Chương 55: Portrait of Immortality

Felicity, Leah, and Xia had been riding for hours, heading toward the Coast of Eternal Weeping. According to Xia's senses, the next legendary sword was hidden there. Leah broke the silence.

"Now that I think about it…why don't we use portals to travel? That way we won't tire the horses and we'll get there much faster". Xia kept her eyes fixed on the horizon without turning around.

"Because I don't want you to grow accustomed to my magic. You're human and it's better if you act like it. I'll only use portals in urgent or truly important situations". Felicity shot Leah a sideways glance.

"You train with your sword for hours every single day and now riding is too much for you?"

"That's not it", Leah replied, gently stroking her horse's neck.

"I'm just thinking about our poor animals".

"There are horses in far worse conditions", Felicity said. At the royal palace, Teresa knocked on Oscar's chamber door.

"Come in". She entered and found him standing perfectly still in a dignified pose while an artist carefully sketched the outlines of his face onto a large canvas. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"Another portrait?" she asked. Oscar never took his eyes off the artist.

"Art is immortal, Mother. After my death, I intend to keep living through it. Oliver had only one portrait, if it were destroyed, no one would remember him. By commissioning many, I reduce the chances of my image disappearing from history". Teresa watched him for a moment before speaking in a more serious tone.

"I understand your reasoning, but I need to talk to you". Then she turned to the artist.

"In private". The man hesitated and looked at Oscar. The King sighed in annoyance and waved his hand dismissively.

"You may leave". Once they were alone, Teresa sat beside him.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"The mages' demands", she said.

"What about them?"

"You mustn't give in to them". Oscar finally turned to face her.

"And why not?"

"Because the people would rebel. You'd lose the people's trust completely". Oscar clenched his jaw.

"I'd lose it even faster if I lost this war. I've already lost the soldiers' respect and admiration after I was wounded by that commoner. I can't afford another mistake. The mages are essential if we're going to win and I intend to meet their demands as long as they remain reasonable". Teresa took both of his hands, gripping them firmly.

"What happened to you, my son? When you were a prince, you were strong, confident, ambitious. Now you seem ready to bend as though those mages were above you". Her eyes hardened.

"You are the King. The most powerful man in the kingdom. You cannot submit to inferior beings". Oscar stared at her.

"And what exactly should I do? Enlighten me". Teresa leaned even closer.

"Tell them you'll grant their demands only if they win this war for you. And if they dare refuse…sentence them to death. Because you are the King. You are the law. No one is more important than you". Oscar held her gaze for a long moment before slowly nodding.

"I'll see what I can do, Mother". Teresa smiled, kissed him on the forehead and left the room. Oscar remained alone, standing before the portrait that was meant to make him immortal.