Everyone was gathered in that same marble room which Ivan had had his last conversation with his father. A man who he was planning to overstep and claim the most powerful position in the kingdom, however that was no longer necessary, for that obstacle was gone and with it had been brought the foreboding sense of inevitable, impending chaos. The void left by the monarch meant that now everyone in the royal family had a shot at becoming ruler of Atheron. Of course that included Ivan but he was 1 out of a possible 16 candidates, and it wasn't like the odds were that easy, certain members had better chances, for instance Julius.

Despite Julius' obvious favouritism by their father, there was a silver lining, he had not been publically chosen as the previous king's successor, even if he wanted Julius to become king, he didn't want to make that statement and have him remain a prince. The reason for this was that Julius was a man who's past time was fighting skirmishes in the east, just beyond the Caldracca mountain range that separated Atheron and the Vyanyak commonwealth. Should Julius die after their father's death then the same situation as they have currently would arise. The irony could only make Ivan giggle on the inside.

Yet whoever it was who had murdered his father, Ivan couldn't help but feel slightly impressed, many others had tried their hand at assassinating the king but failed. It was all due to the knight who stood by his side through thick and thin like glue. Faramond was his name and his bulky posture and masculine appearance was a clear indicator of his strength. A strength which excelled that of any other warrior in the kingdom, rightfully earning him the title of strongest knight. But Ivan could only imagine the guilt his father's personal knight would be feeling right now but he didn't care.

Those same great oak doors greeted him once again. Two summons to the throne room in one day, it must have been Ivan's birthday. They opened and Ivan, along with the guard, stepped inside. Not a single trace of positivity was present but that was to be expected. The guards, the royal family, all had a look of sorrow and shock, blinking was of the lowest priority to them, all they could do was lament in their melancholy. Many of the women were crying, including Ivan's mother, Queen Andrea, Barclay simply sat beside her in his futile efforts to comfort her.

Ivan paid no heed and simply walked on with a carefree expression on his face.

"My lord, I had best be going I..." began the guard.

"Yes, yes, off you go," Ivan interjected, dismissing him, he wanted to dispose of him as soon as possible but also because he seemed like he was in a rush.

Ivan wandered through the crowds of maids and royalty when he bumped into Gustav.

"Gustav?" Ivan inquired, he seemed to be crying but was fiercely holding back his tears yet that couldn't stop his face from creasing up.

"I...I'm o..okay I...Ivan."

"You obviously aren't."

"It's just, father...father is...father is...I saw it with my own eyes, his body!" Gustav started to break down so Ivan rested his hand on his shoulder.

"I saw his body too, it is alright Gustav, father would not want you to weep, you are nearly a man no?"

"H...how can you...be so...so calm?"

"That does not matter, quickly make yourself seem more presentable and go see Barclay over there," Ivan spoke with a soft tone as he thought what he just said may have sounded rather harsh.

Gustav dissapered into the crowd and left Ivan alone, giving him time to reflect on his current situation however, like everything else he does, Julius foiled him and came wandering over. His face bleak yet it had an expression of urgency.

"Ivan, I am so glad you are safe. I wish the same could be said for father."

"Agreed, to think a tragedy would befall us of all days," Ivan lowered his head to make himself seem upset, but it wasn't his true feelings, if he were honest he would have said 'Old fool was already one foot in the grave', but reading the atmosphere, now wasn't the best time to be making such remarks.

"An advancement in age and this is what you receive, God has not smiled upon us this day."

"I know, but the workings of man are separate from God's will. The assassins will be punished for their sins, by our hands or God's," spurting out religious wisdom, Ivan couldn't disagree more with Julius, their father's demise was the greatest present he had been graced with and Ivan took great pleasure in this, almost letting that smile appear on his face again. But he stopped when he realised that Julius wasn't just sad, he had approached Ivan and their conversation so far had been directed at him. It was a test to see his reactions, clenching his fist, Ivan decided to play along keeping up his facade.

"True little brother, such a crime will not leave them uncondemned. I can only hope we all make it through the week."

