Wisdom Without Courage

Evander's POV

The palace corridors were already busy by the time I stepped outside my chambers. Servants hurried between wings with documents, trays, and linens, while the guards straightened the moment they saw me.

"General."

"General Evander."

Each greeting came with a respectful bow. Word of my survival had traveled quickly. As I continued toward the throne wing, conversations quieted the instant I passed.

"I heard the venom should have killed him."

"So did I."

"Then how is he walking already?"

The whispers stopped abruptly when the two young knights realized I'd heard them. They stiffened and bowed.

"Our apologies, General."

I nodded and kept walking. Rumors spread through the palace faster than wildfire. By evening, there would be half a dozen different stories explaining how I'd survived.

Unfortunately, I couldn't provide a better explanation myself. The last thing I remembered clearly was the venom burning through my veins while Theodore talked beside me.

After that, nothing made sense. Fragments drifted through my thoughts whenever I stopped concentrating.

The massive doors to the throne room came into view. The royal guards crossed their spears before recognizing me.

"General Evander Valerius requesting an audience with His Majesty."

One guard disappeared through the doors, returning moments later.

"His Majesty will receive you.”

I stepped inside. The throne room looked exactly as it always had. King Madina Eamon sat on the royal throne with the commanding presence that earned him respect throughout the galaxy.

Queen Eleanor sat beside him, graceful, though genuine relief softened her expression when she saw me.

Standing a few steps below the throne was Lord William Fraser, the King's closest adviser. His sharp eyes immediately settled on me.

I bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."

King Madina studied me in silence for several seconds. "It is good to see you standing, General."

"The credit belongs to the rescue team, Your Majesty."

"They reached you because you survived long enough to be rescued."

"I merely fulfilled my duty."

Queen Eleanor smiled warmly. "The doctor informed us the venom should have been fatal."

"So she tells me."

"You gave the entire palace quite a scare."

"I regret causing concern."

Her smile softened. "I wasn't referring to myself."

Something in her tone made me look up.

"Theodore refused to leave you," she said. "He remained inside that cave from beginning to end."

"He did."

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

I almost smiled despite myself. Prince Theodore had complained the entire time we were trapped together. He had argued with me, insulted me, and mocked me.

Looking back, it had probably been his own strange way of keeping me conscious.

Lord Fraser folded his hands behind his back. "Commendable, perhaps," he said smoothly, "though remaining beside a disaster one personally created hardly deserves praise."

Neither the King nor Queen interrupted him.

"The diplomatic mission failed because of the Crown Prince's recklessness," Fraser continued. "General Evander was nearly killed because of that same recklessness. Surely we shouldn't overlook those facts simply because His Highness chose not to flee afterward."

King Madina's attention shifted back to me. "What is your assessment?"

I chose my words carefully. "The Crown Prince lacks restraint."

William Fraser's expression brightened almost imperceptibly.

"He often speaks before considering the consequences."

The adviser looked even more satisfied.

"He can be impulsive."

William nodded, as though my answer confirmed everything he believed.

"However..." I continued.

I watched as Fraser's expression faltered.

"When the situation became life-threatening, His Highness remained," I said. "He had opportunities to leave me behind once communication was restored. He chose not to."

William frowned. "That doesn't erase his earlier mistakes."

"No," I met his gaze. "It doesn't. But neither do those mistakes erase what happened afterward."

Queen Eleanor lowered her eyes, relieved, though King Madina remained unreadable.

"So," the King said at last, "you believe my son possesses redeeming qualities."

I thought about Theodore's face in that cave. He had been frightened, but he had tried to hide it behind sarcasm and insults.

"I believe courage has never been among His Highness's shortcomings," I replied.

William stepped forward. "Courage without wisdom becomes recklessness."

"Perhaps," I said. "But wisdom without courage accomplishes very little."

King Madina leaned back against his throne. "You've always judged men by their actions rather than their reputations, General."

"I try to, Your Majesty."

"And Theodore's actions?”

"He remained beside a dying soldier despite believing there was little chance of rescue." I held the King's gaze. "Whatever else may be said about the Crown Prince... he is not a coward."

The room fell quiet. Queen Eleanor smiled faintly, saying nothing. William Fraser's expression remained composed, though disappointment flickered across his face before disappearing.

King Madina finally nodded. "You've served Avindel faithfully once again, General."

"It has always been my honor."

"You are relieved of duty for the next three days."

"As you command." I bowed once more before turning toward the great doors.

I stopped when I reached the training grounds. I sighted Theo alone, battling with a dummy as he muttered under his breath. I strained my ears to listen to what he was saying.

“A hero my foot! God-damned chicken general, should have fucking let him die!”

I chuckled under my breath. So like Theo…