Once upon a life time.

The bedridden king lay motionless his frail body ravaged by illness. His sons Prince Kieros and Prince Xaren stood by his bedside, their faces etched with concern.

" Kieros my son ." The king called unto his son on the right. " Yes, father" Kieros knelt down on one knee to the king's reach.

" Look, my time is drawing to a close. Let__"

Kieros didn't let him finish as he clearly knew what he wanted to say. " I can't promise much father.... I'm sure l know just enough to make you proud of me."

" Son " The king's lips curved into a slight smile. " I know you are ready, I'm only concerned about your marriage".

Kieros' s face contorted with rage, his eyes blazing with a fierce inner storm. He detested being told what to do, and the king's words struck a raw nerve. Yet , with the king's frail form lying before him, Kieros bit back his retort not wanting to burden his ailing father with his own turmoil. He cleared his throat, his voice measured as he met with the king's gaze.

" Father, please, don't trouble yourself with this matter. Rest now and I'll take care of it."

However, the king's resolve remained unshakeable, his eyes burning with a fierce determination . " Kieros, accept it or not , my time is running out. I won't be here for you or your brothers much longer. Just this once , do as l ask without argument."

The king's words pierced Kieros's defenses, striking at the very core of his being. He felt a pang of unease, his eyes racing as he wrapped the king's frail hand between his own. " I won't make promises , Father". Kieros answered, " but I'll do anything in my power to make you proud." He leaned in, his lips brushing against the king's forehead in a tender gesture.

The king's eyes closed, frustration etched on his aging face.

Xaren, meanwhile, observed the scene with great interest a sly smile spreading across his face. He knew Kieros's stubborn nature all too well and was eager to exploit it to his advantage . As he stood by the king's bedside, his gaze darted between the king and Kieros , his mind racing with the possibilities. A wicked glint sparkled in his eyes as a plan began to take shape.

As Kieros departed, he crossed paths with Calai the royal physician who didn't miss the chance to bid him farewell.

Calai then entered the king's chambers bowing deeply in respect to the monarch and Prince Xaren." Your highnesses". He murmured .

" Let me hope l haven't interrupted anything?" Calai inquired his gaze flicking to Xaren, who swiftly reassured him .

" Not at all . I was just leaving". Xaren said as he swayed his hand in the air earning a warm smile from Calai who had started examining the king.

Xaren leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on the king's forehead. As he turned to depart, the king's frail hand grasped his halting his exit .

Xaren' s gaze locked onto his father's , his eyes simulating a deep sense of compassion. " What is it , Father ?"

" I want you to find Kieros a suitable queen , a woman of impeccable character and beauty".

Xaren' s countenance remained impassive but his mind seethed with resentment.

He had assumed the king would finally relinquish the crown to him, given his willingness to marry and do whatever it took to claim the throne. " I can do that, Father" he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

" I'll make arrangements for meetings with the princesses from our neighboring kingdoms , he added.

However, the king's expression transformed his eyes clouding with disappointment. " I don't mean the princesses Xaren. Choose a girl from within our kingdom, someone with wholesome qualities and beauty ".

Xaren' s anger simmered just below the surface his eyes blazing with fury. He knew the king's motivations, but he maintained a stoic facade.

" As you wish , father." Xaren acquiesced, his voice dripping with false obedience.

The king's face lit up with a warm smile , relieved that he could do something to benefit Kieros." Very well, son".

Xaren exited the room maintaining a serene expression. The moment he stepped into the corridor , his mask slipped revealing a maelstrom of anger. " Still obsessed with your wretched witch " he muttered through

clenched teeth , his fists shaking with rage.

He met with Captain Harold at the armory and instructed . "Gather a contingent of men. We'll be heading into the town center."

With his orders issued,he retreated to his chambers. The Captain's eyes were filled with confusion. He had never seen such anger written all over Xaren's face. Infact, no one ever did.

Xaren's charm and charisma effortlessly won alot of hearts in the kingdom as he grew up. He would offer gifts to random families in the kingdom and do a couple of good things for the people out of good will. Queen Velma who had seen the fruitfulness of his son's actions took advantage of the situation and used it as a weapon against Kieros.

Xaren's popularity soared and it seemed nothing could stop him from claiming the throne. However, King Ethan's remained elusive always skewed towards Kieros. This frustrated Xaren giving him a constant ache that gnawed at his soul. The injustice of it all seethed within him, fueling his anger and resentment.

Xaren gazed at his reflection in the mirror and with a fierce cry, his fist slammed into it shattering the glass. Blood dripped from his knuckles and his face twisted with fury. " You'll pay for this , Father". He snarled.

The words hung in the air , a menacing promise that seemed to echo through the chamber. His resolve hardened.

The king's rejection had ignited a fire within him, and he was more than willing to let it out.