Chapter 39

My father summoned five royal runners into the chamber. The first was sent to summon Draven. The second, Bao. The third was dispatched for Cassie. The fourth for the Royal Treasurer. And the last was instructed to have the royal chariot prepared.

Bao was nearby and arrived first. My father gave him a firm order to keep a close eye on me—and to be ready to catch me if necessary—because I was far too fragile to move on my own.

Then came Draven, my eldest brother. My father had a hushed conversation with him, to which Draven only nodded solemnly before casting a glance in my direction.

Next arrived Cassie.

The moment she laid eyes on my condition, she rushed forward—but was halted by my mother’s raised hand.

Then Mother began what sounded like an angry reprimand. “What have you done to my son, Cassie?”

“I haven’t done anything to him, Your Highness!” Cassie protested, startled.

“Then who is responsible for his condition?”

“I ... I don’t know, My Queen. I swear, it isn’t me!”

“My son told me everything that has happened,” my mother replied coldly. “And it’s all your fault.”

At that, Bao, clearly enraged by the accusation, unsheathed his whip and cracked it against the floor. He began advancing toward Cassie, fury in his eyes.

Panicked, Cassie stepped back in protest, her voice trembling. “Please! I swear I didn’t—”

But once again, my mother raised her hand, this time to stop Bao.

Then she continued, her tone shifting dramatically. “It is all your fault ... and as punishment, you will become his first wife.”

Cassie blinked, stunned. “My queen ... I—I don’t understand what you mean.”

“You are his Taskmaster,” my mother explained with a warm smile now breaking through her stern mask. “And the role of a wife fits that title perfectly.”

Cassie dropped to her knees, overwhelmed with emotion, and burst into tears.

“Queen ... please don’t play such pranks,” she sobbed. “My heart nearly gave out just now.”

Mother walked toward her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Cassie, we know the real reason for his fragile condition. I would’ve sent him to his chambers already, but as you can see—he neither has the strength to move, nor the clarity to speak or think at the moment. The king still has matters of state to handle, but once he’s finished, Asher will be taken to rest.”

Cassie simply nodded and lay down on a nearby sofa, finally letting herself relax for a much-needed moment of relief.

When the Royal Treasurer arrived, both Draven and Father spoke in unison, “Bring the Advisor’s Sword.”

A servant quickly left and returned with a long wooden case. As it was handed over, Bao gently picked me up and carried me with him.

We all climbed into the royal chariot and set off.

During the ride, my father leaned close and spoke with a calm yet firm voice. “Asher, listen carefully. Royal Advisors are chosen by kings—not just for their strength or intelligence, but for their loyalty, integrity, and unshakable presence. Whether they serve a king or a prince, the role of Royal Advisor is one of the most honored and respected positions in the realm.”

I was only half-conscious—trapped between wakefulness and sleep. My body was drained, and my mind had shut down from exhaustion or emotion. Still, I remember the first part of what followed with perfect clarity.

Our chariot stopped in the Slave Market Alley.

My father stepped out first, and somehow, as if sensing the arrival, Gauriash was already standing at the top of the steps outside his establishment, waiting to greet him.

“Gauriash,” my father called sternly, “how could you commit such a grievous crime? Explain yourself.”

“My Lord,” Gauriash stammered, bowing deeply, “I don’t understand. I swear I have committed no crime that would require your personal attention.”

“Oh, but you have,” my father replied, voice laced with disappointment. “Would you like to see the result of a careless comment you made to my son?”

He gestured toward Bao.

Bao stepped out of the carriage carrying me in his arms, holding me with utmost care. Behind him, Draven descended the steps of the chariot, holding the wooden case with solemn expression, and stood beside our father.

“Look at him,” my father commanded.

Gauriash looked—and his face went pale. His confident stance collapsed, and he struggled to find words.

But my father continued, his voice loud enough for every merchant and bystander to hear.

“Because of your offhanded comment, my son came to me and poured out his heart—his pain, his past, his truth. Since then, he has not spoken another word. He has not lifted his head. My son, the Prince of Aldrenor, is in this state ... because of you. Do you now accept the weight of your words? Are you prepared to accept the punishment that follows?”

Gauriash, guilt washing over his face, slowly nodded. He didn’t speak. He couldn’t.

Draven stepped forward and opened the wooden case.

Father reached in and drew out the ceremonial Advisor’s Sword—a blade not of execution, but of recognition, forged only for those entrusted with the greatest responsibility.

“Today, because of your comment, my seventh child—whom we adopted just eleven suns ago—came to us and accepted us as his true parents. Through that conversation, we didn’t just receive words ... we gained another son.”

“You are the reason for that change. For that, we are truly grateful.”

“That is why I, the King of Aldrenor, and my firstborn son—your future king—humbly request that you accept the position of Royal Advisor to Prince Asher. Will you accept this honor?”

After that, I don’t remember anything — I must have fallen asleep or something like that.

I woke up the next morning, my head spinning. I summoned the milk girl, and after draining her teats, I felt a bit more relaxed. That’s when I noticed something odd. Instead of the usual two bodies beside me, there was only one.

Slowly, I lowered the sheets covering me and found Cassie sleeping next to me. I tried to extract myself quietly when she suddenly spoke.

“Don’t you dare get up yet. Give me a bit of time, my husband.”

Her words left me even more confused, but I stayed still. After five long lands (five minutes), she finally let me go. A body warmer took my place as I slipped out.

I quickly freshened up and headed to the royal training grounds for my morning fix of combat. After a bell of hard fighting, Draven approached me. He explained everything about last night — how Gauriash was appointed as my Royal Advisor, the late-night celebration, and all the fun they had.