As the heavy doors of the throne room slammed shut behind the departing generals, left alone, King Thaddeus sank into his throne, his fists clenching the armrests. His mind raced with a thousand thoughts, each one more dire than the last.
The weight of the impending battle pressed down on him like a crushing tide. The distant rumble of shouting soldiers and clanging metal echoed through the castle halls, growing louder with each passing moment. For the first time in years, fear licked at the edges of his resolve.
He slammed his fist against the gilded armrest of his throne, the sound reverberating through the empty chamber. Damn them! Damn Carl for his selfishness. Damn Zephyros and Valeidio for their arrogance. His mind churned with frustration, but the faint tremor in his hand betrayed the cracks in his confidence.
A faint knock came at the door before one of his guards stepped inside, his expression tense. "Your Majesty," the guard said, bowing deeply.
