The Death Kingdom

Chapter Nineteen

My heart pounds so fast in my chest that I think it's going to burst. The secrets of the kingdom?

If I'm caught I'm dead, I don't even think they'd bother to imprison me. I'd be killed immediately now that I know that murder has been going on in these tunnels all this time.

"The secrets of the kingdom?" Prince Kavi asks, his voice humorous, non-believing. "What are you going on about father?"

The king takes a step into the circle, watching his son as he does so. "There are many things I haven't told you over the years son. Things I knew you weren't ready to hear. But change is upon us, there's going to be a turn in the war and I need you to finally step up as my heir."

Prince Kavi's face morphs into more confusion, his eyes never straying from following where his father walks. "There are things besides what I've been taught growing up. Why wouldn't you have told me before?"

The king flashes an odious look, his mouth a hard line. "Do not question my choices. You'd be wise to remember your place."

Prince Kavi flinches at being admonished. The words leaving their mark on him. "I apologize, father," he quickly amends. "Please, continue. I am eager to learn from you."

The king sneers. "I'm sure you are, boy." He starts walking around the inside of the circle. "There are many sacrifices you are going to have to make as king. Tough decisions you have to make to protect yourself. We are in a time of great wealth, and it's time for us to spread this joyousness with other kingdoms. It's why we invaded Valterra. They'd be better off with me ruling over them for the next hundred years."

That grabs Prince Kavi's attention, he stands up straighter, his shoulders rolling back. "Is that what this is about father? Your longer life?"

So, the prince doesn't know how the king does it. It's been kept from him this whole time. Why hasn't the king told his son before this?

The king halts his steps right in front of Prince Kavi. The king is the same height, with dark hair and a lighter complexion. "Indeed. I've decided it's time for you to understand a gift that has been bestowed upon our family."

It's hard to see but I believe Prince Kavi's eyes widen. He's hungry for this information I realize, been dying to understand.

Maybe this is what Prince Auden was looking for in the king's office a couple of weeks ago. Maybe he's just as desperate to know how the king does it as we are.

I try to keep my breathing even, but every time I exhale I feel how shaky it is. I'm barely keeping it together. I never thought I would stumble across something like this. Something to change the course in our fight against the king.

"I am ready father," Prince Kavi says, a touch of reverence in his voice. I want to cringe at his eagerness, but find I'm probably no better.

"We'll see," is all the king says as he gazes at his son. I'm utterly astounded by how hostile the king seems to be toward his son. I knew the king didn't tolerate anyone, but I assumed his heir must have some significant meaning to him.

I desperately try to understand even more of their body language, but it's difficult to decipher. The relationship between the prince and the king is something I'm entirely too invested in, I can't decide if I want to know for the rebellion or my curiosity.

The king steps toward his son, a hard line on his lips. "This is your chance to prove yourself to me Kavi. You've been pathetically soft your whole life, just like your mother." He spits the words out, eyes narrowed.