Tale of Temptation

The growing assumptions inside my head made me awake all night. I reflected on his uncle's words and Shazi and my brother's talk. I was like a man with no arms in the water. Trying to quench my thirst, suffocating under the weight of doubts. The next day, a soldier arrived and announced to me that I was summoned to the Royal Court.

My attendants began to clothe me as a genuine Uran prince. I appeared noble, yet my face was furrowed with thoughts like an old oak. Tonam and I proceeded to the royal court.

His Excellency sat on his majestic golden throne at the royal court, surrounded by ministers and guards. I entered the court, made my way to the throne, and kneeled in front of the King.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," I exclaimed clearly enough for everyone in the court to hear.

"Rise, Prince Esanael, and take your seat"... One of the guards led me to a seat on the step below the King's. My brother still doesn't wear a crown, and I'm not sure why. I asked him once, and he smiled and said it wouldn't fit his large, clever skull...

Alberti Ozen, Prime Minister, then rose from his seat... "Your Majesty, the council has a request," he said, bowing his head.

"Yes, you may request," the King said quietly.

"The council has recognised our Prince's power and courage, thus we urge that he be appointed as a sub-general in the Royal Army," he said.

I don't want to do that; I despise war and am tired of commanding an army. I hoped my brother would not consent to that. Furthermore, Shazi's father, General Jozam, is the Hero of Uran, a Great warrior who oversees Uran's whole royal army. He's terrifying, and his training is hell on earth. That's something I can't do. My face shrank anxiously as I considered it.

When he looked at me, I noticed a small grin on my brother's face. Shazi, who was standing close to the king, laughed softly. General Jozam, who was seated in the royal court, promptly frowned when he observed our oddities.

"Hmmm... sub general ? ... I know Prince's strength and courage demonstrated that he is capable of leading an army, yet he is still a youngster at the age of 19. Forthy, I don't wish him to focus solely on army strength... He needs to learn how to run a state and control a federal system... thus, I feel it will be sufficient to appoint him as governor of the Ghoria region... I seek your response." My brother presented an even stranger idea than the sub-general.

"No way, I can't just travel to Ghoria; if I become governor, I might not acquire the information I need from the palace." All of my questions will be buried for the rest of my life. I'll be unable to achieve anything"... I thought to myself

"I agree to that My King," Said the minister of finance. And some other ministers supported King's proposal...

"My King, if I may, isn't it wiser to inquire as to what the prince desires?" My sister, who is always late for the royal court, arrived at the ideal time, I believe. Everyone on the court was looking to the left at my sister.

"Sister, huuu... you saved me... please pressure that thought"... With charming eyes, I begged my sister Arinael for assistance while speaking to myself. She winked at me as she knelt in front of the King, apologising for her late arrival.

"Arinael? What exactly do you imply? "Express"... King inquired...

"Your Majesty," She bowed, lowering her gown slightly... "You seek the rightful prize for the Prince's victory... then isn't the better one, offering him everything he desires? It will make him joyful and fulfilled." She replied calmly.

"Hmm... That's reasonable," King answered, pondering it over.

Everyone in the court agreed with the princess... I was overjoyed. My sister is wonderful.

"Your majesty... I concur with the Princess' offer; please take it into consideration, my Liege"... According to the Minister of Education

King gave me a glance. I curiously grinned, a joyful and hopeful expression on my face. He smiled.

"Very Well I, Canael Yakul Allblaze, hereby declare Prince Esanael Yakul Allblaze a reward that he may ask me whatever he desires and I may grant it with a heart contented joy... Esa, you can consider it and notify me in the next court... "Are you pleased with your reward?" He inquired.

I stood up and kneeled again, very happy... "Yes, your Majesty, my sister really spoke my heart... "I'm at a loss for words to express my gratitude, My King," I said.

"Furthermore, since you demonstrated great tenacity and courage in the annexation of Isthon, I will add the title "Valiant" to your name and "blazing star" to your fearless horse Olvis." From now on, you shall be known as Prince Esanael Yakul Allblaze, the Valiant of Uran." My brother's thunderous voice resonated. The court began to applaud our names.

"I am grateful, Your Majesty... I will treasure the title till my death and will become stronger to protect Uran"... I felt ecstatic and powerful... But deep down in my heart, like thorn vines, hovered my uncle's words and the longing to reveal the reality.

Following the applauding, Shazi, who was standing alongside the King, mumbled something in the King's ear.

"Hear thy, all!" We are aware of a threat that plagues all of the nations here: the Alphas, a terrorist gang that wears wolf masks, robs and kills people, and also fights against the rulers. As a result, they are seen as a global menace. On his way back, our Prince also came across them. He battled bravely and protected his servant, while Commander Shazi slaughtered one of their formidable swordsmen"...

The court was instantly engulfed in quiet murmurs.

"As King of Uran, I must take action to eliminate them from our nation. So I gave orders to the Minister of Law and Order, Folin Ross, and the General of Guards, Edwards Loudfly, to send your investigators and examine the individuals or groups that support these terrorists within the state, arrest them, and submit them to me forthwith." The King directed

Wait? Folin? Isn't Folin Ross working for my uncle? He's the Minister of Law and Order... he's a traitor... The King is really asking a wolf disguised as a sheep... but I can't say anything now... First and foremost, I must discover the truth... I frowned at Folin as he respectfully stood up.

"We shall implement thy verdict as you order, My Liege," he responded. I was furious. Following that, the court was adjourned...

"Your Highness, I heard you met with the Wolf pack... do you remember any faces?" Folin Ross greeted me on my way back. "It will be beneficial to our investigation."... With a grimace, he inquired...

"Yes... And I recognize a traitor within these walls, and you want me to point it out. I know you support Donte, Folin Ross... "I met him," I said.

"Well, so you've met Donte... He must have said something intriguing to you?" … He smirked at me again, escalating my fury.

"Yes, some pointless, idiotic nonsense in which I do not believe. You should thank me for not informing the King since I don't want my brother to be concerned"... I walked back to my chamber, avoiding his fox stares.

"Yes, my prince, I'm aware you're looking for answers as well; please let me serve you, lend you a hand with wisdom of the past, a hand that has known our Istoria... Mine"... His statements became enticing and deceptive.

"I don't need your assistance... I'll find the answers I want on my own"..... I walked away...

"You can't, Prince; the truths of the coup of 20 years ago have been wiped and rewritten... by your brother, the King." Everyone in the court is aware of this... except you... you are the only one who is clueless... why? ...because you live inside the wall of falsehoods built by the king and others... It was your uncle's instruction that I join the council to keep you safe... I've been researching the past for years... And I can assist you, Your Highness," he added eagerly.…

I came to a halt as if he had thrown a hook that had caught me. If he knows anything from 20 years ago... I need to learn it... I'm not going to believe those... I'll just listen to them... As I faced Folin, I reflected.