A private meeting convened, gathering the leaders of the five kingdoms within the castle's secret chambers. The grand hall's interior reflected each family's color's, traditions, and crests. A majestic podium stood tall, where the Kingdom leaders sat.
King Kendrick stood within the Dynasty family crest, encircled by crystal tiles. The other leaders watched, awaiting his explanation.
The Crystal kingdom leader spoke, "You lied about your firstborn son, Kendrik. You claimed his blessing was lost due an infant curse while Mika carried him."
King Kendrick retorted, "Are you going to recite all my past actions?"
The Stare kingdom leader intervened. "This is no joke, Kendrick. Your kingdom and family are crumbling. Don't you care?"
King Kendrick's sarcasm dripped, "Oh, really? And where is the monarch of this kingdom?"
The Phoenix leader demanded, "Enough games, Kendrick! Explain your family's turmoil and your plans to address it."
King Kendrick declared, "As the strongest monarch, I'll handle the problem myself." He turned to exit but was blocked by massive armored guards wielding huge spears.
Unfazed, King Kendrick smiled, "You forget that all five families have guardian angels and receive the Mark of Cleanse."
The Starr leader reminded, "Yes, but our abilities differ. We heal, Phoenix control hearts, Crystal teaches, Haven's women ascend to angels, while you, Kendrick, fight the Shallows."
King Kendrick classified, "Since becoming the Cleanse carrier, those demons hid, Now they've returned, and I doubt you haven't seen the bloodbath and dead royal guards scattered outside."
The Haven leader's voice rose, "We've seen the devastation! What will you do to protect our kingdoms?"
King Kendrick's demeanor remained unchanged, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Enough about the Shallows. Our royal guard will handle them. Let's focus on the real issue... He lied about his son, defying our agreed-upon rules. An unblessed child should be executed," Crystal leader Deckard stated.
Haven leader supported, "Kendrick's actions are unforgivable. Who knows what curse his unblessed child brought upon our kingdoms."
Phoenix leader implied, "Perhaps the Shallows' sudden appearance is the angels' wrath."
King Kendrick's composure faltered, his anger simmering. "How dare you speak about my son like that? Haven, you should understand, as his mother was from your kingdom. He's a Dynasty, but also a Haven."
Phoenix leader countered, "Eloping and defying tradition has consequences, Kendrick."
King Kendrick's laughter echoed, a maniacal tone.
Meanwhile, Kendrik lay in the infirmary, wrapped in bangages, blood staining his body. A Starr kingdom healer attended to him.
Jakob entered, concern etched on his face. "How is he?"
The healer trembled, "it's early to say, but... there's a high chance Prince Kendrik may not survive. Only his brain waves show signs of life."
Jakob focused on his brother, unaware of the healer's fear.
Outside, chaos reigned. Healers rushed to treat Shallows' victims, their injuries gruesome.
"If you don't mind can I stay with him" Jakob asked wiping his teary eyes.
The healer's expression softened. "Of course, Prince Jakob. Take all the time you need." She patted his back and exited, fighting back emotions.
Jakob's gaze remained fixed on Kendrik. His brother's battered state overwhelmed him. Jakob's immense power had subsided, leaving him feeling vulnerable.
"Kendrik, I'm sorry... I lost control. Please don't leave us. Father needs, Leone needs you, I need you!" Jakob knelt, tears streaming down his face.
Kendrik lay motionless, his soul seemingly absent.
Jakob sat in a distant chair, watching as ethereal creatures - tiny birds or butterflies - fitted around Kendrik, nursing him back to life.
Memories of his destructive outburst haunted Jakob. Innocent lives hurt, relationships strained.
Outside, footsteps approached. A figure clad in white, face hidden behind a scarf, neared Kendrik's room.
Mikeal rushed from the opposite direction. "There you are! I've been searching everywhere. Come on, let's go!"
Jakob resisted. "Whatever it is, it can wait. I won't leave my brother's side."
Mikeal's urgency grew. "Your brother's stable. It's your father - I think he's in trouble!" Mikeal pulled Mikeal from the chair.
As Jakob was dragged away, the mysterious figure entered Kendrik's room. Their eyes met Jakob's, sparking recognition.
Tensions ran high I'm the secret chamber as the council delivered their verdict.
"Monarch Kendrick Lukas Dynasty, due to your secrecy and confidentiality, we've reached a unanimous decision, " Crystal leader Sovereign Deckard announced.
The leaders of the five kingdoms held distinct titles:
1. Dynasty Kingdom - (most powerful and respected)
2. Crystal Kingdom - (most intelligent and warrior)
3. Phoenix Kingdom - Sultan (peacekeeper and fair judge)
4. Starr kingdom - Emperor and Empress (guardians and treasurers)
5. Haven Kingdom - Regent (mother and trustworthy)
Sovereign Deckard asked, "Sultan Tomas, what is your final decision?"
Sultan Tomas declared, "I rule Monarch Kendrick guilty of all charges."
