Chapter 2: The Fork of the Willow
The garden blessing was a silent war.
Duke Astra stood nearby, watching Seraphina with an eagle-eyed concern that made it impossible for any of the survivors to speak freely. He thought he was being a good father by staying close; he didn't realize his presence was a trigger for their collective trauma.
"I've decided,"Duke Astra announced, breaking the heavy silence as Eveline poured rose tea. "After this blessing, I will leave for the North. The border dispute regarding the mines has become quite heated. I'll return in a week."
The world seemed to stop.
Seraphina dropped her spoon. It clattered against the porcelain like a gunshot. "The North? No. Father, you can't. The road... the Weeping Willow fork..."
Duke Astra laughed, a warm, booming sound that made Alaric flinch. "How do you know about the Willow Fork, star? I haven't even told the scouts which route I'm taking."
Alaric's hand gripped his sword hilt so hard the leather groaned. He remembered the Willow Fork. He remembered the bandits who were never captured and identified. He looked at the Duke,this good, kind man that seems to be the start of Seraphina's downfall in their past life.He didn't just look sad; he looked like he was standing in the middle of a hurricane.
Killian stepped out of the shadows, his crimson eyes bloodshot and weary. He looked at Seraphina's trembling hands and then at the Duke's oblivious, smiling face.
"The Emperor is concerned about the safety of the High Lords," Killian rumbled, his voice like grinding stones. "I shall accompany the Duke of Astra personally."
"And the Church," Alaric added, his voice hollow. "The Church will provide its Knight. I will ride with you, Your Grace. For the safety of the Empire."
H
Duke Astra beamed, patting Seraphina's hand. "Do you see, my love? I have the Emperor's finest and the Holy Knight. There are no bandits in the world brave enough to face these two. I am perfectly safe."
Seraphina looked at the two men.
Killian was looking at her wrists, remembering the chains.
Alaric was looking at the Duke's neck, remembering the blade.
They weren't just protecting her father for the Empire. They were protecting him because they were the only ones who knew that his death will be the start of everything.
"Thank you," Seraphina whispered, her eyes meeting Killian's.
For the first time since the regression, Killian gave a microscopic nod. A silent pact was made in the Duke's garden: The Duke lives, or the Empire burns.