The King's eyes burn with a hatred I've never seen before. A king... stripped of power, stripped of certainty. It's a beautiful sight.
I watch him closely. His jaw tightens. His fists clench. He's calculating. He's considering whether to lunge at me, to call for guards who no longer exist, or to finally listen.
"You have two choices," I say, voice cutting through the tension like a blade."Negotiate.Or lose everything."
He growls low in his throat. "You dare lecture me in my own throne room?"
I step closer, my armor humming faintly, each step heavy with intent.
"You lost the right to be lectured when you invaded my world," I say. "When you burned our villages and murdered my people in the name of expansion."
The King's eyes narrow, but he remains silent. A smart move.
I press forward, laying down the terms like daggers on a table:
First, a ceasefire. No more attacks on Earth or its people.
Second, public acknowledgment of their crimes. Not just here, but broadcasted to their entire civilization.
Third, reparations—resources, technology, medical advancements—all to be handed over in exchange for the safe return of Prince Fula.
"You will bow," I whisper, "not just to me... but to justice."
The King is breathing heavily now, rage battling with self-preservation. I can almost see the war in his mind: pride versus survival.
"You think you can hold my son forever?" he spits. "You think this will end with your victory?"
"No," I say quietly."It will end with your survival. Or your extinction. The choice is yours."
A long silence follows.Finally, his shoulders sag—just slightly. A small sign, but a sign nonetheless.
"I... will consider your terms," he growls.
I nod once. "You have twenty-four hours."
I turn on my heel and walk away, leaving the great King Rikapud standing powerless in his own palace.
But even as I leave, a dark thought gnaws at the edges of my mind.
If they betray me... if they even think about retaliating...I won't just destroy their government.I'll burn their entire world to ash.