And here we were thinking there was some grand conspiracy."

Gramps patted Octaviano on the back, "No conspiracies here, just old friends reminiscing. Now, back to business. Matsu, what's this about Illiyas wanting to know my location?"

Matsu proceeded to fill them in on the events that transpired the previous night, emphasizing the urgency and potential threat posed by Illiyas. The atmosphere shifted from humor to seriousness as the group collectively considered the implications of Illiyas' involvement.

Gramps, ever the strategic mind, nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need to remain vigilant. Illiyas is not to be underestimated. We should reinforce our security measures and be prepared for any potential confrontation."