Absolute Sovereignty-Chapter 21: A Blade in The Dark

The Grand Conclave finally drew to a close, the opulent hall slowly emptying as the assembled elite made their way back to their residents, some temporary. The Emperor, his face a mask of impassive authority, was the first to depart, his departure marked by a silent ripple of movement as the assembled nobles bowed their heads in respectful submission.

He was followed by a stream of royals and high-ranking officials, their elaborate gowns and glittering jewels a contrast to the growing shadows within the hall.

Kaelen and Garron, their figures small against the backdrop of the grand hall, also made their exit, blending into the departing crowd. Unlike the other attendees, who rode in luxirious carriages drawn by magnificent beasts, they walked back to their pre-arranged inn, their footsteps echoing on the cobbled streets.

Garron, true to form, had indulged heavily in the Conclave's plentiful supply of wine, his usual jovial nature amplified by the night's events.

It seemed as though each of Kaelen's brazen declarations only spurred him to drink more, as if the alcohol somehow helped him process the sheer audacity of the prince's actions.

Despite the considerable amount of alcohol he had consumed, Garron's high tolerance kept him relatively steady on his feet, his steps only slightly unsteady as they walked.

"You know, you're really crazy, prince," he slurred, his words punctuated by a hiccup.

"I don't know what's gotten into you, but...gods, it's entertaining. Though i do wonder at how much the emperor has enjoyed it all, or how he has not already sent his guard to deal with us here and now."

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"I'm tired of being content," Kaelen replied, his voice low and thoughtful.

The night's events had taken their toll, and despite the adrenaline still coursing through his body, he could feel the exhaustion settling in. He had made his move, thrown down the gauntlet, and now he could do nothing but watch the dominos fall.

"I wonder how you'll explain to your father how you managed to start a war on his behalf," Garron chuckled, his words slightly slurred. "That should be a fun conversation. Can't wait to see how you somehow manage to dig yourself out of this one. I look forward to seeing the play you'll come up with next."

"Ah, I don't want to think about it yet," Kaelen sighed, rubbing his temples. The thought of confronting his father, of explaining his actions, was a headache he'd rather postpone.

They walked in silence for a while, the sounds of the city gradually fading as they moved further away from the center of Valdrathar. The streets became narrower, the buildings less grand, and the air itself felt heavier, tinged with the scent of poverty and despair.

Kaelen, with his Earthsense, felt the shadows close in around them, his every step bringing him closer towards whatever destiny that awaits.

They finally reached the inn, a modest building tucked away on a quiet side street. It was a far cry from the estates of the nobles and royals, but it offered a semblance of anonymity, a place to hide from the prying eyes of the court and to gather ones thoughts.

Garron, his exhaustion finally catching up with him, bid Kaelen a hasty goodnight.

"I'm going to sleep, Kael. Wake me up only if the world ends." He stumbled towards his room, his words barely coherent, and collapsed onto the bed without even bothering to remove his boots.

Kaelen watched him go, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Garron's loyalty was unwavering, his friendship a constant source of strength in this treacherous world. Even when Kaelen fell into darkness, Garron had always been a source of light for him.

He had even tried to pull him out, but perhaps the darkness was stronger than he was.

He turned towards his own room, the night's events still lingered on him. He pushed open the door, his movements slow, and stepped inside.

As he closed the door behind him, he felt a cold, sharp blade press against his neck, the steel biting into his skin.

Kaelen let out a slow, deliberate sigh, his voice calm and steady despite the deadly situation. He could hear the person breathing behind him. The breaths were shallow, fast, and the hand holding the blade was trembling slightly...not with fear, but anger and restraint.

"Your Highness," he said, his voice soft but clear. "I would be dishonest if I said I wasn't expecting you."