8:00 p.m. - Capital of Ingrissia - Grinrelis:

The night was in full swing in the capital Grinrelis, every street and alley was animated by the various activities of the population.

From the Royal Palace, you could observe various types of lights illuminating the capital, giving it a breathtaking view.

But while joy reigned in the city, at the Royal Palace, the atmosphere was different.

In a large room, bathed by the glow of the moon that passed through half-open curtains, Arianne, dressed in an elegant nightgown, watched Raphael put on the last parts of his armor.

When Raphael finished wearing his entire armor, Ariane approached him from behind and tenderly hugged him, while resting her head on her husband's back.

"After that... everything will be over, won't it?" She said in a soft voice.

Raphael grabbed his wife's gentle hands, and kissed them.

"Yes," he said tenderly.

"I wanted to stop this war sooner, but I couldn't disobey my mother," he added calmly.

Arianne sketched a small smile and said:

"Don't worry, I understand you perfectly," she said in a soft voice.

"Otherwise, how will you proceed with Darshelm?" She asked calmly.

Raphael, caressing Ariane's hands, replied calmly:

"Four of Ingrissia's six swords have already infiltrated the four corners of Darshelm. They are all accompanied by a group of three royal magicians, and five royal knights. "

"As soon as the western ramparts of Darshelm fall, the knights and magicians of the four ducal houses will enter the kingdom, and head towards the capital while neutralizing all enemy forces. "

After his words, he turned around, grabbed Arianne by the hips, and pulled her against his cold breastplate. Arianne closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the smell of the man she loved.

Raphael began to caress her hair, then whispered:

"As for me, I will directly attack the capital of Darshelm with Valthor. "

After hearing Valthor's name, Arianne raised her head directly, and stared Raphael straight in the eyes.

"Valthor... are you sure everything will be fine?" She asked with an ounce of concern in her voice.

Raphael stared at her tenderly, then answered calmly:

"Don't worry, everything will be fine. "

"Not to mention that in this way, all the pillars of Darshelm will have fallen before dawn breaks".

Raphael looked down at her and, in a soft voice, concluded:

"Wait for me. I'll be back very soon. "

Arianne nodded, then she slowly moved away from Raphael. After that, the king of Ingrissia turned his heels and left the room, under the tender gaze of his wife.

Meanwhile - Capital of Drashelm:

While a pleasant atmosphere reigned in Grinrelis, the atmosphere in the capital of Drashelm was quite different.

News of Ingrissia's planned attack spread quickly through families, carried across the border into Darshelm.

And in a few days this information kept secret by the state, is spread like a trail of powder in every corner of the capital, thus causing a massive displacement of the population.

Meanwhile, at the Royal Palace, in the throne room, the nobles and generals had gathered around the king. A huge map of the kingdom covered the central table, pricked with figurines representing their troops.

The air was heavy, saturated with uncertainty.

The king, sitting on his throne, stared at the map deployed in front of him. His severe features expressed a cold anger.

"Why would Ingrissia declare war on us, when they promised to end their war of expansion?"
"Do they think we are easy targets?" he declared in an imposing voice.

A shiver ran through the entire room, but one of the generals present marked by the years, remained impassive, then answered calmly:

"I can understand your highness's frustration, but we must not forget that they managed to take control of all of Glast two days ago. "

"We all know that Ingrissia is a kingdom that always keeps its word."
"So we can be sure that they will end their expansion in three weeks. But even knowing this, I doubt our defenses can fall in three weeks. It took them almost seven months to annihilate Glast," he added in a calm tone.

After these words they all nodded, then, an old duke with a gray beard, spoke and said:

"General Ledger is right on this point. Our foundations cannot fall in three weeks. "

"Then anyway, without counting the presence of the troops of Solaris and the Holy Empire, we can count on Prince Badel, as well as the other heirs to protect our kingdom. "

The eyes met, and whispers of approval ran through the room.

The king nodded slowly.

"Well... we're going to show Ingrissia and this damn Ingriss family that we are not at their mercy. "

They were all reassured by the king's words, but they were completely unaware of the extent of Ingrissia's real power that was about to strike their kingdom.

And meanwhile, in a wing of the Royal Palace, the young Prince Narel was having fun in his apartments with some maids.

Prince Narel was the youngest prince of Darshelm's royal lineage.

The royal family had seven children as a whole. Four boys, and three girls. Six were adults, seasoned with weapons or strategy. But Narel was a cheerful and expressive boy, loved by all the inhabitants of the Royal Palace for his liveliness.

That evening, his laughter resounded as he ran after two maids, trying to catch them in an improvised game.

In his eyes shone an innocent flame, and full of life, not suspecting the misfortune that would befall them.


       To be continued...