THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

David exhaled deeply, leaning back against his chair as he processed everything that had transpired. His gaze wandered to the ceiling before falling on Mariana, who sat next to him with an expectant expression. Her gratitude was palpable. She clasped her hands tightly, as though searching for the right words to convey her appreciation.

"You saved my sister," she finally said, her voice soft but steady. "Not just from the curse, but from those assassins who sought her life. For that, I owe you more than words can express. If there's anything I can do to help, no matter how small, I will."

David regarded her with a faint, enigmatic smile. "There's nothing to repay," he replied, his tone even and resolute. "I did what I had to. All I seek is the strength to protect what I hold close in my heart." His words carried an air of finality, yet there was an underlying vulnerability, a glimpse into the weight he bore silently.

Mariana's gaze softened as she studied him. "You know," she began, her voice carrying a note of admiration, "in all my years, I've never met anyone quite as unpredictable as you. You're full of surprises, David. But I also know one thing for certain—one day, you'll surpass even the strongest people on this continent."

Her confidence in him was unwavering, and for a brief moment, David felt a flicker of something he couldn't quite place—acknowledgment, perhaps, or gratitude for her belief in him. Rising from his seat, he stretched his arms, letting out a quiet sigh as he looked at her.

"If you're sticking around, how about we grab a snack while lending a hand with the construction outside?" he suggested, his tone light, almost teasing. "Consider it a break from all the heavy stuff."

Mariana hesitated for a moment, her lips curving into a faint smile. "As much as I'd like to take you up on that, I'm afraid I have to decline. I didn't come here just to chat, David." Her expression shifted, becoming more serious. "My sister sent me to summon you. She's waiting for you in her office."

David arched a brow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Elara? Summoning me? Should I be worried?"

Mariana chuckled softly. "Not worried, no. But I'd suggest not keeping her waiting. You know how she gets when people are late."

David sighed recalling the two days he observed the Archon at work, running a hand through his hair before nodding. "Alright, lead the way then."

As Mariana gestured toward the door, David followed her out of the infirmary, his thoughts already shifting to what Elara might want. He couldn't help but feel that whatever awaited him in her office would be yet another piece in the puzzle of the chaos they'd been thrown into.

****

David and Mariana stood outside the heavy oak door, the faint hum of voices from within muffled by its sturdy frame. Mariana gave a small smile and gestured toward the door. "Well, this is it. You're up," she said, folding her arms.

David raised a brow. "Not coming in with me?"

She shook her head, an almost mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have other duties to attend to. But…" she hesitated, her smirk softening into something playful, "if I find time later, maybe I'll take you up on that snack date."

David opened his mouth to reply, but before a word could escape, Mariana spun on her heel and sprinted down the hallway, leaving only the echo of her retreating footsteps behind. He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he turned back to the door.

"Guess I have no choice," he muttered, lifting a hand to knock firmly.

"Enter," came a deep, commanding voice from inside. David's eyes narrowed slightly as recognition struck—it was Salomonis. Taking a steadying breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was bathed in warm sunlight streaming through tall, arched windows, the golden hues glinting off the polished surfaces and the intricate patterns of the tapestries adorning the walls. Salomonis sat casually in a plush chair off to the side, a goblet of wine in hand, his expression one of relaxed amusement. Behind the large desk at the center of the room sat Elara, the Archon of Lysora County. Her fingers were intertwined, her posture regal and composed, yet her crimson eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity that made David's chest tighten.

"Ah, David," Salomonis greeted, gesturing toward the seat across from him. "Please, sit. Would you care for some wine? It's an excellent vintage."

David shook his head politely. "No, thank you."

Salomonis shrugged, lifting his goblet in mock toast. "Suit yourself. More for me, then."

The awkwardness of the moment hung in the air, amplified by the sound of Salomonis taking an exaggerated sip from his glass. David glanced at Elara, who remained silent, her gaze locked onto him like a hawk studying its prey. He shifted uncomfortably, resisting the urge to fidget under the weight of her stare.

Finally, Elara broke the silence, her voice calm but laced with an edge that made David's palms sweat. "This is our second meeting," she said, her crimson gaze intensifying. "The first, under… unusual circumstances."

David swallowed hard, his mind racing as he tried to decipher her tone. Before he could respond, her next words landed like a lightning strike.

"How will you take responsibility for kissing me?"

David's jaw dropped, his heart skipping several beats. "I—what?" he stammered, his face burning as he scrambled for an explanation.

Salomonis erupted into laughter, his voice booming through the room as he slapped his knee. "Oh, this is gold! The mighty David, speechless!"

David shot a pleading look toward Salomonis, but the older man waved him off, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Elara remained stoic, her gaze unwavering, as though awaiting a response that would dictate his fate. Enjoy exclusive content from empire

The room felt suffocating, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. David could only pray that whatever came next wouldn't seal his doom.