In that moment, surrounded by the kingdom's grandeur, our love became the greatest treasure.
We continued our conversation, lost in each other's eyes, when suddenly, one of the guards burst in, his urgency palpable.
"Your Highness, we are under attack," he exclaimed, his voice piercing the tranquil atmosphere.
Henry's expression transformed from serene to stern, his eyes flashing with concern. "Where?" he demanded, already striding toward the door. The guard hesitated before speaking,
"Zorvath' forces have breached our eastern border, sire." Henry's jaw clenched, his face set in determination.
"Summon the council and my brother."
"You" he gestured towards another soldier "prepare our defenses."
"Sire, your brother has not returned from his journey to Zorvath."
The soldier spoke with fear in his eyes.
Henry's eyes widened in fear, he turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Stay safe, Ariel. Go to your chambers, I'll return to you." And with that, he vanished into the chaos, leaving me reeling.
...Henry's reassuring smile faded from my mind as I retreated to my chambers.
But my thoughts refused to settle.
Where was Prince Solomon?
I hadn't seen him since the day I chose my personal guards.
What was going on?
The castle's environment seemed deceptive.
An undercurrent of tension lurked beneath.
I sensed it. And now, what did the soldier mean by Solomon hasn't returned.
My heart quickened.
Something was amiss.
Suddenly, the castle's torches seemed to cast ominous shadows.
I couldn't shake the feeling that darkness gathered beyond Avalon's gates.
Waiting.
Watching.
For the perfect moment to strike.
And I was trapped in the midst of it.
The wind howled outside.
My chamber door creaked.
I spun around.
"Who's there?" I called out.
Silence.
Only the darkness replied.
Henry rushed out of the castle, already prepared for battle, his face set with determination. His men were restless, awaiting his command.
As they finished preparations, Henry ordered 50 men to guard Ariel and the castle.
He took half the remaining soldiers and rode to Avalon's eastern border, where Zorvath's army awaited.
Leaving the remaining half to defend Avalon's gates, Henry approached Marcellus's forces.
"Where is your king?" Henry demanded, anger etched on his face and burning in his voice.
Marcellus emerged, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.
"After tonight, I will also be your king," Marcellus declared, confidence radiating from every word.
Henry's anger flared.
"What have you done to my parents?" he growled.
"WHERE IS MY BROTHER?" Henry's voice thundered through the night sky.
Clouds gathered, heavy with impending rain.
Ariel watched from her chamber window, anxiety gripping her heart.
Marcellus began to boast, praising himself for slaughtering Henry's parents.
He gloated about defeating Solomon, his words dripping with malice.
Henry seethed, rage fueling his every breath.
Each word from Marcellus's lips deepened Henry's fury.
Henry's patience snapped, his body engulfed in red flames.
"ATTACK!" he screamed.
In one swift motion, Henry drew his sword.
Tightening his grip on the reins, he spurred his horse forward.
The animal's hooves pounded the earth.
Henry charged straight for Marcellus.
His soldiers followed, a wall of steel and determination.
Their battle cry echoed through the night.
Marcellus's smile faltered.
But he stood firm.
The battle for Avalon had begun.