The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 76

Then as everyone is leaving, Sumi says goodbye to the princess, and Illiyas says he'll take her home, but then lady Emilia puts a hand on both their shoulders and says that they won't be leaving yet.

Lady Emilia's unexpected declaration prompted a puzzled glance between Illiyas and Sumi. "What do you mean?" Illiyas asked, his brow furrowing with confusion.

Lady Emilia's expression was serious as she explained, "There's something we need to discuss, something important that concerns both of you."

Sumi's eyes widened with apprehension, a knot forming in her stomach. "Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Lady Emilia offered a reassuring smile, though her tone remained grave. "Not wrong, per se, but there are matters that require our attention," she replied cryptically.

Illiyas exchanged a glance with his sister, a sense of unease settling over him. "What kind of matters?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued despite his apprehension.

Lady Emilia's gaze lingered on the two of them for a moment before she spoke, her voice carrying a weight of importance. "All will be revealed in due time," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "But for now, let us retire to a more private setting where we can speak freely."

With that, Lady Emilia led the way, her hand resting reassuringly on Illiyas's shoulder as she guided them towards their destination. Sumi and Illiyas exchanged a glance, both filled with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation as they followed Lady Emilia into the unknown.

Then the king, queen, princess Emmy, Calie, Marie, Blaze, Captain Steele, Illiyas, Sumi and lady Emilia enter a large room. There the king gestures for everyone to sit, be comfortable and asks lady Emilia why Illiyas and Sumi are here and she says that there's something they must discuss.

Meanwhile as Matsu returned from the restroom, Lady Emilia caught his attention with a subtle gesture. Leaning in close, she whispered her request into his ear, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the others in the room. "Matsu, could you please take Princess Emmy to another room with a few guards? Keep her entertained for a while."

Matsu's brows furrowed slightly in confusion, but he nodded in understanding. "Of course, Lady Emilia," he replied softly, his expression serious. "Consider it done."

With a reassuring smile, Lady Emilia watched as Matsu approached Princess Emmy, who was engrossed in conversation with Blaze. Matsu whispered something to the princess, his tone gentle yet firm, and she nodded obediently, allowing him to lead her away with the guards.

As they left the room, Matsu cast a fleeting glance back at Lady Emilia, silently acknowledging her request. He understood the gravity of the situation and was determined to carry out his duty to protect the princess, even if it meant keeping her away from potential danger.

Meanwhile, Lady Emilia turned her attention back to the others in the room, her expression composed yet resolute. It was time to address the pressing matter at hand and confront the truth about Illiyas's involvement with the royal vanguard.

Lady Emilia's voice was firm as she addressed the assembled group, her gaze steady as she spoke of the troubling developments concerning the Royal Vanguard. "As some of you may be aware," she began, "the Royal Vanguard is a group of rogue Solstice Kingdom citizens who have conspired to undermine the stability of our kingdom."

Illiyas's complexion turned notably paler as Lady Emilia's words sank in, a dawning realization of the gravity of the situation settling over him. Beside him, Sumi shifted uncomfortably, her eyes wide with fear as she realized the potential consequences of her inadvertent actions.