Sword of the Chosen

ou smile and g

room to bring her painting.When she returns, you study her painting attentively. You expected

much different tha

es slamming against its sides, making it vulnerable. The on

e it?" "It's inspirational," you praise her work. She gives you a tiny smile that doesn't reach he

painting. "This is how I feel sometimes. I feel like I'm trapped in the middle of the dark sea, trying to stand against the huge waves. I'

." Freya lets out a chuckle. "Go outside. I will join you later." You make your way behind the castle to find Richard and his friends in the ga

gh. You notice how much he looks like his mother as the years pass. He has her red hair and

The disappointment in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed by you."Will you not i

," Richard introduces yo

nervous looks on their faces, they are intimidated by your presence. You belatedly realize that they feel comfor

wly begin to feel comfortable and safe with you. Some e

odbyes and returns to work. Only you,

unting?" Clara asks, loo

to show my excellent hunting skills "I'm excited to sh

ll the time. Everyone talks about how huge and fascinating the main forest is."I'm certain Richard will take you with

Richard smiles apologetically. "But I pro

e interrupts your conversation with Clara and Richa

nces. "All heirs are expected to

lip shows that he's nervous. Clara puts her h

out him, except for the stories Gerard tells you.When you enter the room, the first thing that grabs your attention is the king's throne. It's decorated w

rs. They are simply decorated with iron and much smaller

"That is where the king's favourite wife sits."Well, it seems like it's

ip with the king."A creaking sound echoes through the room. Your mother an

earing a long green dress, making her look elegant with

a cape on her back. You notice the choker on her neck that matches h

their seats. Queen Isabelle sits on the right chair with

ally sits

les under her breath. Attention!" the

straight and chins high. You try so hard not

ks into the room. His steps get slower whe

a husky voice. He's probably talking to R

. This time, he stops before Ather

He speaks the words as if the

er sits. She's staring at the king with a sm

your father continues. You know his word

y. The king falls quiet for a moment before de

your arms behind you. You have to l

You can see your mother watching the sce

he says, "

and the blue crystals are matched well, as if he was born for this throne. Your mother and Queen Isabelle sit straight in th

s before the king. "I have new

a and one of the strongest allies of Rhivenia. Accordi

" the adviser continues. "He wi

of his hand, he dismisses Gerard. The a

father speaks under his breath, but his voice is

in shortly after the adviser le

sing from his throne. He eyes you and

ngs follow him as

er you

e chair in disgust. She can't believe she was forced to sit on the le

e smile on her face. Alvena keeps her anger under control and holds her head high. She alw

ays, keeping her eyes on the ground. "If your

e without waiting for

tside th

lder-length blond hair shines brightly under the sun. His muscular and tall posture is intimid

tops and locks his arms behind his back, avo

rses from the stable. All of them are the same weight

one is yours May I take the black one?" you dare to ask. Freya

ers. "Brown o

s to Freya.

r," your sister

ets your sister's att

eris says, eyeing her ne

t your half-brother. He points at t

ichard admires the

your father orders.

heirs during the trip. You know the importance of high protection during this time. If anyone attempts to assassinate you, t

the forest so bad." "Don't tell me you already miss her, br

he castle while I'm going on a trip.You continue the rest of your trip in silence. You stare at your fa

ers, dismounting his horse. That's when you re

Freya doesn't bother to move. Instead, she plays with the re

angry if you don't come with us. You have to

rse. She heads towards Atheris with lazy steps,

nts to hunt it?" You step forward, volunteering to hunt the deer. Your father hands yo

the deer. You lick your lips slowly, focusing on your

ou let

, making her fall to the ground. Smiling vict

ith no emotion on his face,

d and doesn't bother to meet your g

annoyed or happy. He

, Atheris hits one of the deer while Richard can only find a rabbit to

inside of her cheek to stop herself from laugh

f the deer away," he respo

ster teases him. Richard waves his hand im

ng in front of the fire.All of you gather around the fire, placing the

nodding toward the dead animal.

t nervously. The king stares at him

her says as a tiny smile spreads on his face. R

Charles turns to Frey

her head low. The king remains silent fo

ts. "His name was Francis. Am I right

unless you're a Rhivenian," your father begins. "He preferred owning

s dares to ask him. King Charles brushes

ove with a woman who was poisoning his mind. He was so blinded b

u know?" At

," the king continues. "I could see my grave in his eyes.""Do you have nightmar

"It's getting late," your father says.

Mean

wrinkled in thought, as she wonders what her son

in front of his father. There comes a k

s the room. Her eyes widening in surprise, Isabell

ays and opens his arms, welcoming her hug. The que

man," Isabelle whispers and br

gly as a boy?" Matteo g

He laughs and walks past his sister,

he asks and pauses to ma

im. "We haven't seen ea

he packages on the floor with his

eing the gifts suspi

replies. "The other four

ena's children too?" Isabe

eo shrugs. "One must buy a gift for

exist, Isabelle thinks.

In the

the soldiers make a circle around you again. No one speaks for a while,

horse after him,

Freya nods in confirmation. "

eris says, looking down at her ho

your head to the side. You'v

can read about her and

reya asks you. "Wha

thoughtful. What kind of name f

her Zeus,"

the name on her to

es, no one speaks for