Chapter Two

"You almost sent the entire kingdom into a panic, you know."

Clark bristled at his father's lecturing and stared wordlessly at the floor of the carriage.

Seeing no reply from his son, Jonathan rubbed the bridge of his nose exasperatedly.

Luckily he had managed to diffuse the situation at the tourney grounds by explaining that Clark was wearing chain mail, hence the sword did not wound him, and Sir Walt was very inebriated so his strike was not as forceful as it looked. Many of those present also reasoned that they had probably not seen Clark arrive on the scene because they were too distracted by the actions of Sir Walt and Pete.

Though some others still had their doubts, especially Chloe, nobody could find any other satisfactory explanations and left it at that.

"What else was I supposed to do?" the younger lord retorted, "Stand by and watch as Sir Walt murdered my friend?"

"Maybe," Jonathan sighed, "Or maybe you should have waited and let the royal guard do their duty."

"But none of them did anything! Even when Prince Lex called for Sir Walt to stop, the guards were all too shocked to take any action."

"Clark, I'm not saying what you did was wrong, I'm trying to say you did not think things through clearly. You acted on your impulses before you rationalized the situation."

"There wasn't any time to think!"

"There's always time to think."

Martha looked awkwardly between her husband and her son, both of who refused to meet each other's eyes. She sighed. This wasn't the first time such an incident had occurred, although it was the first time Clark had brazenly showed his abilities in front of so many people. It was always difficult lecturing him afterwards because they all knew he was good and had only wanted to do the right thing. Reprimanding him felt wrong, but at the moment Jonathan was right. She placed a reassuring hand on Clark's shoulder.

"Sweetheart, we're just looking out for you… You saw how the crowd reacted. They weren't ready to come to grips with the thought that… that such power exists in our land."

"But you saw what Sir Walt did, didn't you?" Clark said, "He shot heat from his eyes just like I can. There are others with powers like mine!"

"And they all shouted that he was cursed and a monster..."

Clark fell silent. He recalled how the people recoiled in fear and hissed when Sir Walt began to set fire to the tourney grounds. Many believed the flames to be a trickery, caches of explosive powder left on the grounds beforehand and set alight when Sir Walt triggered sparks with his sword. Those who did suspect some metaphysical force, however, began violently demanding he be put to death.

A cold feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. But he was different, he had only tried to help. Did they not see that? Would they really view him the same as they did Sir Walt?

He had never asked for these abilities. He just wanted to be seen the same as his peers.

Or was he doomed to forever be treated like a pariah by those he only wanted to protect?

The sight of Lana's fearful express crossed his mind. She had looked so confused and... frightened...

But he wasn't a monster... was he? Didn't she know that?

Jonathan and Martha looked worried. They knew Clark was beginning to sense the gravity of his abilities and the pull, the need, to do something greater. It hurt them to see the brief spark of hope in his eyes, the belief that he perhaps wasn't as alone and abnormal as he thought, only to be painfully extinguished afterwards.

"You're not a monster, Clark," Jonathan said softly, "You have a good heart, everyone saw that today. But it just was not the right time nor the right place to reveal yourself. There will come a day when you will inspire the people of Metropolis. Your mother and I stand firmly by that belief."

Clark was silent and only offered his parents a half-hearted smile. Martha saw how a faint darkness continued to struggled behind his eyes. If only there was more they could do, but for the time being they just had to support him as best they could. The carriage slowly lurched to a halt, signaling their arrival at the castle. She was thankful for it, since the conversation needed a change of pace. Hopefully the rest of today's festivities would be able to make everyone forget about earlier.

"Come," Martha said, "Let's get you changed and cleaned up. The day isn't over yet, there's still the feast and Princess Lang's ball."

By evening, the topic of what happened at the tourney grounds was no longer a concern for most of the feast's attendees. They were now preoccupied by the lavishly decorated banquet set before them. A band of minstrels sang ballads and played jigs to which the halls' occupants danced mirthfully to, if they weren't busy with all the delicious food and drink set about the many tables lining the room. A steady stream of delectable pies, roasts, and other treats were constantly being carried out of the kitchens, and many servants made sure that the attendees' wine cups were never empty.

Clark laughed and leaned back in his seat, warm and glowing from all the wine. It had been quite a while since he had enjoyed such fine food and drink. Beside him were Lady Chloe and Lord Pete.

