Exile

Avalo Royal Palace.

"The kingdoms of Pontus, Phrygia, and Pamphyial have joined together against us," King Rodrick said as he eyes all the men in the room.

His generals and sons were seated around the table, Each paid attention to the king's words. The three kingdoms the king just mention were not very strong but together they can not be underestimated.

"I have received information confirming that they have put funds together to buy armies from across the sea. We all know that the soldiers across the sea are stronger. We can not underestimate them," the king paused and pulled his lips into a tiny line.

"As we speak they are already matching towards our boundary to the north. Lord Ramah has confirmed that the Amy would be in our there in two days."

"They plan to attack Samor first, we all know that Samor is our weak point. We must not let the enemy access into our kingdom," king Rodrick explained The place called samor is a small settlement in Avalo. Most of the people there were farmers so it will be an easy victory for the enemy.

"We must send defends there as soon as possible, if I may, I will suggest our men leave tonight so they can have enough rest and be set to defend the kingdom," one of the generals spoke.

"I agree with you, we must deal with them. We can not afford to lose samor even if it is just a small settlement," General Thompson said.

The other general nodded in agreement. Seeing this the king decided to speak again. "We are not sure if the attack from the north is just a distraction. So it is best to send just the right amount of defense, in case of other surprise attacks," the king paused and looked at the men with him.

"They are about four thousand men marching toward our territory. The crown prince will be in the best position to go for this battle. He would lead an army of a thousand," the king declared looking at his son who has said nothing since they started the meeting.

This was not strange to the king, after all, he only listens and takes orders most of the time.

"I am sorry your majesty but I can not go up to samor. This battle will take at least two days. I just got married and someone tried to kill my wife. As a husband, it is my duty to ensure her safety. If I can't protect my wife how would I be able to protect a kingdom as big as Avalo in the future," Prince Sebastian said in his usual cold voice.

" I was not asking, this mission is an order from the king," King Rodrick replied in an authoritative voice. Prince Sebastian looked at the king and looked away. Nobody could tell what his face looks like because he was wearing his mask as usual.

"Lord Taylor, what is the punishment for disobeying the king's order?" Prince Sebastian asked.

Lord Taylor was confused by the question but he answered. "exile or execution," He answered.

"On what ground is a person exile or executed?" Prince Sebastian asked again.

"If a person refuses to do the king's order with a valid reason then the offender will be exile. But if a person has no valid reason, then the person would be put to death," Lord Taylor answered.

"what can be seen as valid reasons?" prince Sebastian asked. Everyone in the room were surprised by the prince's numerous questions, except for the king.

He knew the crown prince was looking for a reason to refute him and not go to the battle. Too bad all the options were difficult.

"A life and death situation," Lord Taylor answered as he looked for the best reason to escape death.

"Hmm," prince Sebastian nodded his head in understanding. "What is the penalty for murdering or attempt murder of a member of the Royal Family?" He asked.

"Death," Lord Taylor answered.

"Even if the accused is royalty?" prince Sebastian asked. By now everybody in the room could guess where the prince was going with his questions.

"Yes your highness," Lord Taylor confirm.

During the royal ball, someone tried to murder my wife. A member of the royal family tried to strangle my wife because she refused to commit an abomination and be his woman, " prince Sebastian said looking at his brothers.

This action already made everyone know that he was accusing one of his brothers. But what does this have to do with the meetings, The generals complain in their hearts but no one dared to voice it out they all feared for their life.

My wife is yet to regain her senses and point who, of course, it not just me listening to what she said. I heard this conversation myself. But before I could get to them. The person left, maybe he heard approaching footsteps. Prince Sebastian said.

"But brother if you did not see how can you conclude it was a member of the royal family. This is…." Prince Elliott questioned.

By now prince Julia could not find his voice. He honestly thought his brother did not hear his conversation. Who would have thought that he was going to bring it up in a time like this?

"I am certain that he is a member of the royal family because my wife has referred to him as you Highness," prince Sebastian replied. Prince Elliott looked at his two brothers and felt speechless.

"Still this meeting was not called to determine the person who tried to kill your wife. It is highly disrespectful to talk about other things in a gathering like this," prince Craig spoke this time.

"You have missed understood me. I am not looking to punish the person who tried to murder my wife," Sebastian made a deliberate pause and look at the men sitting with him.

They could not understand where he was going with all his questions. The crown prince was known for few words.

"I only talked about my wife's situation because I am about to reject the king's order. The fact that a member of the royal family wants her dead mean her life is still in danger. As her husband, it is my responsibility to keep her safe. I cannot go to war knowing she might be dead when I return."

"My punishment for disobedience is…," Prince Sebastian stop talking. The people seated at the table could not stop themselves from whispering.

"Exile"