Far from the grandeur of the palace and the political tumult of the kingdom, Queen Margaret and Prince Edward arrived at a hidden fortress deep in the English countryside. This exile was not just a means of protecting themselves from Selena Nightshade’s dark influence but also an opportunity for Margaret to plan a better future for her son.
The fortress was a secluded residence, protected by dense forests and surrounded by towering cliffs, making it nearly unreachable by enemies. It was here that Lord Geoffrey Lancaster, a senior general deeply loyal to Margaret, resided with his forces. Geoffrey was a tough and experienced soldier, a man who had led the royal army in the past and was known for his intelligence on the battlefield. Margaret knew that only Geoffrey could train Edward to become a true knight, someone capable of facing future challenges.
On their first night at the fortress, Margaret invited Lord Geoffrey for a private conversation. They met in a modest room, illuminated by candlelight. Geoffrey’s face was full of respect and concern, though he knew that Queen Margaret harbored deep sorrow over King Henry V’s decision.
“Your Majesty,” Geoffrey began respectfully, “I will serve you as I always have. What can I do to help?”
Margaret looked at him with hope, though there was a shadow of fear in her eyes. “Geoffrey, Edward is the future of this kingdom,” she said firmly. “I know hard days are ahead. Selena is not just an ordinary woman—she’s a threat to us all. And I fear Henry doesn’t realize the true danger.”
Geoffrey nodded in understanding. He had heard rumors about Selena and her dark magic, and while he respected King Henry, he also knew Selena’s influence at court was growing stronger.
“What do you want to do, Your Majesty?” Geoffrey asked calmly.
Margaret took a deep breath and then spoke with determination, “I want you to train Edward. He must be ready to face whatever comes in the future. I know he’s still young, but the time has come for him to learn to be a true knight. He must know how to protect himself and the kingdom.”
Geoffrey was silent for a moment, thoughtfully gazing at Margaret. Edward, though only ten years old, was the heir to the English throne. Though too young to be burdened with such great responsibility, Margaret had no other choice.
“I will train him, Your Majesty,” Geoffrey finally said. “I will teach him the art of war, strategy, and how to be a wise leader. But it won’t be easy for Edward. The training will be harsh and demanding, and he must be prepared both mentally and physically.”
Margaret nodded, understanding the risks. “I know,” she said softly, “but it’s the only way. Edward must become stronger than anyone, especially if we are to reclaim the kingdom from Selena’s shadow.”
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Edward’s days of training began shortly after that.
Every morning, before sunrise, Prince Edward was summoned by Lord Geoffrey to the fortress courtyard. The cold wind bit into their skin, but Edward was not allowed to complain. He was given a wooden sword for the first time and taught the basics of combat by Geoffrey. Although Edward was still a child, his determination grew quickly. In his heart, he knew that this training was not just about learning to wield a sword but about preparing himself for the dark future ahead.
“You may be a prince, but on the battlefield, titles mean nothing,” Geoffrey reminded Edward during one early morning session. “Only skill, courage, and strategy will save you.”
Edward, his face serious despite his young age, listened carefully. Every time he failed or fell, Geoffrey gave him no leniency. He had to rise again, over and over, until his strength and speed improved.
“I won’t stop until I’m as strong as my father,” Edward swore to himself, recalling the stories of how King Henry V became a fierce warrior and a respected leader. Though his parents’ relationship had become strained, Edward deeply loved his father and wanted to be a worthy successor to the English throne.
Physical training was only one part of Geoffrey’s lessons. Beyond sword fighting, Edward was also taught the art of war strategy. Each night, Geoffrey brought him to the map room, where they discussed battlefields, military tactics, and how to manage an army.
“Victory isn’t just about who fights better,” Geoffrey said one evening. “It’s about who can think faster and organize their forces more wisely.”
Edward began to show great potential. Despite his youth, he learned quickly and did not give up easily. Queen Margaret watched her son’s progress with a heart full of mixed emotions. On one hand, she was proud to see Edward growing into a future knight and leader. On the other, it weighed heavily on her to see her son forced to grow up too quickly, facing dark threats he did not yet fully understand.
Months passed, and under Geoffrey’s guidance, Edward grew stronger. Queen Margaret continued to watch from afar, ensuring that Edward was ready to face his destiny. She knew Selena’s power and influence in the court were growing, but Margaret was confident that one day, Edward would return and reclaim what was rightfully his.
One day, after a long training session, Geoffrey spoke to Edward in a more serious tone. “Edward,” he said, “there’s more to this than just learning how to fight. A true leader must have a strong heart, but also a compassionate one. One day, you will be king, and your responsibility won’t just be to this kingdom, but to your people. Remember that.”
Edward looked at Geoffrey with determination. “I understand, Lord Geoffrey. I will protect this kingdom and make my father proud. I won’t let Selena destroy what our family has built.”
Geoffrey patted Edward on the shoulder with pride. “You’re on the right path, Prince. Your time will come. And when it does, you will be ready.”
The harsh training and Geoffrey’s guidance had prepared Edward to face great challenges. Meanwhile, in the palace, Selena continued to strengthen her influence over the kingdom, and King Henry V was becoming further entangled in her web of dark power. But in exile, a young prince was being shaped into a knight and a true leader—ready to fight against dark magic and restore justice to his kingdom.
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