Contents
Chapter 55
Overview
Acker halts the courtyard clash, declares the Kenta king dead, and claims the crown. Jovie reveals herself as Queen of Maile, orders her forces to stand down, and the prisoners are released. Beau’s news suggests Messer may live. Evelyn attacks Acker but relents when Jovie intervenes, as Acker publicly swears fealty to Jovie.
The chapter ends with the dire sight of a far larger enemy army approaching, forcing the fractured allies to prepare for an imminent siege.
Summary
Acker orders a ceasefire in the palace courtyard, asserting his authority and announcing the Kenta king’s death. He confronts Zion, then acknowledges Fredrich’s role in killing Edmond and offers Zion a brief, fraught condolence and embrace. Arrows continue to fall from the city as Maile forces press the attack.
On the battlements, Acker brings Jovie forward. Jovie proclaims herself Queen of Maile and commands her army to cease. She ignites her light-forged sword, and the Maile barrage falters. At Acker’s order, the gate is raised and prisoners stream out into the city.
Scanning west, Acker spots a colossal enemy host—trolls, siege engines, and numbers dwarfing their own. As he moves to respond, Zion cracks a jealous joke, only for Beau to arrive and silence him. Jovie anxiously asks after Messer; Beau reports finding her metal rope, a sword, and a small amount of blood—fueling hope Messer may yet live, though wounded.
Evelyn then emerges with Maile soldiers, unleashing power that chokes Acker and drops Fredrich to the ground. Jovie confronts her mother, halting the assault and saving Acker. Regaining breath, Acker admits he is unrepentant except for endangering Jovie and declares his absolute loyalty to Jovie’s crown and life.
Evelyn scorns Acker’s Bond-bound devotion but stays her blade as Jovie steadies her. With tensions unstable yet contained, Acker refocuses everyone on the looming threat: an enemy army many times their size advancing from the west, forcing them to prepare for a brutal siege together.
Who Appears
- AckerHalts the courtyard battle, claims the crown, frees prisoners, pledges absolute fealty to Jovie, warns of a vast army.
- Jovinnia (Jovie)Declares herself Queen of Maile, orders Maile to cease fire, steadies Evelyn, worries Messer may be wounded.
- EvelynArrives with Maile soldiers, chokes Acker with magic, confronts him, then relents under Jovie’s intervention.
- FredrichConfirms killing Edmond, shields Jovie on the wall, is dropped by Evelyn’s attack but recovers.
- ZionFighting at the gate; briefly confronts Acker, then stands with them as Jovie asserts control.
- BeauArrives with recovered gear; reports a rope, sword, and blood, hinting Messer may still live.
- Kenta CommanderSeeks orders on the battlements; raises the gate on Acker’s command.