Chapter 144 - 146

Chapter 144: Chapter 146

Ivy’s Point of View

I sat stiffly at the banquet table, as I stared at the Bloodmoon envoy standing boldly in the middle of the hall. I still could not believe what I was hearing.

These people had entered the Kingdom of Howling Ashes, announced that they had already sent their army against Evernight Kingdom, and were now standing in front of the royal family, asking them to join the war as if they were offering them an ordinary business deal.

They were incredibly bold. Or perhaps they were simply too confident. Beside me, Dominic remained completely still, his eyes fixed on Ausen. I could feel the quiet pressure coming from him.

Around us, the elders and ministers had already begun whispering among themselves.

“This is too dangerous.”

“We should not get involved.”

“Bloodmoon has already started the war. Why should our warriors die for them?”

“We have only just restored peace within our own kingdom.”

Vikron listened to every argument without interrupting. Then he slowly lifted his hand, and the hall became quiet. His eyes moved toward me and Dominic before returning to Ausen.

“Your proposal is certainly bold, Ausen,” Vikron said calmly. “But you are asking my kingdom to enter a war that we did not start.” Vikron continued. “The Kingdom of Howling Ashes has just gone through its own crisis. Our warriors need time to recover, and our borders need to be strengthened. Therefore, I see no reason for us to be involved this battle.”

“You promised to consider an alliance,” Ausen reminded him.

“I said I would listen.” Vikron leaned back in his chair. “And I have listened.” He paused before continuing. “Bloodmoon Kingdom has already attacked Evernight Kingdom. So let the two of you fight first. Let your armies weaken each other. When the battle is over, the Kingdom of Howling Ashes can decide what action benefits us.”

A few elders immediately nodded. “That is wise.”

“I agree with His Highness.”

“We’re going remain neutral. If Evernight is defeated, we can negotiate with Bloodmoon afterward. And if Bloodmoon is defeated, we can negotiate with Evernight.” Vikron said.

I almost smiled. Vikron was not refusing because he was afraid. He simply did not want to spend the blood of his warriors when he could wait for two other kingdoms to weaken themselves first.

Ausen’s face became darker with every word. “You intend to sit here and watch us fight?”

“That is exactly what I intend to do.” Vikron replied.

Then a woman stepped out from behind Ausen. She was tall and armored, with a long sword strapped across her back. She removed her helmet and revealed her face.

“My name is Corra,” she announced. “I am the high frontline commander of Bloodmoon Kingdom’s army.”

Vikron looked at her. “Commander Corra.”

“I ask that you reconsider.” Corra insisted.

One of the elders scoffed. “We have already made our decision.”

But Corra ignored the elder. “Prince Vikron, you are looking at this war from the wrong side.”

Vikron raised an eyebrow. “Then enlighten me.”

“Evernight Kingdom is already weakened. Their defense lines are struggling, and their people are divided. If you join Bloodmoon now, the war will be over much faster. You will gain territory, resources, and the secret formula without having to fight alone.”

One elder shook his head. “You make it sound easy.”

“And if we refuse?” Vikron asked.

Corra’s eyes hardened. “That would be a mistake.” The words sounded more like a threat than advice.

Before Vikron could answer, another voice cut through the hall. “Why?”

Everyone turned. Deyani had risen from her seat. Her eyes fixed on Corra. “Why should we help you? You came into our kingdom and told us that you have already declared war on another kingdom. Why should we do that?”

Corra crossed her arms. “Because the rewards will be worth the risk.”

“We do not want your rewards.” Deyani’s answer was immediate. “We want peace.”

Ausen suddenly laughed.“Peace is what weak kingdoms hide behind when they are too afraid to fight. Strength is not measured by words.”

“No,” Deyani replied calmly. “It is measured by knowing when a battle is worth fighting.”

Corra’s face hardened. “You are making a serious mistake.”

“We are not fools, Commander Corra. We understand exactly what you are asking from us. You want our warriors to fight your enemies while Bloodmoon takes the biggest reward. Our answer remains no.”

Ausen’s eyes turned cold. “You will regret this.” Ausen slammed his hand on the table. “You think Bloodmoon will forget this insult?”

Vikron’s expression remained calm. “You came here asking for an alliance. Do not turn your request into a threat because you did not receive the answer you wanted.”

Ausen stared at him. “Fine.” He looked around the hall. “When Bloodmoon wins, do not come to us asking for mercy.”

Dominic finally spoke. “You should worry about winning first.” Ausen’s eyes snapped toward him. For a moment, the two men stared at each other.

He turned around. Corra followed him, and the rest of their warriors quickly left the hall. The door slammed shut behind them. For several seconds, nobody spoke. Then the elders slowly began discussing what had just happened.

Dominic stood. “I need to speak with Vikron.” He said to me, and I nodded. His eyes softened slightly when they met mine. He walked away with Vikron, leaving me behind.

I waited in the corridor outside the banquet hall, leaning against one of the stone pillars. I was still thinking about Ausen’s strange behavior when I heard footsteps.

“Physician Lin.”

I turned. Deyani was walking toward me. “Princess Deyani.”

She stopped in front of me and smiled. “I want to thank you for what you said in the hall.”

She gave a polite smile. “You do not have to thank me. I only said what I believed was right. And that is one of the things I like about you.”

I became uncomfortable. “Princess...”

“I mean it. You are different from the people I have met before.” I took a small step backward. Then she suddenly took a deep breath.

“Physician Lin, I want to marry you.” She said.

“What?”

“I want you to become my husband.”

I immediately shook my head. “Princess Deyani, I think you have misunderstood something.”

“I haven’t. I know exactly what I want. I have thought about it carefully.” She said.

“Princess, I have someone I love.” I said immediately to push her away.

Her expression changed. “Then leave her. Leave whoever you love and choose me.” She insisted. “I can make you forget her. I can give you everything.” She grabbed my sleeve. “I can still replace her.”

“Princess, let go of me.” I said dragging my arms away from hers.

“I won’t. She is somewhere else, while I am standing here in front of you. Why should I lose to someone who isn’t even beside you?”

A footstep sounded behind us. I immediately turned. Dominic was coming toward us. The moment his eyes landed on Deyani’s hand gripping my sleeve, his expression changed. I could almost feel the jealousy rolling off him. I immediately looked at him.

His eyes moved from me to Deyani. “What is happening?”

Deyani released my sleeve and frowned. “I was only talking to Physician Lin. I was asking him to marry me. He said he already loves someone, but I told him I could replace her.”

Dominic’s expression became terrifying. “You should leave.”

Deyani blinked. “Excuse me?” She looked at me, then back at him. “You have no right to interfere with his private life.” Deyani looked completely confused. “You are acting strangely.”

“And you are crossing a line, Princess.” Dominic said.

I quickly moved between them. “Stop.” Dominic looked at me. I grabbed his arm. “Please.”

His anger did not disappear, but the moment my fingers closed around his arm, his body relaxed slightly. I pulled myself closer to him. “Let’s just leave.”

Dominic looked down at my hand wrapped around his arm. Then he looked at me. “Are you all right?” He asked, and I nodded. His hand instinctively moved to my shoulder. “I don’t like anyone making you uncomfortable.”

“I know.” I gave his arm a small squeeze. “Let’s go.” But when I looked up, I saw Deyani staring at us.

She had gone completely still. Her eyes moved from my hand wrapped around Dominic’s arm to his hand resting on my shoulder. Her lips slowly parted.

I froze. Deyani took one step backward. Her eyes remained fixed on the two of us. The way I stood beside Dominic, the way I held him, the way he looked at me, and the closeness between us.