War of the Roses

17. Sleepless

The throne room was filled with Esparcia most powerful and skilled advisers summoned by Philip, the kingdom was in crisis and he needed not only to bring Samira back but do it without sacrificing innocent lives. All men spoke at the same time, all of them expressed their opinions and concerns to the others when the guard st the door spoke loud and clear.

"The king !!"

Every single person stopped whatever they were saying and bowed to the king as he entered the big throne room. Philip's steps were long and firm, his eyes focused, he knew very well that in this situation one single wrong decision can end in tragedy, he couldn't afford to loose his focus.

"Gentleman, I appreciate you coming today." Philip talking made everyone look up and face him, big bags under his eyes indicated the lack of sleep the king had the previous night.

"We are honored his majesty values our expertise in a moment of crisis like this." Lord Richmond was the first to talk."

Philip nodded and took seat in the throne. "We may begin." He said.

"What does his majesty want? Considering the extend of the queen and prince Henry's betrayal."

Philip exhaled deeply, the men in the room watched in terror how the rage grew in his eyes, upsetting the king will be enough of a reason to be hanged.

He hated what the men in the room insinuated, but he knew very well Samira was incapable of getting involved with his brother, was she? He couldn't deny the fact that it was a possibility and it made his blood boil.

"What I want? I want the queen back in this castle now. Can anyone here make that happen?"

"My lord." The Duke of Griburg, a man with long military experience captured the king's eyes. "I believe we need to find the queen before she reaches her country, once she enters the walls of Kalon, only a war will bring her back."

"I don't want a war, specially with Kalon, her country and her her people." Philip was aware of her love and devotion for her nation, going against them will only push her further apart.

"In that case my lord I suggest we continue the search, the queen left last night, only hours ago, they can't be too far." The Duke of Griburg spoke with certainly.

"I agree Griburg, but our man can't find them.Do you suggest we do anything different?" Philip replied, intrigued by what the duke was trying to say.

"I do your grace. Our soldiers have been searching on the roads, I doubt we find them there. If you were escaping will you go to the first place they will search for you?"

"Sure not. Where you say we need to look then?" Philip asked, he liked where the conversation was going.

"In the woods surrounding the road that leads to Kalon your Majesty." the duke of Griburg finished his statement.

"Your grace, that will not guarantee we find them, the wooded area is very large, we will loose valuable time." the duke of Albany shouted making everyone look his way.

"What other option do we have? do you have a better plan in mind?" Philip asked. "Once you listen to your advisers you must ask your heart for confirmation, some people will only advise not for the kingdom's well being but for their own personal gain, that's where the king wisdom comes to play."  This father's words came to his mind. He realized how his father prepared him for every single moment is his life as king and he was grateful.

"My lord we must attack Kalon as soon as possible, this offence must not go unpunished and by the time the queen reaches her land it will be in ruins giving her no other option but to return to Esparcia."