"So then I asked, what is the difference between a hog and Lady Linda Lake?" Chloe giggled, scarcely able to hide her amusement.

"What?" Pete and Clark asked.

"Painted lips!"

Both men roared with laughter and clutched at their sides. Clark wiped a tear from his eye and snuck a glance up at the head of the hall, where the royal family were seated except for the king who had not yet returned after he excused himself during the princess's tournament. But he had instructed them to enjoy the night without his presence, so they did.

Lana was conversing with Lex over some topic that was difficult to make out given how noisy it was in the hall.

Lex was a good prince by all accounts from those who knew him. He was of fair stature and looks, except for his head which had unfortunately lost its red hair during the great hailstorm so many years ago. Besides that, he had a very intellectual mind and was calculating in his actions, just like his father, but he hated being compared to him. He saw Lionel as cruel, callous, and manipulative, especially after he witnessed how his father treated his first wife, Lex's mother.

For that, Lex never forgave him. He often rebelled against his father's orders and sought to distance himself from Lionel's legacy by doing things his own way. In spite of his efforts, the king was always very severe on him and tried constantly to control Lex. Lionel never hesitated to punish him himself whenever the boy went awry, and many hours he had spent drilling in him policy after policy on how to properly govern a kingdom.

Most nights after his mother's death he spent alone, skulking on his bed, wishing to change the fate he was given. He didn't want to be like his father. He wanted to realize his own destiny, no matter what that may be.

The lone light in all this torment came when Lana was adopted into the royal family. She was kind and lovely, but he could see she too struggled with a different kind of darkness. Just like him. They were both individuals who found themselves in life situations they had not asked for and who strived to find ways to change their fates. It was like he wasn't so alone in this castle now. He had someone who he could protect and share in his struggles. For these reasons, he developed an affectionate sort of companionship with her.

"You look marvelous tonight," he said as he touched one of the many layers composing the skirt of her gown, "This is much more extravagant than what you usually wear."

His stepsister was a lovely young lady, but her charm was in her soft, girlish demeanor. Her figure was slender and better suited for more muted colors rather than bold ones.

"Mother insisted I wear this," she replied, "You know how she obsesses over every detail of these sorts of things."

Lex snorted. Yes, Queen Nell was certainly attentive to all matters relating to Lana, which was understandable.

"You could have worn whatever gown you liked, you know," Lex smirked, "It is your name day after all. Not Nell's. Don't be afraid to push for something you want every once in a while."

Lana smiled and thanked him. Sometimes she felt as if he was the only one who truly saw her, other than Clark, though with the latter she sometimes had doubts.

Clark was her closest childhood friend, and really her only true friend aside from Lex, but it often felt like he did not reciprocate the same level of trust. After she became princess of Metropolis, Clark distanced himself from her. They used to see each other nearly every day but now he only visited once on her name day. He wrote occasionally but too infrequently to be of much consequence, and each time his messages felt rather guarded. While the younger Lord Kent held a special place in her heart, it upset her that he possibly did not feel the same way.

Lex studied Lana's rather serious expression and wondered what currently occupied her mind. He frowned, deciding that she should not be the least bit unhappy on such a day.

"Well we can't have you sitting at this table all night," Lex rose to his feet and offered his hand, "Shall we dance?"

The princess nodded and together they set upon the floor, where they stopped to greet the many guests. Clark, Chloe, and Pete were also up and about, mingling with the other attendees, although Clark found himself standing about rather awkwardly since he did not come to court often and thus was not well acquainted with quite as many people as Chloe and Pete. He wished his parents brought him more often, but he knew they kept him in Smallville to avoid possible incidents where his secret could be exposed.

Though, he wondered if this isolation was really for the best. In situations like these it made it difficult for him to connect with his peers who already somewhat ostracized him for his status...

A familiar presence bumped into him from behind.

"Lan-!" Clark caught himself when he realized she was not alone. Clearing his throat, he began again.

"Princess Lang," he bowed, "Prince Luthor."

He was mindful to practice his best manners since he was in the presence of the prince. He did not know too much about him, other than the few stories Lana told when they met. As far as he knew, Prince Alexander was an amiable man who was always good to her, and anyone who was good to Lana was alright with Clark.

"Please," he insisted as he shook his hand, "Just Lex is fine. I've heard so much about you from my sister that I feel as if we've been friends for years already."

"Good things, I hope," Clark joked. Lana spoke about him? The thought made his heart flutter.

