"My king, they've started marching," said a man kneeling before a towering figure.
King George—broad-shouldered, bearded, rarely shaken—had faced countless enemies and challenges with a smile and unwavering spirit. But now, his brows were furrowed. All his courage had vanished in the face of inevitable loss. His kingdom, his life, his wife—Oh, my wife… I don't know how to go through this. If only my father were here… what would he have done?
Twelve men stood around him—men he trusted with his life, comrades who had fought beside him through countless life-and-death battles. Each of them stared at him now, their eyes pleading: Our king, lead us once more.
But there was no path forward.
The King sighed. "Is there truly no way?"
Suddenly, in the corner of the hall, the shadows flickered. A dark figure stepped forward, cloaked in black.
"George, let me handle this."
The king turned toward the silhouette. "Deathwhisper…"
Every person in the hall had heard the name whispered in rumors—but no one had ever seen him. Not his face, not his fight. Yet his name alone brought a heavy silence to the room.
King George was surprised. For the first time, Deathwhisper had revealed himself willingly.
"How do you plan to handle this? However strong you may be, this isn't a job for one man. We have no choice but to fight for our kingdom… and sacrifice our lives for the people who trust us with theirs."
His voice grew heavier. "Kane—are my wife and the women and children safe? Did they reach the neighboring kingdom?"
Kane nodded solemnly.
"Those bastards took advantage of us in our moment of desperation. Half our treasury was spent just to secure refuge for them…" The King turned back to Deathwhisper. "I ask just one favor. Tomorrow, during the battle—kill Richard. We'll create a diversion. I want that bastard to regret ever casting his eyes on my kingdom. I offered him everything to avoid this war, but he only wants to rule."
He downed an entire cup of liquor in a single gulp.
"I'll make him pay—even if I fight to the last drop of blood in my body. Now leave me. Do what you must. This might be the last night any of us live."
He looked at Deathwhisper's cold eyes, partially hidden behind a black cloth.
I don't even know if that bastard can feel anything. It's been so long since I heard him speak..He makes me uneasy.
Moments later, the hall was empty.
George stood before a mirror. A small, sad smile crept onto his face. Father would've been so disappointed seeing me like this—defeated. His entire life had been spent trying to earn his father's pride. But he never got the satisfaction. He only became king after his father died.
He felt tired. The title "king" felt too heavy.
Maybe I should have retired… Let my son take over.
He let his eyes rest..