The Lost Heirs Vendetta

Prologue

I have been missing for three months and in that time, I have gathered and created an unstoppable army that will make Atalar crumble at my feet. My alliance with Trithia has made me unstoppable and with the help of my powers, I will finally be able to take back what is rightfully mine.

My soldiers were set into position, disguised as any other Atalarian citizen awaiting the king's arrival who, of course, was supposed to make his appearance five minutes ago. My brother was never one to care for his duties then and it seems he hasn't cared to change much now. This is no surprise to me.

But while he was sitting atop his golden throne within his gilded walls, pretending that his brother wasn't a fugitive and that his people weren't more than questioning his rule, I was out gathering an army that would bring victory. The king of Trithia has been more than accommodating to my request, seeing as though our two kingdoms have been blood-sworn enemies for as long as time.

Trithia, formally known as Doron, has a strong and powerful line on the throne and kings that can actually rule over a kingdom, a role that should have been granted to me.

I locked eyes with one of the soldiers standing only ten feet to the right of where I stood, he nodded in acknowledgment and went back to staring expectantly at the top balcony of the castle where my brother would soon emerge.

Finally, as if he wasn't the single most important person in this kingdom, the doors swung open, and out emerged King Edwin. He rested his hands on the railing and looked lazily over the thousands of subjects who all exchanged questioning glances at each other.

"My people!" He finally started, bringing his arms up. "I have gathered you here today to acknowledge your frustration with my brother's... absence."

The crows started murmuring and I prayed that this hood over my head and scarf covering my face would provide me with enough cover to stay hidden until my moment arose.

"Since he fled after my coronation, there have been no such signs of any threat to our kingdom. Of course, this doesn't mean that my scouts are not constantly sweeping the borders for threats every hour. He is only a fool that will be dealt with and once he is found, will be executed for his crimes against the crown."

I couldn't believe he had the audacity to say that I fled. I simply remember claiming that I would be back with an army to retake what was mine and then walking right out without anyone stopping me.

"As for you, my people," he said. "I plan to strengthen our walls and start new trading routes all throughout the continent so we can increase the number of supplies we have in the very unlikely event of an attack. We will receive more livestock and food, all because of your patience!"

The people started looking hopeful now. It was smart of him, I must say. To spread false hope and make it seem like something good was about to happen because of them. Even if it is a lie. There is no way Trithia will ever agree to give supplies to Atalar and every other kingdom is too scared to get involved between us, even if we are technically at "peace." No one would want to mistake themselves as taking sides.

"I will be a king worthy of your respect and I will make that possible by accommodating the needs of the people!"

Cheers erupted from all around me and I tried my best to play along. Clapping and cheering... a little.

I waited for it to quiet down.

"No!" My voice radiated across the mass of people like the tiny waves a peddle produces when you drop it onto a flat surface of water.

Every single head swiveled in my direction, the people around me even backing up as if in shock at what they just heard.

Edwin's eyes locked with mine and even from a distance, I could see the sharp, iciness of them piercing the air between us. Luckily for me, the sword hanging at my side was sharper.

"One day," I said, confidence radiating from me like light does from the sun, "I will be king!"

Everyone laughed. Every commoner and every noble. Some pointed in my direction as they nearly fell to the floor with amusement at my arrogance. Even the guards standing right next to Edwin let out a chuckle. They underestimated me.

The only person not laughing or even cracking a smile, was the king. Edwin. My brother. He continued to stare at me and after a few moments, I saw him holding his breath as if he was finally able to identify who I was.

"The day you become king will never come," he said with pure coldness and determination. He definitely knew who I was. Good. I still plan on keeping it in my grand reveal, however.

Maybe that day," I said, not caring about what he had just said, "will even be today."

"Reveal yourself!" Edwin boomed, anger staining his voice.

So I did. 

Seconds later, chaos ensued around me.