Chapter 6 ICARUS

"Duke Everdale, there are not many in the aristocracy that I can truly rely upon. Avesta has been a long established empire and would have been invincible if it wasn't for Ardos, after engulfing existence of many neighboring countries, a war will begin sooner than later. 

That is why I wish for you to lead a diplomatic delegation to the King of Ardos. As a way of a last attempt to establish peace."

Those were the words the emperor of Avesta conveyed to Damien Everdale, it looked as if the monarch was kind and benevolent when in reality it was an unspeakable truth that the journey to Ardos was filled with catastrophic adventures and thousands of warriors perished while trying to cross the confluence of seven seas bound by rugged mountains from three sides.

It took them a month of journey, venturing the snow trapped hills of the rugged terrain and low lying valleys filled with wild beasts. Their horses were unable to sustain the cold aura of the place and succumbed to death, maybe that was why when the father and son duo arrived at the city palace of the enemy nation they had a sorry appearance.

It was informed through an eagle that a delegation of the empire of Avesta would be visiting yet in reality no preparations were made because since time immemorial thousands of such delegations who came for diplomatic purposes or to espionage were either devoured by the snow or killed by the beast.

This was a snow covered cold desert where even a drop of freshwater was scarce and precious.

This was where the strongest warriors of the empire trained for years before being recruited into the army. 

The land filled with precious diamond mines that many coveted yet were sacrificed to the goddess of war before they could get their hands on it.

This was Ardos- the land of seven kings combined by Emperor Icarus Zephyr

Damien and Karl could accomplish such feat thus they had the honor to be invited by the king and his council for a personal rendezvous, personal because if suspected they could be very well killed without any witness and thrown in the wilderness.

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IMPERIAL PALACE

COURT OF THE GRAND EMPEROR

ARDOS (Pronunciation aar-th-aus)

Scarlet red draped the imperial palace walls and it appeared as if a bloody heart was beating amidst of frozen tundra, it was the insignia of the bloodshed in the imperial family of Zephyr which paved the way for the throne.

A decade ago they were a small kingdom state ruled by the previous king and queen and were barely surviving. 

Being in a precarious condition after the sudden death of the ruler, Queen Ciana, the blooded mother of Emperor Icarus was given a single choice- to warm the bed of her brother-in-law and to give birth to a son for him to survive. It was her son's life that she had to save by sacrificing her own. 

What followed the offer was a bloodbath and the division of the imperial court.

The kingdom almost ceased to exist after the end of the civil war and Emperor Icarus was reinstated on the throne at the age of fifteen after killing his uncle. From then he had expanded his kingdom to the stature of an empire, so far and wide that none could fathom the true power of Zephyr and had renamed the empire- Ardos.

The existence of Ardos was Icarus. 

The same place which was a fable could now be seen by the duke- and his son. 

"Please come this way." Duke of Everdale was guided through the splendor, chandeliers of silver lined with black gold shone the way to the largest chamber where they were meant to be.

"Duke Damien Everdale, Sir Karl Everdale from Avesta." The servant announced when they entered while the men looked at the courtiers who stood to greet them as they were asked to settle down, it was only the magnificent luxurious throne at the farther end that was unoccupied by anyone.

"Entering his highness the sun of the empire!" 

Earlier the throne which looked too large for a person of twenty six now appeared somewhat dwarfed as the emperor who had the height of six feet five inches with an aura that could even make the surrounding seem warm as compared to him settled down.

Smoldering golden irises looked at the two strangers not kneeling and there was some amusement in his eyes. 

"Rise" Soon they all settled down and the meeting began.

"Our King of Avesta does not wish for a war and is willing to negotiate with the monarch."

"After sending assassins trying to annihilate his majesty how dare you utter such words of arrogance!" A minister seethed through his teeth.

"We believe this is a conspiracy by another kingdom, we always had good relationship with Ard- Zephyr in the past."

The atmosphere got heated with the arguments yet the emperor refused to utter a single word as if finding the rage entertaining.

"The protective charm on your coat...if I may ask then who has made it for the duke?" 

Who was this person sitting on the throne?

He was a wolf that stalked his prey till they were bled dry. Every word had a deeper meaning in his mind and nothing could be forsaken in his presence.

"A servant of our manor gave it to father." Before Damien could speak, Karl stiffly replied making the monarch smirk.

"Duke Everdale's manor must be filled with riches for a servant to have the wool of the armean stag which is rarely found....I could smell the medicinal aroma of it from here."

Monster

This man was a beast

Damien said nothing for a moment, so this was why Layla who was at that time sixteen returned home late and dirty and even after being scolded heavily insisted on him to wear it whenever he went out.

"Replying to his majesty, it is made by my daughter."

"Lady Everdale? Looking at how talented the young ladies from Avesta are... kindly tell your ruler, in exchange for peace I would like a bride from the empire who could weave a similar charm for me."

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