Vivian's Perspective
The evening air was cool as Vivian sat in her office, Vincent's letter resting in her trembling hands. She took a slow breath before unfolding the parchment, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting.
"Vivian, my love. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I know my departure must have placed many burdens upon your shoulders, but I trust in your strength to carry them. Do not worry about me—I am well. The royal court is as suffocating as ever, filled with whispers and veiled intentions, but I will endure it as I always have."
Her fingers traced over the ink, as if she could feel the warmth of Vincent's presence through his words.
"I know there have been troubles in town. The unrest will pass, but only if guided with patience and wisdom. Our people need assurance, not force. I trust you to handle it with grace."
Vivian exhaled, pressing the letter to her chest for a moment. She missed him—more than she could ever admit to anyone. But she would not waver. She could not afford to.
"Until I return, take care of yourself and the children. I long to see you all soon."
She folded the letter neatly and set it aside, her resolve strengthening. She would do her part, just as Vincent trusted her to do.
Rendon's Perspective
Rendon sat in his barracks, the sounds of the guards outside muffled through the wooden walls. He held the letter Vincent had sent him, his fingers running along the edges before he finally broke the seal.
"Rendon, I trust that things have remained stable in my absence. However, I need you to keep a close watch on the situation in Ravennest."
His jaw tightened as he continued reading.
"The kingdom is growing uneasy. There are too many unknowns, too many factions moving behind closed doors. I do not know how this will affect us yet, but I refuse to be caught unprepared. Increase security in the town and strengthen our patrols. Start training more soldiers if necessary—our people must be ready for any threats that may come."
Rendon let out a slow breath, folding the letter with care. Vincent wasn't the kind of man to worry without reason. If he was sending these orders, it meant trouble was on the horizon.
With renewed determination, he rose from his seat. There was work to be done.
Sebastian's Perspective
In the quiet of his personal quarters, Sebastian sat by the dim candlelight, staring at the unopened letter. He already knew what it would say. Still, he opened it, his eyes swiftly scanning Vincent's words.
"Sebastian. I have little doubt that you've kept my family safe in my absence, but I must ask you to remain ever watchful."
His grip on the parchment tightened.
"I do not trust the capital, nor do I trust those who lurk in the shadows. The assassination attempt on Zach was only the beginning—I fear there is more to come."
Sebastian's expression darkened. He had his suspicions, but seeing Vincent's own worries written before him confirmed them.
"You are the only one I can entrust with my children's safety. Watch over them as you have always done. If anything happens… do not hesitate."
Sebastian folded the letter with a quiet sigh. There was no greater duty than this, no heavier burden. But he would not fail. He never had.
Rising to his feet, he extinguished the candle. There was much to prepare for, and he would not allow a single threat to reach the family he swore to protect.
The Grand Capital
The rhythmic creaking of the carriage filled the air as Vincent leaned against the cushioned seat, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The journey had been long, yet the road remained crowded. A caravan of merchants trailed behind his escort, using this opportunity to travel under the protection of his armed entourage.
The capital the grandest city in the kingdom lay ahead, its towering silhouette growing larger with every passing mile. Unlike the towns he had crossed, the capital was a beacon of prosperity, a place where wealth and power converged. It was the heart of the kingdom, housing not only nobles but also the royal palace itself.
As they neared the city gates, Vincent took in the sight before him. The walls stood impossibly high, a testament to the city's might. Solid stone, reinforced over generations, exuded a sense of security and grandeur. No common army could dream of breaching these fortifications. Once inside, one would feel an unshakable sense of protection, as though the outside world's troubles could not reach within.
But outside those mighty walls, the true nature of the kingdom revealed itself. Two gates regulated entry one for the nobility and another for the common folk. The difference was stark. The noble gate, though orderly, saw a steady stream of well-kept carriages moving with ease, their occupants barely slowed by the process. The second gate, however, was another story entirely.
A massive line stretched far beyond what the eye could see. Merchants, travelers, and workers stood in patient, weary anticipation. Hours would pass before many of them set foot inside the city. The inspections were thorough, relentless in their search for contraband, criminals, or unapproved goods. It was the price of entering the most lucrative market in the kingdom.
Before Vincent's carriage moved into the noble lane, the merchants who had traveled alongside his escort approached, bowing respectfully.
"Lord Vincent, we are grateful for your protection on this journey. Without it, the road would have been far more perilous."
Vincent gave them a curt nod, acknowledging their gratitude without unnecessary words. Their journey together ended here. While he would enter with ease, they would now have to endure the long wait of the second gate.
As his carriage proceeded smoothly toward the entrance, he cast one last glance at the sea of people waiting for their turn. Five hours perhaps more before they were allowed inside. And yet, they waited, because beyond those walls lay opportunity, wealth, and security.
"The might of this city is unquestionable," Vincent mused. "Even if it suffocates them, the people still come."
With that final thought, the carriage rolled forward, past the gate, and into the heart of the kingdom.
