{"id":3404,"date":"2026-05-29T14:19:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/?p=3404"},"modified":"2026-05-29T14:19:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:19:19","slug":"full-the-prince-laughed-before-kicking-the-10-year-old-boy-across-the-arena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/?p=3404","title":{"rendered":"Full &#8211; THE PRINCE LAUGHED BEFORE KICKING THE 10-YEAR-OLD BOY ACROSS THE ARENA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thing Kael learned about fear was that it did not always look like terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes it looked like laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cruel laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kind that echoed through a coliseum filled with thousands of nobles while a child stood alone at the center of the arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kind of laughter that followed him everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The royal coliseum of Ashkar thundered beneath a blood-red sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black banners snapped in the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Torches burned along towering stone walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in the center of it all stood a ten-year-old boy covered in dirt, bruises, and old scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael kept his head lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not because he was afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because he was tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tired of being beaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tired of being mocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tired of surviving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around him, thousands watched with eager eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They had not come to see a fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They had come to see an execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prince Darius stood opposite him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Broad-shouldered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wrapped in gleaming royal steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince smiled as though the outcome had already been decided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe it had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least according to everyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A noblewoman laughed loudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLook at him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe can barely stand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another noble sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe prince will break him in seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael heard every word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He always did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years of insults had taught him to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But they had also taught him something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who underestimated you often became careless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince walked forward slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowd fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius stopped only a few feet away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo you&#8217;re the famous little orphan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI expected someone bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince\u2019s smile faded slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDo you know why I accepted this challenge?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael finally looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His dark eyes met the prince&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause I wanted everyone to see what happens when a beggar forgets his place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then came the kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Violent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Merciless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The armored boot smashed into Kael&#8217;s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world exploded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stone rushed upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Air vanished from his lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pain tore through his ribs as he skidded across the arena floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheers erupted instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thousands roared approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius raised his arms triumphantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cToo weak to stand!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nobles laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The soldiers grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even the king seemed amused from his throne above the arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only one person did not laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An old woman sitting near the highest balcony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her silver eyes remained fixed on Kael.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As if she already knew something nobody else did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Down below, Kael slowly pushed himself up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou should stay down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael wiped away the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI&#8217;ve heard that before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something about the boy&#8217;s voice made the prince frown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was no fear in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second kick came faster than the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince aimed directly for Kael&#8217;s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowd leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone expected the same result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone except Kael.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WHOOSH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His hand shot upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GRAB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arena froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince&#8217;s armored leg stopped in midair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Held by a single hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silence crashed over the coliseum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For one impossible moment, nobody breathed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat&#8230;?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael twisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BOOOOOM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince slammed into the stone floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cracks exploded across the arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dust erupted everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowd screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius coughed violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His armor dented against the shattered stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And for the first time in years\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">fear appeared in the prince&#8217;s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arena erupted into chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow did he do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat&#8217;s impossible!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLook at the ground!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael released the prince&#8217;s leg and stepped back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius struggled to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humiliation burned hotter than pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His face twisted with rage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou cheated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael laughed softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was the first time anyone had heard him laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And somehow that laugh frightened the prince more than the slam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo,\u201d Kael said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou&#8217;re just weaker than you thought.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The words struck harder than any punch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince roared and drew his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gasps swept through the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arena duels were supposed to be fought without weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king rose slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But he did not stop his son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That told everyone everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rules no longer mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince wanted blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steel flashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius lunged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael dodged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sword cut nothing but air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince grew more furious with every missed strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou stand still!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou never learned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLearned what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat strength isn&#8217;t the same as power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince screamed and attacked wildly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael sidestepped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then lightly tapped the prince&#8217;s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius stumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suddenly his arm felt heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His legs felt weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His breathing became difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Panic surged through him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael stared quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI reminded your body what exhaustion feels like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince collapsed to one knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The entire arena stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No one understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not even the king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Except the silver-eyed old woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because she recognized the ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ability thought extinct for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king suddenly stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His face had gone pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word escaped before he could stop it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman heard him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And her smile widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now she understood too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king knew exactly what Kael was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The duel ended immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Royal guards flooded the arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hundreds of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surrounding one small boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowd gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe won!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy are they arresting him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer came from the king himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSeize him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael wasn&#8217;t surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had expected this moment his entire life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince pointed furiously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cExecute him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king ignored his son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, he stared at Kael with something far more dangerous than hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That frightened Kael more than any army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because kings only feared things capable of destroying kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And somehow\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">he was one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That night Kael was thrown into the deepest dungeon beneath Ashkar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iron chains wrapped around his wrists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Runes glowed on every wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Magic prisons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kind built for monsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hours passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then footsteps echoed through the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael opened his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman from the arena stood outside the cell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou took your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood. You&#8217;re smarter than your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The woman stepped closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou heard me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy father is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her silver eyes softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou were told he was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dungeon suddenly felt smaller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The woman sat quietly across from the bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYour name isn&#8217;t Kael.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The boy&#8217;s heart pounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word struck him like lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because something deep inside him recognized it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lullaby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou are the last heir of House Veyron.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"433\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-881.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-881.png 433w, https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-881-300x269.