"I believe it is the best option."
"I agree with the opinion of His Royal Highness. As devastating as it is, we must ensure his safety at all costs."
"One of our own may be susceptible to manipulation. Therefore, it seems prudent to restrict the information about the young master's whereabouts to a selected few "
Their voices ca from left and right. Moulin did not know who to listen anymore. All of them spoke of one thing; his confinent. The best course of action, they could think of. The young master sat with his back straight while they talked as though he weren't there with them. Beside him, his eldest brother gripped the back rest of his chair with so much strength the dark wood began to crack.
His knuckles turned white with strain the more he listened.
"While restricting his magical abilities may seem extre, it will mitigate the potential dangers of further ambushes."
"Yes, I agree-"
His patience snapped.
"I refuse! He will not be imprisoned!" There was so much rage in his voice. Moulin could almost see fire bursting from his eyes. However, the lords were unrelenting before his stand.
"My lord, you must understand. It is for his own well-being. Additionally, there will co a mont when one must prioritize the greater good over familial bonds."
To rule with wisdom, one must be prepared to make sacrifices. Lord Fraunces knew the lesson very well. Yet, he could not dare to prioritize anything above his dear family, especially his youngest brother. He was torn between duty and his interest. The lords would laugh at his predicant.
Moulin recognized the conflicting emotions surging within his eldest broither's eyes. He could not bear to watch his brother tear himself apart from the inside. Moulin knew the lesson well. His father's previous words were strict and resolute. All in service of elevating the prestige of their family na.
A loud scoff broke the silence. Several eyes turned to the large man with folded arms, observing them with unimpressed eyes. Fridal Hyantor of Grekellia spoke, "Certainly, none among you considered the viewpoint of the young master in your judgnt. If he chooses to respond, the responsibility will rest solely on your shoulders. Let us not overlook the formidable power he possesses."
The rchant lord had a point which made the backs of every single person within the room tense. Of course, how could they forget? Nonetheless, their decision was undoubtedly displeasing to him. Were they to find themselves in his position, they would undoubtedly harbor intense resentnt and a sense of betrayal.
It is when Lord Hercullio shifted his attention to the silent silver-eyed youth before his audience did the lords straighted their backs, waiting anxiously.
Unexpectedly finding himself at the center of attention, Moulin calmly began to think. He felt his eldest brother relax by his side and Moulin was relieved with that. However, the matter was heavy and undoubtedly unavoidable. He must co to a decision that satisfies both sides.
He raised his gaze, eting Hadrian's eyes. The look the man gave him was firm and undescribable. It is as if any choice of Moulin would be final, and no degree of objection can alter it.
'Honestly...' Moulin sighed helplessly.
His brother as well. These uncontrollable n.
It is a pity...
Silver eyes are raised to face several anxious faces. No matter how calm they looked, Moulin could feel their rising unease.
He loathes the idea of being stripped from his magic and being confined to an unfamiliar place. Just the re thought of it, scares him. However, he starts to ponder the possible repercussions of rejecting this course of action. Demons would continue to attack the city and they will not rest until he is captured. He will put the lives of the people he cared for in jeopardy.
Moulin reveals a self-deprecating smile. How disgraceful it is for him to prioritize his own concerns over the welfare of those whom he loved. Moulin could never...
The answer was already simple.
With a serene gaze, the youth spoke. "The lords have solely considered the welfare of the people, and for that, I comnd you. Hence, I shall acquiesce to your decision."
"Moulin!" His eldest brother's voice roared in protest.
Relief grew on the weary faces surrounding him. Each continuously praised him for his wise decision and his concern for the citizens of Helios.
Lady Klaria glanced at Prince Vascilicus who nodded in understanding. Lord Hyantor seed a bit interested now. He turned to observe the High lord's reactions as though he was expecting a worthy show.
Lord Hercullio's golden eyes deepened. There is a noticeable tilt of his head. Moulin could feel uncertainty clouding the High Lord's mind. Anything Moulin wished will be done. Yet, is this his genuine wish? Hadrian understood that his partner wouldn't relinquish freedom without a profound struggle.
His magic and soul are interlinked.
Unfortunately, Moulin wasn't finished.
"However, I only have one condition." The youth began. When he caught all of their attention, he continued. "I might agree to be confined to the farthest reaches you can imagine, but my magical abilities are not to be restricted. I object to that. Nevertheless, the thod of confinent is your decision. I will endure it."
The mont the last word fell into their ears, murmurs spread between the Lords. In hushed tones, they began to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of agreeing to the young master's terms.
"Moulin..." Maxille called. His eyes are down-casted, unable to accept the situation. With all his will, he restrained his emotions, spitting out the words almost tremblingly.
"Are you... truly... sure about this?"
The youth's captivating silver eyes softened. "Brother, I will be fine... It will be... alright."
.....
"We shall delve deeper into this matter upon receiving responses from the other bases. Until then, maintain utmost discretion and refrain from divulging the details of this eting to the public."
The leaders ceased their mutterings, awaiting the rest of the High Lord's statent.
"Furthermore, Young lord Moulin shall be confined within floor of his quarters until this matter is settled. Increase the number of guards on the floor twofold."
