Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 8

Charles looked over the red bay, the thoughts in his head brewing. The summit was coming up and he didn't feel prepared at all. Knowing that this could make or break his position of power, he had to be ready for anything. The worry grew inside of his chest as he breathed in the salt that was in the air.

Running his hands through his hair, he turned to face Ryella who stood next to him. She continued to look at him as if waiting for him to speak, but still no words came. She knew that he was nervous about the summit, yet for the first time in years she couldn't find the right way to help him.

Seagulls soared through the sky as the airhorns from boats in the harbor broke the silence. He sat down on the pebbled beach as the waves from the bay crashed into his feet. He proceeded to review his checklist for the meeting. He couldn't stop himself as he felt he was missing something and wanted to be ready. Charles had tried his best the last week to think of everything that would need addressing.

Ryella continued to stand and observed his every move. Looking over his shoulder, she got a glance at his paper. A snicker released from her mouth. "The summit will be quick. I don't understand why you're so concerned. You're the King. It's up to you when it begins and ends." Her words seemed to agitate him and he shot her a glare.

He knew he had flaws, but couldn't risk others seeing it as well. "Because I need this to go perfectly. If it doesn't, I don't know what will happen to me." If they thought that he was not the best option for them, he could easily lose his seat of power. He felt that the meeting would be a lost cause and expose the true him to the people of Caster. "What would you recommend I do?"

"Well for starters, you're making this harder than it needs to be. People are going to have questions so you need to have room to answer those." Her comment agitated him further, of course, he had thought of that. Many assumed that all the prodigies had a great brilliance in them, but they knew as much as everyone else.

"They won't ask questions if I give them all the information they need first. It will be flawless." His brows lowered as he turned his attention back to the water. Charles couldn't stop himself from running his hands through it. Unlike the Icelands, the water was warm. It gave those who entered it a comforting sensation.

Ryella sighed and finally took a seat with him. "My purpose is to serve you. I can't do that if you refuse to open up." A smile developed itself onto Charles's face as he nodded to her. He would be lost without having her to aid him. While he didn't always heed her advice, Charles was grateful for what she did try to offer.

Remembrance of the night that he tried to make her leave invaded his conscience. "Those who serve me often regret it, remember that. I've already released you from your vows." His jawline was stiff as he barked. Ryella was all he had left and he couldn't stop himself from wanting to keep her protected.

She picked up some stones and threw them into the water. "It's been a long time. You need to move past it." He knew that she was right, but he could never stop asking what if? Perhaps if things had played out differently he could have been able to find his peace.

"How am I supposed to move past something that was my fault?" He stood, lifting Ryella up as well. Forcing her to shift to face north, he threw his hands out. "That! That is my fault!" His voice cracked as he gestured to the Hollow mountains. It looked like birds swarmed its sky.

Ryella ripped herself from his grip. "That wasn't just you! That was all of us!" She took a moment to collect her rage. "We had a choice, we made it." Charles thought about what really happened that evening. It was his fault, and he knew it.

He began to make his way to the nearby port and Ryella followed close by. "What would you advise me to do?" Charles asked. He was genuinely curious to see if she had any suggestions. There was no way that things could go back to the way they were at one time.

"Stop being so paranoid. It makes you intimidating." Ryella responded. This was true. Of the 5, he was the most loyal to his people. He would do anything that he felt would benefit them. Stopped everything that held them back from prospering.

Their feet thudded against the wooden dock as they approached a large ship. "I'd rather be feared than lack respect." Charles stated. His past actions were all the verification she needed.

"Fearing and respecting is not the same thing." Ryella sighed. She wanted to tell him that if they fear you, they'll come to resent you for your actions. Her body gave her a chill at the thought of saying the words out loud. While she did not fear him, she knew this would be an argument that she would not prevail. After all, he was one to make irrational decisions while only looking at the short term effects.

Charles now stood in front of the bridge to board the ship. Tightening his grip on his papers, he looked south to Bronzerock. "Elaine has respect, and look at her now." He gave her a twisted smirk as he laughed and they started to board the ship.

She tried to grab his hand to stop him, but he pulled away. "Do you honestly hear yourself? If you stopped all the nonsense things wouldn't be as bad as they are." She looked at him with concern. "You're too paranoid."

"What happens if someone decides they want to align themselves with the erklings? The ghouls? Or perhaps the Oroxes? I wouldn't stand a chance!" Charles's voice shot through her body like lightning. He noticed that her face looked fragile. "Do you understand where I am coming from? We will never truly be safe."

Her timid voice barely found its way out. "That's something we will get to if the time comes," She knew he was a difficult man but wasn't ready to give up on him yet. After they were fully boarded, a man yelled out to prepare for the journey to the Oasis. "but you've won."