Plumbing himself onto his cot, Drasus'' face contorted with impotent fury. "Jump and preen all you wish, Kaeso. We shall see just how highly you are bounding when I am through with you."


    Ever since he found out about his wife and how Kaeso and his wife helped tara, the whole affair has been on his mind. He even received the news of tara going to Kaeso''s mansion again. He can''t simply do anything as he is stuck with this war and Kimon.


    Drasus was feeling frustrated over his situation, he could just kill them both, but now was not the time to act upon his emotions. And with Kimon, the princess, present here, he just needs to make himself shine in the war.


    *


    On the other side of the encampment, Princess Kyra reclined on a plush chaise while her handmaiden attended to her. With deft, practised motions, the young woman began brushing out Kyra''s long raven tresses, gently working through the silken strands.


    "So eager and excited for war, huh, sister?" The mocking lilt came from Prince Tavorn, who was seated nearby at a small table. He plucked up a ripe apple and bit into it with a crisp crunch, chewing loudly.


    Kyra didn''t deign to respond, keeping her gaze forward as the maid''s ministrations continued. Only when Tavorn swallowed did she finally speak.


    "You think we can win this war, Tavorn?"


    The prince arched an eyebrow at her, taking another noisy bite of apple before replying. "The audacity of Drakrimore''s actions has roused the lion''s wrath. Their king will quickly learn the folly of such arrogance."


    In the dim glow of torchlight, Kyra''s lips twitched in a fleeting smirk before settling back into an indifferent mask. "Is that so?" she remarked coolly.


    Tavorn''s brow furrowed at her nonchnt demeanour. "Are you going onto the battlefield tomorrow?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice.


    Kyra chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Are you worried, dear brother?" she teased.


    "Of course, you are my little sister after all," Tavorn replied, a touch of exasperation colouring his tone.


    Though Tavorncked the skill of a swordsman or the prowess of a warrior, he found himself thrust onto the battlefield by the weight of his father''s expectations. Uninterested in court affairs and ill-prepared for the challenges thaty ahead, Tavorn''s presence in the encampment was a testament to his father''s relentless pressure.


    From a young age, he had always led a life of debauchery and fooled around.


    And now he was seeing his sister as a rival, and this war seemed like they were contesting for the throne. He could somehow tell that his father had intentionally sent both of them, telling them to prove their worth through battle, knowing that only one would emerge victorious and earn the right to inherit the kingdom.


    With a subtle hand gesture, she then dismissed the handmaiden, who bobbed a curtsy before withdrawing from the tent.


    "Tavorn, I believe it is time for you to depart and find your rest," she stated, rising from the chaise in one fluid motion. "We have a long day ahead on the morrow."


    For a protracted moment, the siblings regarded each other in stilled quiet, an unspoken undercurrent of challenge and defiance crackling between them.


    Until finally, Tavorn broke away with a derisive snort.


    "As you wish...sister." He bit off thest word with just a hint of mocking emphasis before brushing past her and ducking through the tent ps.


    Left alone in the stillness, Kyra moved to the entrance and watched her brother''s silhouette recede into the gloom. A strange, unreadable expression flickered across her porcin features for the briefest instant.


    Then she was turning away, all thoughts of warring nobles and contentious princes banished as she refocused on the unavoidable bloodshed and battle lying dead ahead.


    Exiting Kyra''s tent, Tavorn made his way back to his own, where two women awaited him. They were both dressed in transparent gowns, waiting for him. All of their private parts were clearly visible through the sheer fabric, and Tavorn smirked as he approached them, ready to indulge in the night''s pleasures.


    With practised efficiency, they undressed him and reced his garments withfortable night attire. As they offered him alcohol and settled onto the bed with him, Tavorn voiced his confusion. "I don''t understand what she is thinking," he mused aloud.


    "My lord, why strain yourself?" One of the women reassured him. "Let her take the lead, and the results will naturally favour you, the future king."


    The other woman chimed in, her voice soft and soothing. "Indeed, my lord."


    "No, I need to make my presence known on the battlefield, and for that, I have that old Kimon by my side. I am sure he wille up with something."


    Tavornughed, the tension easing from his shoulders as he indulged in the pleasures of the night.


    The night was alive with the sounds ofughter and moans, as Tavorn indulged in the pleasures of the moment. As he took a sip of his wine, he was getting more into the mood. The soft glow of the candles illuminated the tent, casting a warm glow on the two women whoy beside him. Tavorn had been eagerly anticipating this moment since morning, after a long day of travelling and attending meetings.


    As he ran his hands through their hair, he couldn''t help but feel grateful for this moment of pure bliss and rxation.


    *


    Kaeso strode into the area where his troops were camped, immediately spotting the hulking figure of Jaegar sitting alone before a small fire. As he approached, his subordinate, Arrane, hurried over, his face etched with indignation.


    "My lord, I must speak with you about that...that diator," Arrane began hotly. "His behaviour ispletely out of line! He refuses to--"


    "Enough," Kaeso cut him off sharply, holding up a silencing hand. He fixed Arrane with a quelling stare. "You will mind your impudent tongue when speaking of Jaegar. He is to be treated with respect."


    Arrane opened his mouth as if to protest further, but the look in Kaeso''s eyes clearly booked no argument. With a huff, he mped his jaw shut once more.


    "You ingrate," Kaeso went on, his voice low and dangerous. "Why would you speak of him so disrespectfully? What the hell do you think you are doing?"


    When Arrane made it as if to respond again, Kaeso''s hand whipped out, cracking across the man''s face with a stinging p. Arrane recoiled, his eyes widening in shock and dismay.


    "From now on, you will not raise your voice against Jaegar again," Kaeso stated with finality. "In fact, you and all the men will make yourselves avable to anticipate his every need and want. Do I make myself absolutely clear?"


    Thoroughly cowed, Arrane could only nod mutely, cupping his reddened cheek. Kaeso held his stony re a moment more before turning on his heel and stalking over to where Jaegar sat isted before the fire.


    "Jaegar," he said in a more measured tone, sping his hands behind his back. "I trust my men didn''t cause you any undue trouble this night?"


    Jaegar said nothing at first, continuing to stare into the licking mes. Just when Kaeso thought he wouldn''t respond, Jaegar shifted his weight and spoke in that same rasping bass rumble.


    "Just tell them not to shout so loudly. It''s...noisy."


    Kaeso allowed himself a small smile, giving Jaegar a shallow nod of acknowledgement. "Of course. And please, do not hesitate to make any other requests. My people are at your disposal."


    He paused, wondering how best to broach his next desire. "In fact...you once mentioned that you would be willing to lend your aid and skills if I required them. Is that offer still open?"


    Finally, Jaegar''s piercing gaze swung around to bore into Kaeso. The diator turned magician seemed to weigh and measure him as if peering into his very soul. At length, he gave a grunt that might have been affirmation.


    Hardly daring to breathe, Kaeso pressed on. "Then would you be amenable to apanying mypany on the march,e first light? Your...talents...could prove most fortuitous on the field of battle."


    Another stretching pause. Then: "Very well. I will join you."


    Unable to contain himself, Kaeso''s smile blossomed fully, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Excellent! I''ll have a tent and any other necessities you require ready at once."