The grand dining hall was filled with lively conversations and clinking glasses, yet an unmistakable tension lingered around Axel's table.
The nobility did their best to ignore them, focusing on mingling with fellow royals and dignitaries. Meanwhile, Becca, Cj, Philly, and Lunar sat stiffly, staring into their glasses, avoiding any eye contact with Queen Elizabeth.
Axel and Ivy sat side by side, visibly nervous, their heads lowered toward their untouched plates. Underneath the table, they secretly held hands, seeking comfort in each other's presence.
Breaking the silence, Elizabeth spoke, "Patricia, why do you have those tattoos on your left arm?"
Axel felt an odd sense of relief that Ivy was the first one questioned.
Without hesitation, Ivy pulled out a pre-written note and held it up for Elizabeth to read:
"I got them two years ago when I learned Axel was alive. They remind me of the day we met."
Elizabeth studied the note before asking, "And the writing?"
Ivy flipped to another pre-written note:
"Can I tell you in private another time? Please, Aunty Elizabeth."
Elizabeth nodded in understanding before shifting her gaze to Axel, "Now, boy. Where have you been since the fall of Midgard?"
At the mention of Midgard, Becca, Cj, and Philly immediately looked up, their curiosity piqued.
Axel swallowed hard, "I… traveled the world for a while."
"And you didn't think to inform me of your whereabouts?" Elizabeth pressed.
"I wasn't ready to see anyone yet," Axel admitted. "Not until my journey was complete."
Elizabeth folded her arms, scrutinizing him for a moment before sighing, "Very well."
With surprising gentleness, she stood and walked toward them. Then, without warning, she spun their chairs around to face her and knelt down.
Pulling both Axel and Ivy into a tight embrace, she whispered, "I'm relieved you're both safe. What you've endured… the sacrifices, the losses… It was something your father should have never allowed to happen. But it's over now. You're here. And I won't lose you again."
She held them for a few more moments before standing, "I'll leave you be for now—I have matters to attend to."
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Before departing, her gaze shifted toward Becca, Cj, Philly, and Lunar, "Introduce me to your companions next time. I'd like to know more about them."
With that, Elizabeth walked away, leaving the table in stunned silence.
Axel and Ivy slowly turned their chairs back around but remained quiet.
After a long pause, Becca finally broke the silence, "So… Queen Elizabeth is your aunt?" she asked, looking between Axel and Ivy.
Axel shook his head, "Not exactly. She was one of my father's closest friends and part of his inner circle. When I was born, she took on a role in my education and training."
Cj furrowed his brows, "She mentioned Midgard… how are you—"
Before he could finish, Becca raised a hand, cutting him off, "We made a promise. Axel will tell me everything when he's ready. Until then, let's ask a different question."
Their conversation was interrupted as the room grew silent. The nobles had all turned their attention toward the center of the hall, where a man strode forward with an air of authority.
---
Charlie Dennis, the advisor to King Kurtis, stood proudly in the center of the hall, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" His voice carried across the room, "On behalf of King Kurtis, I will be ensuring that tonight's festivities proceed smoothly. I ask that you all take your seats."
The nobles murmured among themselves before settling down.
A young noble approached Axel's table, gesturing to the empty chair Elizabeth had left, "Is this seat taken?"
"Help yourself," Axel replied.
The noble sat down just as Charlie continued.
"For some, tonight marks the beginning of long-term alliances," he declared. "For others, an opportunity for potential business arrangements. But for us, it is both. The Kingdoms of Sungalepore, Elizabeth, and Steelorids have formed an official alliance known as The Crusaders—a bond that will endure for centuries to come."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd.
"However," Charlie continued, his tone darkening, "we now face a threat that few of us can withstand alone—the heavenly army led by Joseph and The Lost Brotherhood."
At the mention of these names, hushed conversations broke out among the nobles.
Charlie raised a hand for silence. "That is why we have gathered future kings and queens here tonight—to invite you to join The Crusaders. With our combined strength and wisdom, we will defeat the forces that seek to undo our world. Together, we will restore the order that was stolen from us."
He stepped back, "Now, please—enjoy the rest of the celebration."
As Charlie turned to leave, his posture subtly shifted, his movements purposeful as he made his way toward the king's chambers.
Axel leaned toward Lunar and Ivy, "We need to talk."
Lunar, already suspecting the reason, nodded and stood. Ivy followed without hesitation.
"We'll be back," Axel told the others before the trio slipped away.
Once they were far enough from the main crowd, Ivy reached for both Axel and Lunar's hands. With a faint shimmer, all three of them vanished into thin air.
Moving swiftly, they followed Charlie through the corridors.
There were moments when the advisor hesitated, pausing as if sensing someone watching him, but he eventually dismissed it as paranoia and pressed on.
Finally, he reached the doors to the king's chambers. Just as he was about to enter, Axel pushed forward, breaking the invisibility spell as he stepped inside.
"Kurtis," Axel called out, his voice steady. "We need to talk."
The frail king lay in his bed, his body weakened by antidote. Slowly, he turned his head toward Axel, a faint smile on his lips.
"Axel," Kurtis greeted weakly, "Are you enjoying the celebration?"
Axel stepped forward, his expression serious, "Honestly? Yes. But that's not why I'm here."
He locked eyes with the king.
"I came to talk about the Gearwork citizens you've arrested."