THE PRINCE'S VICIOUS PLAN.

Prince Kenunz Angler walked briskly toward the king's chamber, a scowl etched on his face. As he approached the door, he came to an abrupt halt, took a deep breath, then entered the room.
Inside, he turned his sour expression toward the two guards who stood at attention, flanking the door.

"Do you plan to stand there forever?" Prince Kenunz snapped.
The guards shuffled out without a word, leaving Kenunz alone with his thoughts. He stalked into the king's chamber and crossed to the royal bedside.

King Barnaba's illness had confounded even the most learned of the kingdom's sages and healers.

Prince kenunz stood at the bedside, feeling helpless and despondent.
Even the kingdom's most renowned diviner, Gentus Angler,stood at the other side far from the king's bed, his brow furrowed in consternation.

Gentus stood tall and proud, his dark skin glowing in the sunlight. His white cloth was like a shining beacon, accentuating the majesty of his presence. His eyes were deep and piercing, and his face held the weight of a thousand years of history. His voice was like a great bell, echoing through the halls of the throne room. His words were like an ancient prophecy, telling of a time long ago and yet to come.

King Barnabas' skin was withered and wrinkled, a testament to his many years of rule.
He had been ruling the Dromalian kingdom for over a hundred years, bringing together the Angler and Megami clans under one banner. He had seen the kingdom grow and prosper, and he had been a strong and just ruler.
He had once been a strong and imposing figure, but now his age had caught up with him, and he looked every bit the frail old man that he was. His hair was white as snow, and his eyes were dull and clouded.

Meanwhile, Prince Kenunz, the heir to the throne, was tall and light-skinned, his golden hair cascading down his back. He wore a crown of gold, adorned with sparkling gems, and his royal robes were made of the finest silk, shimmering in the light. He walked with the confidence of one who was born to rule, his gait strong and steady. But beneath his regal bearing, there was a darkness that lurked in his heart, born of the hatred between his clan and the Megami clan.
But before Barnaba became the king, the hatred between the Angler and Megami clan had not been alleviated.
Queen Elina, the wife of King Barnaba, was a woman of light. Her pale skin was like a beacon of hope, and her blonde hair was like a halo of glory. Her eyes were as blue as the sky, and they held the promise of a better future.
A few days before King Barnaba fell ill, Queen Elina embarked on a journey to the distant realm of Derim kingdom which had been long and
treacherous, but Queen Elina had finally arrived at her destination. The island was wild and untamed, with dense forests and towering mountains that seemed to reach up to the sky. The Queen and her guards had arrived at the capital city, where they were greeted by the king of Derim kingdom and his court.

Inside the king's chamber the commotion erupts as Prince Kenunz's hand balled into a fist, and he glared at his father on the bed in defiance.

"Why don't you relinquish this wretched kingdom in peace, Father?" Kenunz said. "Let me rule this anguished kingdom in your stead. I will create a paradise of justice and prosperity."

Gentus was taken aback by Kenunz's insolence toward the king.

"You must show your father more respect, Prince Kenunz," Gentus said in a stern tone. "You're behaving like a petulant child."

"Silence, you wizened old fool!" Kenunz retorted. "I command you to be still!"

"My son and heir, the future ruler of Dromalian '' the king croaked, his voice hoarse with worry. He grasped Kenunz's hand in a feeble, trembling grip.
"Why don't you have love and respect for your own father? You must take more care with your actions. Calm yourself."
He coughed and winced in pain, his face contorting with discomfort.

"Why should I?" Kenunz's voice rose to a shout. "Tell me, Father - why should I respect you when you have been so feeble and ineffective as a king?
__ You have coddled the Megami clan in this Dromalian kingdom, given them everything they ask for, and yet they care nothing for your well-being.__ he paused for a second while pointing at his father.
"You allowed them to worm their way into our kingdom, into our trust," Kenunz accused, his voice trembling with fury.
"And all because of that traitorous fool, Lord Azreth, who you appointed as your guardian."

"Enough, Kenunz!" Gentus interjected. "You do not understand the history between your father and the Megami clan, and they had nothing to do with the king's illness. You have to give me the reason why you abhor Lord Azreth and his Megami clan.


"The Megami clan has been a part of this kingdom's history for generations, " Gentus continued, "They have built many magnificent towers that stand as a testament to their skill and power," Gentus said, his voice resounding in the throne room.
"They have not only served our kingdom with their skill, but they have also defended it with their lives. We owe them a debt of gratitude."

