Chapter 104: Shadows of Ambition ( 104 )
Meanwhile, deep within the grand marble halls of the Human Kingdom’s royal palace...
"WHAT?!"
King Aswand slammed the letter onto the table so hard that even the guards at the end of the hall flinched. His sharp voice echoed through the chamber like a crack of thunder.
"How dare that damn lion reject my marriage proposal!" he snarled, his eyes blazing. "Can’t he see what this union would bring? Peace! Power! A future for both kingdoms!"
He paced angrily, clenching his fists. "That stubborn beast! This alliance could’ve secured the border and strengthened both our kingdoms against outside threats. But nooo—he had to act like some arrogant mutt wagging his tail!"
He spun toward the royal table where his advisors stood in stiff silence. "Is this his way of provoking me? Does King Lioness want war!?"
One of the senior advisors, a calm and silver-bearded man, Halvon stepped forward and bowed politely. "Your Majesty, if I may," he began in a composed voice, "declaring war on the Beastkin Kingdom may not be wise at this time."
Aswand raised an eyebrow, his rage simmering just beneath the surface.
"Your Majesty, if I may..." the advisor continued in a measured tone. "We must be cautious. The Beastkin Kingdom is not one to be underestimated. Their military is vast and disciplined. Of the Seven Kingdoms, none rival their brute force. They command not only powerful warriors, but formidable divisions of battle mages, magic troops... and wyvern riders trained since birth."
Aswand turned sharply. "And you want me to do nothing?"
"Not at all, Your majesty. Only that we avoid rash decisions. A declaration of war now would draw attention from the other kingdoms. Especially with tensions already stirring across the borders. The Elves watch us. The Dwarves wait. And... there are still factions within our lands that are not yet ready to act openly."