The World Cannot Know

Chapter 46

Prince Sebastian 

The following day dawned, bringing with it a heavy sense of unease. I found myself seated in the grand hall of the castle, the opulent decor now feeling like a gilded cage. The air was thick with tension as Lord Gregory, stood before the King, delivering news that had everyone on edge.

"Your Majesty," Lord Gregory began, his voice steady but urgent, "I have received a response to the letter we sent to the Valorian King. They have acknowledged our terms."

The King leaned forward in his chair, his expression one of cautious interest. "What do they say?"

"They are willing to fall back," Lord Gregory continued, "but they demand recognition of their claims to the cities of Allyhill and Elmstead. They will withdraw their forces in exchange for those territories."

A murmur rippled through the assembled council members, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. Allyhill and Elmstead were vital to our defences; relinquishing control of them could jeopardise our entire eastern front. Not only that I knew Matthew was based in Allyhill, if it was given to the Valorians, the people would suffer.

"Are they serious?" I blurted out, unable to contain my disbelief. "We can't just hand over our cities to the Valorians! This is a trick—a ploy to weaken us further."

The King raised a hand, silencing me. "Sebastian, let Lord Gregory finish."

Lord Gregory met my gaze, his expression grave. "The Valorians believe that these concessions will maintain peace—at least for now. They are tired of the conflict and have suffered significant losses themselves."

"Peace at what cost?" I replied, frustration rising. "Allyhill and Elmstead are the lifeblood of our defenses. If we allow them to take those cities, we might as well be inviting them into our very gates."

The King sighed, his brow furrowed in thought. "What do you propose we do instead?"

"Refuse their terms," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing within me. "We need to show them that we will not be intimidated. We can reinforce our defenses and prepare for a counter-offensive. If they think we're weak, they'll only push harder."

"Your passion is commendable, Sebastian," Lord Gregory said, his tone serious. "But we must consider the larger picture. If we refuse their terms outright, we risk reigniting the war—and this time, we may not be able to recover."

The King nodded in agreement. "Lord Gregory is right. We cannot afford to underestimate the Valorians. Accepting their terms, even begrudgingly, may be our only path to lasting peace."

"Peace at the expense of our territories is not peace at all!" I protested, my frustration boiling over. "This is madness! If we concede now, we will only embolden them to take more. They will see it as a sign of weakness!"

"Sebastian," the King said firmly, his voice cutting through my anger, "I understand your concerns, but we must weigh our options carefully. Our people are exhausted from this war. Another conflict could cost us everything. Sometimes, survival means compromise."

"Compromise?" I echoed incredulously. "Is that what we call it when we allow invaders to take our land? What message does that send to our allies and enemies alike?"

Lord Gregory stepped in, his tone becoming stern. "You need to understand, young prince, that warfare is not simply about bravery. It's also about strategy and preservation. We must look to the future of the kingdom, not just the battles of the past."

I felt the weight of their words pressing down on me, but the thought of losing Cedarwood and Elmstead, of failing to protect my home, ignited a fire within me. "Then let us prepare for the worst, not submit to it!" I shot back, my voice rising. "I refuse to accept this as our only option."