The Debt Of Fate

Chapter 343: Chose to gamble.

Days passed quickly.

The royal city was busy from morning until night. Tailors worked without rest. Gold cloth was laid across the palace hall. Soldiers stood in new armor, shining under the sun. Nobles arrived one after another, bringing gifts for Ernest’s coronation.

The whole city was preparing to welcome a new king.

Then, on the night before the coronation, everything changed.

A horse rode through the palace gates at full speed.

The rider was covered in dust.

"Urgent news!" he shouted before he even dismounted.

He was taken straight to Ernest.

Inside the council hall, Ernest had just finished the final detail with council members.

"A messager arrived, your highness," an Eunch standing outside the door announced.

"Let him in," Ernest said. The messenger was brought in.He fell to one knee, breathing hard, dust covering his cloak.

"Speak," Ernest ordered.

The messenger bowed his head and began to read from the sealed letter in his hand.

"Your Highness," he said loudly, his voice echoing in the chamber, "urgent news from the southern borders."

He swallowed and continued.

"His highness the former king Edward has taken refuge in the Seventh Region. He has secured the support of the southern governor and has formed alliances with two kingdoms from the South."

A low murmur spread across the room.

The messenger raised his voice slightly.

"Their armies have joined his forces. Together they are set to match to the royal city in a few days."

Silence fell.

He continued reading.

"Edward declares that he remains the rightful king. He calls your rule unlawful and names your coronation an act of treason. The two Southen kingdom also said they would never acknowledge your reign.

Several ministers stiffened at those words.

The messenger read the final line.

"He swears to reclaim his throne and punish all who have turned against him."

The parchment trembled slightly in the messenger’s hand.

"It is rumors that they have the Lord of the dark waters to supply their weapons," he added quietly

The chamber grew heavy with tension.

...

Within an hour, the news spread across the royal city.

From the palace gates to the market square, people whispered in fear and confusion.

"The gates will close at sunrise."

"Anyone who doubts him must leave tonight."

"War is coming."

Servants carried the news into noble houses. Guards repeated it at every street post. Even the common people spoke of it in low voices as they packed their goods.

Some nobles began to send their families away at once.

Others lit more candles and waited in silence.

"Father, it is difficult to tell who would win this battle. Ernest is not weak," On son told his father who was getting ready to leave the royal city.

"Yes, he is not weak but he is arrogant, those two southern kingdoms are not to be trivial with,’ the noble said to his son.

"True, but His highness, prince Ernest still has six region under him," the son said. He honestly thought that Ernest had a better chance at winning.

"No buts, start backing. The Lord of the dark water has chosen sides," the noble said.

"But that Lord is only a business man. Even if he has money, he can’t influence much right?" The son said.

"You have a point, but he makes the best weapon. Nexile as a kingdom after years of war and internal stiff do not have much," The noble explained.

"Then, those kings supporting Edward have motives," the Young son said.

"Of course, this time no matter which side wins as a kingdom Nexile would suffer. They are giving a helping hand with their private motives," the Lord shook his head.

His son shooked, "I will not go, Edward is not fit to be a king," A man willing to destroy the kingdom for his selfishness was not fit to be a good king.

"Then, you stay, you are grown enough to make your decision," the father said after thinking for a while. If his son stays then no matter which side wins later their family would have a survival.

...

Inside her chamber, Queen Mother Mary sat very still as Miss Margaret finished speaking.

"So... he dares to say such words," Mary said softly.

Her eyes were cold.

"He gives the entire city a choice?" Shr continue "As if he is already king."

Mrs Margaret lowered her head.

Mary slowly stood up.

"Ernest is too proud," she said. "Too arrogant. He thinks wearing a crown makes him a king,"

She walked to her writing desk.

"Edward is still the rightful king."

She began to write letters at once.

One to Lord William.

One to Duke Alford.

And as many nobles who had once sworn loyalty to her son.

"Send these quietly," she told Miss Margaret. "No mistakes."

