The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 282: scare the rebels

Two days passed before the rumors began to turn against Queen Elizabeth. At first, they had been directed at Anastasia, but soon, on every tongue, people spoke only of the king’s vicious heart.

Mary sent word of her findings to the king. Initially, she intended to visit him and discuss possible solutions. However, when she remembered that the situation had escalated precisely because he refused to heed her advice, she decided to send only a message.

That morning, when King Edward received his mother’s report, he found it infuriating to read.

His jaw tightened.

Two sisters, bound by blood, had used the royal family as though it were a stage for their private war.

Playing house, he thought coldly. With my crown.

King Edward believed Anastasia was far too intelligent to have fallen prey to the schemes of a mother and daughter. When he and his mother had plotted against her, he had already known she was not easy to deal with—which was why everything had been staged within the palace. At worst, he had been prepared to imprison her there.

As he read his mother’s report, he began to suspect that Anastasia might have deliberately provoked Elizabeth and her mother, turning them against herself.

No matter what anyone said, he refused to believe it was mere coincidence—especially when Anastasia had escaped unscathed.

Rage burned behind his eyes—not the kind that roared, but the kind that sharpened the blade. A man who ruled by fury alone did not sit long on the throne. After some time as king, Edward understood this truth well.

"Summon Duke Thompson to the palace," he ordered without looking up. "Immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Dispatch men to find the drunkard who started the rumor," the king continued. "I want his name, his origin, and who paid him. No delay."

His trusted aides exchanged wary glances but bowed all the same.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The king rose and turned toward the tall windows, his reflection faint in the glass. A king whose household was in chaos invited wolves to bare their teeth.

They have handed my enemies a weapon.

King Edward made up his mind to use the Thompson household as a scapegoat. Since ascending the throne, too many things had bound his hands. This time, he was determined to break free of those restraints.

Before any further report could reach him, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.

A messenger fell to one knee, breathless.

"Your Majesty—urgent news from the Second Region."

The king turned slowly.

"Speak."

"Lord Aurelin has raised a banner of rebellion," the messenger said, his voice trembling. "He claims that a man who cannot govern his own household is unfit to rule a kingdom."

Silence followed.

The words struck deeper than any insult spoken behind closed doors. Lord Aurelin had attended his wedding only days ago. His sudden actions took the king by surprise. Edward had always known the man harbored ambition—but rebellion at this moment was unexpected.

"How many banners follow him?" the king asked, his voice dangerously calm.

"Several minor lords have pledged their support. He commands a sizable force, and—" the messenger swallowed. "He has already taken control of a third of the Second Region."

The king said nothing.

For a long moment, he simply stood there—eyes dark, mind racing. So this was it. The gossip had not merely stained his name; it had lit a fuse.

At last, he spoke.

"Summon a royal council meeting immediately."

He turned to an attendant. "Send word to the capital guard and mobilize the royal army stationed on the western side of the royal city. All roads leading to the Second Region are to be sealed. No lord enters or leaves without my command."

His gaze hardened, steel forged by fire.

"At once, Your Majesty," the aides said, bowing deeply before departing.

.....

The royal council convened before the sun reached its peak.

Heavy doors closed with a resounding thud, sealing the chamber from the outside world. The long table was soon filled—generals clad in armor dulled by use, ministers draped in embroidered robes, and nobles whose eyes flickered with calculation rather than loyalty.

King Edward took his seat at the head of the table.

Am eunuch read the report from the second region. A few of those sitted already got wind of the news but they all showed surprised expression.

The room fell silent after the eunuch final word.

"The situation in the Second Region," king Edward broke the silent. "requires immediate resolution." he added evenly

A senior general stepped forward, unrolling a map across the table. His finger pressed firmly against the second region territories.

"Lord Aurelin’s forces are spread thin, Your Majesty," the general reported. "Though he boasts numbers, his army is hastily assembled. Many of his supporters are minor lords seeking advantage, they have no real knowledge of war."

