**WARNING!** Heavy use of language and violence is present. Some scenes may not be suitable for younger readers.
This book, "Regal Rift," is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidenta...
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As Master Ellias sat beside Prince Lyxander, he sensed the weight of the prince's burden, the heaviness of his heart palpable in the air.
"Why do I carry this burden?" Prince Lyxander's voice trembled. "All I ever wanted was a peaceful life."
Master Ellias felt a pang of sadness. The prince's words echoed those of his father, King Eirian, his dearest friend. He placed a comforting hand on Lyxander's shoulder.
"It's the same sentiment your father expressed to me," Ellias confessed softly.
"He didn't want the kingdom's troubles to weigh you down. He just wanted you to find happiness."
Lyxander's gaze met Ellias's, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Did he ever tell you the story of Rhys? My brother?"
Ellias hesitated, grappling with the promise he made to King Eirian. But seeing the pain in Lyxander's eyes, he knew it was time to reveal the truth.
"I know you've never known this, Prince Lyxander," Ellias began, his voice solemn.
"But your father and I were like brothers."
Lyxander's eyes widened in surprise. "My father never told me about this."
Ellias nodded. "He wanted to protect you from the burdens of the past. But perhaps it's time you knew the truth."
With that, Ellias began to recount the tale of Rhys and the tragic events that tore their family apart.
"Your father," he began, "was a man torn between duty and love."
Ellias painted a picture of a king burdened by his crown and the whispers of his people, each decision carving deeper lines of worry into his brow.
"One fateful day," Ellias continued, "King Eirian sought solace in my study. His eyes, usually filled with determination, were clouded with uncertainty."
He described the silent agony that radiated from the king, a silent plea for understanding.
"He confided in me," Ellias explained, his voice tinged with sorrow, "that Queen Lyzandra, his beloved wife, was having difficulty conceiving a child."
Lyxander's heart clenched at the revelation, his mind racing to comprehend his parents' suffering.
"Each day," Ellias continued, "the queen endured cruel whispers, questioning her worth as a woman and ruler."
Eirian described the torment that plagued Lyzandra, her silent prayers for a child echoing through the castle like a haunting lament.
"In his desperation," Ellias revealed, "Eirian was advised to seek a surrogate mother, a woman who could provide the kingdom with an heir."
At first, Eirian balked at the suggestion, torn between loyalty to his wife and duty to his kingdom. But duty demanded sacrifice. The kingdom's future hung in the balance, and Eirian faced an agonizing choice.
"The weight of his responsibilities pressed down upon him, and he reluctantly agreed to the plan," Ellias explained.
Lyxander listened in stunned silence, his heart heavy with the weight of his father's secret burden.
And yet, fate is a cruel mistress. The chosen surrogate carried Eirian's child, and soon after, Lyzandra announced her own miraculous pregnancy.
The revelation struck like a thunderbolt, the cruel irony unfolding like a tragic tale.
When the presence of the surrogate, Razel, threatened the kingdom's peace, the royal adviser devised a plan to erase her from memory.
A crime, a false accusation, a sentence passed in darkness. Razel was banished to Eizenwall, condemned to a fate worse than death.
"And so," Ellias continued, his voice heavy with regret, "a plan was set in motion to erase any trace of Razel from the kingdom's memory."
Razel, a simple servant chosen for her beauty and innocence, was framed for a crime she did not commit, her life sacrificed for the kingdom's future.
Prince Lyxander sat in stunned silence, the weight of his father's secret pressing down on him.
Master Ellias's words echoed in his mind, each revelation piecing together the tragic puzzle of his family's past.
Finally, he understood why Rhys's vengeance was so fierce, so unyielding.
Prince Lyxander's mind whirled with a tumult of emotions. Anger and sorrow battled within him as he tried to grasp the full extent of his father's past and Rhys's betrayal.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.
"Master Ellias," Lyxander's voice was strained, "what do I do now?"
"How can I face Rhys after all that he has done? How can I forgive him for killing my father and kidnapping Cassiel?"
Ellias's gaze was steady, his eyes reflecting the weight of his own experiences.
"Your feelings are valid, Lyxander. The pain and anger you carry are natural responses to the hurt caused by those you love. But you must also understand the depth of Rhys's pain."
Lyxander's jaw tightened, his thoughts a chaotic storm.
"Understand? How can I understand someone who has caused so much suffering?"
Ellias placed a hand on Lyxander's shoulder, a gesture of both comfort and guidance.
"Rhys was driven by his own suffering and the injustices he faced. His actions, though wrong, stem from a place of deep hurt."
"If you wish to truly bring peace to this kingdom, you must find a way to bridge the gap between your anger and his pain."
Lyxander closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm his racing thoughts.
Images of his father, Rhys, and Cassiel flashed through his mind, each memory a piece of the larger, tragic puzzle.
"What do I do, Master Ellias?" he asked again, his voice quieter now, almost pleading.
Ellias's voice was gentle but firm.
"You must confront Rhys, not just as a prince seeking justice, but as a brother seeking understanding."
"You need to find Cassiel, protect her, and try to reach Rhys's heart. Only through understanding can you hope to heal the wounds of the past and prevent further bloodshed."
Lyxander opened his eyes, the storm within him calming slightly. He nodded, determination mingling with the remnants of his turmoil.
"I will find Cassiel and confront Rhys. I will try to understand his pain, but I will not let him harm anyone else. For the sake of our kingdom, and for my father."
Master Ellias nodded approvingly.
"You are stronger than you know, Lyxander. Remember, true strength lies not in the power to destroy, but in the courage to forgive and the wisdom to bring peace."
With renewed resolve, Prince Lyxander rose to his feet, ready to face the challenges ahead.
The path to reconciliation would be fraught with danger and difficult choices, but he was determined to bring light to the shadows of his family's past and secure a future of peace for his kingdom.
