Aurelian's demise marked a gruesome end, a testament to Maximus's brutal reign. His men charged like a tempest towards the palace, aiming for all the princes and princesses. The air was thick with tension, a storm of uncertainty and fear, as only a few princes remained standing: the sixth prince and the ninth prince, accompanied by the other young ones. Even the queens were not spared, except for Queen Liora, who, with her vigilant guards, managed to thwart the initial assault.
The relentless charge pushed forward, intent on reaching Aurelian's room. However, Queen Liora's guards put up a fierce defense. In the desperate struggle, they succeeded in felling five of Maximus's men. But as they reached the room's entrance, a magical barrier swung the assailants away, leaving only one survivor who rushed to report back to Maximus.
Inside the room, the captives were bound, their noble status rendering them helpless. Maximus, devoid of mercy, commanded, "Release the queen and the princesses, including the general. They are useful tools," he sneered. The air grew colder, the suspense mounting, as the fate of the prisoners hung in the balance. Maximus's words echoed with a foreboding weight, leaving a lingering sense of dread in the air.
"My prince, Queen Liora has killed..." he collapsed just as he was about to report. Maximus ordered more men, but only a few managed to return. Upon reaching the room, they realized it was fortified with powerful magic.
"Liora, come out of the room," Maximus ordered, his tone commanding.
"How dare you call me by name? I am your queen," she shouted defiantly.
"You are not a queen but a witch using black magic," he sneered, his laughter echoing through the tense air, matched by his men's amusement.
Queen Liora seethed with anger, while Elara signaled negatively and further fortified the door. "You are a coward hiding behind the door like your husband," he taunted, reveling in the psychological warfare.
"Don't dare mention my husband's name," she snapped, signing for Elara to cease and her shadow guard to be on high alert. She bravely strolled out, her anger palpable, her determination unwavering. "Leave me alone. Don't you dare disrespect me," she warned as they reluctantly backed away, allowing her space. Maximus circled her, his presence oppressive.
"You are truly beautiful, just as the first time Adrian brought you here," he commented, reaching out to touch her cheek. In a swift act of defiance, she bit him, her teeth sinking into his flesh. "Ouch! Hold her down," he barked, incensed by her resistance, as the confrontation escalated into a dangerous dance of power and will within the fortified room.