Kenunz turned to face Gentus, his face contorted with rage. "You are a traitor, Gentus," he spat. "You are loyal to the Megami, and you would see our kingdom fall into ruin. I will not allow it."

Gentus's voice was calm, but his eyes blazed with fury.
"You have allowed your hatred to blind you, Kenunz. The Megami have been allies to our kingdom for generations, and you would throw away that alliance for the sake of your own pride. They__

"I am not blind, Gentus," Kenunz said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I have seen the truth of the Megami, and I will not let our kingdom be destroyed by their treachery. You may be their ally, but I am not."

Gentus paused for a moment, considering his words carefully.
"Kenunz, your hatred is clouding your judgement. Gentus said.

"Be quiet, Gentus," Kenunz retorted. "You are just as powerless as Father. What use is your wisdom if you cannot cure him? Leave us. I wish to speak with Father alone. Kenunz shook his head in disbelief.
"I do not believe their words of friendship. He said. They have always been scheming and plotting, and I will not allow them to take advantage of our kingdom any longer."

The king's feeble attempt to rise sent shivers through his pallid, emaciated form. His voice, though weakened, held a regal authority.

"No, Kenunz, my beloved son," King Barnaba implored, his voice quivering with a hint of desperation. "I beseech you, do not exile Gentus. He is not just a trusted friend but also my unwavering confidant, a loyal guardian of our realm's deepest secrets."

Kenunz studied Gentus, his eyes narrowed, as if trying to glean his true intentions. Finally, he turned back to his father, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might say something.
Instead, he simply nodded curtly and strode from the room, his face grim and unreadable. As the door closed behind him, the king's frail body shuddered with a sob.

The king's condition was worsening by the hour, and there seemed to be nothing anyone could do to help him. But what was Kenunz planning?.

Gentus approached the bedside and took the king's hand on his own.
"Please do not give up, Barnaba," he said, using the name only he was allowed to call the king. "I will do everything in my power to save you. I promise."

The king opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. His eyes were filled with pain and sorrow.
"Please, my friend," Gentus pleaded. "I cannot bear to lose you."
A single tear trickled down the king's ashen cheek.

After a long silence, Gentus strides toward the door, casting a challenging look at the guardsman that stood at attention far from the Chamber's door.

The first guard's eyes narrow as he steps in front of the door, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Gentus pauses, then whispers something in the guard's ear.

The guard nods and leaves, leaving Gentus alone with the second guard. Gentus takes a deep breath and turns to face him.
The second guard stares back, his jaw set in a determined line.

Gentus stands tall, shoulders back, As he faces the second guard. He stares the man down, and the guard shifts uneasily on his feet. After a long moment, the guard breaks the silence.

"What did you say to my partner?" he asks, his voice thick with suspicion.

Gentus's lips twist into a sly smile.
"That's a secret between me and him," he says.

The guard's eyes narrow. "I'm warning you, I don't take kindly to secrets."

Gentus's smile grows wider. "I understand your position," he says smoothly.

Gentus ventured into the chamber, his footsteps echoing ominously on the cold stone floor. Suddenly, with a swift, treacherous motion, a malevolent blade found its mark, thrusting deep into his chest.
In that harrowing moment, he gasped, an agonised symphony escaping his lips, as crimson rivers surged forth from the grievous wound, his eyes dilating with an unanticipated shock that mirrored the betrayal of his very soul.

As he slumped to the floor, he saw Prince Kenunz standing over him, his face twisted in hatred and he removed the sword out of Gentus chest..

"I warned you not to get in my way," Kenunz snarled.
The last words of Gentus's life escaped his lips, barely audible above the pounding of his heart:

"But I was only trying to help."

Kenunz's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a vicious smile. "Your help was never wanted."

He raised his sword, his arm shaking with fury.
"Now you can rot in hell, you fool."

—------+-+-+-+-+-++-+-+-+-+-
The sword fell, and the silence was broken only by the slow drip of blood on the cold stone floor built with Gold.
"You're a monster!" cried the king, tears welling in his eyes as he witnessed Kenunz ruthlessly slay Gentus before the chamber's distant door.
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-++++(+++-+

""You're utterly unfit to govern this kingdom!" The king seethed with a blazing rage in his eyes, his voice quaking as he began to cough violently.