Lord Fraunces' brows are furrowed when the High Lord glanced at him silently.
"Appoint guards to monitor him at all tis, young lord."
Clenching his jaw, Lord Maxille placed a hand on his youngest brother's shoulder as he bowed slightly to the man. "Yes, Your Excellency "
The leaders made a sound of agreent. Although, a few wanted to voice their thoughts to the table, they resisted. They will be given another chance at another ti.
Lord Hercullio lifts his face. His features, sculpted with regal precision, spoke of a commanding presence, and his piercing gaze assessed each expression within his vision. "I trust that each of you comprehends the gravity of this matter, do you not?"
"Yes, Your Excellency." The Leaders responded.
WIth a nod, he dismissed the leaders. The people gradually trickled out of the room. Gaile was escorted by Ghana along with two guards. He is to be transfered to a more secured place.
Moulin felt a strict hand guide him hurriedly towards the door. He looked up and realized his eldest brother couldn't wait to get him out of the room as soon as possible.
"Moulin. Stay." A deep voice sounded, halting their steps.
Lord Fraunces narrowed his eyes, turning to lord Hadrian. No matter how long he tried to discern the man's expression, he failed.
Varick took it as his cue to leave as well. There were matters between the two lovers that should be left unheard.
With a sigh, Moulin laid a comforting hand on top his eldest brother's hand resting on his shoulder. His silver eyes are serene, seeking the lord's gaze. With a soft voice, he urged. "Brother..."
The older brother's eyes deepened, revealing a profound sense of protectiveness towards his younger brother. Despite his hesitance, Maxille could only yield and accompany Varick out of the room. He cast a brief gaze at Moulin's silhouette, who had turned away as the door shut.
"I will not run or hide." Moulin began while silence descended within the room. Their gazes, gold and blue, intertwined with silent fondness.
He stood, surrounded by loneliness. The room seed too large now despite having only two people residing within. The Golden Lord who sat at the large ornate table rose from his seat, approaching Moulin in a slow yet montuous gait. He never looked away from the youth's lancholic silver gaze.
A warm and heavy hand slipped smoothly at the sides of the youth's waist. The other reached to caress his soft and pale cheek. Moulin slightly raised his head with a helpless sigh.
"Sohow... I knew it would co to this..." With a slightly tremble, he whispered the words. One could dread the emotions, surging within the youth's eyes.
"You are afraid." The High Lord forcefully and quietly extracted the concealed truth, yet when he spoke, he sounded as though he was telling a sad tale. Only Moulin could discern the hidden danger dripping amidst his words.
"It will be alright. It was a wise decision and you have thought carefully." He leans closer until their noses barely touched.
"No matter what happens. I will protect you. I swear it."
Moulin felt his heartbeat pulsing with the bond intertwining their souls. He closed his eyes and felt their foreheads touch gently.
.....
The leaders upheld their promise, maintaining a discreet silence as they continued their duties, avoiding any hint of suspicion. However, one or two could sense sothing amiss. Seers began to pondered why so of their mages were tasked to stay vigilant and be more attentive to recieving news from other bases.
Sentinels questioned the frequency with which certain warriors were assigned to a specific floor of one of the towers. Subordinates noticed how their leaders seed to be more tensed than usual. They were not stupid. Sothing definitely occured.
"Where's Moulin?"
Within his quarters, Lord Emlen, the second master of the Fraunces Nobility, asked thoughtfully while disseminating the reports from the pathfinders who had just arrived from scouting the land this morning. With a lazy expression, he leaned back on his chair while waiting for his eldest brother's response.
Lord Maxille, who ca to break the news to his younger brother, froze while lifting the teacup to his mouth.
Emlen caught the abnormality of his actions quickly. He gradually rose from the chair. "Brother?"
"He... is alright..." Maxille finally responded, recovering his composure.
"...?" Emlen slightly tilted his head. He stared for a a few seconds before relaxing back on his seat. "I see. It's just. I haven't seen him for few days."
"You may visit his quarters if you like."
Emlen nodded, "I will."
Maxille made a sound of agreent and looked away when Emlen began to focus on his work. As silence fell, the lord's gaze fell on his distorted reflection on the tea water, perturbed and jittery. After a mont, he steeled his heart and broke the silence with a sigh.
"I ca to inform you of sothing... it pertains significantly to Moulin."
...
In a specific chamber, a subtle chill pervaded the atmosphere. A beauteous silver-eyed young man sat on the chaise expressionlessly. He is dressed loosely and his hair cascaded down his shoulders in large waves. His languid posture emitted a relaxed aura. That is, if they could ignore the coldness in his eyes.
Varick straightened his back with a smile and gestured to the two young n standing perfectly still behind him. "Young master, these are the guards chosen to ensure your safety."
Moulin found himself growing increasingly frustrated with the confinent to his chamber for the past few days. He wasn't used to it. Because of this, his mood worsened and he lacked the energy to engage with anyone, even it was Varick, Hadrian's trusted confidant.
The youth ignored Varick's helpless expression and unhurriedly shifted his attention to the two people presented before him. He squinted his eyes slightly.
"...?"
There was sothing familiar about them.
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