As the day drew to a close, darkness blanketing the kingdom, Liam found himself peacefully dozing off in his chamber. The faint sound of a creaking door stirred him from his slumber, sending a surge of adrenaline through his veins. Instinctively, he reached for his sword, ready to defend himself against an imminent threat.
To his surprise, the door swung open, and a mysterious figure stepped into the room, silhouetted against the dimly lit corridor. Before Liam could react, a familiar voice called out, "Relax, it's me, Philip!" The familiarity in Philip's voice immediately put Liam at ease, and he cautiously lowered his sword.
Locking the door behind him, Philip approached Liam with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice laced with excitement and a hint of mystery. Liam's curious eyes met Philip's, and before he could utter a word, Philip closed the distance between them, capturing Liam's lips in a passionate and unexpected kiss.
Caught off guard, a flurry of emotions swirled within Liam, from surprise to exhilaration. The intensity of the moment took their breath away, their hearts beating in synchrony. In that stolen moment, time seemed to stand still as their connection deepened with each lingering caress and tender touch.
King Philip woke up the next morning with Liam beside him. His attention was caught by a strange necklace that Liam was wearing. As Philip tried to touch it, Liam held his hand and smiled. "What kind of necklace is that?" Philip asked. "It's the Phoenix Amulet. It belonged to my mother, or so I've been told," Liam replied. They gazed into each other's eyes. "I love you," phillip said slowly. "I love you too, Philip," Liam responded responded. Soon after, King Philip got dressed and left the room. "Where are you going?" Liam asked. "To the Whispering Willow River," Philip replied and left.
Meanwhile, in Evergreena, King Edward received Annabelle's letter. He summoned the leader of the Evergreena Shadows, Orion Shadowthorn, and paid him to assassinate King Philip.