The next day in court started in the practice ground where, a day ago, they were the palace soldiers are laying in the sand.
As Aira, Ria, and Kael stepped onto the ground, a rain of questions started.
As the whispers about “Northern invaders” grew louder, Aira stood tall in the center of the arena.
Her voice was steady as she addressed the suspicious eyes of the court.
“There is no need for conspiracy,” she said calmly.
“My father, the Great General Arin, lived here.
We have come back to the capital for a vacation to visit our childhood home and settle our family properties.
The North is calm for now, and we wished to see the place where we were born.
As for the fight—I am a warrior.
I apologize if anyone feels ashamed, but a soldier’s mistakes lead to a soldier’s death.”
The crowd went silent as King Rowan, who had been listening to everything Aira said calmly.
His voice carried the weight of history.
“You are exactly like your father, girl,” the King said, his eyes misting with memory.
“If he were here today, he would be bursting with pride.
You remind me of the dark day your father died.
I had to choose a new General for the North, and I was worried the border would fall.”
The King looked at Aira, Ria, and Kael. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“Then, three children stepped forward.
You were so young, yet you demanded the chance to lead.
When I told you that you were just kids, you looked me in the eye and said, ‘We are the students of General Arin.
It is our turn to take responsibility.’ I remember your mothers standing behind you, telling you not to let your fathers down.
You went to the front lines, you won that war, and you became the legends you are today.”
The soldiers who had been laughing earlier now looked down at the ground in shame.
They weren’t just looking at a “girl”—they were looking at the heroes who had held the kingdom’s most dangerous border since they were teenagers.