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had never heard the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet somehow it felt familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ancient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The woman sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThree hundred years ago House Veyron protected Ashkar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe royal family betrayed them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer came too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Too bitterly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like a wound that never healed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey feared the Veyrons&#8217; power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat power?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The woman looked directly into his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe power to take strength&#8230; and give it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael remembered the duel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince collapsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strange exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suddenly it made sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The woman nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou inherited the Gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael sat silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His entire life was changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every truth he knew was unraveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then another voice echoed through the dungeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A familiar voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emerged from the darkness alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman rose immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king stopped before the cell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For several seconds nobody spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the king surprised everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ruler of Ashkar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kneeling before a prisoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His eyes were filled with guilt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cApologizing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael thought he misheard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king closed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy father destroyed your family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dungeon fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI spent twenty years searching for the last survivor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo protect him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael laughed bitterly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou locked me in chains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause if the nobles learn who you are, they&#8217;ll kill you before sunrise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king sounded sincere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That made everything worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because Kael suddenly believed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman folded her arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou waited too long to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king&#8217;s voice broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time he looked less like a king and more like a man carrying unbearable regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then alarms erupted above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BOOOOOOM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dungeon shook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dust rained from the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another explosion followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king&#8217;s face darkened instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey found him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe nobles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A third explosion shattered the corridor entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stone collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smoke poured through the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And from the darkness emerged dozens of armored figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assassins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king drew his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman smiled dangerously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFinally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The battle exploded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steel clashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Magic erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assassins charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king fought like a storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman moved like death itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there were too many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Far too many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One assassin slipped past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Straight toward Kael&#8217;s cell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The blade lunged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instinct awakened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael grabbed the assassin&#8217;s wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Energy flowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Power surged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assassin gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His strength drained away instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His body aged before everyone&#8217;s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wrinkles spread across his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gray hair appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assassin collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silence filled the dungeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael stared at his own hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Horrified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king looked equally shocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat&#8217;s impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman&#8217;s eyes trembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Gift shouldn&#8217;t be able to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something none of them understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then a memory surfaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lullaby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strange symbol she used to draw on his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A symbol shaped like a crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman suddenly went pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She stepped closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShow me your wrist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then revealed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The symbol was there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Faint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman staggered backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king nearly dropped his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because they both recognized it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Crown Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A symbol from forgotten legends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mark of the First King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The true founder of Ashkar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman whispered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo wonder they hid him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat does it mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His voice barely audible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt means you&#8217;re not House Veyron&#8217;s heir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dungeon fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king swallowed hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou&#8217;re mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael couldn&#8217;t breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Couldn&#8217;t think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Couldn&#8217;t move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king nodded slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou&#8217;re my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The revelation shattered reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old woman closed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally the pieces fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYour mother was the last Veyron.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou lied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI protected you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou abandoned me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pain exploded from years of loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years of hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years of suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king lowered his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And somehow that answer hurt more than denial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because it was true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And he had still allowed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More assassins poured into the dungeon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The moment was over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Battle resumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But now everything had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael wasn&#8217;t fighting for survival anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was fighting for a future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hours later the rebellion collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surviving nobles were arrested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conspiracy exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kingdom saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet Kael felt no victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Days passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kingdom slowly learned the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The orphan boy became a hero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prince, stripped of succession, disappeared into exile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The corrupt nobles fell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peace returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Kael still struggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One evening he stood atop the palace walls watching the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king approached quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither spoke for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally the king said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don&#8217;t expect forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king smiled sadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silence returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Kael surprised himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy did my mother stay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king looked toward the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBecause she believed people could become better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnd did they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king thought for a long moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSome did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael looked down at the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children played below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Merchants shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Life continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe his mother had been right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe people could change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Painfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But they could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The king cleared his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is one more thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnother secret?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOf course there is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first time, the king laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A genuine laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then he handed Kael an old wooden box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside rested a small silver pendant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael recognized it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His mother&#8217;s pendant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tears filled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hidden beneath it was a folded letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He opened it carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The handwriting was unmistakable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His mother&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are reading this, then the truth has finally found you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I know you will be angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You deserve to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But never doubt one thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You were loved every day of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even when you could not see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kael&#8217;s vision blurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final line nearly broke him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strongest kings are not born from crowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are born from kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years later, the people of Ashkar would tell stories about the day a prince kicked a dirty little boy across an arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most remembered the slam that shattered the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most remembered the prince&#8217;s fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most remembered the impossible victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But history remembered something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That moment was not the day a prince lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was the day a forgotten child discovered who he truly was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And from that day forward, Ashkar was ruled not by the strongest warrior\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">but by the boy who had every reason to hate the world and chose to heal it instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And for the first time in generations, the kingdom lived happily ever after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first thing Kael learned about fear was that it did not always look like terror. Sometimes it looked like laughter. Cruel laughter. 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