Misbegotten world

Chapter 43: Stars and Death

As Roderick stood in the now-quiet chamber, his thoughts still tangled with the frustration of the news, he prepared to return to the grand wedding. The celebration was the key to holding House Greyvon's support, and now, with the threat of an imminent siege, every political alliance would be critical to their survival. But just as he turned toward the door, a familiar, soft voice echoed through the air behind him.

"You vowed an oath a decade ago... Roderick."

The king froze. He knew that voice all too well. Slowly, he turned to see her—glimmering like the very stars she commanded. The Demigoddess of the Stars stood in the shadowed corner of the room, her presence radiating an ethereal light that seemed to cut through the gloom of his thoughts. Her eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto his.

"Your Majesty," she said, stepping forward, the faintest trace of disdain in her voice, "I've heard troubling things in my time away."

Roderick straightened, though the weight of her gaze felt as heavy as the crown upon his head. "You always come uninvited, Star Lady," he said, though there was no malice in his tone. She was far too powerful to provoke, and he needed her—perhaps more now than ever.

The demigoddess smiled, though it was a smile devoid of warmth. "I come when I am needed, though it seems you are quick to forget your duties, Roderick."

He bristled but kept his voice calm. "I have not forgotten. But my daughter's marriage to the prince of Greyvon strengthens our rebellion. We need every house, every soldier, united if we are to face the Sacred Order."

"Soldiers won't matter," she interrupted, her voice sharp. "Not if you let Magalica fall."

Roderick clenched his jaw. "The loyalists march as we speak, but I've already ordered our forces to prepare. By dawn, we march to aid the fortress. I know what's at stake."

She stepped closer, her starry cloak trailing like mist behind her. "Do you? It seems you're more interested in weddings than in keeping your word. I don't need distractions, Roderick. I need action. You vowed an oath a decade ago to aid the Magic Order in Sajar. My order grows vast there, its influence spreading like the constellations across the sky. And yet here you are, drinking wine and dancing while the loyalists prepare to crush us."

Her words cut deep, but Roderick refused to let his pride falter. "I have not broken my oath. My forces will be at Magalica's gates before the siege begins."

The demigoddess narrowed her eyes, her expression unreadable. "See that you do. I will not tolerate pathetic acts, Roderick. Aid Magalica, or your rebellion will end before it truly begins."

He swallowed the retort that burned in his throat. "You know I don't make idle promises. Magalica will hold."

Her gaze lingered on him for a long moment, as if weighing his resolve. Then, without another word, she turned to leave, her form shimmering like the distant stars she commanded. But just as she reached the door, she glanced back over her shoulder.

"Remember, Roderick. A decade ago, I spared your life because of that oath. Do not make me regret it."

With that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving the king alone once more, her parting words heavy on his mind.

Roderick stood in the silence, his pulse quickening. The Demigoddess of the Stars was not one to make idle threats. He had made his choices long ago, binding himself to the rebellion, to the future of Makaylon. But now, as he stared into the flickering flames of the hearth, he felt the weight of her warning settling over him.

There was no more room for hesitation or mistakes. If Magalica fell, the rebellion could very well fall with it.

He straightened his shoulders and prepared to rejoin the wedding feast. His daughter deserved her day, but in the morning, the march to Magalica would begin. And Roderick, bound by oaths and duty, would be at the forefront, no matter the cost.