"Of course," Lex smiled.

"I'm glad to see you weren't sent back to Smallville," Lana returned his greeting with a curtsy.

"I am glad too, for I would have missed such a wonderful banquet!"

"Excellent. How is your injury?" the prince glanced at Clark's arm, which was concealed by a new tunic.

"Fine, I thank you," Clark smiled, "It seems Sir Walt was quite inebriated and his blow struck not as hard as I feared."

"That's good to hear," Lex said, but he still continued to regard Clark with a sort of interested expression.

While they were on the topic, Clark turned towards Lana.

"Princess, my apologies for interrupting your name day tournament. I-"

"No need to apologize," Lana interjected, "If you hadn't interfered, we might have had a different sort of disaster if Sir Walt killed Lord Ross."

"You demonstrated exemplary bravery today, Lord Kent," Lex continued, "You did not hesitate when Lord Ross was in danger even though you were unarmed. You know... we could use a man like you in the royal guard. Have you ever given any thought to joining?"

At this, Clark felt his words catch in his throat. Was the prince actually offering him a position on the guard?

The royal guard was comprised of a select group of knights sworn to protect and obey the crown at all costs. They were much more distinguished than the royal army or the city guard. The royal guard were the paradigm of honor and dignity; all members were treated with the utmost respect throughout the kingdom. Ever since Clark was a boy he had dreamed of being able to serve in their ranks. Of course many young boys dreamed of joining for the valor and the prestige, but most grew out of such dreams for more physical, materialistic pursuits. But not Clark.

To him, becoming one of the royal guard was a great honor. His powers were a gift, as his parents often said, and what better way to use these gifts for good than to join the royal guard? He could do so much, and he wouldn't have to stay shut up in Smallville. He could travel and see distant lands, all for the greater good.

Better yet, among the royal guard he would no longer be ostracized for the status of his house. All among the guard were equal, whether one came from the streets or an ancient, noble lineage.

And, being part of the guard meant he could be closer to Lana... Maybe he could even become her personal guard some day. He knew his status prevented any possibility of a serious courtship, yet if he could just be by her side, protecting her, then that would be all he would ever need in this life.

But he knew his father would not stand for it.

"Forgive me, your highness," Clark said, "I have never squired under a knight, nor received any training as a boy. I'm not sure I would be an adequate fit for the guard."

"You were raised the son of a lord," Lex replied, "You know just as much about chivalry and honor as any other in the guard. Maybe even more from what we saw today. Were you ever trained by a sword master?"

"Yes, for a short time, while I was younger, but-"

"Good! So you already know the basics. Every squire is only trained in the basics of swordplay and combat anyways, the real training comes after they swear their vows."

Clark found himself again struggling with what his heart yearned for and what his mind reasoned.

"Your highness... it would be a great honor, but I regrettably cannot. As my lord father's only heir he wishes me to remain and assist him with his lordly duties."

Gods, how it pained him to refuse such an offer, and from the prince himself no less.

"That's quite surprising," Lex raised a brow, "Since your father was once a member of the royal guard too. An exemplary one, if I recall correctly. You know, as a member of the royal guard you would be paid a salary high enough to hire a steward to assist your father in your absence. Several handmaidens for your mother as well, perhaps?"

"Prince Alexander!" a charming man with golden hair bowed as he approached the trio. He wore a rather regal outfit made of a deep, green velvet and gold trimming. He then took the princess's hand and kissed it in greeting, "Princess Lang, many blessings for your name day. And lord...?"

"Duke Queen, glad you could attend my sister's ball," Lex clapped him on the back, "This is Lord Clark of House Kent, the liege lords of Smallville. Lord Clark, this is Duke Oliver of House Queen, heir to Star City."

If Clark remembered correctly, Star City was a territory to the east of Metropolis. It was once a sovereign nation until King Lionel brought it under Metropolis's jurisdiction following the death of the former Duke and Duchess Queen. Many resented this ruler they saw as foreign but were forced to accept in order to avoid being forcefully subjugated. For the most part Lionel allowed them to be ruled independently under Duke Oliver, but they were still ultimately subject to demands from the crown when the time came. They still had to provide men for the royal army, crops and goods for the capitol, and pay heavy taxes to a ruler who many had never met. But it was a small price to pay instead of war, Lionel had said.

