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siya_m_writes , whathepeach , rikaaraji468 , leoisminehehe , author_aishna , schma10 , jennasuits91 , Sanaa_pseudonym , Angelisalise , Nalut5 , and Drasilforrest for reading my chapters about being so supportive! Having a community to write and grow with is important and I really wanted to personally thank you. I suggest checking out these books to those who are interested in finding gems on this app.

I think all of you are fantastic writers and you truly motivated me to write better (which I hope the change can be seen in this chapter!). I am back on track with writing and I'm so excited to share this with you! Please do let me know what you think :)

Iris POV

The palace gates stood before us, reinforced with layers of steel and rows of armed guards. Despite the exhaustion pressing down on my body, and the grime clinging onto my uniform, my senses remained sharp, scanning for threats in the shadows. Beside me, Bliss walked with a hollow expression, her movements sluggish but steady. Esled led the group, his jaw tight as the tense atmosphere pressed down on us.

A guard barked orders as we approached. His spear gleamed in the faint torchlight, his stance rigid with suspicion at our group covered by soot.

Esled raised his hands in a calming gesture. "It's me. Prince Esled Serfecvk. I've returned with survivors."

The guard disregarded what he said. Instead, his eyes narrowed in on me, unaware of my rank, "Where have you been?" he demanded. "The city burns, and you abandon your post? We've had orders not to let anyone through."

A murmur rippled through the guards, and I noticed their grips tightening on their weapons. My muscles tensed instinctively. Behind me, Bliss bristled, and I stepped closer to her, murmuring low, "Not now."

Esled squared his shoulders, his voice firm. "The attackers drove us back. We've fought our way here, and now I'm ordering you to let us through."

For a moment, the guard didn't move, his expression unreadable. I flashed him my rank, the commander in the shadow army. The King wanted me to keep my identity hidden, but for this instant we needed to get through. The guard took the hint and lowered his spear begrudgingly before motioning for the gates to open. "The King won't like this," he muttered.

The doors groaned as they parted, revealing the chaos inside. High ranked nobles filled the grand halls, some drinking, others laughing. The nobles' separate celebrations carried on as if nothing occurred outside of the walls.

Different food spreads were on the tables, untouched, wasted. Hidden, but not out of sight, stood fellow members of the best performing soldiers. They had been assigned to the corrupt elite of the capital that were most loyal to the King.

"This is what he calls protecting his people?" Bliss muttered under her breath, bitterness seeping into her voice.

I said nothing, my focus ahead as we climbed the stairs toward the throne room. My stomach churned with unease, the silence among our group heavier than the blood stained air. Esled's steps quickened as we approached the grand doors.

Two royal guards stood at attention, crossing their spears as we neared. One spoke, his voice clipped. "The King isn't seeing anyone."

"He'll see me," Esled snapped, brushing past them with the authority only a prince could wield. The doors swung open with a sharp creak, revealing the King seated on his ornate throne as our group entered. I silently signalled for one of the guards to take the girl away beforehand and send her to have her injuries treated.

As we entered the throne room, it was vast and cold, the light from the high windows casting long shadows across the polished stone floor. The King sat atop his gilded seat, his posture regal and unmoving as we stood before him. His gaze was the one of a predator assessing its prey. I didn't miss seeing that face.

I could tell Bliss didn't either as she cowered beside me along with Flare while Jalk and Chance stood up straight despite the state of their injuries. Esled stepped forward, his voice sharp and accusing. "You had a hidden army this entire time? And you didn't use it to protect the city? People are dying!"

The King's expression didn't falter, his tone measured and unrepentant. "The shadow army is not a tool to be wielded carelessly, boy. It is a safeguard, one I've kept from you for good reason."

Esled's hands curled into fists, his voice rising. "You've kept it from me? I'm supposed to be the future king! How am I supposed to protect the people if you're hiding resources like this?"

"You are not ready to handle such power," the King replied coldly, his gaze locking in on Esled. "And judging by your performance thus far, I stand by that decision."

The words landed like a slap, and for a moment, Esled looked as though he might explode. But before he could respond, the King's eyes shifted to me, sharp and appraising.

"Iris Aekns," he said, his tone heavy with authority.

The sound of my name from his lips sent a ripple of unease through the room. I straightened instinctively, meeting his gaze without flinching. I would never show weakness in front of him.

"You've served as the commander of my shadow army for a while now," the King continued, his words cutting through the silence. "You've proven your worth time and again, and yet here you are, joining in my foolish son's recklessness. Explain yourself."

