General Ryker guided his horse through the imperial city's grand gates, the palace looming before him. As he approached the palace entrance, he reined in his horse and dismounted, handing the reins to a waiting groom. His knights followed suit, but they remained outside, their duty to escort him ending at the palace gates.
Ryker straightened his attire, smoothing out his armor and cloak. With a final nod to his knights, he strode into the palace, his boots echoing off the marble floors. He made his way to the throne room, the grand doors opening before him as he approached.
As he entered the grand throne room, the room fell silent. The Emperor sat on his throne, flanked by ministers and advisors. Ryker's gaze swept the room, his eyes locking onto the Emperor's before he began his approach.
The atmosphere was formal, the weight of imperial protocol palpable. Ryker's stride remained confident, his presence commanding attention. He approached the throne, his movements economical, his eyes never leaving the Emperor's.
Every person in the room bowed deeply. Ryker, however, stood tall, his eyes locked on the Emperor. This was no secret; he never bowed to anyone, not even the Emperor. It was a quirk he'd maintained since his earliest days as a knight, a sign of respect for his own honor rather than for titles.
The Emperor's expression remained serene, but a flicker of acknowledgment crossed his face. "General Ryker, your victories have brought great honor to our empire. We are pleased."
As the Emperor spoke, his tone was formal, but Ryker detected a hint of warmth beneath the surface. Ryker's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of familiarity, a silent understanding that only he and the Emperor shared.
The ministers and advisors continued to praise Ryker's accomplishments, unaware of the subtle bond between the General and the Emperor. The Emperor's gaze met Ryker's, and for a brief moment, they exchanged a look that spoke volumes about their friendship.
When the Emperor spoke again, his voice took on a slightly more relaxed tone, "General, let's celebrate your victory. A banquet will be held in your honor tonight."
Ryker nodded, his face still serious, but a small smile played on his lips, gone as quickly as it came. He knew that behind closed doors, the Emperor would drop the formal facade, and they would speak as close friends as they were.
"Your majesty, I ask that you move the banquet to some other time. The men are tired, and we need to rest."
The Emperor's smile broadened. "Forgive my ignorance, General Ryker, the Starblade Knights have indeed earned their rest. As a token of our appreciation, we will reward you with fifty lakhs gold. Your bravery and strategic brilliance have been invaluable to the empire."
Ryker's eyes moved slightly at the generous reward, but his expression remained composed. "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty."
"This honor is not just mine, but also that of my knights who stood by me through thick and thin."
The Emperor nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Your knights are indeed worthy of recognition. We decree a hundred percent increase in their salary for the next two months. Furthermore, we grant them an additional parcel of land to expand their training grounds, adjacent to the one they already possess."
The knights Sir Alaric and Sir Marcus, who had accompanied the general into the throne room, were lit up with joy and gratitude, their words of thanks filling the room. Ryker's expression softened, his eyes reflecting his appreciation for his men's dedication.
The Emperor continued, "You and your knights will also be granted a week's leave to rest and recharge. And to celebrate your victory, a grand ball will be held in your honor at the end of the week. You will be the guests of honor, and the empire will come together to acknowledge your heroism. You and your knights will be expected to attend, dressed in your finest attire. We will make sure the evening is one to remember."
Ryker bowed his head, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. This gesture means a great deal to us."
The Emperor nodded, pleased with Ryker's response. "I am glad you are pleased, General."
With the Emperor's words, Ryker felt a sense of anticipation building. He looked forward to the break, a chance to relax with his knights.
"You are all dismissed," the emperor said.
The ministers and knights moved out of the throne room in practiced order, all except Ryker. He stayed behind.
.....
The Emperor and General Ryker stepped into the emperor's private chamber, the door closing behind them with a soft click. The Emperor's private chamber, which was out of reach to everyone else, even the empress had to seek permission before entering, was opened only to Ryker, who could enter freely.
The Emperor's demeanor changed instantly, his formal facade dropping as he clapped Ryker on the back. "Ryker, it's been too long!"
"I see you're still as Stoic as ever," the Emperor said with a chuckle.
Ryker smiled, a rare sight, and shook his head. "Just keeping up appearances, Arin," he replied, using the Emperor's given name, a familiarity reserved for private moments.
The Emperor, Arin, laughed and gestured for Ryker to follow him. They walked to a pair of comfortable chairs by the window, sitting down as old friends would.
"So, tell me everything, what's been happening on the front lines?" Arin asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.
Ryker leaned back in his chair, a hint of weariness creeping into his voice. "The usual. Battles won and lost, strategies played out. But we managed to secure a crucial victory this time."
Arin nodded, his expression turning serious. "I heard it. You've done an excellent job, Ryker. The empire owes you a debt of gratitude."
The two friends sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company before Arin spoke up again.
"And how are your knights?"
"Still giving you a hard time?" Arin asked with a grin.
Ryker chuckled. "You know them. Loyal, stubborn, but always ready for a fight."
Ryker's expression turned playful, a rare sight. "Any new additions to the harem lately? I know you're always...expanding your collection."
The Emperor chuckled, with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Ah, you know me too well, Ryker. Yes, there have been a few new faces. But one in particular has caught my eye...her name is Kalara."
Ryker's eyebrow arched slightly. "Oh? What's her story?"
The Emperor leaned forward, a hint of excitement in his voice. "She's a skilled warrior, and her background is quite...fascinating. She's been adjusting well to life in the harem, but she's definitely a challenge."
Ryker's gaze was intrigued. "A warrior, you say? I'm surprised you'd take in someone with combat training. What's her temperament like?"
