Preparations for the Seven Knight Tests

Ben exhaled slowly, his chest rising and falling with the weight of responsibility. Satisfaction flickered across his face, tempered by a father's concern. "Then let it begin," he said, his voice carrying authority and calm in equal measure.

Victor stood a few steps away, eyes sharp, purple aura flickering subtly around him, a quiet storm of anticipation and resolve. He inclined his head. "Yes, Father. I'll prepare."

Ben's gaze softened, lingering on his son with an intensity born of both pride and worry. "Go now," he instructed. "Prepare yourself. Stay within the house until I finish all arrangements in the arena. Do not leave prematurely."

Victor inclined once more, the movement precise, controlled, every motion reflecting his discipline. "Understood, Father," he replied, his voice steady, betraying only the slightest excitement beneath the calm exterior. He turned and left, long black hair swaying with each step, echoing the rhythm of his measured breathing.

As Victor left, Ben's eyes followed him, burning with a quiet intensity. He raised a hand and pressed a gentle kiss to Anna's forehead, lingering for a heartbeat that carried all the weight of reassurance. "Don't worry, my love. I will oversee everything," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. His kiss left warmth, a promise, as he leaned back slightly, eyes scanning hers.

Anna's lips parted, her chest rising unevenly. "Be careful… all of you," she whispered, her fingers brushing against her husband's arm.

Ben's smile was faint but comforting. He leaned in again, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips this time, slower, lingering, grounding them both. "I'll handle it," he said quietly, his voice firm. "Trust me."

Anna exhaled, a small shiver running through her as she felt the weight of his presence and the intensity of the moment. Victor's departure left a void that was palpable, the house suddenly quieter, heavier with anticipation.

Ben turned, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulders as if that could clear the tension he felt coiling in the room. His mind shifted into meticulous mode, already calculating every variable, every precaution, every possible outcome for the upcoming Seven Knight Tests.

He called out sharply to a guard standing at attention nearby. "Go to Commander Walton. Tell him to prepare the arena arrangements for the Seven Knight Tests. And make sure the prince has everything he needs. Do not fail me."

The guard's eyes widened, mouth parting in surprise. "Sire… arrangements? For… the prince?"

Ben's gaze hardened, the quiet storm of his authority settling in the room like a palpable force. "Yes. Every measure, every precaution, every detail. Is that understood?"

The guard swallowed, his posture stiffening. "Y-yes, sire."

Ben turned to leave the room, his cape brushing softly against the polished floor. He exhaled once, a long, measured sigh, the weight of both fatherhood and responsibility pressing down on him. As he walked, he thought, I know Anna will try to stop him. She always does, and rightly so. But I cannot. Victor's fire… his determination… it burns too brightly. To suppress it now would be to suppress his growth, his very essence.

Each step carried the gravity of a man who had lived, fought, and survived countless storms, yet knew the most difficult battles were sometimes those fought in the quiet moments, behind closed doors, within the hearts of those he loved.

Ben's thoughts lingered on Victor, the boy's determination and spark, so much like his own, tempered by the wisdom that only experience could bring. He will face these trials, and he will grow stronger. I cannot stop him. Even if it kills me to watch him risk himself, even if it breaks me in ways words cannot describe… I have to let him go.

He passed the window, sunlight spilling across the floor, illuminating the faint dust motes swirling in the still air. His gaze lingered for a heartbeat on Victor's empty corridor, imagining the measured steps of his son, the coiling energy, the focus, the readiness to embrace challenge.

Ben's jaw tightened as he stepped into the hallway, voice low and steady as he spoke to himself, almost as if speaking to the ghost of every lesson he'd ever taught. He must learn for himself. He must feel the weight of every decision. He must understand the cost of power, the cost of courage. And when he steps into that arena, he will understand more than I ever could teach him in words alone.

He reached the main entrance of the house, pausing to glance back one last time. Anna sat silently, her fingers clasped in her lap, lips pressed together, eyes reflecting concern, fear, and love all at once. Ben gave her a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of her worry, and a silent promise that he would guide this storm, protect what could be protected, and let what needed to grow… grow.

As he stepped out, the cool air brushed against his face, carrying the faint scent of the gardens outside. Each breath he took was measured, deliberate. He felt the tension coiling inside him, but he allowed it to exist, to remind him of the stakes, of the responsibility that came with guiding both son and arena alike.

He approached one of the guards posted near the stables and spoke firmly. "Commander Walton. Prepare the arena. Every precaution. Every measure. The prince will face the Seven Knight Tests today."

The guard stiffened, eyes wide, clearly unprepared for such a directive. "Sire… the tests… the prince? Are you certain?"

Ben's gaze was unwavering, and his tone carried absolute authority. "Do not question me. Carry out the orders. The arena must be ready in every detail. Failure is not an option."

As the guard scurried off, Ben allowed himself a moment, leaning against the cool stone wall. He closed his eyes, hands resting lightly on the edge of the wall, and let his mind wander through the countless contingencies he'd already prepared. Victor will be tested. He will be pushed to the edge. But he will not falter. Not now. Not ever. His fire… it will carry him through.

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