Chapter 44: Veils of Fate

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In the heart of the opulent palace, a storm was brewing—a storm of consequences, regrets, and a looming battle for the throne. The third prince, bearing the weight of his actions, stood before his mother, the queen, who was far from pleased. Her eyes seethed with disappointment and anger, a reflection of the gravity of the situation.

"Mother, welcome," the third prince greeted hesitantly, bracing himself for what was to come. The queen's silence spoke volumes, and before he knew it, her hand connected with his cheek in a resounding slap. The shock and pain reverberated through him, an embodiment of the repercussions of his impulsive actions.

"It's joyful for a child to take after his parents," the queen began, her voice heavy with reproach. "The elders' adage says a royal-born child shouldn't wage war like a commoner. It's a disgrace. You are not my son; how could you be so foolish as to violate a maid and let her live, a threat to you and your throne?"

The third prince, now painfully aware of his folly, stammered, attempting to offer an explanation. "Mother, I am sorry. I thought she was dead. I didn't know the first prince had her in custody."

"You must be a fool for not being smart enough. But it doesn't end there. If a child is wise enough to die in the dry season, then his mother will be wise enough to bury him in the rainy season," the queen said, her disappointment transforming into resolve. "Go and meet your father, ask for forgiveness, and take responsibility as a father. You will marry her."

"What, mother? That cannot be," he protested, unable to fathom the magnitude of the situation.

"This is the best option to secure your chance as the next king," she replied firmly.

"I cannot father a child with a maid," he declared, his frustration evident.

"The elders say, 'What an elder sees while sitting, a youth cannot see even if he climbs the highest mountain,'" the queen said, offering a cryptic adage as she turned to leave, leaving the third prince grappling with the reality of his circumstances.

In the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, far from the royal chambers, Prince Rogba and Akin engaged in an earnest discussion, prompted by the unsettling revelation brought to light by Arẹwa. Their kingdom's origins, shrouded in mystery, were now cast into doubt. They understood the need to unveil the truth behind the enigmatic tribe of beasts that threatened their realm.

"I heard what Arẹwa said I told her to keep the prophecy as secret, and I know it's true. I have long suspected the origins of the beasts. We need to prove who they truly are and eradicate them, for if lies travel for thousands of years, just a day of truth will meet it on the road. The secret of the beast's tribe cannot remain hidden for much longer," Prince Rogba affirmed, his eyes reflecting a steely determination.

"That's why we need to keep it in mind and focus on waging war against them," Akin responded, aligning with the gravity of the situation.

"But how can we make that happen? We don't even know their location," he questioned, acknowledging the complexity of their task.

"The last hunting expedition revealed their location," Prince Rogba declared, his voice imbued with determination.

"But what about uncovering the truth about them?" Akin probed further, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding.

"Once we conquer them, the truth will be revealed—the truth about them. That's why I need to see your father for an effective plan for the battle," Rogba stated, embracing the weight of the impending decisions.