The Kingdom of Vanora

Nuriel

22 Rigel of the year 12984(218 years since Korbin's birth)

Hadriel's Pov

"Wake up my King," A servant gently shakes my shoulder.

With a groan, I roll over and look the poor male in the face. He stares back at me like he's been at this for half an hour. He likely has. I don't wake easily. El always said I was the worst of all our siblings.

She's...she was right of course. I am the worst to wake. Not that I'll ever admit it.

"What is it?"

"Sire, former king Howel requests your presence in your throne room," the male says. He motions at the clothes he set out last night. A nice gesture but not my style.

"Thank you, that will be all."

The male nods, bows and leaves.

Thank the spirits. I can dress myself. I am not a snob. Aveyard and Ignatius would say otherwise. But they're my brothers. They have to say that.

I take my time dressing, combing my hair and gathering my wits. I'll need them if I'm conversing with Uncle Howel and his court. Or rather my court.
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23 Rigel of the year 12984

I can't believe I got roped into leaving with Uncle Howel. Who does that? What kind of ruler goes with their uncle to their summer manor?

Me apparently.

At least Nuriel will be in good hands with Fyndel. Uncle Howel did mention my cousin was left in charge several times. At least he has experience. I'll give him that. Plus he was the High Mage. I don't know if I'll replace him or if he'll stay or leave.

That's a whole other conversation.

"Hurry up Hadriel, we're nearly there."

I kick my horse into gear. He uses long strides to get up the hill. A top the hill is a manor. A beautiful manor. Smaller than the summer one in Vanora but still a manor.

For the next four days, I'll be here. Then I return to the castle. Business as usual Uncle Howel would say. Although it may not be. Who knows what I'll return to.
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28 Rigel of the year 12984

"What do you mean you've scheduled an execution?" I lean closer to the table to stare at my cousin who nonchalantly shrugs.

"Verus Ealbinion killed his family and went on a murder tirade while you were with father," Fyndel states. He leans back in his chair and swirls his wine. Cheeky bugger. "The court decided to push execution,"

This could be a test.

Fyndel loves testing people. When I came to visit when we were younger he would test my skills. Whether it was magic or fighting. He would test me. Likely still will. A welcome challenge.

"I'd have liked to be notified. Next time. After all, it is my call on whether or not he lives or dies." This earns me a raised eyebrow. He parts his lips and drinks.

Fyndel is three years older than me. A year younger than Carys and Elysia and a year older than Aveyard.

He smiles and shows me what evidence we have against Verus Ealbinion.
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1 Elara of the year 12984

How the hell did I get roped into killing this male on my own. I could have done it any other way. But yet I decided to do it myself. Spirits Hadriel, you sound like Aveyard. Great. Not the first time nor the last.