Soulbound: Dual Cultivation

The emperor's silence dragged for a while, his chest rising and falling as though a storm had settled within him. His thick hands curled at his sides before he finally stilled them, forcing his breathing to steady. His eyes, sharp and unyielding like tempered steel, fixed on The King with the look of a man swallowing poison but refusing to choke.

At last, the emperor broke the silence. "I cannot bear it," he said, his voice low at first but rising as he went on. "The thought of Lechia holding what Rus does not...of them having such an advantage over me, over my people...no, it twists my insides. I loathe it with every drop of blood in my veins. And yet, I see no other road. You corner me well. You knew before we began speaking that I would choose this path."

King Alden folded his hands before him, neither triumphant nor mocking, but steady as stone. "Then you accept an alliance between Rus, Valerion, and Lechia?"

The emperor's lips pulled back in distaste as though the very words tasted foul. "I accept," he said, spitting the word like it was ash. "But it will not be without a condition. Do not think I bend without asking for something in return."

The king raised a brow. "Speak your terms."

The emperor jabbed a thick finger toward where Lucas had stood earlier before stepping away at the king's order. "That boy. That alchemist who tears open the skin of the world as though it were parchment. He is the key to this, and if I am to swallow my hatred for Lechia and sit at the same table with them, then I will have something of equal worth. Xavier must come to Rus. He must give pointers to my alchemists, guide them for a time. Not forever, but a few months, long enough for his fire to catch among my people. Without that, this alliance is ash in the wind."

The King's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You ask much, Your Majesty. He is one of my kingdom's most promising minds. To part with him, even for a short time, is not a thing I do lightly. And what if your people attempt to keep him longer than agreed? What if—"

The emperor raised a hand sharply, his voice booming like a drum. "I give you my word as sovereign of Rus. When the months are done, he leaves freely. Do not insult me by suggesting otherwise."

The king studied him in silence, his gaze unreadable. After a long pause, he inclined his head. "Very well. Reluctantly, I accept your condition. When Xavier has completed what is required of him here, he will spend time in Rus, offering counsel and instruction to your alchemists. But he remains under Valerion's protection and returns when summoned."

The emperor's jaw twitched, but he gave a single nod. He thrust out his hand, broad and calloused, the gesture firm and uncompromising. "Then let it be done. I do not like this pact with Lechia. It sits in my gut like poison. But better poison than ruin. You have won your terms, and I have carved mine into it as well. The deal is struck."

King Highmoor extended his own hand and clasped the emperor's in a tight shake, their grips strong enough that one might have thought they meant to crush bone.

When their hands parted, the king tilted his head, his tone curious though edged with steel. "I cannot help but notice, Your Majesty, that you have not once consulted your council through all of this. No advisors, no ministers, not even a word spared for their opinion. Does this not risk unrest among your own?"

The emperor barked out a laugh, harsh and coarse, echoing in the quiet of the garden. He leaned in slightly, his eyes alight with a dangerous gleam. "Fuck it, Highmoor. I am the council. I am the law. I am the absolute monarch of Rus. My word is command, my decision is decree. If my ministers weep and cry, let them. Their tears change nothing. This empire was built by the strength of my ancestors will, and it will march forward by the strength of my will still. Let Lechia sneer, let my nobles grumble, let the world gnash its teeth. In the end, I decide. And I have decided."

With a courteous tone, The King spoke, "See His Majesty to his chambers. He has traveled far, and the road has been long. He deserves rest before we continue our discussions tomorrow."

The emperor of Rus stretched his shoulders, his towering figure seeming even larger beneath the starlight. He gave a gruff nod and waved a hand to the servants. "Very well, Alden. We will speak again on the morrow. I will not forget what was agreed this night." He cast a brief glance over the gardens, his eyes still carrying that flicker of fascination for what he had witnessed, before turning sharply on his heel.

The King inclined his head respectfully. "Rest well, Your Majesty."