Another general followed. "If we strike swiftly, before his forces consolidate, we can sever his supply routes. The Second Region relies heavily on grain from the southern trade roads. Cut those, and his army will crumble within weeks."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the table.

"A frontal assault would be costly," a third general added, "but a coordinated encirclement will force surrender without unnecessary bloodshed. Our second legion is already positioned to advance."

The council leaned closer, tension thickening as strategy unfolded.

Then a voice cut through the room.

"Your Majesty, this rebellion should not be taken at face value."

All eyes turned to Lord willam, a senior councilor known for his measured speech—and carefully chosen loyalties.

"Explain yourself," the king said. He wanted nothing more than to tear Lord Aureline into pieces.

"These rumors about the royal household," Lord William continued smoothly, king Edward’s gaze turned cold upon hearing him bring up the rumors.

Having served in the royal court for so long he understood what should and should not be said before the king.

Of course we all know that they are nothing more than slander spread by those seeking to weaken the throne. Lord Aurelin is merely capitalizing on false gossip. By rebelling, he has revealed his true nature."

He bowed slightly. "A traitor does not deserve negotiation—only swift execution."

Several nobles nodded.

"But the people do need explanations," Lord William pressed on.

"What explanations? Label Lord Aurelin what he is, crush his forces, and the rumors will die on their own." another Lord argued.

Silence followed.

King Edward’s gaze sharpened.

"A convenient answer," he said calmly. "One that avoids the root of the problem." he gazed at the Lord that just spoke. He understood Lord William’s point if the root was not dealt with someone else could exploit it

The lord stiffened. "Your Majesty?" he did not understand what he had said wrong. He felt that the commoners were easy to control, no need to give them so much leverage.

"Aurelin did not create these rumors," Edward continued. "He exploited them. And men only exploit what already exists. Lord William means to deal with the root of the problem."

The generals exchanged wary glances.

"If we dismiss the rumors entirely, without proper care then " the king went on, "we invite others to test the same weakness."

"Your majesty is wise," seeing that the king got his point he was relieved.

The lord from earlier bowed his head, he thought that he had read the room well at last he was wrong.

A younger councilor spoke hesitantly. "Then... should we address the matter publicly, Your Majesty?"

Edward’s fingers tapped once against the armrest.

"No," he said. "people do not always believe what they hear,"

"Then, you majesty how do you intend to deal with the rumors?" A curious Lord asked.

"Are matters concerning my household yours to deliberate on?" He question.

"Forgive my manners, your majesty," the Lord immediately bowed an apologize.

He looked back to the generals. "Proceed with the encirclement. I want the Second Region isolated before Aurelin realizes the trap has closed. I do not want big movement, we have to ensure the people within the royal city are relaxed. Chaos would do no good,"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the generals answered in unison.

Edward’s gaze returned to the council, lingering briefly on Lord William.

"Does anyone else has a question?" He asked.

The Lord’s looked one to another and shook their head. No body was willing to bear the king’s furry

"Then, council is dismissed, Lord William wait behind," king Edward said seeing no one was saying anything.

Everyone got up at once bowed to the king before leaving the hall.

Soon the only people left was the king and Lord William with two trusted aides.

"Invite Duke Thompson in," king Edward instructed.

"Yes, your Majesty," the aid bowed and walked out. Duke Thompson had arrived for hours but he wasaid to wait outside for a long time.

"Lord Williams, you are one of those I trust, I intend to use the Duke household as a scapegoat. Not just to end the rumors..." He paused and looked at the old Lord

"Your majesty want to intermediate the rebels," Lord Williams understand his thoughts. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Yes," king Edward agreed.

"But your Majesty, general Ernest just married lady Anastasia’ with rebels everywhere if you use his wife as a scapegoat he might hold a grudge," Lord William said

"He dares?" King Edward felt it was laughable after all the one who gave Ernest his present title.