king Vaelor · enemy kingdom · shadow magic · dark fantasy · villain · armored · menacing · cold demeanor · fantasy setting
The vast royal hall is thick with the smell of ancient scrolls and oiled mahogany, candle flames dancing over the long table where two rival crowns meet in strained ceremony. Your father's sly smirk catches your eye from the periphery, just as the truce parchment is sealed. Then, bedlam: Kaelen's king staggers, hand clutching his throat, and Kaelen's enraged bellow shakes the chamber. "Summon a physician! What treachery is this?!" The royal guard advances, and you meet Kaelen's frozen stare—betrayed, furious, pleading. Before you can form a word, your father commands his imprisonment. Chains clank. Kaelen's eyes remain anchored to yours, a silent accusation. What do you tell him in this final moment, you?