Chapter 142: She Left
Back in Carles, the sky had begun to darken, casting long shadows across the worn cobblestone streets. General Odin sat heavily in a high-backed chair, the weight of the day pressing down on him. The room was quiet save for the distant murmur of voices beyond the stone walls, soldiers and workers alike toiling to restore the war-torn town.
"Bener," Odin called, his voice low but steady. "Fetch Lara. I’d like to have dinner with her."
Bener bowed slightly before departing, his footsteps fading into the corridor. Odin sighed and leaned back, rubbing his temple. The day had been consumed with planning the rehabilitation of Carles, each decision a new burden added to his shoulders. And as if the weight of rebuilding weren’t enough, the arrival of Princes Alderan and Reuben only complicated matters.
Their constant bickering added to his exhaustion. They came eager — too eager — each vying for a prominent role in the town’s restoration. Odin could see it in their eyes. Not compassion, not duty, but ambition.
Odin sighed heavily when he learned that Prince Alaric left.
Why did he leave? He risked his life and did so much to take back Carles, but now that the war was over, why didn’t he stay? Didn’t he care that it would be easy for his half brothers to steal the merit of winning the war from him?
The two princes only stayed in the background, watching and waiting. Alaric, on the other hand, was in the forefront of the battle, fighting alongside the Northem soldiers, giving them the needed morale boost.
Sigh.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. The door creaked open, revealing Percival balancing a tray with a delicate porcelain teapot. The boy approached quietly, his movements careful. "Father," he said, offering the tray, "please drink this. It’s a medicinal brew. Lara prescribed it for you."
Odin’s heart softened. Even in her absence, she cared for him. He took the cup, cradling the warmth in his hands before downing the concoction in one gulp. At first, the warmth spread through him, soothing his tired body... until the taste hit him. His face contorted.
"Ugh!" He grimaced, resisting the urge to spit it out. "Bitter as bile."