Bounded To You (Star-Crossed)

Chapter 21 - The Curse

CHAPTER 21: The Curse

Noah glanced down over Lucius's shoulder, standing at attention behind his chair while he completed some papers before sliding them over to his father, the king. He waited with baited breath, biting into his bottom lip before resuming his position, trying hard not to fidget with anticipation as the king went through the papers Lucius handed him.

"So this is your answer?" King Timothy asked.

"That one is if the South invaded." Lucius replied.

"So you will handle the other kingdoms differently?" The king asked.

"The north is powerful. That tactic wouldn't be useful with them." Lucius explained.

"Then what would you do?" King Timothy asked.

"Ask for a meeting with their council. Sit with the king and speak to him before anything escalates."

"What if you are unable to enter his kingdom?" The king asked.

"Then I would send a messenger." Lucius replied, "A formal letter written by myself for him. Asking for the reason for the war, as to try and resolve it without bloodshed."

"You will not rush into war?" The king asked.

"And cause countless deaths if it was to be avoided? Of course not." Lucius replied.

"Good. How about the West?"

"They are peaceful people." Lucius replied.

"There might be a time when a ruthless king rules, whose greed would make him invade the richest kingdom." Timothy said.

"If such a time comes, I will protect my kingdom no matter what happens."

"War?" Timothy asked again.

"Try and resolve it peacefully. Build a wall if necessary, as nothing borders us from them at the moment." Lucius explained.

"A wall would take time."

"But it would prevent future casualties." Lucius replied. Noah felt a small smile tug at his lips, he could feel pride bloom in his chest. The other day, no matter how much he insisted on a war in such cases, Lucius refuted him, telling him there were always other options and war was a last solution.

"East?" The king asked.

Lucius's face became grim as he said, "Help the people overthrow their king."

"Lucius-..."

"Don't even. I hate that man with my entire being." Lucius protested.

"Feelings have nothing to do with it. Emotions cannot control your rule." Timothy lectured. Lucius grounded his teeth as he looked away. "So the East?"

"I would station my men around the guard posts at the towers between the two kingdoms. They would keep watch, reporting anything suspicious. Any invaders would be dealt with. Again, I would send a messenger to the king."

"You've met the man. Do you think he would accept such a thing?"

"No. But it will allow me to attack first before he strikes."

"Lucius." Timothy warned.

"Fine." Lucius sighed, "He is weak. His kingdom doesn't support him. His men are not entirely on his side, as they are being forced to serve under threat I am certain."

"So?"

"I will turn his men against him." Lucius explained simply, "Before they attack, they will surely set camp. I will personally ride to the frontlines, speak to his men to stop their attack and explain how a waste it would be for us to both lose warriors. From there I will lead them back to their king-..."