Sovereign Deckard turned to the Starr Kingdom rulers. "Emperor Jonn and Empress Joan, what is your verdict?"
The twin siblings, Emperor Jonn and Empress Joan, spoke in unison, "Although Kendrick has maintained peace for 15 years, we find him guilty."
Regent Malanie's smile hinted at her reluctance. "I never liked Monarch Kendrick's childish ways, but for the kindoms' safety, I rule guilty."
Sovereign Deckard concluded, "It seems all the kingdoms find you guilty, Monarch Kendrick. What is your appeal?"
Monarch Kendrick chuckled, "You know what you want from me, but you'll never get it as long as-"
Jakob and Mikeal burst in, interrupting the proceedings.
"Father, are you okay?" Jakob asked, breathless.
Sovereign Deckard's anger flared. "This is a secret meeting, leave now!"
Before they could respond, Rumbus rushed in. "My leaders, forgive me! This is an emergency!"
Monarch Kendrick turned to Rumbus. "What's wrong?"
Rumbus replied, "The Shallows... they've killed half of our servants. They left this."
Rumbus handed Monarch Kendrick a tablet. The projection revealed a destroyed castle, dead bodies, and a figure.
"Good, hold it steady," the figure said, stepping back.
A maid, Leai, was dragged into view, kicking and screaming. The figure pierced her heart, and he savored each bite.
"Mmmm... young woman's heart, so innocent and pure." He laughed.
His appearance was unsettling: scar-covered body, black eyes with white irises, crooked teeth stained with blood.
He handed Leai's body to creatures resembling, and they devoured her.
The camera focused on another figure, barely recognisable - Jakob's mother.
"Come and find me!" the figure's voice dripped with malice.
The video turned static.
Monarch Kendrick's fury boiled over as he hurled the table at Sovereign Deckard. "Do you see what you've done? You've wasted my time and stolen my kingdom! My wife has been taken by a Shallow, are you satisfied now?"
The leaders recoiled, intimidated by Monarch Kendrick's rage. Yet, they remained resolute
"We understand your frustration, Monarch Kendrick, and we sorrow for your loss," Regent Malanie said calmly. "However, we cannot alter our decision. You must remain here, under arrest."
Monarch Kendrick's face turned crimson. "You must be joking!"
Sovereign Deckard pressed on, "Regent Malanie is correct. You've lost everything, Monarch Kendrick. Don't you want to reclaim it?"
Jakob, still reeling from the disturbing video, struggling to comprehend the council's words. Tears streaming down his face, he asked, "What do you mean our kingdom is taken?"
Regent Malanie chastised, "This doesn't concern you boy,"
Jakob's anger flared, "Shut up! I wasn't addressing you, old hag. I meant the ugly one playing leader." He pointed at Sovereign Deckard.
Regent Malanie was taken aback, speechless.
Monarch Kendrick intervened, sensing escalating tensions. "Tell me, what must I do to reclaim my kingdom and seat?"
Sovereign Deckard nodded, impressed. "Now you speak like a true Monarch."
The council outlined the terms, but Monarch Kendrick faced a daunting obstacles: he was not allowed to leave.
Without hesitation, Jakob stepped forward. "I'll do it, I'll go."
Mikeal intervened, alarmed. "Jakob, what are you doing?"
"I'll do it, I'll prove the Dynasty family deserves the Mark of Cleanse," Jakob declared, determination etched on his face.
Monarch Kendrick grasped Jakob's shoulder, his voice firm. "What are you doing, boy? The Mark of Cleanse isn't yours to gamble with."
Sovereign Deckard intervened, "Ah, come now, Monarch Kendrick. Don't you underestimate your youngest son. He's received his blessing from the Dynasty's family guardian. Let's see what he's capable of:
Monarch Kendrick's anger flared. "You'd love that wouldn't you?" Get my son killed, eliminate the successor, and claim the Mark of Cleanse yourself.
Sovereign Deckard's smile hinted motives. "Ignore your father, boy. If you return with the intelligent Shallow's head and rescue your mother, I swear we'll ensure you receive the Mark of Cleanse."
Jakob's eyes locked onto Sovereign Deckard's. "What's the Mark of Cleanse?"
"The Mark of Cleanse is a blessing bestowed upon then firstborn of the five kingdoms," Sovereign Deckard explained. "Each kingdom's Mark differs, but it's power is absolute. It grants unimaginable strength, capable of eradicating the Shallows."
Jakob's resolved hardened. "I'll do it. I'll bring back the Shallow's head and my mother."
Meanwhile, back at the infirmary, a mysterious figure slipped into Kendrik's room, their intense gaze still lingering from the fleeting exchange with Jakob. But upon entering, they were met with an unexpected sight: Kendrik's bed was empty.
The room was spotless, except for the blood-soaked bandages scattered across the floor, a stark reminder of Kendrik's critical condition. The mysterious figure's eyes scanned the room, their brow furrowed in confusion.