Ivan felt a chill down his spine, why would Julius reference the week? He had to be saying that the assassins might come for the rest of the royal family but his voice, the little pauses inbetween each few words, they were menacing. Julius was smart but to have confidence in stating fore-knowledge like this wasn't something a normal person would do. Could Julius have ordered father's death?

It was preposterous, why would he when he was the favourite, when he was going to be named heir anyway. Then again, Julius did always behave like an actor, his shroud of kindness could only barely be seen through by those of high enough intellect. All that waiting, father clung to life like a beggar to bread and it must have built up the frustration inside. If this was reason enough, accompanied by the fact that Julius could be overly ambitious at times, would set the perfect grounds for a murder of the king. No-one would suspect him either, if he played all his cards here then obtaining the throne was within kicking distance, it was a perfect plan by him and all these thoughts only piped up Ivan's anger even more.

"Ivan, are you feeling okay?"

Unable to hide his contempt now, Ivan raised his face and stared directly into Julius' unwavering eyes, "I'm just so furious at the attackers, I swear that I will have the head of whoever has committed this haenous act of treason."

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Is that so?"

Both stared at each other for a couple of seconds until a man in armour walked out and stood atop a few steps on the podium of the throne. He wore no helmet to distinguish himself amongst the other knights and his rugged face and short brown hair instantly made him recognisable as the captain of the castle's defence.

"If I may have your attention please ladies and gentlemen, as many of you may already know, it is with a heavy heart that I regret to inform you that King Achard Ikhaust has been killed. We have deemed the castle safe for now but we must keep everyone's safety our highest priority. So all shall abandon the castle except for us knights as we consolidate with the church a new heir and his majesty's funeral. Maids shall return home for tonight and not return to work until a letter is received. As for the royal family, please may each member speak with me about where they shall be going. That is all, thank you."

Everyone began murmuring to each other and everyone who wasn't royalty began to depart.

"Where will be headed Ivan?" Questioned Julius.

"Most likely the second safest place in this kingdom for me, Ukburg castle."

"The fief owned by Lord Alacar?"

"Yes, I have an old friend there."

"Well I wish you safety on your travels," beamed Julius.

Almost immediatly after everybody had been sorted out. Everyone in the royal family set off in different directions, headed for security elsewhere. Ivan was going north, he sat in the horse carriage relaxed. The soft red cushions eased him who had been on edge ever since almost dying and his conversation with Julius. His arms lost all motion as he slumped into his seat. His hair was no longer gelled back, it was its usual long self with a slight parting on the right. He had changed into less expensive attire, namely a silky white outfit with gold lining and a red collar.

All of a sudden the carriage hit a bump and was launched ever so slightly into the air, startling Ivan. He clenched the object next to him, ensuring it was safe, feeling those intervals of a beating heart. It was the maroon box. The words on the note stating that it was his life inside the box remained fresh in his mind. By whatever means, he no longer had a heart and by what experience so far had taught him, it meant he was unable to be killed.

Whenever he was destined to lose his life, in great mockery of nature, he didn't. Instead Ivan would simply fall unconsious, if it could be called that, for an entire hour and then awake to find all his injuries gone. This was only the bare minimum knowledge he had acquired and frankly, it was just theories to him at the moment.

"I should consult the court wizard about this at some point," Ivan muttered under his breath, thinking to himself.

The moon shone like a crystal shard in the sky. The stars were an army of fireflies dancing in darkness.

"Considering it is night, I should get some rest but after having a short sleep halfway through the day, I feel no weariness," Ivan peered into the veil of the night sky, hypnotized by it's beauty, "no, if I shut my eyes for a while, it should lessen the trip. We still have a ways to go after all."

So Ivan laid his head back and closed his eyelids and remained in a comfortable position until he arrived at his destination.

He had awoken a bit before reaching the castle but it was no trouble. A couple hours later the horse carriage pulled up through the gates to Ukburg castle, the green banner of Lord Alacar flew high above the battlements and gracefully swerved in the cool wind's breeze. The carriage came to a halt in front of the polished castle's front entrance.