The moment Vincent's carriage passed through the towering gates of the royal city, he felt an undeniable sense of relief. The treacherous journey was finally behind him. For weeks, he had endured the dangers of the road bandits, harsh terrain, and sleepless nights filled with uncertainty. Now, within the massive stone walls of the capital, he could at least rest without worrying about an ambush in the dead of night.
Vincent let out a slow sigh, leaning back into his seat. "Finally, a place where I can sleep without one eye open."
The city before him was as grand as he remembered. The streets were paved with polished stone, reflecting the golden glow of lanterns lining the noble district. Majestic buildings stretched towards the sky, their intricate designs a testament to the wealth and power concentrated in this place.
Yet, despite the grandeur, the moment Vincent's carriage rolled through the main street, hushed whispers began spreading like wildfire. Groups of nobles turned their heads, their conversations shifting as soon as they recognized the banner of Ravennest. Their gazes held varying degrees of curiosity, disdain, and caution.
"That's Vincent Ravennest, isn't it?"
"The one who refuses to bow to any noble but the king?"
"Foolish, isn't it? Making enemies at every turn?"
Vincent barely paid them any mind. He had long grown used to such murmurs. His reputation was already set in stone an unyielding noble who had no interest in playing their political games. The only authority he recognized was the king himself, and that alone was enough to make him a controversial figure.
However, the same could not be said for his soldiers.
After weeks of hardship on the road, the men were already exhausted. To finally arrive in the city only to be the subject of gossip and ridicule did little to soothe their tempers. One particularly agitated soldier shot a sharp glare towards a group of murmuring nobles. The moment their gazes met, the nobles flinched and quickly turned away, pretending as if they had never spoken in the first place.
Before the situation could escalate, Albert, the vice commander, immediately stepped in. "Stand down," he ordered in a firm, low voice.
The soldier clenched his jaw but obeyed, stepping back into formation. Albert's gaze swept over the rest of the unit, ensuring that no one else dared to react. "We did not travel all this way just to be baited by idle gossip. Our priority is escorting Lord Vincent to his residence. Do not disgrace yourselves by engaging with them."
With that, the soldiers refocused, keeping their eyes ahead as they continued their march. They had endured worse on the journey here mere words would not break their discipline.
Vincent, seated in the carriage, silently observed the exchange. He knew his men were loyal, but even the most disciplined soldiers had their limits. The nobility of this city viewed outsiders like a source of entertainment, oblivious to the struggles beyond their gilded walls.
"A city of prosperity," Vincent mused, "yet its people thrive on meaningless gossip."
Still, it was not worth the trouble. He had more pressing matters to attend to. His only concern now was reaching his residence, getting some well-earned rest, and preparing himself for whatever awaited him in the palace.
As the carriage continued its way through the noble district, the murmurs persisted, but Vincent ignored them. He had weathered storms far greater than idle words.
The grand residence of House Ravennest in the royal city came into view, standing tall amidst the noble estates. Its vast white marble walls gleamed under the afternoon sun, adorned with intricate gold filigree. The iron gates, detailed with the emblem of Ravennest, swung open as Vincent's carriage approached, revealing the sprawling courtyard beyond.
As the carriage came to a stop, a line of servants stood waiting at the entrance, bowing respectfully. Vincent stepped down, taking in a deep breath of the crisp city air. Compared to the unrelenting dust of the roads and the ever-present tension of travel, this place felt like a sanctuary.
The soldiers, who had journeyed alongside him, finally allowed their shoulders to relax. Their exhaustion was evident, yet there was an unspoken pride in having safely escorted their lord to his destination. One by one, they dismounted, eager for the well-earned rest that awaited them.
Vincent's eyes swept across the residence. Despite visiting many times before, he could not help but admire its grandeur. It was a stark contrast to his home in Ravennest. The royal city estate was several levels above in terms of luxury. Towering pillars lined the entrance, each carved with delicate patterns that reflected the wealth and prestige of its owner. The gardens were meticulously maintained, filled with rare flora imported from distant lands. The fountains, crystal clear and glistening under the sun, added to the refined beauty of the estate.
He allowed himself a small sigh of relief. Finally, he could rest. The outside world had been nothing but a string of obstacles treacherous roads, political entanglements, and the ever-present weight of responsibility. Here, within these walls, he could afford a moment of respite.
As he made his way inside, the high ceilings and grand chandeliers of the estate greeted him, their opulence unmatched. The carpets were woven with threads of gold and deep crimson, the hallways illuminated by elegant sconces casting a warm glow. Every inch of this residence spoke of nobility and power.
Yet, despite its magnificence, it did not feel like home.
One day, Zach will live here. The thought crossed Vincent's mind as he ascended the staircase to his private quarters. When he is old enough to attend the academy, he will walk these halls, surrounded by the highest of society.
Would Zach like it? Would he feel at home in this lavish environment, or would he long for the simpler comforts of Ravennest?
Vincent pushed the thought aside for now. His body was weary, and rest was long overdue. Entering his chamber, he closed the door behind him and let himself sink into the plush bedding.
For now, he would sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges in the heart of the kingdom.