Chapter 5

Confession to the King

The throne room was uncharacteristically silent, save for the occasional rustling of robes as the King and his counselors took their seats. Prince Darian stood at the center of it, his eyes scanning the empty space, awaiting Inglud’s words.

Inglud cleared his throat and spoke with a regal cadence, as if the room was filled with a grand audience. “Today, we gather here to determine the identity of your future bride. Where is your betrothed, Prince Darian?”

“She is here, my King,” Darian replied confidently.

“Here? Lokir, Narim, do you see anyone other than Darian in this room?”

“No, my King,” the counselors replied in unison.

“Neither do I. Are you playing games with me, Darian?”

“No, my King,” Darian replied, maintaining his composure. “I have thought long and hard about your words regarding finding a worthy bride.”

The King’s expression softened, intrigued by this response. “And what have you decided?”

“That the only one worthy is Queen Nymira.”

The King’s expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief. “But Queen Nymira is your mother,” he said, as if the prince had forgotten.

The prince met the King’s gaze without flinching. “I truly believe that she is the best candidate.”

A stunned silence filled the room as everyone processed the Prince’s unexpected proclamation. Lokir’s crooked smile revealed his yellowed teeth, while Narim’s face remained unreadable and placid.

“Seems like Darian finds it’s funny. Leave us,” Inglud took off his crown and slowly descended from the throne to Darian as counselors left the room. “Explain yourself,” King stood right over Darian.” Right now!”

Darian remained outwardly calm, though his heart was pounding in his chest. “You said my future wife must be worthy. Who could be more worthy than Queen Nymira? She has already birthed Serpent-Slayers and could bear more.”

“With you?” he sneered. “You are a complete disappointment, Darian. I had hoped for better. I thought you could at least find yourself a woman, but I see now you can’t even do that. Forget everything I told you. Your mother will continue our family line and bear more children. And you. I’ll deal with you later,” Inglud’s voice trailed off. “Take this fool away.”

Without a word, the guards entered the room and led Darian away to his chambers. Despite the king’s words, Darian remained resolute and focused, his mind already turning to his next move.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Darian reflected on the events of the past few days, his mind racing with possibilities and questions. Was this all a coincidence, or was it destiny? His heart beat with excitement at the thought of what was to come.

“I am ready,” he whispered to himself. “I am ready to become Darian the Great.”

The weight of guilt hung heavily on him as he carefully extracted a brick from the wall, revealing a small compartment where he had hidden precious belongings as a child. Only he and Narim knew of this secret hiding spot, and now it would serve a different purpose. With a trembling hand, he placed the small bundle inside, the bundle that held the fate of a life in its hands.

Darian strode purposefully towards the ornate doors leading to the queen’s chambers.

As he approached, Braga stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “You are not allowed to be here,” he barked like a dog.

“I want to talk to the queen”

A sudden hush fell over the chamber as a voice called out from behind the doors. “Who’s there, Braga?”

“The prince has come, my queen,” Braga responded, stepping aside.