The royal carriage peels away from the main column of charging knights, rumbling to a halt at the entrance of the heavily fortified central command tent. While Hilowat leads the thunderous Imperial charge toward the crumbling outer walls, the air here is thick with the shouting of messengers and the frantic energy of a command center on the brink of collapse.
Mikhail steps out of the carriage, his boots sinking into the muddy ground. Miyako follows immediately, her hand already gripping her sword, and Maria steps out last, silent and observant. They sweep into the command tent, a massive canvas structure dominated by a large strategic table littered with maps and tokens.
Queen Yuehua sits behind the table, her face drawn and pale, surrounded by exhausted Eldrathian generals. As soon as she sees the Imperial delegation, she rises from her seat, disbelief warring with relief in her eyes. "My Lord... you actually came?"
Before Mikhail can offer a diplomatic greeting, protocol is shattered. Miyako walks past him, ignoring the generals and the guards, and goes straight to the Queen. She wraps her arms around the startled monarch, hugging her tightly.
"Mother... we are here," Miyako whispers, her voice cracking as the stoic warrior facade crumbles. Tears prick the corners of her eyes. "I'll not let anything happen to you or Eldrath."
Queen Yuehua freezes for a moment, then melts into the embrace, patting Miyako's back. "My daughter... you have grown up so much. I'm really glad you came for our help." She looks over Miyako's shoulder, meeting Mikhail's gaze. "You too, My Lord. I am in your debt."
Mikhail nods, projecting an aura of absolute calm amidst the panic. "It is natural for the Empire to help an ally, My Queen. The Imperial Army is fighting to hold back the wall as we speak; you need not fear. Because we shall give these monsters what they deserve. Death."
The word hangs heavy in the air, steeling the spines of the generals. They immediately straighten up, sensing a shift in momentum. They clear the table, spreading out tactical maps to show the current grim reality of the siege. Mikhail leans over the maps, his eyes scanning the breach points and enemy density, absorbing the situation instantly.
After a few minutes of rapid-fire planning, Mikhail straightens. "We stabilize the breach first."
Mikhail, Miyako, and a handful of elite guards move to the exit to prepare their horses for the front lines. Before mounting up, Mikhail pauses. He turns to Maria, who's waiting dutifully by the tent flap.
"Maria, a word."
She nods and follows him a few paces away from the bustle of the generals and the Queen, into a quiet shadow of the tent.
"Maria," Mikhail begins, his voice low and serious. "I know what you are capable of. I want you to remain here. I want you to be the bodyguard of Queen Yuehua. Do not leave her side until I return."
Maria's eyes widen slightly in protest. "But My Lord... my duty is to you. The battlefield is dangerous, and—"
Mikhail gently places his finger on her lips, silencing her objection. "Shh. Will you not do this for me, Maria?" He looks deep into her eyes, using the connection she desperately craves. "I suspect there are shadows in this camp darker than the Orcs. I need my best eyes here."
Maria's cheeks flush a faint pink at the touch and the trust he places in her. Her resistance melts. "Yes... I understand. I'll protect her at any cost, but just for your sake, my dear young lord."
Mikhail gives her a charming, proprietary smile. "I expect nothing less, dear."
With that flank secured—and the potential assassination of the Queen thwarted—Mikhail turns and mounts his warhorse. Miyako is already mounted beside him, her face set in a grim mask of determination.
"Let's go," Mikhail commands.
They kick their horses into a gallop, riding hard away from the command tent and straight toward the roar of battle at the walls, ready to join the main force.