"A pleasure," Oliver flashed him a radiant smile, "Prince Lex, I was wondering if we could discuss in private the matter I corresponded with you about last month?"

Lex's smile fell slightly. He was quite enjoying the festivities, but business was business. "Of course. A moment, please."

He then turned to Clark, "The current generation of royal guard recruits will be swearing their vows in a couple month's time. I'd give it some thought, hm?"

The prince then bent to plant a small kiss on his sister's cheek before departing with Duke Oliver. His words resonated with Clark, who willed himself not to entertain such fantasies. When he focused again on reality, his cheeks reddened as he found himself left alone with Lana. The two shuffled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. The minstrels then began a ballad and couples gathered to dance. Lana studied the young lord who became rather nervous and tense when the song began. She wondered if he was uncomfortable in her presence.

"Would you like to dance, Sir Kent?" she said, attempting to break the frigidity between them.

"A..." Clark was taken aback, "A-Absolutely!"

Hesitantly, he offered her his hand and led her towards the dance floor. On the way he stumbled over the train of another lady's gown. He whispered an apology to the offended woman and hunched his shoulders in embarrassment. Lana laughed and tried to ease his mortification.

The beginning was a bit messy as they tried to match each other's rhythms, but eventually they managed to find a suitable albeit rocky cadence. Clark did not dance much. For a little while they continued in silence, since he was too mesmerized by the fact that he was dancing with her to think of any conversation.

"You know," Lana began, "If you became a member of the royal guard, you would come live here in the castle."

And he would be able to see her nearly every day.

"Would you like it if I did?" Clark ventured, unsurely.

"Well, you wouldn't be able to avoid me anymore," she smirked.

Clark raised a brow, perplexed, "I don't avoid you."

"Really?" she teased, "Then why do you only come see me on no other days except my name day?"

"I..."

He knew not how to respond.

"We used to play together almost every day when we were younger. Do you remember that?" Lana sighed, "Then after my mother wed the king, I told you that you could always come visit me at the castle, yet you never did."

Clark bit his lip and looked down. So she still didn't remember. In a way, he was grateful, but it still saddened him.

Six years ago, before Nell had married Lionel, Clark and Lana were inseparable. They were only fourteen but he had already confessed his love for her, and she reciprocated to his immense joy. Many a night they spent looking up at the stars dreaming of a future together. Clark believed he had finally found the one who could accept him for who he was, secrets and all.

So, against the wills of his parents, he told Lana his secret. At first, she was confused and hesitant, which briefly drove him to panic, but her worries eased and were instead replaced by curiosity. She asked to see a display of his powers, to which he obliged. He could never deny her anything.

Lana had placed her utmost trust in him when she wrapped her arms around his neck. Clark was nervous but determined to impress her. He used his still developing super speed, leaping from roof to roof, tree to tree, climbing greater and greater heights. The young lord was eager to show her his life, what he was capable of, and the exhilaration he felt when using his powers.

For Lana, the experience was both nerve-wracking and exciting. She was in awe of his capabilities, but she was not used to it and struggled to hold on.

Clark remembered vividly the moment her fingers lost their grip. He could still feel the horrible coldness overtaking his being as he watched her plummet to the ground, screaming in fear. He raced after her, but he was not yet fast enough to save her.

Jonathan and Martha found him not long after, sobbing and clutching at Lana's unconscious form.

For the next several days Clark had refused to visit Lana's bedside even as she teetered between life and death. He could not will himself to face the consequences of what he had done to her. The guilt was too much.

Fortunately, the gods were merciful, and eventually Lana regained consciousness. She had no recollection of the incident, nor of Clark's confessions, which he took as a sign. From that day forth, he resolved to protect her from the truth of his powers, from himself, since he had harmed her once. He could not bear the thought of endangering her again.

"I had duties to take care of in Smallville," he mumbled. A poor excuse.

Lana smiled an empty smile.

"We all have duties, don't we?" her voice grew distant, "Things everyone expects from us... Me, Crowned Princess Lang of Metropolis, and you, future Lord Kent of Smallville... Life would be so much easier if we could just leave those responsibilities behind, wouldn't it?"

Clark shifted uncomfortably.

"Maybe..." he lied. He above all knew that was impossible.

Once again the conversation fell into silence, albeit this time a much more forlorn one. Lana rested her head against his shoulder, and Clark reached up to rub her back comfortingly.

"Those apples were delicious, by the way," Lana murmured.

