CHAPTER 23
The sun was starting to set, the air cool with a breeze from afar, the sky in many shades as the sun descended beyond the mountains. Mathias stood at the walls, right above the gates, eyes glued to the distance, just beyond his army. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs, but at that moment, composed is what he needed to be.
The man in power.
A king.
His hand fisted against the edge of the wall. It had been three days, and he watched his brother’s army reach his walls. He then said, “Ready my horse.”
“No.” Axel said.
“I am not asking, Axel.” Mathias said, his eyes glaring as his heart wept. Axel didn’t move an inch, which had Mathias turn his glare to him, saying, “This is a war. I am your king. When I give an order, you are to follow it.” He said, but his glare was challenged, which made him turn to Helix who was at a slight distance away, saying, “My horse, Helix.”
“My king-…” Axel said, but he was cut off.
“You two ride with me.” He said, walking past Axel, the cloak pinned to his back, holding his family emblem swung in the wind as he went to the steps, heading down as the horses were readied. Once done, the gates were opened, barely, only for them three.
The moment he reached the army, he stopped at the head of them, where Malik, his General’s second in command was, saying, “My king, you shouldn’t be here.”
“That is not for you to decide.” Mathias said, he glanced at Axel, still glaring, saying, “Stay.” Axel’s glare heated, refusing, shaking his head in protest. “I will not repeat myself.” Mathias said, riding further from their first line of defense. He stopped when he was a bit ahead, turning to Axel who had followed him against orders, “I swear to you, I won’t let him kill me.” Mathias said, “I see it. I see what he is here for, it is clear as day with his army.”
“I don’t trust him.” Axel spat, “I won’t sacrifice you to your stupidity, nativity.”
“Look at me!” Mathias demanded, “Do I look to you like someone who’d merely give in to his enemy? My entire family is here. Everyone I care about is beyond those walls. I won’t let them down. I won’t allow him to take down the only thing standing between him and all of that.”
Axel watched him for a long moment before he glanced over Mathias’s shoulder, saying, “And there he is.”
“Axel, I am serious.” Mathias said, “Give me a moment.”
Axel looked him in the eyes before he said, “This is the last time. Don’t get too close. If something happens to you, I will never forgive you.”
Mathias nodded, “I promise.” He said, turning around and seeing his brother advance towards him. He whipped the reigns of his horse, making it galop forward, meeting his brother halfway.
“You shouldn’t’ve left your castle when an army is at your doors.” Andries said.
“You shouldn’t’ve come to the doors of my city, then.” Mathias replied.
Andries smiled, saying, “You look better.”
“You don’t.” Mathias said.
“I’ve been at the frontlines for 2 years. To be expected, don’t you think?” Andries said, “How is your son?”
“2 years old.” Mathias said.
“Does he resemble her?” Andries asked.
Mathias looked away with a sigh, then back as he nodded, “Very much so.”
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Havoc of Betrayal
Mystery / ThrillerKing Mathias didn't expect to inherent the throne the way he did. He was second born, the thought of being shackled to a kingdom was so far from his mind that he allowed himself to dream, to love someone his family would never approve of, to plan a...
