[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-reborn-king":3,"chapter-the-reborn-king-the-reborn-king-chapter-133":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Reborn King",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1100753,1437,"Chapter 133: The Empress Arrives","the-reborn-king-chapter-133",133,"\u003Cp>Alfred sat in the council room watching as those on the table bickered back and forth on topics he couldn’t be bothered to hear. It had recently become a time of repeating discussions that started the days before. William looked at Alfred’s listless appearance and cleared his throat silencing the council. \"Let us end today’s discussion here.\" He said politely giving way for others to reject his choice but no one did so bowing their heads and leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>William, Charles, and Alfred remained alone. \"Are you alright?\" Charles asked seeing everyone gone and Alfred finally awoke from his daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive me. The endless bickering is mind-numbing.\" Alfred grabbed his forehead messaging it. \"No that’s not it.\" He said with a tired voice. \"I’m worried is all. I haven’t been sleeping well because of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Empress is strong,\" William reassured. \"Marcus and Esmond are in Nakhla alongside the small army you sent with her. You don’t need to worry so much.\" Alfred smiled at his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know it makes little sense, but I can’t help it. Maybe I just miss her. I know Edward does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is the Crown Prince?\" Charles asked. No one really understood why but Alfred kept all information on Edward very private. He assumed it must be for his safety, but couldn’t be sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He has begun speaking. It’s very cute.\" A soft smile spread on his face with his eye turning gentle. \"The pain seems to be gone as well. Or maybe he has gotten used to it. I’m not sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wehn do his lessons begin. He’s nearing two is he not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will get him a tutor to help him talk, but official lessons shall start at five. Due to him being unable to walk, he needs a different weapon if he wishes to survive the future.\" He said the final lines with a somber voice and the other two lowered their heads slightly. They knew Edward had a tough future going forward and if he couldn’t prove himself then his rule was destined to fail. Alfred smiled standing up. \"I must go. Excuse me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gates of Nakhla opened and Isra’s fleet entered the city. It rode through heading towards the town square where Marcus waited with his soldiers. All around many sentries were replaced. On rooftops, in alleys. Anywhere where a surprise attack could come from. Isra’s carriage stopped and Chris moved quickly opening the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers all around slammed a fist on their chest and bowed towards her as she gracefully left the carriage. Looking around she could see the area had been cleared for her arrival, the people being forced to watch from a distance. She honed in on their faces. Love, hate, hope and distrust. A wide range of emotions looked towards her and she could see that it was a city on the brink of collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rise, commander.\" Isra flicked her hand up and Marcus stood up, towering over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope your travels were not too difficult,\" Marcus said politely leading her to her residence. The Royal Guard formed a protective wall around them with Chirs at its head. He watched the surroundings like a hawk, nothing escaping his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was fine. I had Esmond to keep me company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Must of been fun,\" Marcus said with a mocking voice getting a slight chuckle from Isra. \"Where is he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He arrived earlier. He didn’t want his arrival to be known. I’m surprised he hasn’t come to see you yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s a man that does things at his own pace. Who knows what he has been doing?\" Isra nodded in agreement and looked around once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus nodded reaching behind his chest armor and pulling out a small note of paper. Handing it to Isra she opened it seeing the list of names marked traitors. \"I was hoping to meet Esmond to investigate but you should see it as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She read the names and recognized some of them. \"How did you get this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A man delivered it to the mayor a while back. Said his appearance was that of a noble. I’ve had men look into it but there is only so much I can do with my men. It’s why I need Esmond.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strange.\" She handed the note back. \"Did this happen before or after the riots?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After. A day at most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isra fiddled with her fingers as she thought. It may have been an unintended intention by Alfred to send her to deal with this, but she knew the strategies used by those who planned rebellions. Her father in her past life told and taught her all the ways used to outplay their enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It had seven names on it. Mother came onto the scene at best two months ago. I don’t know the woman much but she is someone who preaches for power to be stripped from the nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you saying it’s a fake list?\" Marcus cut in asking. Isra shook her head, however.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not sure. Maybe a deal has been made but I doubt this many nobles would willingly side with her. And more so it is exposed this quick.\" Isra didn’t know what to think. She had heard a lot from Alfred about his passed word. She knew what Mother wished to create was some form of democratic Theocracy and it was why she was sure that most nobles would either oppose her or not interact with her at all. If she was doing her democracy in another way she would think differently but the fact Mother wanted to put power into the clergy’s hands raised doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re right. We need Esmond to look into this. It is too suspicious. Also, get me one of those books she has made. If we are to deal with her then I need to know her plans. In the meantime, I will begin planning a feast for nobles.