Supreme Magus novel Chapter 2061

Chapter 2061 Ties that Bind (Part 1)

"Don't worry, dear, I'm sure that everything will be fine." Elina said, yet her voice lacked conviction.

The thought of Kamila being kidnapped or subjected to a slave spell for the "greater good" of the Kingdom haunted Lith's mind until he finally fell asleep right beside Solus' wisp.

A few hours later, Elina's call woke him up and lifted a burden from his chest. Kamila had returned late because she had been involved in the political chaos that had ensued Belius' fall, but not in the way he had feared.

The nobles wanted some important heads to roll, the Council wanted an advance payment as compensation for its losses, and the Royals had to deal with them all while also find a way to break the news to the public without causing mass hysteria.

"Unless we find a way to soften the blow, the consequences of Thrud's victory will destroy the morale." Kamila said to explain her prolonged absence. "The Griffon Kingdom has gotten both outsmarted and outpowered.

"Saving Prode and Vesta will be perceived as due diligence whereas losing Belius will further undermine the public trust in the Royals. Ever since the war started, they achieved no real victory and people are starting to think that maybe Thrud deserves the throne.

"The regions she has occupied fare no worse than our own and many local lords at the frontlines are tempted to switch sides just to not be in the crossfire anymore. As for regular people, they just want to go back to their old life.

"Between the rationed food, the conscription, and the constant fear of being invaded, if the citizens start thinking that this has turned into a losing battle, they won't hesitate to revolt. If that happens, the war will be as good as lost.

"The Royals cannot afford to fight on two fronts at the same time."

"Okay, I get that." Lith replied. "What I fail to understand is why they needed your presence. No offense but you are no strategist and even before our marriage ruined your reputation, the Royal Court barely registered your existence."

"None taken." Kamila sighed. "You are right on all counts but one. As the wife of a future Magus, they needed me to set the date for the ceremony and discuss who of your family and friends would attend."

"Is that what you meant when you talked about softening the blow?" Lith said in shock. "Why didn't the Royals or Jirni just call me?"

"They did, but you were already asleep and there was no point leaving a message." She replied. "As I told you, the situation is dire and there was no time to wait for your answer.

"They'll release the news about your appointment as a Magus and Belius' capture at the same time. Besides, I knew how hurt Solus was and I didn't want to burden you with politics while her life was still hanging on a thread. The three of us are in this together."

"Thanks, Kami. Without Solus' wits and with my head up my ass from exhaustion, I might have been easily manipulated." Lith said.

"You're welcome, but I mean it. We're literally in this together. I've tried to leave your parents out of the ceremony but I'm going to attend with you."

"What do you mean, tried?" Lith's paranoid mind could already picture some traitorous noble luring his parents out of the Desert to handle them to Thrud in exchange for a seat in her Court.

"Well, the event will be broadcasted in the whole Kingdom and if you go there alone, it will be clear that you don't trust the Royals farther than you can throw them. The purpose of the ceremony is to show a united front against the Mad Queen and instill hope.