~𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞~/ 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐱 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐁𝐋)

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐗: 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥

As Dave and Ares conversed in the confines of Ares' chambers, unaware of the lurking presence just beyond the door, a shadowy figure loomed in the corridor, eavesdropping on their every word with a mixture of outrage and disbelief.
Hector, consumed by fury at the thought of his brother consorting with a mere knight, listened intently as Dave and Ares spoke of their feelings for one another. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain the seething anger bubbling within him.
How could Ares betray their family and their kingdom in such a manner? How could he throw away everything they stood for in pursuit of his own selfish desires? Hector seethed with indignation, his thoughts racing as he contemplated what to do next.
With a sense of grim determination, Hector resolved to take matters into his own hands. He would not allow his brother's reckless behavior to tarnish the honor of their family any further. He would put an end to this madness once and for all.
Leaving the corridor behind him, Hector made his way swiftly through the palace halls, his steps purposeful as he sought out his father, King Eldarius. He knew that the king would need to be made aware of Ares' transgressions, and he would not rest until justice was served.
As he entered the throne room, Hector found King Eldarius seated upon his throne, his expression grave as he listened to the petitions of his subjects. Without preamble, Hector strode forward, his eyes blazing with righteous indignation.
"Father," he began, his voice ringing out clear and strong, "I must speak with you at once. It concerns Ares."
King Eldarius regarded his son with a mixture of concern and curiosity, sensing the urgency in his words. "What is it, Hector?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Hector took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. "I overheard Ares speaking with Dave in his chambers," he admitted, his voice tight with anger. "They were discussing their...affections for one another."
A hush fell over the throne room at Hector's revelation, the murmurs of the courtiers fading into stunned silence. King Eldarius' brow furrowed in confusion as he processed his son's words, a frown marring his usually composed features.
"And what of it?" he asked, his voice measured but tinged with concern. "Ares is entitled to his own personal relationships. It is not for us to dictate whom he chooses to love."
Hector's eyes widened in disbelief at his father's response, his anger flaring anew at the king's apparent indifference. "But Father, you don't understand," he insisted, his voice rising with frustration. "This is not just some passing fancy. Ares is risking everything for this...this commoner."
King Eldarius' expression softened at the mention of Dave, a flicker of recognition shining in his eyes. "Dave is no ordinary commoner, Hector," he replied gently. "He is a loyal and honorable knight, and he has served our kingdom with distinction for many years."
Hector bristled at his father's words, his anger boiling over at the perceived betrayal. "It doesn't matter," he snapped, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Ares' actions have brought shame upon our family, and it is your duty as king to put a stop to it."
Before King Eldarius could respond, the doors to the throne room burst open, revealing Queen Quell Valerian, her expression twisted into a mask of disdain as she swept into the room.
"What is the meaning of this, Eldarius?" she demanded, her voice sharp with indignation. "I demand to know why our son's name has been dragged through the mud in such a manner."
Hector's eyes widened in horror as he realized that his mother had overheard their conversation. He had not intended for her to become involved, knowing full well her vehement opposition to any form of deviation from the strict dictates of propriety.
"Mother, please," he began, his voice tinged with desperation. "You must understand, Ares' actions have put our family's honor at risk. We cannot allow him to continue down this path."
But Queen Valerian would hear none of it, her eyes blazing with fury as she turned her gaze upon her husband. "Eldarius, you cannot allow this to go unpunished," she insisted, her voice cold and unyielding. "Ares must be made to understand the gravity of his actions, for the sake of our family's reputation."
King Eldarius regarded his wife with a heavy heart, torn between his duty as a father and his responsibilities as a king. But in the end, he knew that he could not ignore the whispers of scandal that threatened to engulf his kingdom.
"Very well," he conceded, his voice heavy with resignation. "I will speak with Ares and Dave, and we will resolve this matter as a family."
As the king rose from his throne and made his way towards the door, Hector felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. Justice would be served, he vowed, no matter the cost. And if it meant sacrificing his brother's happiness for the sake of their family's honor, then so be it.