In The Kingdom

Before Daniel could complete his sentence, Remy joined them, a jealous expression on his face.

“My Lord, I have spoken to Lord Xander, he demands your presence,” Remy informed Astro, giving Daniel an angry gaze.

“In that case, Daniel, you will have to excuse me. I will speak to you later,” Astro said to him, and left, accompanied by Remy.

Daniel sighed in relief, thanking his mother's spirit for coming to his rescue. As he was about to rest, Lord Israel announced to them that the rest time was over, and they should all continue their journey.

Daniel was frustrated, he didn't have enough time to rest earlier because of Lord Astro, and now when he thought of resting, it had been interrupted.

Defeated and angry, he climbed on his horse, waiting for someone to make him angry, so he would be able to bite the person's ear off. Luckily for him, Justin had stopped the guilt-tripping eyes, and he was able to manage.

“To which kingdom are we traveling?” Daniel asked Justin, trying to start a friendly conversation.

“We’re headed to the Northeast kingdom, to meet the king and sign peace treaties if everything goes well. Otherwise, a war could break out soon,” Justin replied with a plain expression.

“A war? That doesn't sound good!” Daniel replied. He thought about one, it was one of the things he dared the most. During a war, one could lose their family and loved ones, and he didn't want to experience it.

“His Majesty has kept the peace in our kingdom. Since his rule, we haven't gone to war. I am sure he will find a way.”

“I hope so. Thanks,” Daniel appreciated Justin, but he brushed him off.

The travel distance was long and Daniel didn't expect to be in pain after such a long ride. He was only used to riding short distances. Looking around, the others were riding without a problem. ‘Or maybe they feel pain but they're scared to talk,’ he reasoned.

“Are you alright, buddy?” Frank asked him when he almost fell off the horse. He was getting more tired, and his eyes were beginning to close.

“I am not alright. I am tired, hungry, and in pain. I should have eaten before coming to the palace, but I thought the king would host a feast for us,” Daniel admitted.

After a long ride, they finally got to the kingdom. It wasn't as huge as Lazarus's, but it was beautiful. The citizens stood outside to welcome them, and they were given a grand entrance. This didn't ease Daniel's pain, and he felt like jumping off the horse because his thighs had almost torn into pieces.

When they came down, Daniel didn't even care about what people would say, and he walked like a crippled man, making a few guards laugh.

“Gay man, is this your first time traveling on a horse?” One of the guards asked, trying to sound offensive.

Frank wanted to yell at the guard, but Daniel held him back.

“Yes straight man, this is my first time, and I can't feel my legs. Do you perhaps have a remedy, maybe a magic created for straight men like yourself?” Daniel asked with a sarcasm-filled voice. Before the men were laughing at him, but on hearing his comeback response, the guard who had spoken was turned into a laughing stock.

The guard's face turned red with embarrassment, and the others burst out laughing. Frank patted Daniel on the back, impressed by his quick wit. "Well done, Daniel! You've got a sharp tongue on you. I am proud to be your friend."

Daniel smiled, feeling a bit better despite the pain and fatigue. "Thanks, Frank. I've had to develop a sense of humor to deal with people like him. I learn from the best."

As they entered the kingdom, Daniel was struck by its beauty. The architecture was different from Lazarus's kingdom, with intricate carvings and colorful tapestries. They were led to the throne room, where the king of the Northeast kingdom awaited them.

The king, a tall, imposing figure with a kind face, greeted them warmly. "Welcome, Your Majesty, Lords, and your companions. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

King Lazarus smiled broadly, “Derick, it's a pleasure to see you. We've come to discuss the peace treaties and ensure the continued prosperity of our kingdoms."

King Derick was a demon just like Lazarus, but compared to Lazarus, he was of a lower rank.

“I appreciate your presence, King Lazarus. Well, let us begin our discussions. I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement." King Derick nodded, his eyes scanning the room.

Daniel found himself struggling to stay awake. He leaned against Frank, trying to stay upright.

"Hey, Daniel, you okay?" Frank whispered, noticing his struggles.

Daniel nodded, trying to focus on the conversation. But his eyelids kept drooping, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of exhaustion.

“Don’t worry, we'll soon retire from our room,” one of the courtiers informed him, and Daniel smiled in appreciation.

“Your men must be tired and hungry. I think we better call it a night. I thought of giving you a royal banquet, but my men thought it would be better to have a bonfire,” Derick informed the men, it felt like Daniel's dream had come true, and he sighed in relief.

“I don't think that would be needed, my men are strong, they don't get hungry. What do you think Daniel?” Lazarus said that on purpose, he wanted to teach the tired Daniel a lesson for not bathing him.

Daniel's eyes widened in horror as he heard Lazarus's words. A bonfire sounded like the perfect way to relax after a long journey, but now it seemed like it was being taken away from him.

"Thank you, King Lazarus," Daniel said, trying to sound grateful, but his voice came out strained. Daniel felt a surge of anger, but he knew better than to cross Lazarus. He nodded, trying to appear grateful, but inside, he was seething.

Lazarus turned to him, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'm sure Daniel would appreciate a good night's rest instead," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Your Majesty, I think it would be unfair if Daniel is sleeping while the rest of the guards are feasting,” Astro suddenly said, coming to Daniel's rescue.