The grand hall of Magnulia’s palace was filled with the soft glow of morning light filtering through tall, stained-glass windows. The colors danced across the stone floor, illuminating the faces of King Hanrock’s trusted advisors as they sat around a massive oak table. A quiet hum of conversation filled the room as they discussed the more mundane affairs of the kingdom.

King Hanrock leaned back in his ornately carved chair, his hand idly tracing the gilded edge of the table. His brow was furrowed, not with worry, but with a focus that showed his commitment to even the smallest matters of his realm. Despite the gravity of his position, Hanrock had always been a king who valued the well-being of his people above all else, and this meeting was no exception.

“Your Majesty,” began Lord Wyndon, the Minister of Treasury, his voice measured and deliberate, “the coffers are in good health. The harvest tax has filled our reserves handsomely, and the recent trade agreements with the eastern provinces have brought in more coin than anticipated.”

King Hanrock nodded thoughtfully. “Good. It is heartening to know that our kingdom thrives. And what of the merchants? Do they find these taxes fair?”

Wyndon smiled faintly, a man content with his work. “They grumble, as merchants do, but the prosperity of the markets has softened their complaints. They know well that their wealth is tied to the peace and order of your reign.”

A ripple of agreement passed through the other advisors, each offering their own reports of minor disputes settled, road repairs completed, and small festivals that had brought joy to the villages under Hanrock’s rule.

The meeting continued in this manner, touching on the everyday matters of the City—the appointment of new justices in distant districts, the repair of a crumbling bridge, the funding for a new orphanage in the city. These were not issues that would make the bards sing, but they were the lifeblood of Hanrock’s reign.

As the discussions wound down, Hanrock’s face softened into a smile. “It is good to hear that we have money, that our people are content. These are the days I cherish, when we speak of peace and prosperity, not war and loss.”

The advisors shared a warm look among themselves, knowing that under Hanrock’s rule, the kingdom had seen more of these peaceful days than any in living memory. They were grateful for a king who cared for his people, who found joy in the small victories of everyday life.

As the last of the reports were given, King Hanrock stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Let us continue to work as we have, ensuring that this kingdom remains a place of peace and plenty. You have done well, all of you. Now, go, and enjoy the day. The city is alive with markets and merriment. Let us not keep ourselves from its pleasures.”

Finally, the meeting came to an end, and the advisors rose to leave, bowing respectfully before making their way out of the chamber. As the last of them departed, the doors swung open again, and Commander Kaleb stepped into the room.

Kaleb was a towering figure, his presence commanding even in the company of kings. His expression was stoic, but there was a weariness in his eyes that spoke of the burdens he carried.

"Commander Kaleb," King Hanrock greeted him warmly, rising from his seat. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

Kaleb bowed his head respectfully. "Your Grace, it is always an honor to be summoned by you."

"Please, sit," Hanrock said, gesturing to the chair beside him. "I wanted to speak with you about the Redhills Region. I’ve heard troubling reports."

Kaleb sat down, his expression darkening. "Yes, Your Grace. The Haltuers have grown more aggressive. We suffered heavy losses in the last engagement."

King Hanrock sighed, the weight of the kingdom’s troubles heavy on his shoulders. "I have heard. I am deeply sorry for the lives lost. Those soldiers were brave men, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Kaleb replied, his voice filled with respect. "We do what we must to protect your people."

Hanrock looked at him, his gaze steady and filled with a kind of quiet determination. "It is not just my people, Kaleb. They are our people. The towns, the villages beyond these walls—they are the reason this kingdom flourishes. They are the ones who till the fields, who trade in the markets, who build and create. We owe them our lives, as much as they owe us theirs."

Kaleb nodded, though the words stirred something deep within him. "You speak truly, Your Grace. The Maelyss have always been dedicated to protecting those beyond the kingdom’s walls. We are soldiers, and our mission is different from that of your city guards. We are not meant to defend the walls; we are meant to push back the darkness, to confront the Haltuers wherever they might be."

Hanrock leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Kaleb’s. "And that is why I summoned you today, Commander. I wanted to thank you personally for the work you and your men do. Without the Maelyss, this kingdom would be a far darker place."

Kaleb felt a surge of pride, but there was also a pang of something else—something that tugged at the edges of his conscience. "Your Grace is kind," he said, his voice low. "But it is our duty. We fight so that others do not have to."

Hanrock nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Duty, yes. But I also see something more in you, Kaleb. I see a man who cares deeply for those under his command, a man who understands the value of life. You remind me of myself when I first took the throne—eager to protect, to serve, to ensure the safety of those I was entrusted with."

Kaleb was silent for a moment, the king’s words echoing in his mind. He had not always been this way. There was a time when all he cared about was victory, about crushing the Haltuers beneath his heel, no matter the cost. But over the years, Hanrock’s influence had seeped into him, changing him in ways he had not even noticed.

"Your Grace," Kaleb began, his voice thick with emotion, "you have taught me much. Before I met you, I was a man who sought only to win, to defeat the enemy at any cost. But you showed me that there is more to leadership than victory. You showed me the importance of those we protect, of the lives we safeguard. I am grateful for your guidance, and I hope that I can continue to serve you and this kingdom with honor."

Hanrock smiled, a warm, fatherly smile that seemed to ease the tension in the room. "You already do, Kaleb. And I have no doubt that you will continue to do so. The Maelyss are fortunate to have you as their leader, just as I am fortunate to have you by my side."

Kaleb bowed his head, humbled by the king’s words. "Thank you, Your Grace. I will not let you down."

The king rose from his chair, placing a hand on Kaleb’s shoulder. "I know you won’t. Now, go. Your men need you, and the kingdom needs you."

Kaleb stood as well, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He saluted the king and turned to leave, but as he reached the door, he paused and looked back.

"Your Grace," he said, his voice filled with quiet resolve, "I will do whatever it takes to protect this kingdom and its people. Even if it means my life."

King Hanrock met his gaze, his expression solemn. "And that, Commander, is why I trust you with everything."

With those words, Kaleb nodded and left the chamber, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken. The challenge ahead was fraught with danger, but he would face it head-on, just as he always had. For the kingdom, for the people, and for the man who had taught him what it truly meant to lead.