Conquering His Cold Heart

Chapter 709 Icethorne's plight

"..." There was an uncomfortable silence within the war room. Avira had withdrew the imperial token handed to her by her father and announced her decree. She wished for Duke Runak to thoroughly support her claim to the throne, to use his massive military and noble standing to fight against her brothers.

Not even for a second did Avira believe that this request wasn't a given. Her uncle was the most loyal man of the Empire, his allegiance to her father unquestionable. Why then did it sound like he was avoiding committing his forces to her cause? Did he not say that she would have his full support? That the Duchy of Icethorne would not accept any one other than her on the throne?

She stared at the non-responsive Duke as well as his Generals who just a moment ago were up in arms about the depravity shown by her brothers. Were they just like the other nobles? All talk and no bite.

Her heart was on the brink of shattering, her hopes and dreams of revenge collapsing as she saw her uncle struggling to form words.

"WHY!!" She screamed in anger and despair but all she got in response were downcast expressions filled with inner turmoil.

"It's not that he doesn't want to V, it's that he can't." Suddenly a voice that she had come to rely upon came from behind her followed by a gentle yet firm grasp of her shoulder. Avira turned around with reddened eyes to see Frost with a gentle smile on his lips, calm and unperturbed.

"...What do you mean?" She tried her best to calm down a little before asking.

In response Frost glanced at Duke Runak and asked, "May I?" In a respectful manner to which the battle hardened man nodded his head, thankful that someone else was willing to take the burden of possibly crushing his niece's initial hopes.

He was known far and wide as a ruthless monster that was born for war and battle but deep down there wasn't a single commander more caring than him. He took to heart even the smallest of losses amongst his forces how do think he'd fare against someone he considered family. He couldn't bear to break Avira's heart after having her cry in his arms.

So he allowed Frost to tell her hoping that hearing it from him would somewhat soften the blow.

"V what is the purpose of Icethorne?" Frost wasn't as restrained as Duke Runak but he too didn't want to cause unnecessary pain to the young Princess, so he decided to use a thorough explanation.

"What does that have to do wi...."

"Just answer the question please."

Avira wasn't really in the mood for riddles and off topic conversation, but she struggled to refuse Frost's request when she saw the sincerity in his eyes.

There was even A-rank monsters at the helm to keep the War Ursa Battalions in check. It was clear that these five entities and those who helped supply them with resources, manpower and access were hoping to destroy the Northrend empire's mightiest bulwark.

Duke Runak was a lauded military general, unmatched in terms of strategy, personal strength and quality of soldiers but even he struggled to see the light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

They were outmatched, outgunned and all alone out here in the mountains, surrounded by enemies. With the Empire in its current state hoping for reinforcements was nothing but a pipe dream, hell he'd be lucky if the empire didn't send forces to help subdue him.

In his mind the possibility of Sedrick or Randolph contacting the enemy to help rid themselves of an uncooperative Duke was not low, the situation was truly dire.

Right now the battlefield was still under control, but the pressure was building every day, the enemy's forces were growing in number and in quality. Duke Runak estimated that if nothing changed the fortress would fall within 3 to 6 months even with his presence.

Upon hearing her uncle's confession Avira's anger transformed into concern and panic. She couldn't rely upon her uncle's military might and if they weren't careful the Empire could lose its northern most fortress, a bulwark that kept the powerful nations of the glacial mountains at bay and ensured that substantial trade flowed into their southern territories.

Although Avira was still a young woman she was intelligent and wise and had received a ruler's education from the Emperor himself. Seeing the powerlessness in the expressions of the nearby Generals as well as the repressed rage in her uncle's eyes she took a deep breath and reorganised her priorities.

Your journey continues with empire

Her revenge would have to wait, ensuring the War Ursa Battalion's and the duchy of Icethorne's survival was more important.

"I understand uncle and I apologise for my emotional outburst; I shouldn't be so quick to ignore the plights of my subjects if I am to be a fair and just ruler."

"V..." Duke Runak looked at Avira in shock as well as nostalgia, he could see the shadows of his friends behind her resolute expression.

'Your daughter has become a fine woman Franz, Amelia.'

"We must solve the current problem of Icethorne before focusing on the state of the Empire.

As long as Randolph and Sedrick continue to battle against one another the nation will not fall immediately....we have some time but not a lot" Avira would first have to help her uncle resolve the current situation with the enemy alliance hounding at their doors before being able to reclaim what is rightfully hers.

""By your will, your highness""