The Emperor smiled. "She's... spirited, to say the least. But I think she'll fit in well here."
The conversation flowed naturally, with Ryker showing interest in Kalara's story.
"And how is the Empress taking it?" Ryker asked, his tone measured. "I know she's been...concerned about her position, even building dangerous connections to secure her position,"
The Empress had a huge dislike for the General. She hated that the Emperor made him a second-ranked prince, which meant he was only one rank away from being qualified for the throne, and that would put her son, the Crown Prince at risk. She knew if General Ryker wanted the throne, he would get it easily. What she didn't know was that Ryker had no interest in palace politics or ruling, he'd rather be on the border or on battlefields making sure the people of Endoria were safe.
The Emperor's expression turned serious, and he leaned back in his chair. "Ah, the Empress. She's... focused on securing her son's claim to the throne, as always. Our relationship has grown... complicated over the years."
Ryker nodded sympathetically. "Arin, even you know cannot blame her. Your majesty, you have over twenty women in your harem. The Empress must feel like she always has to compete for everything, even your attention."
The Emperor chuckled, a dismissive glint in his eye. "Ah, Ryker, you're as diplomatic as ever. But let's be frank, my friend. I appreciate your concern for the Empress, but I'm not about to change my ways. The harem is a tradition, a symbol of power and wealth, of who I am, and I won't let the Empress dictate my personal life. She knew what was required of her as an Empress before she convinced her father to suggest an engagement with me to my father."
Ryker's expression remained neutral, but a hint of resignation flickered in his eyes. He wasn't saying it because of the Empress, he didn't even care about her.
He just thought every man should learn to control his desire and not be ruled by it, especially not an Emperor on whose hands the lives of hundreds of thousands of people depended. Of course, he didn't say it because, even though he was friends with the Emperor, there were still boundaries not to be crossed.
"If you say so," Ryker said, dismissing the topic, knowing the Emperor would not change. Unless, of course, a woman comes to sweep him off his feet. A woman who would make him realize what it really meant to love someone. Even though Ryker himself could not relate, he always thought love was unnecessary and distracting, something that requires absolute devotion. He knew he was a man ruled by discipline and loyalty. He often realized how possessive he got over his belongings. This would mean if he were to ever fall in love, that love might rule him and his possessiveness just might scare the lady away.
The Emperor's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned forward again. "Speaking of which, Ryker, you're getting older. It's time you considered marriage. You're long past the age for marriage. Most men in your position already have a family with children as old as six. When do you think you'll be ready to take a wife? Besides, you keep rejecting every woman I introduce to you."
Ryker's face remained impassive, but a hint of discomfort flickered in his eyes. "I've been... focused on my duties Arin," "Marriage hasn't been a priority for me."
The Emperor chuckled. "Duty, duty, duty. You're a good general, Ryker, but you're also a man. It's time you thought about starting a family of your own. I'll make sure to find you a suitable match."
Ryker's thoughts drifted back to the mysterious lady he met on his way to the imperial city. He couldn't help but wonder who she was and why she left an impression on him. He hoped their paths would cross again. He remembered the way she had carried herself with so much elegance and confidence, the way her figure had seemed to glide across the landscape.
As he sat in the Emperor's chambers, he found himself lost in thought, replaying their encounter in his mind. He wondered if he'd be able to recognize her if they ever met again.
The Emperor's voice brought him back to the present, and Ryker focused on the conversation at hand. But his thoughts lingered on the mysterious lady, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about her.
....
The Emperor sat alone in his study, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls. He called out to his eunuch, "Summon the Empress. I have a matter to discuss with her."
The eunuch bowed and hurried off to deliver the Emperor's message. Moments later, the sound of soft footsteps echoed outside the study door. The eunuch's voice rang out, "The Empress has arrived, Your Majesty."
"Enter," the Emperor replied, his voice firm.
The doors to the study slid open, and the Empress stepped inside, her movements elegant and refined. She bowed deeply, her head bent in respect, her dark hair gleaming in the soft light. "Your Majesty."
The Emperor's gaze swept over her, taking in the dignified lines of her face and the poise that characterized her every gesture. She was a beautiful woman, no doubt.
"Elle, I need to speak with you about the upcoming ball. I want you to oversee the preparations personally."
The Empress's eyes flicked up, meeting the Emperor's gaze for a brief moment before she looked away, her expression composed. "As you wish, Your Majesty. What specifically would you like me to focus on?"
The Emperor leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "The ball is to honor General Ryker's victory, and I want it to be perfect. As you know, he has the title of Second Rank Prince, and I expect him to be treated with respect due to his position."
The Empress's expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of displeasure crossing her face. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand. The general's title is... impressive."
The Emperor's eyes narrowed, sensing the underlying tension. "I'm aware of your feelings towards General Ryker, Empress. However, I expect you to put aside any personal animosity and ensure that the ball is a success."
"Our son, the Crown Prince, will be attending, and I want everything to go smoothly."
The Empress's face smoothed out, her mask of composure back in place. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will make sure everything is perfect. For the sake of the empire, and our son."
The Emperor's gaze lingered on her face, searching for any sign of rebellion. But the Empress's expression remained serene, her eyes cast downward in submission.
He noticed how she had omitted the General from her last statement and how she mentioned their son instead. However, he decided not to pursue the matter. He just thought her foolish for seeing the General as a threat and not an asset that he was.
"See that you do so, Empress," the Emperor said finally, his voice firm. "I expect nothing but perfection from you."
"You may leave."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, bowing before leaving.