“Show him in,” the king ordered, masking unease behind the measured timbre of command.

leuan advanced into the gilded chamber, bowing deeply, features arranged into patriotic anguish. “Your Majesty, rumor says the Roaring Storm Bell remains missing while unrest spreads through Celestia. My heart cannot rest, therefore I come to offer counsel.”

Aurelius gestured for him to rise. “Speak plainly.”

“Sire, demonic souls gather, and the Malevolent Path Hall watches for weakness. Taking into account the Celestial Palace’s hesitation to take action, our realm is beset within and without.” leuan sighed before continuing, “First, we must strengthen ties with the Celestial Palace. A royal marriage would secure their banner. With their backing, Malevolent Path Hall will think twice, and the demonic souls can be checked.”

Aurelius’ brow knit. “I have considered such an alliance, yet Jared still investigates the Roaring Storm Bell. We must weigh every move.”

leuan hurriedly uttered, “I beg Your Majesty not to delay. The bell has been gone for days with no clue. If the proposal stalls, Celestial Palace may doubt our sincerity. Enaricus holds considerable sway there. Binding our princess to his son would grant us his strength to probe Malevolent Path Hall and raise our standing among the divine clans. Reports say agents of Malevolent Path Hall linger near Celestia, eyeing the sealed demonic souls beneath our streets. Without the Celestial Palace behind us, should they unite with other factions, our kingdom could not endure.”

Aurelius fell silent. leuan might be dramatizing, yet his warning carried truth the king dared not dismiss.