Maria and her most trusted man were in her chambers discussing the current state of Greylan. " It seems all our plans have gone to waste." Darwin spoke up, Darwin was Maria's personal knight and had been with her since she was a child and had slowly become her most loyal and trusted confidant.
Most people saw Maria as nothing more than the Princess, they saw her as nothing more than a weak girl and their way into the royal family. No one was aware than the so called weak, fragile girl possessed monstrous intellect and had deep knowledge of the political factions.
" It's not true, we just failed to account for the brash actions of my brother and how gullible he truly is." Maria spoke up, she sat on her couch deep in thought " I am still confused about something mistress... " Maria rose her head to look at Darwin giving him the nod to go on. "It would not be impossible if you were to claim the throne for yourself and yet you continue to push for your... forgive my words, buffoon of a brother to rule." hearing Darwins words she began to smile.
"I understand you Darwin but I must correct you on something Adonis is more than a buffoon, true he knows next to nothing about politics and couldn't make a scheme to save his life but he possesses certain qualities that make him the perfect king." Darwin rose an eyebrow hearing the evaluation given by his mistress." He is loyal and understands his men, he wouldn't hesitate to rush to the front limes if it meant saving the lives of his men. His loyalty and bravery is why I support his succession of the throne. "
" But now he has been expelled from the family " " I am not worried Darwin, my brother at least has his strength and I believe given enough time he would complete the labours, what I must do is prevent Arwin and all the others who have set their eyes on the throne. " Maria arose from her seat with conviction in her eyes.
" Darwin get some men to protect Adonis in secret I'm certain Arwin will try something " " yes mistress " Darwin responded" have we figured out who Arwin's hidden backer is? " " No they are good at hiding their tracks but we have gotten news that the noble faction have started to move also the people who were undecided have started to take sides and Adonis is also loosing alot of supporters from his camp from the way things are heading even if Adonis returns he is probably going to be out of line for the succession. "
Maria grit her teeth hearing the information " it seems I have been too quiet lately.... start making our moves, let them know a wolf is not to be triffled with." " yes mistress " with that Darwin was gone.
With Adonis missing the game referred to as politics was getting heated with all players making both big and small everyone had their eyes on the throne.
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It had been a month and I had eaten nothing but poison food at that point I was sure I had lost my sense of taste. The poison food was bad but it wasn't the worse, Gareth began my training his words were my body was not strong enough to go through the trials and I had to build up body and so began the torturous training.
He woke me up at dawn and had me run around the entire of the academy, this was just the beginning I went through so many drills that I actually began looking forward to my poison meals as that was the only time I was free from the torture.
" Congratulations boy you actually made it, I'm impressed I expected you to die during the second week but here you are." I glared at him and if looks could kill he would be six feet under. "Don't look at me like that you made it didn't you...any who you can now move unto the second trial." he threw me a wooden sword and my heart began pumping I knew what this meant, I was closer to my dream closer to being a huntsman.
" You done" Gareth words brought me out of my daydream " good let's begin." I have to admit the next two months was not what I expected it to be like, he taught some basic stances and moves as well as the basic knowledge of a huntsman.
Don't get me wrong I was delighted but I remembered his earlier words that each trial is deadlier than the last and I knew this training had no such treat so I had an odd feeling and what do you know.... I was right.
Garreth brought me to a place in academy I hadn't been before, " the only way to be sure you've grasped what I taught you, is to test you." me being unaware of what was about to happen " alright bring it on. " he just smirked and push me down a hole " Aaaaaaaagh" I screamed as I fell " see you in a few months... if your alive that is." The last thing I saw was his sadistic smirk.