Eternal.

The Council

The council chamber, nestled in the heart of the Eternal Palace, was a stark contrast to the warmth of the family quarters. Its walls were lined with banners bearing the sigil of the Golden Eternal Kingdom, and its polished stone table reflected the faces of the kingdom's most trusted advisors.

Monn entered with the measured pace of a man accustomed to bearing the weight of a nation. The room quieted immediately, all eyes turning to him. Ghost had often joked that Monn didn't walk into rooms-he commanded them.

Seated at the far end was Prob, the Knight Commander, his posture rigid and his gaze intense. Beside him, several generals, admirals, and ministers murmured among themselves, but their conversations hushed as Monn took his seat at the head of the table.

"Let's begin," Monn said, his voice low and steady.

Admiral Renst, the commander of the fleet, was the first to speak. "Reports from the western provinces indicate increased skirmishes along the border with the Scarlet Dominion. They're testing our defenses."

Monn's brow furrowed. The Scarlet Dominion had long been a thorn in the kingdom's side, their ambition matching their disregard for treaties. "Casualties?"

"Minimal so far," Admiral Renst replied. "Our forces have held the line, but the Dominion's tactics are evolving. They're deploying new siege engines-plasma-based, by the looks of it."

Prob leaned forward, his gauntleted hand resting on the table. "We need to respond decisively. If we let this go unchecked, they'll see it as a weakness."

Monn considered this, his fingers steepled. "What's the state of the 34th Knight Battalion?"

Prob nodded. "Fully mobilized and stationed near the border. They're ready to strike on your command."

Monn's thoughts turned briefly to Knight Anjums, one of the battalion's rising stars. Though young, Anjums had proven himself capable in the field, and Monn trusted him to hold the line.

"Have them reinforce the western defenses," Monn ordered. "But no aggressive maneuvers. Let the Dominion make the first mistake."

Prob's expression tightened, but he nodded. "Understood."

Minister Clave, the kingdom's chief economist, cleared his throat. "There's also the matter of resource allocation. With the fleet's increased patrols and the army's deployments, our reserves are being stretched thin. We'll need to consider rationing if this escalates."

Monn's jaw tightened. The Golden Eternal Kingdom prided itself on providing for its people, even in times of conflict. "No rationing-not yet. Divert resources from non-essential projects, and focus on maintaining supply lines to our borders. The people must not feel the strain of war unless it's absolutely necessary."

Minister Clave hesitated but nodded. "As you command."

The discussions continued, touching on trade routes, diplomatic overtures, and the ever-present threat of insurgency within the kingdom's less stable regions. Monn listened intently, weighing each word, each suggestion, against the broader needs of the kingdom.

When the meeting finally adjourned, the weight of the decisions lingered in the air. As the council members filed out, Prob stayed behind, his heavy boots echoing in the now-empty chamber.

"You're being cautious," Prob said, his tone neutral but laced with meaning.

Monn glanced at him. "Caution has kept this kingdom standing."

"And boldness has expanded it," Prob countered. "The Dominion respects strength, not patience."

"They'll see strength soon enough," Monn replied, his voice firm. "But on our terms, not theirs."

Prob studied him for a moment before nodding. "As you say, Monn."

When Prob left, Monn remained seated, his gaze fixed on the map spread across the table. The Golden Eternal Kingdom was vast and powerful, but it was also vulnerable. Every decision he made carried the potential to strengthen or unravel the very fabric of their society.

He closed his eyes briefly, allowing himself a moment of quiet before returning to his family. The burdens of leadership were heavy, but for Monn, they were a necessary weight-one he bore for the kingdom, and for the future of Verb and Lucy.