The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 326: Need To Survive

Louis’s gaze fixed on the Primarch, the man seated in the center of the chamber like an immovable stone, his presence heavy with authority. The sight of him sent a surge of anger coursing through Louis’s veins. This man, who was meant to anoint the next king, was sitting among those who sought to dethrone the rightful rulers, conspiring with the traitors.

The lords who had gathered in this grand hall, their faces lined with ambition and greed, all stood in silent defiance, their private guards looming behind them like shadows, swords and spears at the ready

What were two men—William and Louis—against this sea of enemies? They thought themselves invincible, untouchable. But Louis felt the simmering heat of his uncle’s rage beside him—none of these men would leave unscathed.

William stepped forward, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence like a blade. "Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?" he demanded, his eyes boring into the Primarch. "You, who are supposed to stand for justice, for the will of the goddess—how can you sit here with usurpers? How can you betray your purpose?"

The Primarch’s cold gaze met William’s, his posture unyielding. There was no remorse in his eyes, only a stubborn conviction. "I stand on the side of the goddess," he replied, his voice steady. "I serve her will. I will not be ashamed of that."

William’s lips curled into a bitter smile. "And what exactly has the goddess whispered to you?" he asked, his tone laced with scorn. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

The Primarch rose from his seat, his robes falling around him like the cloak of a self-proclaimed prophet. A grin spread across his face, smug and self-assured. "The daughter of Levana will return with her husband," he began, his voice swelling with self-importance, "With the Gemma Luna by his side, the Lycaon Wulfhednar will sit upon the throne."

The words hung in the air, heavy with prophecy and the weight of destiny. But William only laughed, his voice booming through the chamber, startling the gathered lords. The sound was cold, mocking, filled with a bitterness that only someone who had seen the truth could muster.

"Does the Lycaon Wulfhednar and the Gemma Luna know of your grand plans?" William’s eyes gleamed with challenge, his words slicing through the Primarch’s certainty.

The Primarch’s smile faltered, just for a second. The prophecy had been rehearsed so many times, spoken like a litany among the conspirators. They had prepared everything for the arrival of the prophesied hero, the savior they hoped would restore the kingdom to their liking. But they had never consulted the very people who were supposed to fulfill this prophecy. It was as if they believed they could bend fate to their will without consequence.

"The goddess will guide them to their destiny," the Primarch said, his voice a shade less confident now.

William’s laughter rang out again, harsh and full of disbelief. Jessamyn had received her visions directly from the goddess, visions that told a very different story. How had these men twisted the divine will to suit their ambitions? How had they dared to create a prophecy that served only their selfish desires?

"And what if I say you’re wrong?" William’s voice softened, but it carried a dangerous edge. "What if Gemma Luna never returns?"

A heavy silence fell over the room. William’s throat tightened as he thought of Jessamyn—her fate still uncertain, her life hanging in the balance. She wouldn’t return to Elodia. Not as these men had imagined.

Jerrick would come back with his son, but without his wife. Jessamyn’s light was fading, and the future these men clung to was slipping through their fingers.

"My visions have never been wrong," the Primarch insisted, though the conviction in his voice wavered. "I’ve dedicated my entire life to serving the heavenly mother. She has always been gracious to me. She will not let me face shame."

William’s gaze flicked away from the Primarch, dismissing him without another word. He turned to the rest of the room, addressing the lords who stood in uneasy silence, their eyes darting between him and the doors as if searching for an escape.

"While you’re all gathered here like rats," William began, his voice cold and unrelenting, "plotting how to stab the Kaiser family in the back, did it ever occur to you that there are far greater threats at your door?" He let the words sink in, watching their faces pale.

"Did you know that thousands of Altanian troops are descending down Mount Lumina as we speak? That there’s a battalion of Altanian men inside this very palace, preparing to murder the women and children you’ve hidden away here?"

A ripple of panic swept through the room. The lords exchanged frantic glances, their faces betraying the fear they had tried so hard to mask. Their private guards stirred, shifting uneasily as their masters whispered hurried instructions. The sense of control they had clung to so tightly was slipping away.

Louis stepped forward, his voice steady and calm amidst the rising storm of anxiety. "We’ve saved them," he said, his words cutting through the growing chaos. "The women and children are safe for now, but the Altanians are at our walls. They won’t stop until Elodia falls."

At that moment, a distant rumble echoed through the palace, a sound that made every heart in the room skip a beat. The Altanian army had reached the walls of Elodia. The battle was no longer a distant threat—it was here.

William’s voice rang out, filled with urgency. "This is the time to fight against our true enemies, not against each other. Do you think the Altanians care about your squabbles for the throne? Do you think they’ll spare you once they breach our walls?"

The room was thick with indecision. Some of the lords still clung to their plans, their hands trembling on the hilts of their swords, while others exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the gravity of their situation.

"Look around you," William continued, his voice rising. "The kingdom you want to control is about to fall. If you don’t fight for it now, there won’t be a throne left for anyone to claim."

The sound of the Altanian assault grew louder, the walls of Elodia shaking as the first wave of the attack hit. The ministers and lords, so sure of their schemes just moments ago, were suddenly faced with the stark reality of war.

They could no longer hide behind their guards, no longer rely on their plans to usurp the throne.

Without any further deliberation, the lords began moving, their private guards rushing to the doors. Swords were drawn, orders shouted, and the chaotic preparation for battle began.

Louis and William exchanged a glance. There was no time to waste. Together, they moved toward the frontlines, ready to face the enemy that threatened to destroy everything they held dear.

As they stepped out of the throne room, William’s voice was low but filled with resolve. "This is what we were meant to fight for, Louis. Not for power, not for glory—but for the people, for the kingdom."

Louis nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword with renewed purpose.