Clark was surprised, "You already tried them?"

"When I heard they came from the Kents, of course I had to," she beamed.

He smiled as well, "I'm glad you liked them."

"And the flower arrangement was very beautiful, too."

So she had figured out they were from him after all, he noted happily.

Even if they could not go back to how things were, at least they had this moment. Even though they could not be together, at least he could continue to watch her from afar.

Prince Lex's earlier offer echoed in his mind.

... And perhaps, gods willing, he would soon be able to use his powers to protect her this time around.

The next several weeks passed by rather uneventfully. Jonathan and Martha carried on tending to their land, business as usual, but they took notice of their son's recent, strange behavior. Ever since Princess Lang's name day he had become withdrawn and contemplative. They wanted to ask what was wrong but decided to let him come to them of his own will.

One night, during supper, he set down his utensils and cleared his throat.

"Father, mother," he announced, squaring his shoulders, "I... I've resolved to join the royal guard."

Jonathan and Martha were taken aback.

"Join the royal guard?" they echoed.

Clark nodded firmly.

"They are swearing their oaths next month. Prince Lex personally extended the invitation to me himself."

To refuse an offer from the crown was nigh unheard of. But it was also equally if not more dangerous to risk revealing the truth behind Clark. There were greater things at stake than just common courtesy.

Lord and Lady Kent shared a tense glance.

"Clark, we've spoken at great length why that's not possible."

"It is! I know you want me here, but Prince Lex has promised my salary would be enough to afford more staff who can assist you and mother in my absence. Besides, you yourself were a member of the royal guard once."

"That was different," Jonathan said firmly, "Our main concern-"

"I can control myself!" Clark insisted, "I've lived these twenty years without a single person having figured out my secret."

"All twenty of those years you had your mother and I to make excuses for any strange occurrences!" Jonathan countered, "It only takes one accident, Clark, and your secret will be exposed. Do you remember what happened last time your powers were revealed?"

A bitter pang flashed across the younger lord's expression, but he remained undeterred. While he was grateful for all the guidance his parents had given, this was his decision and something he wanted to stand firmly by.

"So?" he argued, "Even if they are, with these powers I could serve the the royal guard better than anyone ever has before. I can do something good and honorable with them for once."

"Son, people afraid of what they don't understand-"

"Then what?!" Clark felt his voice growing louder and angrier by the moment, "I'm tired of hiding! You always say there will be a day when everything changes, yet it's been twenty years and nothing. Maybe my fate isn't going to just drop into my lap, maybe I need to decide it myself for once. You and mother just want to keep hiding me here in Smallville doing nothing worthwhile with myself!"

"Clark!" Martha gasped.

It was then he noticed that he had ben gripping the table so forcefully the edges were crushed into splinters. Looking up, he saw how they watched him with confusion and unease. A wave of remorse washed over him. He was frightening his parents.

"Excuse me," he whispered and stormed out the dining hall.

"I'll go after him," Martha said, but Jonathan caught her wrist.

"No, let him be... I don't think we would be able to find him now even if we wanted to."

Martha looked unsurely at the door but conceded. Clark surely would have sped somewhere far away by now.

"He's right, you know," Lady Kent said softly, "He's becoming anxious. We can't protect him forever..."

"I know," Jonathan sighed, "I know one day his powers will have to be revealed to the world, and when that day comes I won't stop him. But before then I want to make sure he's able to make the right decisions."

Being part of the royal guard would rob him of his free will. He would no longer be able to make judgments for himself and would instead mindlessly follow whatever the crown commanded, even if it was not right. With Clark's abilities, that was a dangerous prospect, should King Lionel ever become privy to them.

Martha sensed her husband's apprehension and grasped one of his hands in comfort. "Have faith, dear. Clark is a good man. You raised him well. I believe he will make the right decisions."

"We," Jonathan said, smiling at her, "We raised him well."

Two month had passed since the siege began, and General Lane was giving no indication he would be relenting any time soon. Lionel cursed under his breath as he read the latest reports compiled by Dominic. Apparently the general had anticipated their movements and kept smaller reserves of his forces camped in the surrounding remote territories, so when the capitol's remaining soldiers arrived they were drawn into a trap. The general summoned his reserves to surround the siege, effectively creating a counter-siege. Now the royal army was trapped between hostile forces blocking their supply routes and a heavily garrisoned fort they had no hope of surmounting victoriously.

