**
The investigation into the death of the fifth prince took an ominous turn as the truth was revealed—the prince had been assassinated with a specially crafted knife, one meant for the royal family alone. The blade had broken during the act, leaving half of it embedded within the prince's intestines, a gruesome testament to the brutality of the crime.
King Adrian's heart weighed heavy with sorrow and suspicion. He couldn't help but question how his own brothers could commit such a heinous act against their kin. The notion gnawed at him like a relentless storm, casting a shadow over his thoughts.
Liora, observing her husband's turmoil, gently placed a reassuring hand on his. "You must seek the truth, Adrian. Justice for your brother and for the kingdom requires it."
With resolve in his eyes, Adrian made a difficult decision. "I will summon my brothers to a brotherhood feast. It is time we come together and put these suspicions to rest."
---
The grand hall of the palace was adorned with opulent decorations, the air filled with the aroma of a lavish feast. King Adrian's brothers gathered, their faces a mixture of camaraderie and hidden agendas. The second prince, in particular, attempted to maintain an air of loyalty, cracking jokes about their shared childhood.
"I remember when Adrian was terrified of flies," he laughed, reminiscing. "We dragged him into the stream to bathe, and when we removed his trousers, we discovered he wasn't wearing anything underneath!"
Laughter erupted among the brothers, but King Adrian's annoyance was palpable. His eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and suspicion, but Liora's calming presence by his side helped him maintain composure.
"Enough," Adrian ordered, silencing the raucous laughter. "We are here to celebrate our brotherhood, not to jest at each other's expense. Let us remember the bonds that unite us."
The queen, ever diplomatic, stepped in. "My brothers, our king wishes for us to enjoy this evening together. Let us honor his request."
As the feast continued, King Adrian couldn't shake off the unease that clung to him. He broached a sensitive topic. "My brothers, I have lost a precious knife, one that holds great significance. Has anyone seen it on their way here?"
The brothers exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from joviality to curiosity. Slowly, they each produced their own knives, presenting them for inspection.
Adrian's gaze scrutinized each blade, searching for any signs of the missing half, the key to unraveling the mystery behind his brother's death. Suspicion hung in the air, like a heavy cloud threatening to unleash a storm of revelation.
:
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As the brothers presented their knives, King Adrian's eyes scanned each blade meticulously, searching for any signs of the missing half that could reveal the truth about his brother's death.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Adrian's gaze shifted from knife to knife. The tension in the air grew palpable, and his brothers exchanged uneasy glances.
Then, it happened—Adrian's eyes locked onto a blade that seemed different. A shard of metal, half buried within the hilt, caught his attention. His heart raced, and a bead of sweat formed on his brow.
"Stop!" Adrian's voice cut through the silence. "Whose knife is this?" He pointed to the blade in question, his finger trembling.
[End of Chapter 13]
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