King Henry paused to look out of the tall glass window in his study and over the castle gardens. His hands trembled slightly—not in fear, but in guilt.
"Arhenius would never harm Amarendra," he muttered under his breath.
Yet, the evidence... The snake connected to Sureva Duchy. And near it was Luenor.
Henry: "Dolph? Kahn?"
The doors swung open, and his loyal Knight, Dolph, knelt.
Henry: "Do you think I made the right choice? Arresting Arhenius?"
Dolph thought for a moment, "Your Majesty, I believe this is a conspiracy. Duke Sureva is not a traitor. I have served you both now for years, and he would never act out in fear."
Henry exhaled, his voice brittle, "It's Liles, I know it... But, the nobles... they smell blood. They are circling. I cannot protect Arhenius any more."
Dolph: "Then what is your order?"
Henry turned back toward the window, as a photograph framed with the light caught his attention. It was a picture of Henry, Amarendra, George, Arhenius, Luenor, and Liles, taken when life was easier.
"Tell the army to prepare. Tell them we will take Sureva estate. But, make certain Liles never has the opportunity to take it."
Dolph bowed and left. Moments later, a figure appeared from the shadows—a man cloaked in silence, with eyes like knives.
Henry: "Kahn."
Kahn: "Your Majesty."
Henry: "Retrieve the Sureva family records. Find it. You know what I mean."
Kahn bowed low. "As you command."
Far across the castle, young Prince George barged into the throne room.
George: "Father! I want to visit Luenor."
Henry blinked. "You can't. He's... unavailable."
George: "We were just talking through the Mana Orb. He's not busy."
Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. "Then he will be. Luenor has responsibilities."
George stepped forward. "He's my best friend. I want him to come to my birthday tomorrow."
Henry: "You may never see him again."
George froze. "What?"
Henry knelt to meet his son at eye level. "The nobles want to erase the Surevas. Not just Arhenius. All of them."
George's eyes widened as the words of his father exploded in his ears. Tears welled in George's eyes. "Then save them. Please. If not his family, save Luenor. For mother's sake."
Henry sighed deeply. A father was breaking a promise to a friend—for the sake of a kingdom.
Henry: "Fine. But if I do this... you will have to bear the consequences."
George hesitated, then nodded. "I understand."
Henry: "And no one must know. Not a soul."
George whispered, "Can I at least say goodbye?"
Henry: "Just once."
After George left, Henry just stared at outside, looking at the countless stars in the dark blue sky. The sight of moon reminded him of her, his first wife.
George and Avelyn's mother.