The council chamber of Castle Valenhart was steeped in a solemn quiet that morning, the air thick with the gravity of rebellion. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, painting the chamber's stone walls with vibrant reds and blues that seemed at odds with the mood within. King Hadrian sat at the head of the long oak table, his expression one of calm authority. Around him were his trusted advisors, generals, and ministers, their faces a mix of concern and determination.
Prince Leo stood just behind his father, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. This was the first council meeting he'd been allowed to attend since the news of Oryndal's rebellion. Despite his best efforts to remain stoic, his chest tightened at the weight of the discussions.
"We've received word from the envoys sent to Oryndal," General Astor began, his voice grim. "Lord Aestarin has refused to meet with them. Instead, his forces have begun fortifying their position near the northern border."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber.
"What does he want?" Elise asked, her tone sharp as she leaned forward.
"Power," Astor replied simply. "He seeks to destabilize the crown and carve out his own domain. This rebellion is not about grievances—it's about ambition."
"Then we must act swiftly," Elise pressed, her confidence cutting through the unease in the room. "A decisive strike could quell this before it spreads further."
King Hadrian raised a hand, silencing the room. "I will not plunge Aelthor into war without exhausting every alternative. Another envoy will be sent—this time under a flag of truce with a clearer message. If Lord Aestarin chooses to ignore it…" His voice grew firm. "Then we will respond accordingly."
Leo admired his father's calm resolve, but doubt gnawed at him. Could diplomacy truly quell a rebellion driven by greed?
As the council deliberated, the doors to the chamber opened, and Captain Rellan, the commander of the castle guard, stepped inside. His expression was unreadable, but his tone betrayed urgency. "Your Majesty, a matter requires your immediate attention."
King Hadrian frowned but nodded. "This meeting is adjourned for now. We will reconvene once I return."
The council members rose and began to file out, their whispers echoing in the high-ceilinged chamber. Leo lingered near his father, his instincts prickling. Something about Rellan's demeanor felt… off.
"Should I come with you, Father?" Leo asked cautiously.
Hadrian gave him a reassuring smile. "No, Leo. Stay here and review the maps with General Astor. We'll need your insights soon enough."
Leo nodded reluctantly, watching as his father left with Rellan. Elise appeared at his side, her expression matching his unease.
"Did something feel strange to you?" she asked in a low voice.
"Yes," Leo admitted, his gaze fixed on the chamber doors.
Minutes passed. Then an explosion.
The sound was deafening, shaking the very foundation of the castle. Screams echoed through the corridors, followed by the clash of steel.
"Elise, stay here!" Leo barked, drawing his sword as he sprinted toward the source of the chaos.
"No," Elise snapped, grabbing a dagger from a nearby guard's belt. "I'm coming with you."
They charged through the corridors, their hearts pounding. Smoke filled the air, stinging their eyes and lungs. When they reached the council chamber, the scene that awaited them turned Leo's blood to ice.
The doors had been blown apart, and the room was a slaughterhouse. Bodies of council members and guards lay sprawled across the blood-slicked floor. The vibrant light from the stained glass windows now cast an eerie, hellish glow over the carnage.
At the center of it all stood Captain Rellan, his blade dripping with blood. Around him were a dozen soldiers bearing no insignia—mercenaries.
"Rellan?" Leo's voice cracked with disbelief.
The captain turned, his face cold and unrepentant. "The time for Hadrian's reign is over. Aelthor needs new leadership—leadership that understands strength, not diplomacy."
Leo's eyes darted across the room, searching desperately for his father. His heart stopped when he saw Hadrian slumped against the far wall, his crown askew and his once-mighty presence diminished by the deep wound in his chest.
"Father!" Leo shouted, rushing forward.
"Elise, stop him!" Rellan barked, signaling the mercenaries to intercept.
Elise was faster than any of them. She hurled herself forward, slashing at the nearest mercenary with ruthless precision. Her blade found its mark, and the man crumpled to the ground.
"Leo!" she screamed. "Get to Father! I'll hold them off!"
But the odds were overwhelming. Leo reached his father's side, kneeling amidst the blood. "Father, please—stay with me!"
Hadrian's eyes fluttered open, his breathing shallow. "Leo…" His voice was barely a whisper. "You must… protect Aelthor. Protect Elise."
"I can't do this without you!" Leo's voice broke.
Hadrian managed the faintest of smiles. "You'll have to."
The light faded from his eyes.
"NO!" Leo roared, his grief twisting into rage. He turned, his sword flashing as he joined Elise in the desperate fight against the mercenaries.
Though they fought valiantly, the odds were insurmountable. Bloodied and beaten, they were forced to retreat as reinforcements arrived, but the betrayal had already succeeded.
The king was dead.
The council was annihilated.
And the weight of the kingdom now rested on Leo's shoulders.