With a menacing stride, Kenunz hoisted his gleaming sword, advancing upon the bedridden king, the blade menacingly poised at the monarch's vulnerable throat.
"I am your son, your rightful heir!" he roared. "And I will not let you stand in my way, to make sure this kingdom rise in peace, I will destroy the Megami clan and turned them into slave once I killed you right now"

The king's eyes flicked to the sword, then back to Kenunz's face. "You may be my blood," he said, his voice quavering, "but you have no heart".

Kenunz savoured the moment, relishing the king's final breath. But as the light faded from his father's eyes, and the king died in the hands of kenunz.

Prince Kenunz felt a sudden chill, as if a shadow had fallen over him. He turned, and his heart nearly stopped.

There In the doorway, the shadow of a tall figure appeared, clad in shining armour and bearing a long sword.
The figure stepped forward, and the light fell on his face, revealing the features of Lord Azreth Megami, the strongest warrior of the Megami clan. Azreth was known for his strength and his bravery, and he had fought many battles to protect his people.

He had been patrolling the borders of the kingdom when he heard the news of an attack on the king's chambers. Without hesitation, he had rushed back to the capital, determined to defend his liege.


Lord Azreth Megami was a seasoned warrior of the Anglers, having fought for many years in their service. But he was also a leader of the Megami clan, a fierce and proud people who had always been loyal to their land and their ruler.

Meanwhile Lord Azreth's Wife, Widreth Megami, was known throughout the Megami clan as the fairest of them all. With hair like black silk and eyes like pools of night, she had captivated many a young man. But Widreth's heart belongs only to one man, Lord Azreth.
From the moment they met, Widreth knew that she loved him. He was strong and brave, with a heart of gold and a laugh that could light up a room. But she could not be his, for her father had promised her hand in marriage to Prince Kenunz of the Angler clan.
Lord Azreth was not only a powerful and respected leader, but also a unifying force between the rival clans. His ability to bring the Anglers and the Megami together was a testament to his strength and wisdom. It was clear that he was someone who could be trusted to lead the kingdom through any battle against their enemies.

_______-_-_&_-_-&-_-_

As Azreth stealthily closed the distance between himself and Prince Kenunz, his countenance darkened like an impending storm. With each deliberate step, he demanded answers.

"What treacherous act have you committed, Prince Kenunz?" Azreth's voice resonated ominously within the chamber.

Kenunz met Azreth's gaze with a venomous glare, his eyes seething with loathing.
"I've slain them," he declared coldly, his tone laced with defiance. "What retribution do you seek?

Remember, once the Royal Guard arrives, they'll discern your hand in their demise."

Inflamed by Kenunz's confession, Azreth's fury blazed hotter. He closed in on his adversary, the scrape of his sword leaving no room for doubt as he advanced.

Kenunz felt his blood turn to ice. Suddenly, Kenunz's feet left the ground, as if by an invisible force, and he sailed through the window, his screams echoing as he plummeted to the ground below.

In the Angler tradition, the king was known as "The Father of the Realm," and his subjects addressed him as "Sire."
But Azreth had a special name for the king, one that reflected his deep loyalty and love. He called him "Caden," which meant "heart" in the old tongue of the Anglers. And now, as he stared down at the body of his king, he could feel his own heart breaking.

Azreth moved slowly towards the king's bed, his heart heavy with grief. As he reached out to touch the king's lifeless body, a wave of sorrow and anger washed over him. He could not believe that the prince could have done such a thing just to take over the throne

As he held the king's head in his hands, tears streamed down his face. The king had been a fair and just ruler, and it was hard to imagine the kingdom without him.

The situation was spiralling out of control. As the guards rushed to the balcony, they found Kenunz writhing on the ground, his leg twisted and bent at an unnatural angle. Koren, the commander of the palace guard, came running from the palace, his face ashen. He took in the scene with a single glance, and turned on the guards.

"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "You were meant to protect the kingdom, not stand here gawking at a man in pain!"
The guards stood at attention, their eyes downcast, ashamed of their dereliction of duty.

"It's Prince Kenunz" one of the guard with a muscle chest said, his voice quavering.
Commander Koren took a step closer to the injured prince, his gaze flicking between Kenunz and the broken leg. He was about to speak, when something struck him. He had known Kenunz since he was a boy, and there was something different
"Kenunz," he said slowly, "is that really you?" Koren still approaches the prince while the guards clear the way .
""It's me," Kenunz declared with urgency, his eyes filled with gravitas. "Hasten to the king's chamber. A perilous adversary seeks the king's demise."

