CHAPTER 1086: THEIR DUTIES

Erend nodded at the king’s words. He shared the same thought, they really need to cleanse the area around the palace from the remnants of the dead enemies that had once tried to breach its walls and failed.

Even though many corpses had been burned, many more had only been buried, their blood seeping into the ground, carrying hatred and a lingering spirit that could still be twisted into rising once again.

"I also think it is a good step, Your Majesty," Erend said firmly.

King Gulben’s frown deepened with consideration before he asked, "Do you have any other suggestions, Erend?"

Erend paused, his gaze drifting toward the tall arched window.

Outside, a flying machine swept across the palace skies, guided by an Elf who steered it with precision.

Its surface gleamed with metal, but the faint runes glowing along its frame revealed the fusion of Magic and steel.

It was a clear sign of the kingdom’s progress under king Gulben’s and Saeldir’s vision.

Turning back, Erend said, "You only need to keep implementing these changes as best as you can. From what I see, your people are capable of more than enough to carry it forward."

King Gulben gave a single nod. "That is also my intention. Saeldir and I already have a few plans for the next construction."

Aurdis stood silently among the courtiers, her hands clasped against her skirt. Her eyes never leave Erend.

She longed for him, and missed for the warmth of his presence, for the touch she had been denied since duty always placed itself between them.

Her lips pressed together. Her grip tightening on the folds of her skirt as she swallowed the ache inside her chest.

She knew they would not have their time together again anytime soon. And that feels painful.

Erend, unaware of her longing, remained focused on the king’s words.

Around them, the advisors began scribbling notes and issuing quiet instructions without waiting for Gulben’s order.

They knew their work and wasted no time.

The king looked at his advisors with approval, pride hidden behind his calm expression. Then his gaze turned back to Erend and shifted briefly to Aesa.

"And you two, what will you do next?" the king asked.

Erend straightened. "We need to go to another place and give warning. More areas need preparation. That is our task."

"Then I will not keep you any longer," King Gulben said, his voice steady. "Do what you must."

Erend bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Beside him, Aesa stood still, her cold gaze fixed on the king. She offered no bow or any gesture of respect. Her face was straight and unreadable and cold as before.

King Gulben did not mind. If anyone else dared to do that, he would have taken offense. But a Dragonborn was beyond such rules and the courtiers knew it as well. They did not stir at her silence.

Erend and Aesa turned and began walking toward the grand doors.

Just as they reached them Aurdis’s voice broke through.

"I will take them outside, Father," Aurdis said.

She moved quickly to follow. Once the three of them stepped out of the throne room, the heavy doors closed behind them.

Aurdis reached out and caught Erend’s hand, pulling him gently to stop.

Erend turned to her with a questioning look, his brows lifting slightly.

"What?" Erend asked softly, his voice steady but curious as he looked at her.

Aurdis opened her mouth, but no words came. She couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stay, not when she knew he still had so many important tasks ahead of him.

Yet the truth pressed inside her chest. She wanted nothing more than to keep him here, even for a little while longer. Her throat tightened.

So she stayed silent, her eyes locked on his eyes, shimmering with a sadness she couldn’t hide. Her teeth pressed against her lip, betraying the anxiety she tried to contain.

Erend understood without her saying anything. He let out a long breath, his shoulders heavy.

"I’m sorry," he said quietly. "I want to stay with you here but..." His words trailed off, the rest caught in his chest. Pain flickered in his heart but he forced it down, hiding it behind the stone-hard mask he had grown used to wearing.

"I... I know," Aurdis whispered, her voice trembling before she forced it into something steadier. She gave him a bitter smile, thin and fragile. "I also still need to do my job. We both have our duty, right?"

Erend’s gaze lingered on her. His face stayed firm, but inside he felt the same ache she carried.

He could see through her attempt to hide it—the sorrow she tried to bury still burned in her eyes.

"You’re right," Erend said at last, his voice low. "I will meet you again after this."

He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a fleeting moment of warmth in the cold air between them. Then, without another word, he stepped back and turned away, walking down the corridor with Aesa at his side.

Aesa glanced back for a few seconds at Aurdis, still standing where Erend had left her, before turning her gaze forward again. Her pale eyes shifted to him.

"You and her... you both look like you’re in pain," she said quietly.

Erend didn’t answer. His steps remained steady. His eyes locked straight ahead, his face still set in that stern unyielding mask.

Aesa let out a long sigh. "That’s why I don’t want to be involved with anyone again."

Erend finally cut his gaze toward her. "Again?" he asked, his voice carrying a faint edge of curiosity.

"Yeah." Aesa’s tone was flat, but her eyes grew distant, as if she was peering into something far away, something buried.

"It’s not only you who has a sad story." She paused, her lips pressing together before she added, "I just want to tell you this, use your time wisely with your loved ones. You never know when it will end."

Erend looked at her for a moment, the weight of her words brushing against his thoughts, but he said nothing.

His silence lingered as they reached the garden once more. The air outside was cooler, the faint breeze carrying the scent of grass and blooming flowers.

Without delay, Erend lifted his hand. Energy flared and a portal shimmered open before them.

He stepped forward, Aesa following at his side.

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