Bab 34: Chapter 34: The Return of Hope
The streets of Avalon erupted in wild celebration as the news spread like wildfire—Princess Asake had been found. After months of despair and suffering, the people could hardly believe it. For the citizens of Avalon, the princess was more than royalty; she was their symbol of hope, grace, and resilience. Her unjust disappearance had cast a shadow over the kingdom, and the toll it had taken was visible in the eyes of every man, woman, and child who bore the weight of uncertainty.
Merchants abandoned their stalls to cheer in the streets, blacksmiths laid down their tools, and mothers gathered their children, whispering of the princess's return as though it were a miracle. Shouts of joy filled the air, blending with the clang of bells ringing in jubilation. Avalon had been reborn, its people clinging to the hope that Princess Asake would bring light back to their kingdom.
Within the royal palace, the atmosphere was no less electric.
"Your Majesty!" a soldier burst into the throne room, his voice breathless with excitement. He knelt before Emperor Morris, his armor still bearing the dust of the streets. "The princess has been found, Your Majesty. Commander Boyka sent word just now. She is safe and being escorted back to the palace as we speak."
The emperor froze for a moment, as though processing the enormity of the soldier's words. Then his expression shifted, disbelief giving way to unrestrained joy. "You mean to tell me my daughter has been found?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the soldier confirmed, bowing lower.
A rare smile broke across Emperor Morris's face. For the first time in weeks, the weight of grief and anger that had settled over him seemed to lift. Rising swiftly from his gilded throne, the emperor let out a triumphant laugh that echoed through the vast hall. His joy reverberated, drawing the attention of the council members seated nearby.
"Princess Asake has been found!" he declared loudly, his voice carrying authority and relief. "My daughter is safe, and Boyka has secured her freedom."
The emperor's council rose to their feet, bowing deeply as he descended the steps of his throne. "Congratulations, Your Majesty!" they said in unison, their voices a chorus of obedience.
One of the council members, a tall man with sharp features and silver hair, stepped forward cautiously. "We share in your joy, sire, but we also wish to address the situation that brought this about."
The emperor turned his sharp gaze to the council, his elation cooling just slightly. "Speak."
The councilman cleared his throat nervously. "Your Majesty, we could not help but notice the events that shook the capital recently—the bloodshed, the unrest. We now understand that these actions were part of Commander Boyka's mission to rescue the princess. But, sire…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Why were we not informed? Surely, as members of your council, we deserved to know of such an operation."
Another official added in a tone that bordered on insolence, "It makes us wonder, Your Majesty, whether you truly trust us to serve you." Murmurs of agreement rippled through the council chamber.
The emperor's face darkened as he raised a hand, silencing the murmurs instantly. "Enough," he said coldly. The authority in his voice was undeniable, and the room fell into uneasy silence.
"Do you think I withheld information from you out of spite?" the emperor demanded, his piercing gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. "I sanctioned this mission in secrecy because it was necessary." His voice rang with steel. "Avalon has been infiltrated by traitors—men who would rather see this kingdom fall into the hands of our enemies than remain loyal to their emperor."
He stepped closer to the council, his tone lowering into a dangerous calm. "The recent bloodshed was not without purpose. The rebels and spies who sought to undermine my rule have been rooted out, and the traitors among us have been revealed."
A heavy silence fell over the room as the weight of his words sank in. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, wondering whose names had been uncovered in the emperor's purge.
"Your Majesty," a council member spoke cautiously, "do you intend to reveal these traitors?"
The emperor's eyes narrowed as he answered, "Yes. At tonight's banquet, I will name them. They will be executed for their treachery, and their deaths will serve as a warning to all who think to betray Avalon."
A ripple of discomfort passed through the council. The banquet, meant to celebrate Princess Asake's return, would now be tainted with blood. One official dared to protest. "Sire, do you truly believe calling out their names in such a public setting is wise? Perhaps we should handle this matter… discreetly."
The emperor turned sharply, his tone brooking no argument. "This is how I will handle it. Do any of you dare stand against me?" His voice carried a dangerous edge that froze the officials where they stood.
"Never, Your Majesty," they replied hastily, bowing once again. "Your will is our command."
"Good," the emperor said, his tone softening slightly. "Then see to it that the palace is prepared for the banquet. I want no delays."
With that, the emperor dismissed the council. The officials filed out of the chamber, their murmurs hushed as they left. Some wondered whether their own names might appear on the emperor's list, while others simply focused on ensuring the banquet's success.
---
As the preparations for the banquet began, word of the princess's return continued to spread through Avalon. The palace grounds buzzed with activity as servants cleaned, decorated, and prepared the great hall for the evening's celebration. Long tables were adorned with silken tablecloths, golden goblets, and platters of the finest foods the kingdom could offer. Torches were lit to illuminate the gardens, and musicians practiced songs of triumph and joy.
Throughout the palace, there was a mix of excitement and unease. While the people rejoiced at the return of Princess Asake, whispers of the emperor's impending announcement cast a shadow over the evening. Who would be named a traitor? Who would face the executioner's blade?
At the same time, the soldiers stationed at the palace stood taller, prouder than they had in weeks. Boyka's name was on every tongue—a hero who had not only rescued the princess but also brought justice to those who had betrayed Avalon.
---
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the emperor stood on his balcony overlooking the city. The streets of Avalon, once marred by violence and fear, now gleamed with hope. Lanterns were being lit, their golden glow casting warmth over the city as people prepared for the celebration.
Emperor Morris clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Tonight, his daughter would return. Tonight, Avalon would know the cost of betrayal—and the strength of loyalty.
"Boyka," the emperor muttered to himself, a rare note of pride in his voice. "You've done well."
As the final preparations fell into place, Avalon awaited the return of its princess, the man who had saved her, and the justice that would unfold under the emperor's iron rule.
Lights out.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone