CHAPTER 289: RESTLESS KING HIGHMOOR

In the quiet vastness of the royal chamber, the soft golden light of the chandeliers reflected off polished marble and tapestries bearing Valerion’s crest. The King sat upon his high-backed chair, his face shadowed with fatigue and concern. Queen Isabella stood beside him, her expression composed but her eyes heavy with worry. Nyx, still clad in the travel-worn garments of their long journey, stood before them with her hands clasped behind her back. The weight of everything she had seen and endured seemed to press on her shoulders.

The chamber was silent except for the faint crackle of the hearth. Nyx drew in a breath, steadying herself before she spoke.

"Father, Mother," she began, her voice low but unwavering, "Lechia has fallen."

King Alden’s brows drew together instantly. "Fallen?" he repeated, his tone grim and disbelieving. "You mean to say the usurpers have taken Lechia?"

Nyx nodded slowly. "The capital is lost. The Empress herself was captured, her own son turned against her. It was through sheer fortune and Xavier’s effort that she survived at all. The royal banners had been torn down and the streets filled with soldiers wearing the mark of the usurpers."

Queen Isabella’s eyes widened slightly. "Her son betrayed her?" she whispered, glancing at the King. "How could that be possible?"

"The corruption of the rot runs deeper than we imagined," Nyx said. "It doesn’t only devour flesh and land...it poisons hearts. The usurpers have spread it across Lechia’s lands. We saw entire towns consumed, souls crying within the darkness. Even the sky itself is tainted."

The king leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "And you’re certain of this? You saw it with your own eyes?"

Nyx’s gaze turned distant for a moment, recalling the endless black mist, the screams that seemed to come from the very ground beneath their feet, and the monstrous shadow dragon that had nearly killed them. "I saw it, Father. We all did. It’s spreading faster than anyone realizes. The outer lands of Lechia are already lost, and if something isn’t done, it will not stop at their borders."

A heavy silence settled over the chamber. The queen’s hand came to rest lightly on the king’s arm. "Then what of the Empress?"

"She carries the burden of a fallen empire, but she’s alive and free because Xavier refused to give up on her. She has lost her throne, but not her will. Yet..." Nyx paused, her voice softening, "even she knows the truth. The battle against the rot is almost lost."

The king’s jaw tightened. "Almost?" he pressed.

Nyx nodded. "We stand at the edge of ruin, Father. The rot has grown beyond what mortal armies can resist. Even Celestials struggle against it. The Empress said herself that without divine aid, no kingdom can hope to prevail."

The King leaned back slowly, exhaling a breath that seemed to carry the weight of the entire realm. The firelight flickered across his face, deepening the lines of age and responsibility etched there. "Then it seems Valerion must prepare for a war unlike any before," he said quietly. "One not fought with armies alone."

Nyx bowed her head slightly, her voice a whisper when she replied. "It has already begun, Father."

King Alden sat in silence for a long moment after Nyx’s words. The fire crackled softly, casting shifting shadows across the walls, but none of its warmth seemed to reach him.

Finally, he spoke, his voice deep and resolute. "If Lechia has fallen, then the balance between the kingdoms is broken," he said. "We cannot afford to act blindly. I must hear everything from the Empress herself...every detail, every truth she knows. Only then can we decide how to move forward."

Nyx looked up at him, concern flickering across her face. "She’s still recovering, Father," she said carefully. "Her powers are drained, and she’s endured more than most mortals could bear."

"I know," the king replied, his tone softening slightly. "But if she could make the journey from Lechia to Valerion while wounded and hunted, then she will have the strength to speak. This matter can’t wait. Every moment lost could cost us lives."

The queen stepped closer, laying a gentle hand on Alden’s arm. "Let her rest a few hours more," Isabella urged quietly. "At least until she has gathered herself. You’ve seen the state she arrived in...she deserves a moment of peace."

The king’s eyes lingered on the flames before him, then he shook his head. "Peace will have to wait. The darkness moves even while we sleep." He turned to his daughter. "Nyx, go to her chambers. Tell the Empress I would like her presence in the council room. Let her know she has nothing to fear here...we are her allies."

Nyx hesitated for only a second before bowing respectfully. "Yes, Father," she said. "I’ll fetch her at once." Then she turned to leave.

Queen Isabella sighed, folding her arms as she watched the door close. "You’re pushing too soon," she murmured. "But I know you’re right to act. Still, I hope this Empress brings more answers than sorrow."

The king’s gaze remained fixed on the fire. "So do I," he said, his tone heavy. "Our world stands on the edge of something far darker than war."

_________

Nyx entered the guest chambers quietly, the Empress sat near the window, her posture regal even in rest. She had changed into a flowing gown of soft silver, her hair falling in loose, glistening strands that framed the delicate veil hiding her face.

When Nyx approached, Seraphine was beside the Empress, helping to clasp a slender belt around her waist. She looked up first, her sharp eyes softening slightly when she saw Nyx. "You look troubled," she said quietly. "Has something happened?"

Nyx gave a small shake of her head. "No, not yet," she replied. "But my father wishes to speak with the Empress. He has called for her to join him in the council chamber."

Seraphine’s brow tightened. "She only just regained her strength. Can’t he wait?"

"The king rarely waits when the kingdom’s fate hangs in the balance," Nyx answered gently. Then, turning to the Empress, she lowered her tone. "He’s eager to understand what truly happened in Lechia. He also wants to assure you that Valerion stands as your ally."

The Empress said nothing for a moment. She merely folded her hands in her lap and stared out of the tall window. The light that fell on her veil made it glimmer faintly, revealing the faint outline of her lips as she exhaled slowly.

Seraphine approached her and adjusted the veil that fell over her face.

Nyx said nothing more. She simply stepped back and gestured toward the door. "Let us go," she said.

The Empress inclined her head, her movements fluid and dignified. Seraphine followed beside her, her hand resting lightly on the Empress’s arm as they walked out together. The guards in the corridor straightened at the sight of them, lowering their gazes in silent respect.