Chapter 3

That night, memories flooded Darian’s mind of a warm summer day from years ago.

The memory of Inguria battling against the first Barbarian attacks, and he, Nome, and other soldiers sitting around a crackling campfire, singing songs. The camaraderie and sense of brotherhood among the soldiers were palpable. Nome, with his bushy chestnut beard, had gazed up at the star-filled sky and said, “The air of home is sweeter than honey.”

Darian, taking a bite of the juicy apple he had plucked from a nearby tree, had voiced his concern. “But aren’t you afraid of tomorrow’s battle? We could die tomorrow.”

“It’s better to die fighting for our freedom than to live without it,” replied Nome. “To live as we choose, eat until our bellies are full, and sleep with whomever we please.” The soldiers nodded in agreement, their voices joining in support of Nome’s words. His eloquence never failed to inspire them.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers broke the moment with a joke. “I’m in love with my aunt. Can I sleep with her?” he laughed.

Nome’s response was quick, “If you’re worthy of her, my friend, then you can. That’s freedom. Marry and sleep with whoever you want. Even with your own mother.”

The laughter and clinking of beer glasses filled the air as they all cheered to freedom, including Darian.

Years later, as Darian got up from his bed, the memory of that night still lingered. Dawn was breaking outside, and he took out the book.

“According to untrue rumors, Prince Angus allegedly turned his eyes to his own mother, Queen Libra, after his coronation, instead of looking for a wife. Allegedly, the prince took the queen by force and henceforth used her at his will”.

His eyes scanned the page, and he continued reading. “Rumors are silent as to whether Angus had children as a result of intercourse with the queen.” He closed the book, but the words lingered in his mind, stirring up a new voice inside his head. The voice whispered, “Who is more worthy to continue the Serpent-Slayer bloodline than his mother? She is the only queen capable of bringing Serpent Slayers to life.”

Darian’s thoughts wandered to Nymira, and he felt a longing to touch her. Why would he bother looking for someone else when he already had her? He questioned himself. Wasn’t that what freedom was all about? To marry and sleep with whomever you wanted? He knew he was treading on dangerous territory, but the temptation was too strong to resist.

Darian found his thoughts drifting back to Prince Angus once again. What was it that drew him to this forbidden desire? As he entertained visions of himself as king, Darian felt the seductive pull of absolute power and the exhilarating freedom that came with it. The allure of indulging in his most illicit desires was impossible to resist. And ultimately Prince Angus gave in to temptation. He fucked the most unattainable woman in every man’s life. His own mother. And at this very moment he became “Angus The Great”.

Finally his inner voices became meaningful.

As the sun began to set, Darian made his way towards the queen’s chambers, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Braga, the guard posted outside, eyed him warily before reluctantly granting him entrance.

“May I come in, mother?” Darian asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he pushed open the heavy wooden doors. Nymira looked up from her desk, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips.

“Of course, Darian. I was just writing letters to your sisters before retiring for the night.” Gertrude, Nymira’s faithful servant, bustled around the room tidying up, casting a curious glance at Darian as he entered. The sweet scent of mint filled the air, and Darian couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of unease wash over him.

He suddenly realized the absurdity of his earlier thoughts, but he pushed them aside and focused on the present moment.

“Would you like me to send a message to your sisters on your behalf?” Nymira asked, her tone gentle.

Darian let out a derisive snort. “I thought they were enamored with the insipid prince they married. They can now face the consequences of their choices.”

“Please refrain from speaking of your sisters in such a disrespectful manner in my presence ... Gertrude, leave us, please.”

The maid bowed and walked out the door. The queen dipped her quill into the inkwell and continued writing.

“Tomorrow I plan to embark on a horseback ride. Would you care to join me, Darian?”

Darian hesitated, “I fear that the king would not approve of me taking leisurely horse rides instead of attending to my duties.”