GHOSTLY Kingdom

CHAPTER 26:TRUTH/LIES?!?

Don't have much to say so YEAH enjoy also chapter 27 titled pain!!

EASTERN :FLASHBACK

The wind is lovely, isn't it, Ethan?" Emma said, her voice soft and melodic as the breeze.

"Yes, my queen. It's amazing," Ethan replied, looking at her with deep affection.

"Ethan, you do understand one day we may be torn apart, and we may die separately, but always remember I'll always love and be by your side."

"Emma, don't say such things. You'll live until you turn old. You'll see your children grow old as well."

Emma smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Yes, you're correct. I will."

---

"Are you ready, my queen, to take a horse ride into the village?" Ethan smiled, helping her onto her horse.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Emma chuckled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The ride was long but beautiful. The weather was just right, the birds singing the songs of life, and Emma's hair dancing in the wind. This was perfect.

They arrived at the first village, where the royal entourage was greeted with awe and respect. The villagers had prepared a small festival in their honor. Children lined up to present flowers to Emma, who accepted them with a warm smile, her eyes filled with kindness. Ethan watched as she knelt down to speak to each child, her gentle words bringing smiles to their faces. Parents were given blankets and food, essential supplies to help them through the coming winter. Emma's joy was infectious, spreading through the crowd like wildfire.

As they moved on to the second village, the atmosphere changed. The villagers were desperate, their faces gaunt with hunger. They rushed forward, clamoring for the blankets and food. The crowd grew uncontrollable, pushing and shoving in their eagerness to receive the royal gifts. Ethan was momentarily distracted by the sight of Emma, her face lit with a radiant smile as she handed out provisions and comforted the children.

And then, in an instant, everything changed. A scream pierced the air as Emma was suddenly stabbed in the heart. The crowd fell back in shock, revealing the woman who had attacked her. Ethan's smile vanished, replaced by a look of sheer horror. He jumped off his horse and ran to her, his heart pounding in his chest.

"EMMA!!!" he cried, holding her body as she collapsed to the ground. "Don't take revenge, my love," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The woman who had stabbed her stood nearby, her eyes wild with anger. "You stole my son!" she screamed, her voice filled with grief and rage.

Ethan's world shattered as he realized the truth. Henry was at fault.

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Folding his arms, he turned to face his sons, his eyes burning with a mix of sorrow and fury.

"Wait, what did you do to Henry's mother?" Anthony asked shakily, his voice trembling.

"Answer me!" Anthony screamed, desperation and anger in his eyes.

"The same day you murdered Henry," Ethan said coldly, "I had her killed."

---

Anthony and Sam stood in stunned silence, the weight of their father's confession hanging heavily in the air. The truth was a bitter pill to swallow, the realization that their family's actions had been rooted in such deep deceit and cruelty.

"Why, Father?" Anthony finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you go to such lengths? Why did you kill her is that the only thing your good at?"

Ethan's eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of the man he used to be shining through. "To protect the kingdom," he said quietly. "To secure our bloodline and ensure that only those of royal blood could rule. I did what I thought was necessary."

"But at what cost?" Anthony said, his voice filled with anguish. "We lost Mother,  and we lost our humanity for what the sake of the kingdom. "

Ethan turned away, unable to meet their eyes. "The past cannot be changed. We must focus on the future, on securing the kingdom."