The man was not known as the kingdom's most brilliant commander for nothing, after all. He should have expected this.

"You let such a puny man outsmart you," a dark voice whispered from the back of king's mind.

"Shut up," Lionel hissed.

"Weak," the voice mocked, "How disappointing."

Lionel snarled and slammed his fists down upon the desk, shoulders shaking with barely concealed rage. What infuriated him the most was the amount of support General Lane had garnered for his cause. Lionel was the king! Had he not fed and provided for those soldiers? Bloody traitors, the lot of them.

How fickle and vile was the common man, to so easily turn against the figure to whom he once swore an oath of fealty. Yes General Lane was their superior, but the crown was supposed to be the one they obeyed above all.

This conflict was getting out of hand. Word had reached him that many houses in the eastern territories had declared their support for the general. If it continued to grow, then the general posed a very real threat to dismantling the Luthor dynasty, and Lionel would be damned if he was to be remembered as the king who let such a catastrophe occur.

Over the past two years General Samuel Lane had been guarding the east from invaders, which was populated by nomadic, warring tribes. Several times he had complained about conditions and petitioned for more support, which Lionel hesitated to give. So far the general had been able to defend the lands well without additional support, so what need had the general for more power?

The discontent came to a breaking point when Lionel finally brokered a deal with the tribes of the Orient, granting them safe passage in exchange for access to previously impenetrable trade routes. The general and his forces were enraged at the declaration.

"Your grace, we have fought tirelessly for years defending the crown from these marauders," the general had wrote, "And you pardoned them for their crimes without question? What of the men who died? The villagers who were raped and slaughtered? You promised these lands to your soldiers and now you give them to the enemy!"

Yes, Lionel admitted he had gone back on his word, but it was all for the greater good. They need these trade routes to bring more power, more wealth to the crown. That fool didn't know a single thing about diplomacy and politics, only his so-called "honor".

As it stood, there were only two options.

The first, he would have to mobilize as many of their reserves as he could, drafting any and all able-bodied men. This was highly time sensitive as the longer he allowed the siege to continue, the more support the general was able to rally to his cause.

The second, he would have to consider yielding to the general's demands. Give into weakness. But a king did not yield to those below him. If he showed General Lane mercy, then what was to stop the crown's other enemies from taking advantage of that?

A knock interrupted Lionel's internal debate.

"You called for me?" Lex said as he entered the chamber.

The king greeted his son with a slight nod before gesturing to the chair before him.

"Sit," he commanded.

Lex settled himself before his father and took a moment to glance at the document sprawled about his table. They were all regarding the situation at Schwarzwald.

"I hear General Lane has managed to capture our army without once having set foot out of his fort," Lex remarked rather smugly. While he did not support the rebellion in the slightest, since a threat against the crown also meant a threat to him, he did enjoy seeing his father become aggravated.

"Yes," Lionel glared, "It would seem we are surrounded by idiots these days."

Satisfied, Lex leaned back in the chair.

"So what is your next course of action?"

"You mean, what is your next course of action," Lionel re-emphasized as he turned to his son.

Lex quirked a brow in interest, "Me?"

"This incident has proven we cannot trust anyone," the king said, "We must handle it ourselves. I cannot leave the capitol, but you will act in my place. You will ride south and call upon the lords to provide more men for our army. Then you will all ride for Schwarzwald, where you will put an end to this ridiculous siege."

"And how do you suppose I act in your place if you do not give me the freedom to assess the situation as I see best?"

"Do not jest with me, boy. Do you take this threat to the stability of our legacy as a joke? I thought you better than that."

Lex's blood boiled at his father's scathing remarks but held his tongue.

"It's time for you to demonstrate your worth," Lionel barked, "You will do as I say and confront General Lane. Destroy his forces and bring me back his head. As for his daughter, Lois, you are to bring her back alive as our hostage."

"Why spare her?"

"She is the last true born heiress to House Lane, and we have seen how fierce loyalties lie to them. His men greatly outnumber ours. If we kill both, they will easily take your head in revenge, plunging this kingdom into another war. General Lane must die for his insubordination, but Lois is their future, so we can use her as leverage to prevent any future insurrections. His remaining banner men will obey us to ensure her safety."

"Fine," Lex said, annoyed, "Is that all?"

The king nodded and called out one last remark as his son departed.

"Tread carefully. Do not disappoint me."