In the shadowy depths of Veridisia’s royal palace, flickering torchlight danced across the war room’s stone walls. King Aldric hunched over a sprawling map, his weathered fingers tracing the border between Veridisia and Aurelios. Sir Robert stood nearby, his eyes glinting with cold calculation.
“The time has come,” King Aldric murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Aurelios grows stronger each day. We must act now.”
Sir Robert nodded, a thin smile curling his lips. “Indeed, Your Majesty. What do you propose?”
The king’s gaze flickered to a mysterious teenage boy lurking in the shadows. “Come closer, boy. You need to hear this.”
As the youth stepped forward, his face an expressionless mask, King Aldric gestured to the map. “Aurelios’ royal family stands in our way. They must be… removed.”
Sir Robert leaned in, his voice low and eager. “An accident, perhaps? Something that couldn’t be traced back to us?”
“Precisely,” the king agreed. “We can’t risk open war. Not yet.”
The boy’s fists clenched at his sides, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. King Aldric noticed, his eyes narrowing. “Remember, boy, the future of our kingdom depends on this. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good of Veridisia.”
The king’s words hung heavy in the air. The boy’s war tutor’s lessons echoed in his mind: “The suffering of some ensures the prosperity of many. This is the price of greatness.”
Sir Robert’s fingers drummed against the table. “Leave the details to me, Your Majesty. I have… experience in such matters.”
King Aldric nodded, then pointed to a region on the map marked with cross-hatching. “This mining territory between our kingdoms – it’s the key. Once Aurelios falls into chaos, we’ll make our move.”
“And if the new ruler resists?” Sir Robert questioned.
The king’s eyes hardened. “Then we’ll find ways to persuade them. Gold, threats, whatever it takes.”
Throughout the exchange, the boy remained silent, his face now betraying nothing. Yet a keen observer might have noticed a new resolve settling over him, the weight of expectation straightening his spine.
King Aldric turned to the youth. “Pay attention, boy. One day, you’ll be making decisions like this. The future of our kingdom depends on it.”
The boy nodded, his voice steady, conviction replacing his earlier uncertainty. “Yes, Father. I understand.”
As the night wore on, King Aldric and Sir Robert delved deeper into their plans. They discussed contingencies, bribes, and the careful manipulation of Aurelios’ court. The boy absorbed it all, his mind racing with the implications and possibilities.
Finally, as the first hints of dawn crept through the high windows, King Aldric rolled up the map. “It’s decided, then. Sir Robert, you’ll oversee the… accident. Report back when it’s done.”
Sir Robert bowed low. “It will be my pleasure, Your Majesty.”
As the conspirators prepared to depart, the king placed a heavy hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Remember this night, son. It’s the first step towards a greater Veridisia.”
The boy met his father’s gaze, his voice filled with newfound purpose. “I won’t forget, Father. I’m ready for whatever must be done.”
In the quiet aftermath, the boy lingered in the war room. His mind’s eye traced the borders he had seen on the map, imagining how they might shift once their plan was set in motion. The seeds of ambition had been sown, ready to bear bitter fruit in the years to come.