Chương 25: The Fallen Crown

In the royal palace of the capital, Virelia, the atmosphere was suffocating. Around the great stone table, the councilors argued heatedly while a map of the continent lay spread before them, marked by borders that had almost completely vanished.

"The coalition of the southern and central lands is advancing across the entire continent", Serjey said, pointing at several regions on the map.

"They have already conquered Gartia and Urtax, the largest and most resource-rich territories. If they continue at this pace, they will reach the gates of the capital within a few months". Oliver slowly sipped from his goblet of wine, seemingly indifferent.

"How is that possible?" he asked lazily.

"Our army was vastly superior in numbers". Oscar clenched his jaw.

"Don't you get it, brother?" he snapped.

"A single mage is worth a hundred soldiers. They can wipe out entire armies with barely a wave of their hands". Oliver looked at him with disdain.

"We have no concrete proof that there are mages within the coalition". Oscar slammed his fist onto the table.

"Of course there are, you stupid fat fool!" An icy silence fell over the chamber. Oliver glared at his brother with hatred before turning toward a guard.

"I believe Prince Oscar is in need of some rest. Lock him in a cell for the night".

"In a cell?" Teresa intervened.

"Darling, don't you think that's a bit excessive?"

"Not at all", Oliver replied coldly.

"Anyone else would have been beheaded for far less. But since he is my brother, I am being merciful. Take him away". The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Oscar rose without resistance and followed the guards, his expression hard and proud. When the door closed behind him, Karl stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, sending reinforcements is no longer enough. We must do more. We should hire magical creatures as well, giants, elves, goblins…anyone who can oppose them". Oliver stared at him.

"Who stands at the top of the food chain, Councilor Karl?"

"Human beings, Your Majesty".

"Exactly. And why should we rely on inferior creatures to win a war?" Karl lowered his gaze.

"As I thought". Oliver stood up and left the chamber. That night, the King sat alone in his room. His crown rested on the table beside a bottle of wine that was nearly empty. Oliver stared at it wearily as he took yet another sip. A soft knock at the door made him turn.

"Come in". Teresa entered, wrapped in a white robe. She asked the guard to leave. The guard looked at Oliver, and he gestured for him to go. They were left alone.

"You look exhausted", she said as she sat down.

"I am, Mother", he replied, grasping the crown with a trembling hand.

"This damned crown…". Teresa took his hand.

"I know how heavy it can be. I also know that you're doing your best…but we are losing the war, my son".

"I'll think of something", Oliver cut in.

"I don't want to talk about politics right now. At least not in the evening, please". Teresa's expression softened. She poured him another goblet of wine and then filled one for herself as well. Oliver drained his in a single gulp.

"Oscar thinks I'm an idiot…doesn't he?" he murmured.

"Your brother only wants what is best for the kingdom".

"But he isn't the King", Oliver replied.

"I am".

"Yes, dear. You are". Oliver was about to speak when he coughed. Once. Then again. He suddenly staggered to his feet. Clutching his throat, he struggled for air.

"Mother…" he managed to say, his voice breaking. No breath came. He collapsed to the floor. Teresa rushed to him, cradling him in her arms. Oliver coughed blood onto her pristine white robe.

"You… you…" he stammered before the words died in his throat. Tears streamed down Teresa's face.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" she kept repeating between sobs. Oliver looked at her one last time, then his body relaxed. His final breath slipped from his lips. Teresa remained motionless for several moments before slowly wiping away her tears. Then her expression changed.

"Guards!" she shouted. A guard rushed into the room.

"The King has been poisoned", Teresa said firmly.

"Seal the palace. No one is to enter or leave". The guard nodded in shock and hurried to obey. Teresa held Oliver's lifeless body close and kissed his forehead. The crown lay upon the table, motionless.