The thunder of hooves broke the stillness as the king raced toward the scene, his knights struggling to keep up. His heart twisted at the sight before him: Leson, pale and trembling, cradling the lifeless body of his mother—his queen.

The king dismounted, his legs barely supporting him as he staggered toward them. Dropping to his knees beside his wife, he reached out to touch her still, cold face.

“No...” His voice cracked, and tears streamed freely down his face. “My love... what have they done?”

The heartbreaking moment was shattered by slow, deliberate clapping.

“Bravo,” Erik’s mocking voice rang out. He stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light, his grin sharp and cold. “What a touching display. The great king brought to his knees. Truly, this is a sight worth savoring.”

The king rose slowly, his face dark with grief and fury. “Erik,” he said, his voice low but commanding. “Why are you here? You were tasked with guarding the borders, keeping the demons at bay. What is the meaning of this treachery?”

Erik’s smirk faltered, and he exhaled sharply. “Guarding the gates? Yes, that was my duty. But I left because of this,” he gestured toward Leson and the fallen queen. “I came to save him, to stop the assassins. I tried, but I was too late.” His voice softened for a brief moment, tinged with frustration.

The king’s eyes narrowed. “If you came to save Leson, why do you stand here now with a sword drawn against me?”

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Erik’s expression darkened, his tone growing bitter. “Because you, uncle, made it so easy. To my surprise, you came here alone—no army, no protection. I came to stop one tragedy and stumbled upon an opportunity instead. I don’t care anymore if Leson becomes worthy or not.”

His voice rose, fierce and determined. “What I want now is to fight the strongest person in this nation. You, the king who united all the kingdoms, the man everyone reveres as unstoppable.”

The king’s hands clenched into fists, his eyes blazing with fury. “You betray me after claiming you came to save my son? You bring shame upon your bloodline, Erik.”

Erik laughed coldly, his bitterness spilling over. “Shame? You speak of shame? All my life, I’ve lived in your shadow. The great king, the noble Leson. And me? Always the spare, the shadow.”

Leson’s trembling voice broke the tension. “Stop this... please, Erik... brother... don’t do this.”

Erik’s gaze flicked to Leson, his eyes hardening. “Do you think I want to hurt you, Leson? I didn’t come here for you. I came here for him.” He nodded toward the king. “Your death wasn’t my plan. But now that she’s gone...” He gestured toward the queen’s lifeless body. “Well, there’s nothing holding me back anymore.”

Leson’s voice cracked. “Mother... why would she...?”

Erik’s mocking tone returned. “Oh, yes, your precious mother. She’s gone, little prince. Nothing you do will bring her back. Unless, of course, you believe in fairy tales and the nonsense about resurrection.”

Leson froze, his mind racing. Fairies? The old tales spoke of their magic, of their power to counter demons and even undo death itself. Could it be true?

Erik saw the flicker of hope in Leson’s eyes and laughed. “Oh, how precious. Are you dreaming of some fairy tale ending, little prince? Let me give you a dose of reality instead.”

With a sudden motion, Erik hurled a dagger at the king. The blade struck his leg, and the king stumbled but didn’t fall. He steadied himself, his sword drawn, his glare sharp.

“Erik,” the king growled, “this ends now.”

Erik laughed again, his voice ringing with madness. “Oh, no, uncle. This is only the beginning. Show me the warrior who united the kingdoms. Show me why they call you the greatest king!”