King Rowan stood outside of the barracks, watching as his army continued to train and prepare themselves for the approaching war. The sound of steel on steel and shuffling boots filled the air as knights shouted to their trainees. King Rowan smiled at the men before him, feeling confident. The war would surely be won, thanks to the necklace Cain had found in Librona. It was as if his father had guided his soldier to it, ensuring their safety and their win. King Rowan was anxious to get the witch in his hands and see her burn to death on the stake.

King Rowan turned and made his way back inside his castle. He trotted up the stone steps, his footsteps echoing off the castle walls. He rounded the corner and stopped in front of a large door, hesitant. He knocked quietly before letting himself in, but the room was empty. His eyes examined the room as if expecting his mother to appear. When she did not, he turned and made his way through the castle once more. He strode across his throne room and through the side door that led to the tactical room, where his mother stood with her back to the door.

“What are you doing in here?” he asked, but the woman did not turn to greet her son.

“Where did you find this?” she asked, her voice quiet. In her hand, she held the necklace that Cain had found.

“It's a blessing, isn't it?” King Rowan said confidently, as if he had found the trinket himself. “Cain found it in Librona.”

“Do you know what this is?” she asked her son carefully.

“It's a cursed necklace,” he explained to her. “If that witch wears it, it will prevent it from using it's magic. We'll be able to kill it once and for all.”

The woman was quiet. She turned to face her son and dropped the necklace onto the table before her. “And how do you think you'll get this on her?”

“My men will hunt it like the beast that it is. A surprise attack should be enough to catch it off guard and get the necklace around it's neck.”

The woman said nothing; her eyes were fixed nervously on the necklace. When she didn't say anything, King Rowan grabbed the necklace and pocketed it on him.

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“I don't understand why you don't agree with my decision in this matter,” he said. “We have been under Scarletta's shadow for so many years. Don't you want this to end?”

“Not like this,” his mother muttered.

“How else, then, do you propose we do this?” He crossed his arms as he glared at her.

His mother said nothing and avoided his gaze. “It wouldn't matter,” she finally said. “You wouldn't take my advice.”

“Because you do not want me to kill that thing.”

“You're absolutely right,” she said quietly. “You know what's best for this kingdom. You have done well protecting our people so far. I should not doubt you.”

This seemed to please King Rowan. He smiled, knowing he had finally convinced his mother.

“I'm glad I have your support, Mother,” he said. “That's all I've ever wanted.”

“You always have my support, my son,” she said, meeting his gaze this time.

“Father has brought me up well, you know.”

She nodded. “I know,” she said quietly.

“Don't you worry about this war,” he said to her. “This business should not concern you. I want to see you resting. You leave this to me.”

The woman said nothing as she made her way passed her son and out of the room. She walked through the empty throne room, lost in her own thought.

King Rowan's advisor joined him shortly after as King Rowan sat in his throne. He fingered the necklace in his pocket as his advisor approached.

“I trust Librona received my message?”

The man nodded. “The army is ready whenever you are, My Lord.”

King Rowan stood. “Excellent,” he said. “I don't want to waste a single moment. The sooner we get that witch within our borders, the better. I want my men ready by morning. I want men to search for the witch and I want men ready to attack Librona. By morning. Not a moment later.”

The advisor bowed to his king and left to deliver the message right away. King Rowan watched his advisor leave and smiled to himself. Finally, justice would be brought to his kingdom.