\" Marcus nodded and the two carried on walking, with Marcus updating her on everything that had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gregor walked into the back of the temple and gave a religious bow to Mother. \"The Empress has arrived.\" Mother closed her book and looked towards him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only her?\" Gregor nodded in response causing a deep exhale from Mother. \"Have those three been updated on what she wishes to do here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A feast is to be held for the nobles it seems. They believe she is holding it to get on their good side and see who can be trusted.\" Mother nodded in agreement to their conclusion and gently tapped the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay. Let’s leave her for now. We need a clear understanding of what we are dealing with before we make a move. In the meantime, I will have Saladin briefed on what I need him to do. For now no rallies. We will let the schools be our voice for now.\" Gregor gave a bow and left seeing Mother wished to not speak anymore. With Gregor gone, her demeanor changed. her smile became motherly and softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aseel.\" Mother called out with a soft voice. Aseel walked out and tried to go for a hug but Mother quickly stopped him. \"My son.\" She grabbed his cheek instead \"I need you to go with Saladin and see the enemy. I know you are strong so see if there is anyone who has arrived that you can’t deal with.\" She saw the hesitation in his eyes and knew it came from a desire to be near and protect her. \"My boy.\" Mother spoke with an even softer voice. \"You are the only one I can trust to do this. Don’t worry about me and do this would you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He once more was hesitant about leaving her side. Mother’s eyes went slightly cold, her soft smile falling. Pulling her hand away she looked disappointed. \"Are you going to disobey your Mother, Aseel?\" She said with a sharp voice. It got a reaction out of Aseel who fiddled with his fingers. His eyes darted around not able to look her in her eyes. Mother saw this and lifted her sleeve up. Small scars ran down her arms and Aseel focused on them, his breathing getting heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Digging her sharp nails into them, she went cold staring at him in the face, his eyes however were glued to her wrist. Aseel watched as her sharp nails pierced through her skin drawing a small drop of blood. He grabbed her wrist stopping her but his hands were shaking in discomfort and fear doing so. \"Are you going to be good and do this?\" Her voice was still cold but softened slightly seeing how terrified he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel went into a frantic nod as he watched the drop of blood roll down her arm. Mother smiled and removed her nails rubbing his shoulder. \"Good. You know it’s wrong to disobey your Mother after all.\" Her voice softened even more, \"But don’t worry. Mother understands you do it out of love. She’s not mad.\" She took hold of his face once more and made him look into her eyes away from the blood. \"But you should know that Mother loves when you listen to her. So no more of that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words got another round of frantic nods and only when she saw he was willing to obey did she hug him. \"Good.\" She rubbed the back of his head, comforting him as Aseel’s heavy breathing calmed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout Nakhla the nobles dressed glamorously and arrived at the large hall Isra had prepared for them. It was quick but she had become so used to starting banquets that she didn’t need a long time to prepare one and had it ready the day after she arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood atop the Balcony with Chris behind her. Marcus walked up the stairs wearing a nice suit. Despite that Isra could see he had small weapons on him the entire time. It was subtle but showed the dangers currently in the city right now. \"Has Esmond arrived?\" Isra asked getting a nod in reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said he will linger around and see what he can find.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. I will wait for the rest of the arrivals. In the meantime find Esmond and ask him if he has started the investigation on his side. I’ve been too busy to ask him myself.\" Marcus turned and scanned the hall quickly. Finding his target he left, leaving Isra alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down at the sea of nobles and other high-ranking members of Nakhla she let out a sigh. She didn’t recognize any of the faces here. When she was in Brookhaven she had Catherine, Sasha, Alfred, and a few others to talk and mingle with. But here she couldn’t help but feel alone, only finding comfort in the fact that Esmond and Marcus were here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made her wonder. She never felt like she fit in with this world until she met Alfred but when she came back to her old lands she was filled with nostalgia. It was strange. She didn’t have many good experiences here. She had always dreamed of leaving as a child and living her own life but. Maybe she had always fit in with this world but she couldn’t see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When was it that she no longer thought of herself as an outsider in this world? It wasn’t a question she could answer but was something she never asked herself until now. Looking down at the sea of unfamiliar faces she wished for nothing more to return home, back to her family and friends. With a smile, she took a drink. It had been obvious the whole time, but she had come to love her new life. It didn’t matter when this happened, but was nice.\u003C\u002Fp>",1969,"2026-06-03T11:17:48.774Z","2026-06-03T11:17:51.400Z",1,"novelbin.me","fae14d50e555dab591908ce6ede821cdee35704780a927828d45a45c1e88a257","the-reborn-king-chapter-134","the-reborn-king-chapter-132",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-reborn-king-cover.jpg"]