Chapter 435: THE next Plan
Two Days Later, The morning air was sharp, tinged with the earthy scent of dew and the faint iron tang of old stone.
Horses were saddled, bags were strapped, and the great bronze gates of Embrez Moor Mansion creaked open slowly as the group gathered in the courtyard for departure.
Cloaks flapped in the wind. Swords gleamed at belts. Every expression was tense with purpose.
Yesterday Lucius had stood at the center, dressed in black as usual, his long coat swirling around him like mist.
His umbrella was in hand — always — but it wasn’t shielding him from sunlight today. It was a statement. Always a statement.
As he told them:
"We’re not going back to Wyfkeep just yet," Lucius announced coldly, his crimson gaze sliding across the group like a blade. "We need to retrieve the weaponry hidden in the old WyfStone Quarry, the source of the kingdom’s finest stones and armories. If whatever idiotic negotiation you and your brother have planned fails, Prince Embrez, I’d rather not die unarmed."
Prince Embrez, clad in a deep navy tunic embroidered with silver thread, arched one dark brow.
His arms were folded, his jaw tight. "Always so pessimistic, Lucius. That’s why the curtains flee from you in every room."
"I’m a realist," Lucius said, turning his head slightly. "And unlike some royal romantics, I don’t underestimate what’s coming."
Alaric, leaning with one hand on his sword, considered the suggestion. "It’s not a terrible idea," he admitted. "A backup plan gives us breathing room. Very well. Lucius and I will take the crew to Wyfhold. But someone should head to the castle ahead of us. Just in case."