The driver quickly removed himself from the front of the dark red carriage and quaintly opened the door at the side, reaching out his hand to support Ivan on his way down the steps. Several servants appeared out of the entrance along with a tall slender man, wearing an extremely dark green outfit and carrying a book in his right hand.

"It is an honour to have you stay here at our lord's house my prince, you may remember me from previous visits but I am the steward of this estate, Markett."

"Thank you for having me and yes I do remember M..."

"Ivan! What a pleasure!" Came a voice from the door to the castle.

"Andrew? My friend! How long his it been?"

A dashing young man with brown hair and a grey and green coat, with hints of navy blue, came rushing down the stairs leading to the door, a massive smile brightened up that childish face as soon as he saw Ivan.

"It honestly has been far too long," said the youthful noble.

"Indeed," replied Ivan as the 2 boys hugged each other briefly, "we have much to discuss."

"Agreed but first do come inside, the courier gave quite a specific time when you would arrive, so I already had some tea prepared."

"Thank you, in truth I really need a soothing drink, with everything that has happened, you would not believe it."

"You can tell me all about it once we are inside, oh and I know it was yesterday and you should have recieved my present saying this but, happy birthday"

"Thank you."

Ivan followed his best friend into the castle. It had been 2 months since they last spoke, all thanks to Ivan's expedition to Gotland. But now they were reunited, at last.

"Please take Ivan's bags up to his room immediatly," Andrew pleasantly ordered.

"As you wish my lord," the servants responded together.

"If I may make a request?"

"Hm, yes Ivan?"

"You may move all my luggage, however please do not touch the box in the passenger seat."

The servants simply nodded without question.

"I wonder what is in there," chuckled Andrew.

"Something so very important to me, more than you realise."

The halls of the castle were just as Ivan remembered them as a child, intricate patterns and shapes of various colours littered the floor, velvet drapes hung from the wall and the sound of stepping on the floor could make the most inelegant of steps sound graceful. Ivan and Andrew always used to play together as children. One could say that Ivan grew up in Ukburg castle and the 2 were brothers, twin brothers almost, apart from slightly similar appearances, they both were the exact same height and age.

A fine room had been prepared for them and a cute round table sat in the middle with a large window allowing a fair amount of sunlight in to brighten up the room and negate the use of any candles, unless night came. The smell of warm tea filled the air accompanied by the scent of freshly baked biscuits served on a silver platter.

"Please, have a seat," requested Andrew.

Ivan sat next opposite and quickly took a sip of his tea.

"Splendid," he complimented.

"You sure do get over tragic things rather easily."

"Hm? Pardon?" Said Ivan confused.

"I mean, your father is dead and on your birthday aswell."

"I know, it is tragic."

Ivan kept on sipping on his tea as if to brush the conversation topic away but then decided not to neglect something so horrendous in the eyes of most people.

"I have learned to accept the death of those who are closest to me, there was nothing I could have done for my father."

"I see." Andrew sounded disheartened for some reason but Ivan hastily changed the subject.

"Is Lord Alacar not in today?"

"My father is not in most days, he is always off on trips, leaving me alone, it can get lonely sometimes but I have gotten used to it."

"Poor you."

"You're the poor one here, what with everything that has occured. Do you even know who did it?"

"No, the assassins managed to escape but they will be found and caught."

"That is quite an optimistic view."

"I know what you mean however on a matter which I will go into detail on later, trust me, they will be caught."

"This is not a very good conversation topic, we can talk about your travels next but I want to ask you one question. Did you actually see your father's body?"

"Yes, I walked in on his corpse laying on the ground with a blood-stained knife in his back, I didn't have time to get a good look due to me being..." Ivan cut off mid sentence, realising what he was about to say.

"Due to what?" Andrew prompted an answer.

Could Ivan tell Andrew about what had happened to him, about his heart, about his supposed death and revival. Andrew was his closest friend and more of a brother than any of his actual blood relatives would be.

"I was attacked."

"You were attacked! Goodness gracious! Did you come out unscathed?!"

"You could say that."

"Well tell me, what happened?"

"I may have been stabbed, I could have died."

"Ivan?"

"Andrew, I think..." but as Ivan uttered these words, he halted and his lips fell limp.