Chapter Four

As I approached the palace gates, the cheers of the crowd filled the air, and my heart swelled with a mix of emotions. It had been years since I left for the war front, and the moment of my return was finally here.

The palace, adorned with banners and colorful decorations, The people had gathered in droves, waving flags and shouting my name, welcoming me back with open arms.

My father, the King Arthur, waited at the gates with a stoic expression, his regal presence commanding attention. He was a man of few words, and our relationship had always been formal and strained.

He nodded as I dismounted from my horse, and his eyes revealed a mixture of relief and paternal pride, although he struggled to express it fully.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice filled with formality. "The kingdom has longed for this day."

Queen Sophia , stood beside him, her eyes filled with no emotion . I gave her a bow, a gesture of respect that she acknowledged with a polite nod but did little to hide her reservations.

I walked over to where the Queen Mother stood, a woman of great age and wisdom. She watched with a mixture of pride and affection, her eyes carrying the weight of countless years. Her smile welcomed me as I took a bow, recognizing her as a pillar of support for my father's reign.

"Your bravery has made us all proud," she said in her soft, grandmotherly voice. Her words carried the wisdom of a woman who had seen generations come and go.

Finally, I turned to Lady Celestia, my mother. I hadn't seen her in years, and her eyes still held the same pride and happiness she had always had for me. She had once been a maid but had risen in ranks among the concubines, thanks to her role as the mother of the King's son.

She hugged me tightly as tears began to flow from her eyes. She quickly cleaned them with her handkerchief. "The palace has not been the same without you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. I kissed her on the cheek, overwhelmed by her affection.

I glanced over at the other concubines who stood in a line, each with their own beauty and grace. I acknowledged them with respectful nods and polite greetings, aware of the delicate dynamics of the palace.

The royal council, a group of advisors and ministers, had gathered, waiting to discuss the state of the kingdom and the matters that required my attention. As we entered the palace, they greeted me with a formal bow. My relationship with my father had always been strained, and now, with the weight of the kingdom on my shoulders, it was time to address the pressing matters.

I looked around, realizing that Aiden, my younger half-brother, was not present. Our relationship had always been competitive, fueled by our respective mothers' aspirations for us. Aiden was next in line for the throne, and the rivalry between us had only intensified over the years.

The council members posed their questions, and I responded with a rigid and straightforward tone, my father's stern presence looming over the proceedings. The strained formality of our conversation was evident as I addressed each issue:

"Your Highness, our treasury is strained due to the prolonged war. We must consider economic measures to stabilize our finances. What are your thoughts?" The Minister of Finance inquired.

My response was unwavering, "We must assess the situation, cut unnecessary expenditures, and explore new sources of revenue. Prudent fiscal management is imperative."

"Your Highness, our alliances have shifted during your absence, and our neighbors are watching for our next steps. How should we approach our foreign policy?" The Minister of Foreign Affairs sought guidance.

I replied with a firm resolve, "Our foreign policy should prioritize stability and diplomacy. We must engage in strategic negotiations to secure our borders and maintain peace."

"Your Highness, the army's morale remains high, but our forces need rest and replenishment. What are your orders regarding troop deployments and rotation?" The Minister of Defense inquired.

I declared with authority, "We shall rotate our troops to allow for rest and recovery. We must also invest in the training and modernization of our forces."

The council continued to raise concerns and seek my guidance, and my father observed the proceedings, a silent presence with a critical eye. When the time came for his response, he addressed the council with an acknowledgment of my authority.

"We appreciate your counsel, my son," he said, the formality of our relationship still apparent. "Your leadership is needed now more than ever. We shall implement the measures you've suggested and work to ensure the well-being and security of our kingdom."

The council acknowledged the King's words with nods of agreement, and I couldn't help but wonder how my relationship with my father would evolve as I took on the responsibilities that came with being the Prince and heir to the throne.