Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

CHAPTER 25

Their eyes shifted back and forth. Despite few meetings taking place, the foot traffic in the councilman's chambers was high. Some leaders found them pointless and wanted to live their best life while there.

"Staring at each other will not solve this issue." Ashton stated.

Elaine rolled her eyes into the back of her head. They couldn't find a solution because they all felt their idea best.

Elaine didn't want to hurt her brother, but knew he could not continue on the path he headed. She wanted to not act. To reason with him.

Ashton wanted to raise the people against him. The more he caused them harm, the easier it would be.

Ivan wanted to rage war. Destroy anyone who played a part in the loss of his lover.

None of their plans would work. They were stuck, agreeing to disagree. They needed to choose between conspiring against their blood and breaking the oath they had amongst themselves, or to stand down and let Charles do as he pleased and break their oath to their people.

But the king had already broken an oath with one of them. "Celeste is with the guardian training again." Ashton reminded them of the gossip from one of the town squares.

It was absurd for Celeste to retrain as a prodigy, and they knew where he was going with it. "We must get her." Ivan said.

She was the only one who could gather enough power to stop Charles without harming him. "We can find guidance in the guardian." Ashton said.

Ivan's lips grew at his siblings. If it worked, he could find his meaning once again. The idea already consumed him. Nothing would go wrong with her by his side once again.

"She's banished for a reason. He won't allow it." They knew she may had been right. They had to ask permission and help of the keeper who sealed the gates. But they didn't have a choice. Going against the guardian would make their stance much worse, and they would face punishment. Perhaps one as severe as her.

Ashton slammed his fists onto the wooden surface. "What other choice do we have, Elaine? I don't see you coming up with a plan!" His voice roared through the small room and echoed from the walls. Elaine's eyes watered as her face became engulfed in fear. While well tempered, once Ashton passed his breaking point, there was no stopping him.

Ivan sat straight in his chair, preparing himself if his brother got out of line. Ashton took a deep breath to calm himself down as his heart pounded from inside him.

"What if the guardian thinks we're up to something?" Elaine mumbled under her breath as her lip quivered. Her hands shook underneath the table.

Ashton sighed. "We are up to something, dear sister." She didn't look at Ashton as he spoke. He did his best to speak gently, but Ashton still fumed with anger.

Ivan watched his sister for a moment before turning to Ashton. "We should leave now to make it before dusk."

They rose from their chairs that squeaked against the marble floor. Discomfort rested in their stomachs. They had not spoken to the guardian in years.

The yard had few people wandering about. The stableboy approached them to let them know they are gathering the horses. Ivan shook his head. "We need a carriage." They looked to their brother confused, but realized they were not in the best riding state.

As they traveled, they passed villages full of lively people, chattering and dancing. An enjoyment they had neglected for too long. It wouldn't be a long journey to where the guardian was, but the never ending trees in their view made it drag on.