The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 85: The Kingdom’s Security

Chapter 85: The Kingdom’s Security

"Looks like you won’t need to worry about your wife handling Rosela," Rania snorted to Nikolai as the two of them headed for one of the many gathering places within the castle. Specifically, the garden as he still had business to discuss with Abel. "It would seem that she’s simply waiting on your decision in that regard."

Nikolai let out a hum of agreement. While he was glad that Mine had given him the reigns in regard to that decision about Rosela, it also meant that she was fine with not being his sole lover... which was the exact opposite of what he thought she wanted.

’Did I read her wrong somehow?’ he inwardly thought. ’Or perhaps this was merely a diplomatic answer...’

He blinked as he quickly came to a conclusion. Clearly, his wife said those things to avoid stepping on his authority. It would’ve been bad if his mother was unsatisfied with her answer, and it would seem that Mineah had done exactly what she needed to keep herself in Mother’s graces.

Somehow, he couldn’t help but smile at that.

"I see," he eventually replied just as they reached the garden. "Nevertheless, my decision remains unchanged. I will never take on a mistress, especially Rosela. Again, she’s like a sister to me, and she deserves much better than being someone’s second woman."

"But that man would be you," his mother insisted. "She wants it, my son. Regardless of everything that has happened, she at least deserves a spot by your side after having served you for so long."

Nikolai sighed at his situation. It would seem that he would never escape this question despite already having an answer to it.

"It will never happen, Mother, so please give this topic a rest," he relented.

His mother let out a deep and loud sigh. "Just think more about it, Son. You need to balance things out," she pleaded. Then, without waiting for his answer, she quickly continued, "Now, I best leave you to your work. You still have matters to discuss, yes?"

"There’s nothing more to think about, Mother," he sighed. "My answer will always be a no. Please, enough with this topic already..."

"Fine, I will leave you now, Son," his mother murmured with a frustrated sigh.

"Thank you, Mother."

With a curt nod, Nikolai watched as his mother turned around and promptly left the garden, leaving him alone to wait as his thoughts readied themselves for the discussion ahead...

And yet, his thoughts strayed back to the one conversation Mineah had that he caught by using her new pet to spy on her.

"No need to worry, huh..."

At the very least, Nikolai could confirm that his wife had indeed made her thoughts clear regarding the matter with Rosela. He could still remember what he saw during that brief time that he managed to spy on them, and while her smiles were as sweet as they’ve always been, there was a certain edge to them that he couldn’t help but feel proud of.

With his thoughts relatively at ease, Nikolai closed his eyes as he savored the cool air around him. It was a small break, but it was a much needed one after all of the events that had just occurred.

"Your Majesty?"

It would seem however that his short rest would be cut short. Blinking, Nikolai stared blankly as Abel made himself known. They had agreed to meet at that exact garden to talk about what to do with the current developments back at the Ebodian camp.

While the fight against Helion seemed to be going well, that didn’t mean that they weren’t suffering losses, and his sister Ezme had already contacted him regarding more support and reinforcements that could help with the defense.

"You’re finally here," Nikolai smoothly stated as he crossed his arms over his chest. He then flashed a small smirk as he teased, "I was starting to think that you’ve left me here to wait."

"Pardon my language, Your Majesty, but I’m not late at all," Abel quickly retorted. "In fact, I was simply biding my time while you and the Queen Mother had your conversation."

Nikolai raised an eyebrow at that. "Very well then."

Sharing a small chuckle, the two made their way to the nearest bench and sat amicably by each other’s side. Their gazes were casual even as they discussed matters regarding their kingdom’s security.

"Regarding the troops, we will send to Ebodia..." Nikolai began. "How long until they are ready?"

"The troops are already readying their supplies and convoys as we speak," Abel responded. "Depending on the weather, they’ll be ready in under two weeks."

"Two weeks... Wouldn’t that be too late if we’re basing matters on my sister’s estimates?"

From what Nikolai heard from Ezme, two weeks would be far too long for how urgent she seemed to want these reinforcements. Granted, she wasn’t in any real danger, but the attack plans that she shared suggested that the window of opportunity that they currently had was rapidly shrinking with each day that passed.

She wanted the troops to bolster their ranks and crush the opposition, and she wanted them as soon as possible before the enemy could regroup.

"Yes, but I also suggest that we send a faster advance party to soften the enemy while the main bulk of our army marches," Abel promptly suggested. "That way, the Princess’s window won’t close while our troops make their way to their positions."

"We’ll have to correspond this with Ezme," Nikolai hummed with a soft chuckle. "It can work, but she’ll be less than pleased with the delay."

Already, he could see his sister’s annoyed face at the fact that she was being made to wait to do an attack. Unfortunately for her, an army’s marching speed was simply something he had no control over... not unless he wanted them to arrive at their destination tired and too weak to even fight.

"Shall I ready a message for her then?" Abel asked.

"There’s no need," Nikolai chuckled. "I’ll do that myself. It’ll make things much easier if the news about the delay comes directly from me."

And besides, while he did miss Ezme, her tendency to use sharp words and barbs would make even the hardiest of men shiver. It’d be best if he took the brunt of it himself, and perhaps he might just see if her sister somehow managed to snag a man of her own.

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