"Yes, Your Grace"

Mary’s voice was calm, but her hands were firm.

"If Ernest wants the city to choose," she said, "then let them choose wisely."

She had also been granted permission to leave before sunrise, she just had to ensure that she won support for her son.

Ernest had not stopped her.

The message had been clear — even the former Queen Mother could go, if she did not accept his rule.

Mary gave a small, bitter smile.

"He believes this is mercy," she murmured.

Mary did not wait long. She left her chamber and walked through the quiet palace halls. The guards bowed as she passed, but she did not slow down.

She stopped in front of Prince Lucan’s residence.

"Announce me," she said.

A moment later, she was led inside.

Lucan stood when he saw her. Princess Karen sat beside him.

"Mother," Lucan greeted politely.

Mary did not waste time.

"Edward is marching back," she said. "He has formed alliances. Ernest refuses to delay the coronation. He is blinded by pride." she left at a soft chuckle.

Lucan remained silent.

Mary turned to Princess Karen.

"Your father commands a strong army," she said calmly. "Send word to him. Ask him to send troops in support of Edward."

Karen’s eyes widened slightly.

"In return," Mary continued, "when Edward reclaims the throne, your son will be named Crown Prince."

The room grew still.

Lucan frowned.

"Mother, no."

Mary turned sharply. "No?"

"I already gave Ernest my word," Lucan said firmly. "I told him I would remain neutral. I will not fight for him, but I will not raise my hand against him either."

Mary’s expression hardened.

"You would stand aside and watch your brother suffer?"

"I stand by my word," Lucan replied. "I will not break it."

Silence.

Mary looked disappointed.

Then Princess Karen slowly spoke.

"If it is only a message to my father... I can send one," she said carefully.

Lucan turned to her. He was not surprised. All she ever cared about was the throne.

Mary’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"That is all I ask."

Lucan looked troubled but said nothing more.

As Mary turned to leave, a thought crossed her mind.

"I am disappointed at your choice," she told Lucan before walking away.

Princess Karen smile, Ernest had refused her offer, she could not wait to see him lose.

What did Anastasia have that she lacked? If he had agreed to make her his queen then the one who would have Gube support should have been him.

....That night, Lord Williams sat alone in his study.

The letter from Queen Mother Mary lay open on his desk.

He read every line carefully.

Her words were clear — support Edward, stand against Ernest, secure the future.

When he finished, his jaw tightened.

"Madness," he muttered.

He walked to the fireplace.

Without another thought, he threw the letter into the fire.

The flames swallowed the paper quickly.

"A man who gathers foreign armies to march against his own capital," Lord Williams said coldly, "is not fit to be king."

Before sunrise, he was already dressed.

At first light, he rode straight to the palace.

The royal gates were still open.

Inside the courtyard, soldiers stood in silence as nobles arrived one by one — some to leave, some to stay.

Lord Williams dismounted and walked forward.

"I seek an audience with His Highness Ernest," he said firmly.

Word was sent in at once.

When he was allowed inside, he bowed deeply.

"My lord," he said clearly, so those present could hear, "I pledge my loyalty to you."

The hall grew quiet.

"I will not support a man willing to destroy this kingdom to reclaim a throne," Lord Williams continued. "If Edward marches with foreign troops against his own people, then he has already chosen power over peace."

His words spread quickly.

By mid-morning, other lords heard of his decision.

Some who had been unsure made up their minds.

"If Lord Williams stands with Ernest, perhaps we should as well."

One by one, several nobles visited the palace to declared their loyalty.

But not all.

As the sun slowly rose higher, carriages rolled out of the royal city.

A good number of nobles chose to leave before the gates closed.

Some feared war.

Some still believed Edward was the rightful king.

And some simply did not wish to gamble their lives.

Duke Thompson was one of those, he felt that even if Ernest won he would not have a good ending, so he chose to gamble.

When the first light of sunrise touched the palace towers, the heavy gates began to close.

Those who remained had made their choice, they all prayed it was the right one .