The tension in the room was palpable. Esled's head snapped toward me, his confusion evident. "Commander of the shadow army? You?"

Esled whipped around as he looked at the others, "Wait," he paused. "Did you all know too?" The others averted their gazes, the silence heavy.

I held my ground, my voice steady as I replied, "I was sent to the outskirts to monitor potential threats, Your Majesty. When the attack began, I did what I could to protect the prince."

"And now you find yourself here," the King mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Convenient."

Esled cut in, his tone sharp. "And how is that convenient? Anyone care to share what else I don't know about my kingdom?"

The King ignored him, his gaze still fixated on me. "The attack has exposed many weaknesses in our defenses, not the least of which is the lack of a competent guard for my son. Your skills are wasted in the shadows, Aekns. From this moment forward, you are Prince Esled's personal guard."

The announcement hung in the air like a thunderclap.

"What?" Esled exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "You can't just assign me a guard without asking!"

The King's eyes narrowed. "I can, and I have. You are the crown prince, Esled. Your safety is paramount, even if you refuse to recognize the dangers around you. Aekns will ensure you survive long enough to learn."

"I don't need a babysitter," Esled snapped.

"And yet you do, " I mumbled under my breath, loud enough for those around me to hear. Esled's head snapped toward me while a muffled chuckle came from my right.

"That was not a request," the King's voice cut through, his tone like steel. "This discussion is over."

The king's eyes settled on Esled's injured state while his voice echoed in my head, "Make sure you visit the shield Malek to heal those injuries. Teach Esled about the powers and introduce him to Jon Flax's journals while you're at it."

I had never quite gotten used to the king's telepathic abilities whenever he privately spoke into my mind. I didn't like the feeling.

...

The heavy doors to the throne room swung open as Esled stormed out, his anger radiating off him in waves. I followed, my steps measured and calm, though my mind churned with questions. First, I needed to put that aside and get us to a shield before the injuries we sustained became infected. I could tell by the way Jalk and Chance limped that their bodies weren't in good shape.

As we approached the hidden part of the palace, the guards stationed there straightened at the sight of me. One of them, a young man with a nervous demeanor, stammered, "C-Captain Aekns, sir. We didn't know you were—"

"Enough," I interrupt, shooting him a sharp look. "Stand at ease."

The guard immediately obeyed, though his hands still trembled slightly as he lowered his weapon. The other guards exchanged uneasy glances, their respect for my rank evident in their rigid postures.

Esled noticed the exchange, his frustration bubbling over. "So, what, you're some kind of legend to them? Why wasn't I aware of any of this? How am I the only one who didn't know?"

I turned to him, my expression unreadable. "You didn't ask."

His eyes narrowed. "That's not an answer."

"It's the only one you're getting," I replied, my tone leaving no room for argument. It's not like I wanted this either.

Esled let out a frustrated growl, running a hand through his hair. "This is ridiculous. You're supposed to be my guard, but I don't even know who you really are."

"You'll figure it out," I said simply, moving past him. "For now, focus on what's ahead. First, we'll tend to these injuries."

...

After answering Esled's endless questions concerning shields and how they were able to heal us in little time with their powers. After, we made our way back to the palace. In his chambers, only Bliss, Esled, and I remained with the atmosphere thick with tension. The others had been tasked with going back to their posts. Esled paced the room, his frustration palpable. Bliss sat on the edge of a chair, her arms crossed tightly as she glared at me.

"You're just going to go along with this?" she asked, her voice sharp. "You're really going to let him dictate your life like that?"

"This isn't about me," I replied, my tone calm but firm. "It's about protecting the city. If guarding Esled is the best way to ensure that, then so be it."

Bliss scoffed, shaking her head. "You're playing right into his hands, Iris. He's using you."

"He's using all of us," I said evenly. "The difference is, I'm willing to do what it takes to win."

Esled stopped pacing, turning to face me. "And what exactly does 'winning' look like to you, Captain?"

I met his gaze, unflinching. "It looks like you surviving long enough to lead."

His expression flickered, a mix of anger and something else—something harder to define.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice low. "But if we're doing this, we do it my way."

"We'll see," I replied, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at my lips.

What did you guys think of this chapter?

Did we like Irise and Esled's bickering? 

The writing style is different, so I'll go back and edit the others, but this felt less congested to me. Like easier to swallow and comprehend.