A Matter of Urgency

As the messenger from the Brizian army made his way back to the palace, carrying the weight of the king's reply, the streets of the capital lay somber due to their recent change in rulers. The news of Brizia's claim on Iztil and the surrounding province had spread like wildfire, and the nobles and wealthy merchants residing in the second ring of the city were eager to witness the unfolding events.

Upon his arrival, the messenger was immediately escorted to the presence of Prince Cedric. The prince, surrounded by the commanders of his army, stood tall and composed, his eyes fixed on the messenger. The room fell silent as all awaited the delivery of the king's response.

With a deep breath, the messenger spoke, his voice resonating through the chamber. "Your Highness, I bring forth the reply from the King of the Capat Divine Kingdom."

Prince Cedric nodded, his expression unwavering. "Proceed," he commanded, his voice steady.

"The King of the Capat Divine Kingdom rejects your offer of negotiations," the messenger relayed, his words hanging heavy in the air. "He deems your claim on Iztil and the surrounding province an act of aggression, and he threatens war if you do not withdraw your forces immediately."

A murmur of shock and concern rippled through the room. However, Prince Cedric's expression remained unchanged. He turned to Lucius, who stood nearby and ordered "Bring Barrett home,"

Lucius nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation "You then need to head to the royal capital to petition the king to send reinforcements. Let him know that we have taken the city and the surrounding province and that the divine kingdom threatens war. Meanwhile, commanders, prepare our defenses, rally our forces, and ready yourselves for the inevitable storm. The Brizian kingdom shall prevail!"

The commanders bowed respectfully at the Prince in the wake of his orders.

Lucius then continued "As you command, Your Highness, I shall leave at once and deliver your message to the king."

With the necessary arrangements set in motion, Prince Cedric addressed the assembled nobles and wealthy merchants who had come to pay their respects. The grand hall filled with anticipation as they waited to hear his words.

"Nobles and merchants of the divine kingdom," Prince Cedric began, his voice projecting strength and conviction. "I invite you to greet your new ruler"

The nobles and merchants exchanged glances, some filled with concern and skepticism at what their future holds under these new rulers

**TWO DAYS LATER**

Arriving back at the familiar golden palace In the city of Aimel, Barrett heaved a sigh of relief in his mind at the thought of being in the environment that he was away from for so long. He missed it here, the comfort he lived in, he even missed his overbearing mother.

After entering through the massive oak wood doors, Barrett was greeted by the very same person, his mother was a rollercoaster of emotions as she was both laughing and crying experiencing both the joy of his return and the sadness that would accompany living in a world without him.

She grabbed him out of Lucius' arms and smothered him over her shoulder, holding him tightly not daring to let go, fearing that he would be taken away.

"Ahh, Maybe I didn't miss this as much as I thought…..Hmm, who are those people" As Barrett was slung over his mother's shoulder he opened his eyes to see three women no doubt just as beautiful as his mother standing surrounded by eight children of varying statures.

Lucius then interrupted "If you will excuse me, Your Grace, I have another matter I must attend to" after which he left but not before bowing slightly at the people Barrett remained curious about.

The wives, dressed in elegant gowns and adorned with jewelry, stood in a semicircle, their faces displaying a mixture of curiosity and warmth. They were eager to meet the newest addition to their family.

Anastasia took a deep breath, then turned to Barrett, gently crouching down to his level. "Barrett, my dear," she began, her voice filled with tenderness. "These are your other mothers, your father's wives, and these are your siblings."

She gestured toward the wives, starting from the left. "This is Lady Genevieve," she said, indicating a woman with flowing blonde hair and a kind smile. "And this is Lady Isabella," she continued, pointing to a woman with dark, cascading curls and eyes filled with warmth. "Lastly, this is Lady Victoria," she concluded, indicating a regal-looking woman with a serene expression.

Barrett observed them with wide eyes, his little hand clutching onto Anastasia's finger for comfort. He glanced at each wife in turn, his gaze filled with curiosity.

Genevieve stepped forward, her eyes twinkling with joy. "Welcome, little Barrett," she said, her voice gentle. "We are so happy to meet you and have you as part of our family."

Isabella, with a warm smile, added, "We are your mothers too, and your siblings are waiting to meet you." She gestured toward a group of children, ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers, who stood a few paces behind their mothers.

Anastasia stood up and moved to Barrett's side, her hand resting on his small shoulder for support. "Barrett, these are your siblings,"

The eldest of the children, a teenager with dark hair and an earnest expression, stepped forward. "I'm Sebastian," he introduced himself, extending his hand toward Barrett. "Welcome, little brother."

Next, a young girl with braided hair and a mischievous smile stepped forward. "I'm Amelia," she said, her voice filled with youthful enthusiasm. "I'm your big sister, and I can't wait to play with you."

The other children then introduced themselves one by one their names were Olivia, Benjamin Sophia, Ethan, Ava, and Lilly. All the girls were excited at the thought of meeting their little brother, the boys less so as it seemed like they were forced.

As the evening went by the group gathered in a courtyard to discuss the recent war that's happened and praising their husband's bravery, Barrett listened to the conversation but was quickly bored by all of the chatting and proceeded to fall asleep in his mother's arms.

Meanwhile, after Lucius left the group he went to his quarters to change his attire and was in the process of doing so when he heard a knock on his door that turned out to be the head butler Harrison, who asked if Lucius needed anything to which he replied "I need a wyvern to be prepared as quickly as possible, it is a matter of urgency Harrison"

"Certainly, I shall convey that to the stewards".