“Die in peace, O mighty king.”

  Heh… hidden laughter.

  The taunt came from the one who brought me to this state — my torturer.

  I wanted to call him dishonorable… or cruel. But from a man like me — who, all his life, had men like him serving in his own rule — that would be foolish.

  “Thank you, man. For preventing my brother from seeing me.”

  “No need for thanks. In our country, before a death sentence is carried out, one request of the condemned is fulfilled. It is not a widely practiced custom, but consider it a gift from your killer.”

  “If you see my brother again— ah…”

  A groan escaped me.

  “If you see my brother again, tell him that in my final moment I ordered him to grant you a generous reward. If he does not believe you, tell him a king must never remain in debt. He will pay.”

  “Very well. Do not waste your final breaths speaking with your enemy. I will leave now, so you may die in peace.”

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Well… well… well. Once again, I am left alone with my mind.

  No sound of prisoners. No sound of guards.

  This may be the quietest moment of my life.

  Now that there is no hope for a future, let me speak of the past — a past before which all history kneels.

  One of my finest memories of my father: I had just turned twelve that day.

  My father was a powerful man.

  We were in the palace corridor, and I was playing with my brother and my cousins when my father called me in a serious, commanding voice:

  “Barath! Come here. From today onward, you will no longer remain in the palace among princesses and princes. From this day, you are officially my heir. You must protect your own life — and my kingdom.”

  Do you wish to know what I felt?

  It was a strange feeling. I did not know whether to be happy or afraid.

  Though I was more afraid, I gave my father no answer.

  I did not even say yes or no.

  I stood like a piece of wood.

  He said that from now on I would remain at his side to learn the affairs of governance, and that he would appoint tutors for me — to teach me reading and writing, and the art of swordsmanship.

  Seeing my confusion, my father smiled and said, “It is not so difficult. I will still give you time to play.”

  Now that I remember, I think he was worried that my young age might collapse under the weight of that news.

  My father continued, “It is a sunny morning. Come — let us go hunting, and we will speak more there.”

  I still could not move until my father took my hand and ordered his servant:

  “Prepare two horses for me and my son. Five guards will accompany us. We are going hunting. Inform my brother as well — ask if he will join us.”