Outside the room, Valerie and Aiden were the only ones standing since Sebastian was asked to accompany the queen. Apparently, she wanted to ask a few things from the butler regarding Austin.
Valerie was silently standing by the door, with her arms crossed.
Last night was really eventful for her. Riding the horse with her beloved leaning on her was quite an experience.
Every time he mumbled in his sleep or frowned, she patted his head and soothingly whispered, 'It's okay, I am here...' and he soundly fell asleep.
That gave her a different type of sensation compared to the other times when she spent her time with him. After all, last night, it wasn't him teasing her or flirting with her. Rather, it was her taking care of him...and that gave birth to a very new sensation in her.
It was...addictive.
"Lady Valerie, how have you been doing?"
To break her pleasant mood, the eye sore spoke.
She didn't have much of a conversation with Aiden in the past and her impression of him was shallow...until her Lord informed her about Aiden's real side.
The manipulative bastard just wants to separate Austin from his family and take over the throne. Disgusting unnecessary creature.
"Quite busy lately," Valerie responded in a dry tone.
Aiden heaved a sigh, "I could see that my brother has been bothering you quite-"
"No, that's not it," Valerie interrupted him, "Austin doesn't keep me busy...rather it's my search for that pest who manipulated my father, who has kept me busy recently."
Aiden flinched; his whole person turned still upon hearing that, but from the front, he seemed unfazed.
Turning towards the silver-haired guy, Valerie added, "If you find that person who convinced my father that Austin is not worthy of me, please inform me. Even at the cost of my own life, I won't hesitate to slay that roach."
The conviction in her voice and the subtle blood lust that Valerie didn't hide made Aiden shiver.
Taking a strong gulp, he said, "I will try to find the person. Now if you will excuse me,"
"Yes, sure." Valerie nodded as she saw the roach crawling away.
°°°°°°°
Austin heaved a sigh after hearing what was the case.
So, Hener sent a proposal that they would lend a helping hand if Eryndor disowned Austin and exiled him.
It was amusing how they were not trying to hide their animosity against Austin. Something that happened between two children is now being dragged to national-level politics.
How...childish.
"So your council members are suggesting you take this step, I guess?" Austin asked the obvious.
He knew the influence of Aiden on the people here, who run the government. Even if Cedric shows reluctance in front of several agreements, he would have no option but to make the hard choice.
"Austin…they are convinced that under the pretense of exiling you, they would be able to protect you." Holding his hand firmly, the older one added, "But I have a bad feeling about this."
Austin exhaled an audible breath; surely this was a wrong call.
Knowing Aiden, Austin knew he would be executed during his exile and the blame would land on Hener. And since, during his banishment, he wouldn't be the Prince of anywhere, Eryndor wouldn't be able to blame anyone.
Hener happy. Aiden happy.
'What a good plan you made …' Austin's train of thought was broken by his father,
"Austin…I am prepared to fight Drenovar without any external support-"
"And lose your kingdom and the lives of numerous people in the process? Be practical, father."
Austin's instant rejection took the man by surprise. He thought that saying so would fuel Austin with motivation and he would support his decision.
However, "Fighting that giant named Drenovar needs three times the forces we have now, along with a massive supply of equipment. In our current situation, only demise awaits for Eryndor if we get into a full-fledged war with them."
Cedric asked, "Then…you mean to say ….I can't allow that!"
Austin heaved a weary sigh, "First listen to me, old man. I also won't offer myself as a sacrificial lamb, so calm down."
Cedric settled down. He was a bit too charged up for someone critically ill.
Austin thought for a moment. His plans were all messed up after he heard the news. Hener has played dirty but Austin doesn't have the time to pay attention to them.
His focus was Drenovar at the moment.
"Father, I have a way to resolve this situation without letting the two nations collide."
Cedric frowned, "Is there really a way to appease Drenovar?"
Austin nodded, "I know a way, but for that, you need to give me some time. For the next ten days, you need to delay your decision about exiling me and stop any kind of plan your councilmen might have to retaliate."
"If Eryndor launches even a single attack against Drenovar, everything would be ruined."
Cedric took a deep breath. The way he sounded forced the older man to trust his words.
"I will take care of that, but Austin, do you really have a way?"
"Why would I lie about something so dangerous? Drenovar can swallow Eryndor, so unless I have a fullproof plan, I wouldn't stick my hand into this mess." Austin replied with a frown.
Cedric slowly raised his hand and cupped his cheek. Softly, he asked, "Promise me, you won't risk your life for this."
Austin looked at the man, before asking, "Did you promise your father the same thing when you went to fight the demonic army back when you were just a teenager?"
Cedric was rendered speechless. His eyes widened, as he asked, "How do…you…"
Austin shook his head, "It doesn't matter, father. We both know that our lives will always remain under threat until we are alive, so taking risks is a given. However, I can promise you that I will not foolishly jump into danger."
"I can't ask anything more from you." Resting his hand on Austin's shoulder, the King said, "Go conquer the enemy son. I will wait for the good news."
Austin smiled, "I won't take long."
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.