Chapter 4: Execution
Back at the royal castle of Aurethiel, a tense stillness hung over the grand throne room. Shining marble floors reflected the golden glow of golden chandeliers, while banners bearing the symbol of the Holy Beast fluttered gently against high stained-glass windows.
King Aurelus sat on his towering obsidian throne, draped in a crimson and gold royal robe, a crown of gold weighing heavily on his head. His fingers drummed impatiently on the Phoenix-headed armrest while surrounded by his elite knights and trusted advisors. Each and everyone cloaked in silence and serious gazes.
Kneeling before the king, with his forehead pressed against the cold floor, was Kurtan—the kingdom’s strongest knight and his most trusted enforcer - until now. But even he could not raise his head now, not after failing the one task that mattered most.
"So," the King said, his voice a low growl, "you mean to tell me Jorthon teleported the newborn prince somewhere... and you managed to kill everyone except the one I truly wanted dead?"
A vein throbbed on the King’s temple, and his nose flared wide in fury. The divine blood of the Holy Beast within him pulsed visibly beneath his skin, giving off a faint golden glow. The room vibrated slightly with the pressure of his anger, a reminder that this was no ordinary man.
"I apologize, Your Majesty," Kurtan croaked. "Elese of the Broomland household interfered during the execution. I had no idea Jorthon and Elese were planning an escape while I was busy executing. I was caught off guard and—"
"SILENCE!"
The King’s roar thundered through the hall, a concussive blast of sound that cracked one of the stained-glass windows. Even the seasoned elite guards staggered, choking under the crushing weight of his divine aura.
"The birthing chambers were layered in anti-teleportation inscriptions. Do you truly expect me to believe that they simply bypassed them?"
"Your Majesty, I’m aware," Kurtan stammered, still on his knees. "I tried to protect the rune walls. But Jorthon and Elese... they must have sabotaged them while I was eliminating the staff by messing with the inscriptions using their weapons. They had planned this all along, I’m certain of it!"
Kurtan lied smoothly, confident that his subordinates would back his account. In truth, it was his own reckless use of the Shield Roar skill that shattered the defensive runes, giving Jorthon the chance to teleport the prince away.