Judge of Cosmos

CHAPTER 10

The bright sun, once bathing Clandestine, the capital of the Solitaire Empire, in a warm golden glow, was now dipping below the horizon. The reddish-orange hues painted the town square and the Imperial Palace in a fiery embrace.

"Is married life so delightful that you're skipping meetings and rushing home early?" The emperor chuckled, attempting a jest.

Ajax, however, didn't bother to return the smile. His cerulean blue eyes, usually filled with a quiet intensity, now held a hint of irritation as he regarded his uncle. The emperor, sensing the shift in mood, quickly cleared his throat and addressed the issue more directly.

"Well, is everything in order? Have you resolved matters with your lover?"

Ajax's response was curt. "It's none of your business, uncle."

The emperor raised his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, my apologies. Then I won't keep you any longer. You're dismissed."

Without another word, Ajax strode out of the palace, his steps brisk and determined. Once outside, he increased his pace, moving with the urgency of a predator on a hunt.

"Your Grace," Keene, his loyal right-hand man, appeared alongside him. "We've just concluded training with the imperial knights at the grounds."

Ajax's gaze shifted to where his knights were gathered, their disciplined formations a testament to their rigorous training. He sighed deeply, a mix of frustration and weariness evident in his expression.

"Let's proceed," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

As they made their way, the remnants of the sunset cast long shadows over the training grounds, the day's final light reflecting the unspoken tensions that lay ahead.

"Ajax."

"I greet the star of the empire, your highness the Crown Prince." Keene's voice carried a hint of amusement as he addressed Finn Arzhala Solitaire, the golden-haired Crown Prince of the Solitaire Kingdom and Ajax's cousin. The Vernize Black Knights, upon noticing the prince, bowed in respectful unison.

"I heard you met with Father. Is it about the Carrion Empire again?" Finn's brow furrowed in irritation. "That damned empire."

"No. It was about the possible subjugation and the delegation from Polson Kingdom. He's just asking for aid—nothing new," Ajax replied tersely.

"Ah, Polson. That's next month."

Ajax gave a brief nod, his response as curt as ever. Finn, accustomed to his cousin's reticent nature, merely accepted it. He was well aware of Ajax's tendency to remain silent unless absolutely necessary.

"Ajax, how is Moraine?"

At the mention of his wife's name, Ajax's demeanor shifted subtly. His eyes narrowed as he studied Finn, who now appeared slightly awkward, scratching his cheek.

"Moraine? Did you just refer to my wife by her first name?" Ajax's voice carried an edge, a mixture of surprise and something darker.

Finn's face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean any disrespect. I've just been calling her that out of habit. May I ask how she's faring?"

"She is perfectly fine, Finn." Ajax's tone remained stern. "Why are you inquiring about her? I thought you were involved with Lady Kathleen. You shouldn't be so casual about my wife."

Finn reddened further. "What are you implying?! I'm not interested in her in that way. I'm simply asking about her well-being since she's Kathleen's cousin and... she's been helping me with preparations for the upcoming event for Polson's delegation."