Chapter 125
The royal study was unusually quiet.
The large windows overlooked the palace gardens, yet neither man paid them any attention.
Several ledgers lay open across Lucian's desk alongside reports from the Grand Emberforge Duchy.
Every page told the same story.
Losses.
Falling reserves.
No income.
No solution.
Lucian rose as Duke Owen entered.
"Owen..."
He gestured toward the chair opposite him, "Please... have a seat."
Owen bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Neither of them spoke immediately.
A servant quietly poured tea before slipping from the room, sensing that this conversation required privacy.
Lucian finally broke the silence.
"How are you keeping?" His eyes softened "And how is the Duchess?"
Owen managed a tired smile, "We're carrying on."
He let out a quiet breath, "Eleanor worries more about everyone else than herself. Somehow she still finds the strength to comfort grieving families."
Lucian smiled faintly, "That sounds like Aunt Eleanor."
Owen nodded, "It does."
Lucian hesitated before asking the question that had occupied his thoughts for days.
"...And Lady Aurora?"
For the first time, genuine worry crossed Owen's face.
He stared into his untouched tea.
"She..." He paused, "...is trying to carry an entire duchy on her shoulders."
Lucian's heart sank.
"She barely sleeps. She spends every morning at the medical centre. Every afternoon reviewing reports. And every evening trying to create new businesses that might save Emberforge."
Owen gave a sad smile, "She believes if she just works a little harder......she can save everyone."
Lucian lowered his gaze, "I can imagine."
He looked at the ledgers spread across his desk.
"I've gone through every report myself...Every ledger....Every expense."
He slowly closed one of the books, "...It looks far worse than I feared."
Owen nodded, "It is."
Silence settled between them.
Eventually Owen spoke, "Your Majesty..."
His voice was respectful. But there was unmistakable desperation beneath it.
"If the Crown could grant Emberforge a loan...I give you my word."
He met Lucian's eyes.
"I will repay every coin. Twelve months. Perhaps less if the mines reopen sooner."
Lucian closed his eyes briefly.
Those were the very words he had hoped to hear.
Because he trusted Owen completely.
If there was one man in the kingdom whose word was worth more than gold...It was Duke Owen Ambrose.
Lucian slowly looked back up, "I'm sorry..."
The words came quietly. Painfully. "I truly am."
Owen remained silent.
Lucian continued.
"I presented your request before the Royal Council. I argued that Emberforge's situation wasn't the result of poor management......but of sabotage. I explained how vital your duchy is to the kingdom. I asked them to approve an emergency loan."
He gave a bitter laugh, "They refused."
Owen looked away "They fear setting a precedent?"
Lucian nodded, "They believe if I release funds without unanimous approval......every struggling noble will demand the same. They say the treasury must be protected."
His jaw tightened, "They're thinking like accountants. "Not leaders."
The room fell silent once more.
Finally Owen spoke, "I understand."
Lucian looked at him in surprise, "You do?"
"I don't like it. But I understand", Owen sighed, "A king cannot rule with his heart alone."
Lucian smiled sadly, "Some days...I wish I could."
He stood and walked toward one of the towering bookcases.
"Theo and I haven't given up."
Owen looked up.
Lucian continued.
"We've been searching the Royal Library. The oldest records. The forgotten decrees. The emergency laws. If there is any legal provision that allows the Crown to assist Emberforge without requiring council approval...We'll find it."
Owen's expression softened, "You're still trying."
Lucian turned back toward him, "I won't abandon Emberforge. I won't abandon you."
He stepped closer, "I can't promise success...But I can promise that I will keep fighting."
For the first time since entering the palace...
A small smile appeared on Owen's face, "I never doubted that, Your Majesty."
Lucian extended his hand, "Then don't lose hope just yet."
Owen rose and clasped it firmly, "I won't."
Both men understood the truth.
Neither had the answer.
Not yet.
But neither was willing to stop searching.
And sometimes...
Hope was the only thing keeping a kingdom standing.
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