The King's Captive

Stabbed by Kin

Queen Avalyn's footsteps reverberated through the desolate corridors of her grand palace, each echo a reminder of the immense weight of authority she now bore. The air felt thick with anticipation, and the cold stone walls, adorned with faded tapestries, seemed to lean in closer, listening to her every move. As she rounded a corner, the flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows, and one of those shadows suddenly broke free from the wall, gliding silently toward her like a whisper in the night.

"Sister," a voice hissed, dripping with malice. Avalyn turned, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the figure—her estranged brother, Prince Kael, thought to be dead. His presence sent a shiver down her spine, for she knew he had always coveted the throne and the power it held.

"Kael," she breathed, steeling herself. "I thought you were dead."

Kael's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated. I've been biding my time, gathering strength. And now, I've returned to claim what is rightfully mine."

"You have no right to the throne," Avalyn declared, her voice firm despite the unease gnawing at her. "You abandoned this kingdom when it needed you most."

"And yet here I am, while you, dear sister, bask in the glory," Kael sneered. "But tell me, Avalyn, does the crown truly rest easy on your head? Or is it haunted by the ghosts of those you've wronged?"

A cold shiver coursed through Avalyn as the weight of the truth dawned on her—Kael was aware of her calculated acts of vengeance. His knowledge stretched over the brutal executions she had ordered, the merciless banishments she had enforced, and the harsh prison sentences that had followed her every command. 

It became clear that he had been lurking in the shadows, observing her every move, biding his time for the opportune moment to strike back. The air around her thickened with foreboding, and she could almost feel his predatory gaze lingering on her, waiting to unleash the consequences of her dark deeds.

"I rule with justice," Avalyn retorted, though the words felt hollow in the darkened corridor.

Kael stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "You rule with fear. And fear breeds dissent. I have followers, Avalyn—those who believe you are unfit to rule, who remember the days before your reign."

Just as the atmosphere shifted, shadowy figures quietly unfurled from the inky darkness, encircling Avalyn with an air of menace. Cloaked in the night, they were her own guards—once her steadfast protectors, now turned adversaries, their loyalty twisted by unseen forces. Amid this betrayal, a knife flickered into existence in Kael's grip, its blade catching the faint light and reflecting an ominous sheen that promised danger.

"You see," Kael whispered, leaning in close, "the seeds of doubt are easily sown. Tonight, dear sister, the throne will be mine."

Avalyn's heart pounded in her chest as she looked at the faces of the guards she had trusted, now turned against her. "You may take my life," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins, "but you will never take my spirit."

Kael laughed, a cold, cruel sound that echoed through the halls. "Such brave words, Avalyn. But in the end, words are just that—words."

Avalyn's breath caught in her throat as the icy blade pierced her side, a searing pain radiating outwards like wildfire through her body. Despite the wave of suffering threatening to overtake her, she steeled herself, determined not to reveal her weakness to Kael. With a fierce, defiant glare that could cut through the darkness, she clutched the hilt of the knife, summoning every ounce of strength to wrench it from her flesh, a guttural grunt escaping her lips as she did.

"Is that all you have, Kael?" she spat, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Your betrayal will be your undoing."

Kael's eyes widened, clearly not expecting Avalyn to still be standing. Before he could react, Avalyn summoned the last of her strength, raising her voice in a powerful command. "Guards, seize him!"

The guards, caught off guard by the unexpected twist of fate, paused for a heartbeat, their eyes wide with disbelief. Yet, the fierce determination radiating from Avalyn acted like a spark, igniting their instincts. With a synchronized rush, they surged forward, muscle and armour clinking as they descended upon Kael. 

He thrashed against their grip, panic igniting his movements, but their combined strength proved overwhelming. They pinned him to the ground, the cold steel of their weapons gleaming in the dim light, their loyalty to the queen unwavering and resolute, an unbreakable bond that kept them steadfast in the chaotic moment.

Avalyn's vision wavered like a distant deception as exhaustion threatened to engulf her. Every heartbeat echoed in her ears, urging her to succumb to the darkness, but she resisted with all her might. A wave of searing pain coursed through her body, yet she held her head high, drawing from the depths of her strength. Her determination flickered like a candle in a tempest, illuminating her path as she prepared to act swiftly against the odds.

"Kael," she said, her voice cold as ice, "you've forgotten one thing. This kingdom stands united against traitors like you."

Kael's face twisted in fury as he struggled against his captors. "You may have won today, Avalyn," he spat, "but this isn't over."

Avalyn gave him a steely glare, her resolve unbroken. "Take him to the dungeons," she ordered, her voice unwavering.