I AM KING: Book 1

Chapter 3: A Kingdom Divided

In the royal elf throne room of the Sorcerer Clan's city, Lady Seraphina, the queen, received an urgent announcement about her daughter's return. She anxiously instructed the guards to let her in, and moments later, Rea, escorted by Nimrod, walked through the grand doors.

Lady Seraphina: (Relieved) "Rea! My dear, you're safe! I was worried sick. What happened? Where have you been?"

Rea: (Smiling) "Mother, I'm alright. It's all thanks to Nimrod. He helped me return safely."

They rushed towards each other and embraced, their worries momentarily forgotten.

Rea: (Looking back at Nimrod) "Mother, this is Nimrod. He was my protector and guide throughout this journey. We owe him our gratitude."

Lady Seraphina: (Curiosity mixed with concern) "Nimrod, is it? Thank you for bringing my daughter back unharmed. But something troubles me about you."

Nimrod stood there, unsure of the sudden change in atmosphere. Lady Seraphina's expression shifted, and she clutched her chest, experiencing a sudden vision that left her visibly shaken.

Lady Seraphina: (Whispering, barely audible) "You... It's you. You're the child of prophecy, the one destined to bring ruin to us all..."

Wintor, the lady's advisor, interjected, his voice filled with urgency.

Wintor: "My lady, we must not delay any further. This child poses a threat to our kingdom. We should dispose of him immediately."

Lady Seraphina: (Gathering her composure) "No, Wintor. We won't resort to violence. There's too much at stake. We must interrogate him, understand the truth. Only then can we decide his fate."

Rea: (Pleadingly) "Mother, please! Nimrod has been nothing but kind and helpful. He's not a threat. You have to believe me."

Lady Seraphina gazed at her daughter, torn between her love for Rea and her duty as a queen. She realized the weight of the decision before her.

Lady Seraphina: (Softly) "Rea, my dear, I know it's difficult for you to understand, but we must ensure the safety and peace of our kingdom. Interrogation is necessary, even if it pained me to do so."

As guards seized Nimrod and escorted him away, Rea watched with tears welling up in her eyes. She turned to her mother, a plea in her voice.

Rea: (Desperate) "Please, Mother, show him mercy. He's not what you think. He's just a boy who wanted to help."

Lady Seraphina: (Regretfully) "Rea, my love, I'm doing this for your own good. The fate of our people hangs in the balance. Nimrod's destiny must be uncovered."

Nimrod was led away, his future uncertain, as Lady Seraphina and Rea were left standing in the throne room, their bond tested by the weight of duty and the mysteries that surrounded them.

---

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber within the palace, Ivan and the other lords and ladies gathered for a crucial meeting. Vivian, Nimrod's grandmother, took center stage.

Vivian: (With disdain) "Nimrod has been missing for the past three days, and it's clear he has abandoned his responsibilities. We can't afford to wait any longer."

Reyko stood beside Ivan, his expression uneasy as he listened to Vivian's words. Isaak, too, felt a sense of discomfort in the room.

Reyko: (Trying to cover up Nimrod's absence) "My lords and ladies, I assure you, Nimrod has important matters to attend to. He will return soon."

Vivian: (Interrupting) "Enough with the lies, Reyko. We all know that boy is a coward. He's run off, never to return. We cannot waste time waiting for him. Our kingdom needs a ruler."