Koren, gripped by a shiver of dread, stammered, "An adversary? Explain yourself!" His voice quivered with apprehension.
"No time for questions," Kenunz snapped. "Just do as I say - go upstairs and secure the palace and the chambers__A malevolent foe plots the demise of our sovereign Go!"

A shudder of fear coursed through Koren as he questioned, his voice quaking, "An enemy? What in the realms are you speaking of?" The suspense hung heavily in the air.
Koren nodded, his heart racing. He turned and sprinted for the stairs, his mind racing with questions. Who was this enemy? What was going on?
So, Commander Koren and four guards made Their way upstairs.


Koren, whose heart was pounding in his chest. As he reaches the top floor, He gazes at the Guard's body on the floor and turns his face over the opened doors to The king chambers are open. He draws his sword and enters the room, there he stares at Gentus' body too, His senses on high alert. The room is eerily quiet, and he sees a figure slumped in a chair by the window. As he gets closer, he sees that it is Lord Azreth, but he looks different - his skin is pale and his eyes are glazed over. It's clear that king barnaba is dead

Azreth's skin was ashen, and there was a strange look in his eyes. And lying at his feet were the bodies of Gentus and the king, their faces pale and lifeless. A look of horror crossed Koren's face as the truth dawned on him.
"Azreth had killed them both"… Koren thought.
The four guards also made their way inside, they glanced through the blood flowing from gentus body.

Koren had always been a loyal and faithful warrior of Lord Azreth, so it was hard for him to believe that his lord had killed the king and Gentus. His world was turned upside down, and he didn't know who to trust anymore.
"What did you do, Lord Azreth?" Koren asked, his voice cold and accusatory.

Azreth's eyes met Koren's, and there was a flicker of defiance in them. "I did not do this," he said, his voice steady. "It was all a ploy by Prince Kenunz, to turn you against me. You must believe me koren."

Azreth's gaze was unwavering, and for a moment, Koren wondered if he was telling the truth. But then he remembered the dead king, and his doubts resurfaced.
Koren's face went pale as he realised the full gravity of the situation.
"No way! You killed the king and Gentus Lord! How could you do such a thing?" he stammered, his voice trembling. Azreth simply smiled and laid his weapon down.
"There's something I need you to do for me," he said, his tone cold and calculating.
"What is it?" asked Koren, his body shaking.
"Take care of my child," Azreth said, his eyes filled with pain. "My wife has just given birth, and I may not live to see the baby.

Commander Koren was in disbelief. Azreth had always been a loyal and honourable man, and he couldn't imagine him committing such heinous crimes. But the evidence was clear, and the guards had taken Azreth into custody. As Koren watched them chain him up like a common criminal, he felt his heart break. He had trusted Azreth with his life, and now he wasn't sure what to believe.

When the prince was carried up to the palace, a commotion erupted in the streets below.
The Anglers clan, who had long been at odds with the Megami clan, was now in full revolt. Chaos ensued as the two clans clashed, and the city was soon engulfed in violence.

Erik Banker, the fearsome first commander of the Anglers, was a terror on the battlefield. His ferocity and skill were legendary, and he was feared by all who stood against him. Now, he stood at the threshold of the king's room, accompanied by a diviner and a group of elite guards.
The diviner was a mysterious figure, known for their ability to see into the future and decipher signs from the gods.

Erik Banker was not only a powerful warrior, but also a cunning strategist, and he was fully committed to supporting Prince Kenunz no matter what. The two had a dark secret plan, and their hatred for the Megami clan ran deep. Together, they were a dangerous force, and their actions would have far-reaching consequences for the Dromalian kingdom.

As Prince Kenunz was carried into the palace, a sense of urgency filled the air. The clansmen rushed to the Pavilion Kingdom, a majestic palace with gleaming silver floors and golden pillars.

Erik Banker emerged from the king's room, flanked by two guards holding their shields at the ready. Four diviners followed him, their eyes darting around warily. Banker's sword hung at his side, its blade glinting in the light. He looked like a man on the brink of violence, ready to strike at any moment.

A hush fell over the crowd as Erik addressed them.

"Greetings, warriors and ladies of the Dromalian kingdom," he began, his voice booming across the courtyard. "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our beloved King, and of the treachery that has befallen us."

As Koren walked into the palace, he felt the full weight of what was about to happen. The sorrow and uncertainty in the air were palpable, and he knew that the worst was yet to come.

© Dove¶