"Stay here, Your Majesty," commanded the Shadow Guard, his blade twirling in a deadly dance against the relentless pursuers. Each swing and parry showcased a mastery of martial combat, bringing down their assailants with swift precision. In the midst of this chaos, a soldier emerged stealthily from the shadows, poised to strike the queen. With a flick of her wrist, she sent her knife hurtling towards him, a flash of desperation and determination in her eyes.
Liora, though wearied, pressed on, her resolve pushing her beyond her limits. After covering several miles, their escape route twisted into a treacherous trap. "Drop your weapons!" ordered Maximus' guard, followed by a swift release of magical balls that knocked their arms aside. Emerging from the chaos, Elara appeared, her presence offering a glimmer of hope. "Go now, I'll protect you," she reassured, her voice a beacon of strength.
Within the heart of Maximus' fortress, he sat upon the throne, a wicked grin adorning his face as he reveled in his newfound power, symbolized by the crown now upon his head. "We have successfully released the queen and princess," reported his men. Maximus, intoxicated with cruelty, issued a chilling command, "Kill all the princes and every Aurelian man." The orders were executed swiftly, echoing the ruthlessness within his heart. He believed himself to be benevolent, a distorted notion born of his delusions, for he considered sparing the queen and princesses an act of kindness.
"Your Highness," a guard hastily entered the chamber, spotting the crown atop Maximus' head. "Your Majesty, there's a mage aiding the queen," he informed. Maximus, reveling in his malevolence, commanded without a trace of remorse, "Capture the mage. Once I have her, I'll deal with the queen," his laughter resonating through the cold, unforgiving corridors.