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2.44

Penulis: M. F.
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03 03:21:39

Book 2: Crown of Shadows

Chapter 44: Questions from the South

King Tharden of Kelhari read the formal diplomatic missive for the third time, his weathered fingers tracing the elegant script that carried implications he couldn't quite grasp. Thirty years of ruling had taught him to recognize opportunity disguised as courtesy, but this invitation felt different—less calculated, more genuinely curious about establishing productive relationships.

"Commander Jorik," he called to his military advisor, "remind me what your patrol reported about the border incident."

"Three of our riders encountered a merchant convoy on what they believed was Kelhari territory," Jorik replied with the precision of someone who'd reviewed the report multiple times. "Upon investigation, they discovered they were mistaken about the border location and had actually trespassed into northern lands."

"And how was this discovered?"

"A pregnant woman with the convoy had a map. She showed Captain Merin exactly where the
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    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 47: Shadows GatheringThe coded message arrived written in blood on parchment that would dissolve within hours, delivered by hands that would never deliver another message, read by eyes that had witnessed the necessary elimination of its carrier. In a chamber carved from living rock beneath foundations that predated the kingdom itself, figures gathered around intelligence purchased with lives that no one would mourn."The southern kingdom meeting," came a voice like grinding stone, distorted by devices that made identification impossible even for those present. "She grows stronger. More confident. More dangerous.""King Tharden left convinced of her legitimacy," added another speaker whose words carried the chill of recent execution. "International recognition approaches. Foreign validation of power we've spent years undermining.""Which accelerates our timeline beyond comfortable parameters," observed a third voice with undertones that suggested intim

  • Shadow's Essence    2.46

    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 46: Beneath the SurfaceAs the conversation continued, Xalara could see the tension in King Tharden's shoulders, the way his eyes kept calculating threats that didn't exist. The man was expecting duplicity because that's what he'd learned to expect from northern leadership."You think I'm here to trap you somehow," she observed with gentle amusement. "That my border encounter was some elaborate scheme to gain advantage over your kingdom."Tharden's silence was answer enough."I understand your suspicion," she continued, shifting slightly to ease the weight on her back. "But the truth is far simpler than you're imagining."She gestured toward the tent's comfortable arrangements, the careful protocol, the obvious investment in making this meeting productive rather than merely impressive."I'm not officially queen yet," she said with matter-of-fact honesty that seemed to surprise him. "I am rightfully so, by blood and by right of power, but coronation has

  • Shadow's Essence    2.45

    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 45: The RecognitionKing Tharden arrived at the designated border meeting point expecting to find preparations underway, perhaps advance scouts securing the area for diplomatic discussions. Instead, he found a fully established camp that spoke of arrival hours, possibly days before the scheduled meeting.Northern banners flew from strategic positions around the site, and guards moved with the professional efficiency of people who had settled into established routines rather than recent arrivals. The message was subtle but unmistakable—the northern delegation had arrived first, claimed the advantageous position, and waited for him with the patience of those who controlled the timing."Impressive organization," Captain Merin observed as their party approached the perimeter. "They've been here long enough to establish proper defensive positions and comfortable accommodations.""Indeed," Tharden replied, though his tone carried unease rather than admiratio

  • Shadow's Essence    2.44

    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 44: Questions from the SouthKing Tharden of Kelhari read the formal diplomatic missive for the third time, his weathered fingers tracing the elegant script that carried implications he couldn't quite grasp. Thirty years of ruling had taught him to recognize opportunity disguised as courtesy, but this invitation felt different—less calculated, more genuinely curious about establishing productive relationships."Commander Jorik," he called to his military advisor, "remind me what your patrol reported about the border incident.""Three of our riders encountered a merchant convoy on what they believed was Kelhari territory," Jorik replied with the precision of someone who'd reviewed the report multiple times. "Upon investigation, they discovered they were mistaken about the border location and had actually trespassed into northern lands.""And how was this discovered?""A pregnant woman with the convoy had a map. She showed Captain Merin exactly where the

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    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 43: Royal RestorationThe changes began within minutes of the ash settling on the throne room floor."Prince Rowan," Xalara said with crisp authority that brooked no delay, "immediate orders to all guard captains: full cessation of arbitrary taxation, brutality against civilians, and corruption in any form." Her voice carried the absolute certainty of someone who'd just demonstrated the consequences of defying royal will. "Any officer found abusing citizens will be stripped of rank and position permanently.""At once, Your Majesty," Rowan replied, still visibly shaken by what he'd witnessed but moving with military precision born of decades of service."Lord Chancellor Marcus," she continued without pause, "draft proclamations for immediate distribution: all questionable fines and tolls imposed in my absence are hereby forgiven. Restitution will be made to those who suffered under corrupt practices." Her eyes swept the remaining courtiers, most of whom

  • Shadow's Essence    2.42

    Book 2: Crown of ShadowsChapter 42: Divine JudgmentLord Caswell straightened to his full height, the desperate courage of a cornered man flooding his features. Behind him, Lord Brennan and Count Aldric flanked him with the coordinated movement of conspirators who'd planned for this possibility."You want a challenge?" Caswell snarled, his voice cracking with strain but carrying the venom of someone who'd gone past the point of caring about consequences. "You think pregnancy makes you untouchable? You think we'll cower before some merchant's whore who stumbled into a crown?"The three men moved as one, hands reaching for concealed weapons with the fluid precision of practiced killers. Not ceremonial court blades, but real steel meant for real killing. They'd come prepared for this moment, confident in their numbers and the element of surprise.They thought they had this in the bag.Caswell's dagger cleared its sheath first, followed by Brennan's shortsword and Aldric's curved blade.

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