The emperor strode away with his retinue, his cloak sweeping behind him, until the sound of his heavy boots faded along the marble path.

When the garden was quiet once more, King Alden turned slightly, his gaze settling on the young man who had been waiting silently at the edge of the path. "Lucas," he called, his voice softer now but edged with gravity.

Lucas approached with measured steps, bowing respectfully before his sovereign. "Your Majesty."

The King's eyes softened only a fraction, though his tone remained weighty. "You have heard, no doubt. The emperor has agreed to the terms we offered. Spatial teleportation will be shared and the alliance will be formed....but only if you are willing to serve for a time in Rus."

Lucas lifted his gaze slowly, his expression calm though his heart stirred uneasily. "I see, Your Majesty. How long do they expect me to remain in Rus?"

"A few months," the King replied, folding his hands behind his back. "No more than that. Enough to teach their alchemists and strengthen the bonds of this alliance. I do not trust the emperor easily, but he has given his word. You will not be kept beyond what is agreed."

Lucas bowed his head again. "If that is what is required for Valerion's safety, then I will obey. Though…" He hesitated briefly, then continued, his voice steady. "I must admit, I am not comfortable with leaving Valerion for so long. There are many dangers here already, and much left undone."

The King placed a hand on his shoulder, firm and reassuring. "I know, Lucas. But understand this. Because of you, Nyx will not be given away in marriage to the emperor. That alone is a victory worth every sacrifice. You have bought her freedom and preserved her future. For that, I will always remember your service."

At those words, Lucas's heart eased. Relief washed through him as though a heavy weight had been lifted. He straightened, and a faint smile touched his lips. "Then I am glad, Your Majesty. If the cost of protecting Princess Nyx from that fate is for me to serve in Rus for a time, then I will accept it gladly."

The King gave a slow nod, pride flickering in his eyes as he regarded the young man before him. "You are proving yourself again and again, Lucas. And you will continue to. Tonight, you have secured Valerion's future more than you realize. That will be all for tonight, Xavier. You have done more than enough. Go now, and take your rest."

Lucas bowed deeply, his hands pressed to his sides. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am grateful that you listened to my counsel and allowed me the chance to prove its worth. Your trust in me is something I will never take lightly."

The King gave a short nod of acknowledgment, his voice lowering but still filled with authority. "You have earned more than my trust. But do not forget, we walk upon dangerous ground. One mistake and all of this could collapse. Keep that in mind as you prepare for Lechia and, eventually, for Rus."

Lucas straightened from his bow, his eyes meeting the King's with quiet determination. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not falter."

There was a pause, and then the King added, "See to it that Henrietta is informed of this new development. She will need to be prepared as well. You two have become my greatest pillars in this struggle, and I will need both of you steady when the storms rise."

Lucas inclined his head again. "I will go to her at once. Thank you again, Your Majesty, for entrusting me with this task."

The King raised a hand, dismissing him with a simple gesture. "Go, Lucas. Rest your mind if you can, for tomorrow will bring more trials."

Lucas gave one last respectful bow, his voice calm yet earnest. "May the heavens guide you, my King."

"May they guide us all," the King replied, his tone carrying the weary weight of a ruler burdened with endless threats.

Lucas turned and walked out of the grand chamber, the echo of his footsteps following him through the marble halls. He kept his pace measured, his thoughts already turning to Henrietta. As soon as he exited into the quieter corridors, the guards posted at the doors saluted him before returning to their posts. Lucas gave them a brief nod, but his mind was elsewhere.

He crossed the palace's winding corridors, his robes whispering softly against the polished floor. The torches along the walls cast long shadows, flickering as though they whispered secrets only the stones could hear. His path led him toward the wing reserved for the King's most trusted advisors, where Henrietta's chambers were kept.

When he reached her door, he lifted his hand and knocked firmly but with respect. "Henrietta," he called softly, his voice steady. "It is Xavier. May I enter?"