Soulbound: Dual Cultivation

Lucas was silent for a moment as he considered his words, knowing well that the King's mind was never easily swayed once it had settled upon a decision. Yet to sit in silence was to betray the very reason he had stood boldly before the throne in the first place. His heart beat steady, and he bowed his head slightly, his tone even and respectful as he spoke. "Your Majesty, forgive my forwardness, but I believe it would be unwise to keep the matter as two separate agreements. If Valerion were to convince Rus not only to accept an alliance with us, but also to allow Lechia into the fold, then three nations bound together would stand as one. That is far stronger than splitting the trust between two and leaving one as a rival. In that way, no kingdom stands apart, and the darkness looming against us would have no foothold."

The King's eyes narrowed with amusement rather than irritation, and then, to Lucas's surprise, he laughed aloud, his voice carrying in the vast chamber. "Ha! Boy, you truly think as though all the world's rulers are so easily convinced to clasp hands and forget centuries of pride? You do not know the emperor of Rus as I do. He will never willingly share a table with Lechia, much less bind himself in alliance with them. You speak of dreams, not of reality."

Lucas did not waver at the laughter, nor at the dismissal. His expression remained steady, his words calm but insistent. "Your Majesty, I am not asking you to believe the emperor will agree without resistance. I only ask that you propose it to him first. Let him be the one to deny it, not us the ones to withhold it. Even if he refuses, Valerion will not be at fault, and Rus cannot claim that we chose another over them. But if he accepts, then what is born will be the greatest shield this realm has ever known."

Henrietta, who had listened intently, stepped closer, her voice supporting Lucas without hesitation. "Majesty, I find his reasoning sound. Let us see if they are willing to join us in something greater than themselves. Even a refusal can serve our cause, it would expose their true stance toward Valerion."

The King leaned back upon his throne, he turned his gaze from Lucas to Henrietta and back again, his expression shifting from skepticism to thoughtful silence. At length, he exhaled and shook his head, though there was no anger in the gesture. "It is a bold plan… too bold perhaps. Yet you both argue with clarity, and I cannot deny the strength of the logic. Very well, I will propose it first to the emperor of Rus. But do not let your hopes rise too high. The man is stubborn, he will not be pleased to hear Lechia's name upon my tongue. He will see it as an insult to his throne, they were once bitter rivals."

Lucas felt the tension ease from his chest, relief stirring within him. At least the King had not closed the door entirely. The seed had been planted, and now there was a chance, however slim, that it might grow into the very shield they needed.

The King's tone hardened once more as he leaned forward. "But hear me well, Xavier. If the emperor of Rus rejects this notion as I expect he will, then do not speak of it again. I will not risk Valerion's standing for an impossible dream. Until then, we will prepare, but you must be ready for disappointment."

Lucas bowed deeply, acknowledging the warning, while Henrietta inclined her head in solemn agreement.

The King's voice lowered, his expression grave. "This is a dangerous gamble, and Rus will not take kindly to it. Tread carefully, once the proposal leaves my lips, there will be no taking it back."

Lucas bowed his head slightly as the King's words settled in the chamber, his voice steady though respectful. "I understand, Your Majesty," he said, his tone carrying both relief and resolve. He knew what it meant to be entrusted with such a task, and though the burden was heavy, it was one he had already decided he would bear.

Henrietta stepped forward a little, her voice clear and firm as always. "I understand as well, Majesty. We will act carefully, and we will act with haste."

The King gave them both a long look before leaning back into his throne. "Good," he said at last, but then his eyes shifted to Henrietta, their sharpness returning. "Tell me, Henrietta, are there any new developments I should be made aware of? Speak plainly."

Henrietta inclined her head before answering. "Yes, Your Majesty. Our informants have confirmed what we feared. More kingdoms have been compromised. Their councils, their treasuries, their armies, roots of corruption have run deeper than we thought. It is not merely whispers in the courts, it is the core of their ruling bodies. Some of these kingdoms may already be lost to us."

The King's expression hardened as though a weight pressed upon him, his brows knitting together. "More kingdoms… already fallen to the rot. This is worse than I expected," he muttered, his voice low but filled with tension. He lifted his gaze again, and his tone grew firm. "Then it is as I feared. We cannot stand alone. We must secure strong alliances while we still can. The longer we delay, the closer that shadow creeps to our very gates. Rus and Lechia are distant, yes, but perhaps that is our only hope. If the corruption has not touched them, then their strength will be all the more valuable to us."

Lucas, who had listened quietly, now spoke, his voice calm but edged with certainty. "It is possible, Majesty. They may have been spared only because the schemers seek Valerion first. If they can use this kingdom as their stronghold, as the very heart of their design, they would gain legitimacy, power, and a central place to extend their influence across the continent. That is why they push hardest against us."

Henrietta nodded in agreement, her voice steady. "Lucas is right. Valerion is their prize. If they succeed here, then no kingdom will resist them. It would not matter if Rus or Lechia are untouched for now. Once Valerion falls, the rest will follow like broken stone in a crumbling wall."

The King let out a long breath, his jaw tightening as he mulled over their words. His eyes narrowed slightly, the weight of his decisions pressing visibly upon him. "Then there is no time to lose. Lucas," he said, turning his gaze directly upon him, "you must begin preparations at once. You will travel to Lechia and place before their Queen our offer of alliance. She will be cautious, perhaps even cold, but if anyone can sway her, it will be you. Take with you those you deem most loyal and capable. I will not dictate your company, this mission will test trust as much as it will test diplomacy."

Lucas felt the gravity of the command settle in his chest, but he inclined his head with a calmness that masked the storm of thoughts racing within him. "I will not fail you, Your Majesty. I will choose carefully and make ready."

The King gave a short nod of approval, the lines of worry in his face still present but softened slightly.

Henrietta opened her mouth to speak further, but before her words could leave her lips, the heavy doors of the chamber swung open. A servant stepped quickly inside and bowed low. His voice rang clear though with urgency. "Your Majesty, forgive my interruption. The Emperor of Rus has arrived at the gates of the city. His entourage has already crossed into the palace grounds. He will soon be here."

"Very well. I will meet him outside at once. It would be unseemly to keep him waiting."

The servant bowed again, murmuring, "As you command, Majesty," before retreating swiftly from the hall.

The King rose slowly from his throne, his eyes turned once more to Lucas and Henrietta, his tone clipped and commanding. "That will be all for now. We shall continue this discussion later. I will share with you the outcome of my meeting with the Emperor of Rus once it is concluded. Until then, see to your preparations."

Lucas placed a fist against his chest and bowed deeply. "Yes, Majesty."

Henrietta inclined her head with quiet dignity. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

The King's hand lifted in dismissal, Lucas and Henrietta turned and made their way from the chamber.