**Chapter 9: A Royal Audience**
The morning sun filtered through the mist hanging over the kingdom, casting long shadows as Azaryon, Ragnor, Liora, and Elaria prepared for the next phase of their plan. With Elaria's aid, they had secured a way to approach the king, though it was not without risk. The nobles who controlled much of the court would not take kindly to outsiders, and the king, a figurehead under their control, could be hard to reach.
Azaryon felt the weight of the mission settle over him as they moved deeper into the city, this time with a clear goal in mind: to confront the ruler about the kingdom’s suffering and offer a solution that would challenge the entrenched power structures.
“We'll have to be careful,” Liora whispered. “The nobles are always watching.”
Elaria nodded. “That’s why we’ll make sure their attention is elsewhere.”
The group entered the outer courtyard of the royal palace, where Elaria's knowledge of the hidden paths and concealed entrances gave them an advantage. She led them through a series of narrow, overgrown corridors to a small door that blended almost seamlessly into the stone wall.
“This leads directly to the king’s personal chambers,” she said quietly, turning to Azaryon. “I will take care of any obstacles in our way, but once we reach the king, you must be the one to speak.”
Azaryon’s eyes met hers. “I’m ready.”
They stepped into the passage, the air cool and damp, as the dim light flickered off the stone walls. Elaria moved swiftly and silently, her magic keeping their presence hidden. Even Liora, a master of stealth, seemed impressed by the precision of Elaria's movements.
Within minutes, they reached the door to the king’s private quarters. Elaria paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob, casting a glance back at Azaryon. “This is it. Once we’re inside, be prepared for anything. The king may not be what you expect.”
She opened the door, and the four of them slipped inside.
The room was grand but surprisingly bare for a royal chamber. A large window overlooked the city, its view filled with the distant spires and the busy streets below. At the center of the room sat a man in his late thirties, dressed in regal but simple attire. His expression was one of weariness, his gaze distant, as though the weight of the entire kingdom rested upon his shoulders.
The king looked up as they entered, his eyes narrowing in confusion at the sight of strangers.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Who are you? How did you get in here?” His voice was stern, but there was a subtle tremble behind it, a hint of uncertainty.
Azaryon stepped forward, his presence commanding. “My name is Azaryon, and we’ve come to speak with you about the future of your kingdom.”
The king’s gaze flickered to Elaria, recognition dawning in his eyes. “Elaria... You dare to bring strangers into my chambers?”
Elaria’s expression remained calm. “These are no mere strangers, your Majesty. They come with a solution to the problems that plague your kingdom.”
The king leaned back in his chair, eyeing them suspiciously. “And what solution could outsiders possibly offer that my council has not?”
Azaryon took a step closer, his voice steady and authoritative. “Your council is the problem, your Majesty. The people suffer while the nobles feast. You are their king, but you are being kept in the dark, manipulated. If you do not act soon, your kingdom will fall into chaos.”
The king’s jaw tightened, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. “You speak boldly, stranger. But what proof do you have of this?”
Elaria raised a hand, her golden eyes glowing faintly as she summoned a small wisp of magic. The air around them shimmered, and an image appeared—a vision of the suffering people in the streets, the corruption of the nobles, and the rising tensions that threatened to tear the kingdom apart.
“These are not mere rumors,” Elaria said softly. “This is the truth of your kingdom, your Majesty. And it is only a matter of time before the people rise up in revolt.”
The king’s face paled as he watched the vision unfold before him. “I... I had no idea it had gotten this bad,” he whispered, his voice cracking with the weight of realization.
Azaryon nodded. “It’s not too late to change things, but you’ll need allies—people who can stand against the nobles and restore order to the kingdom.”
The king looked up at him, his expression desperate. “What do you propose?”
Azaryon’s gaze was steady. “Join us. Let us help you bring balance to the kingdom. With our resources and your authority, we can root out the corruption and ensure that the people’s voices are heard.”
There was a long silence as the king considered the offer, his eyes flicking between Azaryon, Ragnor, Liora, and Elaria. Finally, he spoke.
“You... You offer a dangerous path, Azaryon. But I fear it may be the only one left.”
Azaryon nodded. “It is the only way to save your kingdom.”
The king sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of the decision. “Very well. I will trust you, for now. But know that if you betray me, I will not hesitate to act.”
Azaryon bowed his head slightly. “You have my word.”
With the king’s reluctant agreement, the first step of their plan was complete. But Azaryon knew that this was only the beginning. The nobles would not take kindly to the king’s newfound resolve, and there would be challenges ahead. Yet, with Elaria’s guidance and the support of his loyal followers, he was ready to face whatever came next.
As they left the king’s chambers, Azaryon felt the weight of responsibility settle over him once more. The kingdom was on the brink of change, and the road ahead was fraught with danger. But with every step forward, he knew he was one step closer to his vision—a united world where all races could live in harmony.
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And so, with the king on their side, the trio’s mission continued. The corruption within the kingdom still needed to be dealt with, but now they had a powerful ally. The future of the kingdom, and perhaps the entire realm, lay in their hands.
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**End of chapter 9**