Chapter 22.3: Grief
Uriel
The large doors that separated the balcony from the top level of the castle slammed open. The fresh smell of the deep blue ocean that the castle looked over could be subtly taken in. Uriel's mother sat at the dining table that was often used for tea parties and political meetings among the high-ranking royals. Uriel set her sights on her and began to storm over to her with a furious look in his blue eyes. Uriel was a tall man with long flowing golden blonde hair. He would often let it flow to his shoulders when out of battle but would wear it up when battles called. He wore light casual attire that was easy to move around in. Namely, grey trousers with a white shirt overtop. Uriel eventually reached where his mother sat, his silver boots clanking against the marble floor.
“You ordered a retreat?!” Yelled Uriel. His mother did not flinch. She too was tall but her hair was silver and had begun to grey as she approached her late forties. She wore a stiff teal dress that was accented with silver across the ridges. It was considered the fashionable choice of colors among royals in Atlus. She placed her tea cup back on the porcelain coaster.
“I did, yes,” She said calmly in an elegant tone. “There is no need to yell-”
“Why would you do such a thing?!” Uriel cut her off mid-sentence with a harsh tone “Have you no concept of the lives that were taken with that action!?” She turned to face him with a stern look on her face.
“Do not raise your voice to me young man” She said sternly as the woman began to stand up “You may be the air to the throne but do not delude yourself into believing you now order this country”
“If you are going to jeopardize the lives of innocent men and women within Atlus then I have no choice but t-”
“Your father may have died,” She said coldly “But you are still a prince…you will do as you are told. If I order a retreat to our platoons then that is final.” She walked out to the balcony and stared out into the endless ocean that the castle overlooked. Her hands clasped behind her back as she strode elegantly. “You ordered a retreat that killed our people! The Ashians just slaughtered a village of innocents under your actions!”
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“I will not play part in their silly games,” she said dismissively, not looking back and continuing to stare out at the crystal blue sea.
“These are no games, Mother, We are at war with Ash and Vholeria” He stood there waiting for an answer but received none. “Very well, if you will not take this seriously then I will.” He turned and the metal of his boots clanked against the marble. His mother spoke up
“You will not take anything into your own hands,” She said turning to face him “You should be imprisoned for taking part in the battle of the Weeping Crucible without my permission” Uriel turned back to face her. “In this country my word is law and all my subjects must follow my word.” Uriel became frustrated with her words “I will not see my only remaining family charge into battle and die at the hands of those savages, we have no need to play in their war my son” Yet they came from a place of love, though mixed with ignorance.
“And what direction shall we take now then? Our spies have informed us that Vholeria has begun to evolve the crystal technology not only to hold magic, but to hold demonic energy as well.” She said nothing but seemed to have a look of uncertainty on her face. “If we continue to stay stagnant and passive in this war while Vholeria creates new weapons and evolves previous ones.” He began to approach her. “Then the kingdom of Atlus itself will be lost, not just your son.” She looked down sorrowfully but still stern.
“I would sacrifice this kingdom just so I could keep you in my arms dear Uriel” He cupped her face in his hand, bringing to up to face his eyes.
“And I would do so too, but my people come before anything else. The legacy and the symbol of hope my father once represented…must be carried on” He released her face from his hand and turned back to the exit.
“My word is law, Uriel! You must remember that!” She shouted back to him as he walked away. Her emotion becoming audibly transparent within her voice. Uriel said nothing, he kept his posture tall and strode towards the door. He gritted his teeth at his mother’s words. Maybe so mother. But I lead the way. I lead the way for Atlus to become the powerful country it once was. I will earn the respect of my people. The door shut behind him with a grand slam.