A few days passed by. Ernest did not want the news of Anastasia’s pregnancy to spread, especially since it was unstable. He was worried that if sothing happened, people might begin to mock her.
More importantly, Elizabeth had gained a bit of power as a queen. She was yet to be pregnant, and she might be moved by jealousy when she heard about Anastasia’s pregnancy, and sothing might happen.
That afternoon, Anastasia and Ernest had just finished breakfast when the news of the king’s summons ca. Since Ernest was still "nursing his poison," he only had to attend council etings when invited.
As usual, Ernest got ready and left on his horse. When he arrived at the palace, he found out that the royal council eting had already started half an hour earlier. Ernest frowned. If there was going to be a eting in the morning, he should have been inford the previous day, but it did not matter. He followed the eunuch’s arrangent and waited outside for the king.
He waited for almost two hours before he was inford to go over to the king’s study. Ernest obeyed and walked over. The king was in a good mood when he arrived.
"Your Majesty," Ernest bowed his posture, as submissive as ever.
"General Ernest, have your seat," King Edward instructed. He found himself in a good mood.
"There has been an update from the second region. Like you said, Lord Aureline is not able to hold on anymore. Moreover, the people do not truly support him. After all, he does not have a real claim to the throne," Edward paused. His joy ca from knowing that many of the people were beginning to stand against him.
"That is good news, Your Majesty," Ernest said. He waited to hear what instructions the king had for him now that he had been called over.
"I have discussed this with the royal council. It seems more appropriate that I lead the next battle myself." As he said this, he began to show Ernest all the arrangents that had been made. Ernest listened and gave his opinion and insight when he found it needful.
"General Ernest is always insightful. With your insight, I guess it would be a matter of days before that traitor’s head hangs on the gate," King Edward praised.
"But Your Majesty, the second prince is still missing. Going on to fight this ti is very risky. It is best you stay in the royal city," Ernest said. He did not agree with Edward’s plans. Leaving the royal city was the easiest part; returning might not be that easy.
"There is nothing to worry about. I have decided to make Lord Williams the Hand of the King. While I am away, he will be in charge. All the royal council mbers believe that my presence would help boost the morale of the army," King Edward waved his hand.
Ernest kept quiet. He understood King Edward’s approach to winning hearts. One may say a king rules over the people, but once the hearts of the people are turned against him, it is only a matter of ti before his fall.
King Edward did not care whether Ernest agreed with his thoughts or not. He changed the subject. "As for your suggestion regarding the East, I sent a ssage to Colonel Edwin with a decree that my mother rules the East until my brother is found."
Ernest pursed his lips as he began to make calculations in his heart. Lord Williams was a wise man. He had been hoping that the king would send him away; then it would be easier to deal with the king. But instead, the king wanted to hand over power to him and leave for war.
This was really unexpected, and it ant that he would have to adjust his plans accordingly.
"Your Majesty is wise," Ernest said, refusing to comnt further, knowing that the king would not listen to him.
King Edward was pleased to hear that. "Since I am heading to the second region, there will be no need for you to go. Besides, your health has not fully recovered. The royal city will depend on you for safety," he said.
"As Your Majesty commands," Ernest said. He got up and bowed, but he was not pleased. The king had brought him to his private study and made him share insights, yet he prevented him from going to the second region. Even if he was thinking on his feet, he could guess what Edward was planning. Edward did not want him to gain any rit from the war.
Nobody loved for their efforts and contributions to be buried, but the king forgot one important part: the face of war was always changing. Since that was the case, then he must prepare to be away from the royal city for a couple of months. Anyway, this worked perfectly for him. Anastasia could not be stressed at the mont; he could remain in the peace of the royal city.
"My Lord, now that you are not going to the second region, what do we do?" a trusted aide asked Ernest.
"We prepare a very big welco package for him when he arrives in the second region," Ernest said.
"Do you want us to reveal military intelligence to Lord Aureline?" the aide asked.
Ernest shook his head. The n of the royal army were innocent; he would never let them die like that. Besides, those soldiers were going to be his sooner or later.
Why had he joined the royal army? It was because they were loyal to whoever sat on the throne. If Edward fell today, their loyalty would rest on whoever was on the throne.
"Then..." the trusted aide was confused.
"It is ti for to co on stage. Send a ssage to Lowe Pass for ," Ernest instructed.
"Yes, my Lord."
...
The palace grew busy in the days that followed the king’s decision. Orders were sent out one after another, and ssengers rode day and night between the royal city and the military camps. The sound of iron and marching boots filled the air as soldiers were gathered and supplies were prepared.
King Edward moved quickly. He inspected weapons, checked the army’s numbers, and questioned the generals in charge of each unit. Tents, food, horses, and dical supplies were counted again and again. He did not want any mistakes before leaving the royal city. Every detail had to be perfect, for the eyes of both the army and the nobles were on him.
The royal city felt tense. People whispered in the streets about the coming battle in the second region.
"The king really cares about the people." So praised the king for leading the army himself, believing it would bring victory.
"Ahh! Who can tell what would happen when His Majesty leaves the royal city?" Others watched quietly, their hearts filled with worry. War always brought loss, no matter how strong the army was.
Before his departure, King Edward held one last eting with the royal council. Lord Williams stood beside the throne as the new Hand of the King. The decree was read aloud, making it clear that all matters of the royal city would be handled by him while the king was away. None dared to object.
After the decree was read, Edward took his cup and made a toast. "To victory and peace of the kingdom."
The nobles and generals all held up their cups.
"To victory and peace of the kingdom!"
"Long live the king!"
"His reign will be praised through many generations!"
That night, the people celebrated as though the war was already won.
On the morning of departure, the city gates were opened wide. The army stood in long lines, banners flying high in the wind. King Edward was dressed in armor instead of royal robes.
The queen, Elizabeth, saw the king off with a calm face. She spoke words of support and wished him victory, though her eyes were sharp and thoughtful.
There was no one happier to see the king leave the royal city. After all, his absence ant she could finally deal with that mother and son.
"You must take care of the palace while I am gone. Once I return in victory, we can plan the future, and God will bless us with a son to reign after I am gone," King Edward whispered to Elizabeth.
He was a man who understood the heart. By making promises to Elizabeth, he hoped that all her actions would be asured.
"Your Majesty, I will stay in the royal chapel, making prayers for your safe return," Elizabeth blushed. It had been months since they got married, and this was the first ti the king had promised to share a bed with her. Of course, she was happy. This made her more determined to deal with the mother and son.
Edward was pleased with her response. He mounted his horse in one swift move.
He looked every bit a warrior king.
With a raised hand, he gave the order to move. Drums beat, horns sounded, and the army marched out of the royal city toward the second region. Dust rose from the ground as thousands of feet moved as one.
From the palace walls, many watched the army disappear into the distance. So prayed, so feared, and so saw an opportunity to act.
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